Philip Pamintuan follows a simple philosophy: go out, do something and be a blessing.
The 29-year-old professional dance choreographer and Zumba instructor recently started a dance workshop and outreach through Operation Blessing Philippines’ Holiday of Hope and Cheer (HOHC) Program, in partnership with the local churches in Marikina City. The workshop and outreach will run for 9 Saturdays until its culminating activity in December.
Philip has been dancing for more than 10 years now and was part of the Company of Ateneo Dancers. For him, dance outreach is an opportunity to show love to Filipinos.
“I have always known that dance is a gift. And [in dancing], you are using another gift from God, which is your body. And because that’s the talent that I have, that’s what I love to share,” he said.
The 1st Saturday workshop highlights a visit to various communities in Brgy. Tumana, Marikina and teaching basic dance steps to the 15 children and youth, for 2 hours.
“I have the resources, I have the knowledge and the talent, but I don’t have contacts to these areas. And because I always have the desire to share [my love for] dance, I reached out to Operation Blessing,” he shared.
When asked what he likes about dancing, Philip shared, “aside from me dancing as I teach, it’s the subtle change in people’s attitude. You will see that along the process – they began to feel confident with their bodies, and that’s a good thing that I love!”
Philip does not only want to teach participants how to positively express themselves through dancing but also to help them with a lot of different things like maintaining physical fitness and realizing their identity. In dancing, he teaches them to think well, act well and know fully well the purposes of their actions. He wanted to instill good values, build their character and improve their social skills.
“People today spent most of their time consuming digital media or they just live inside their heads. In reality, people are living in their bodies and they need to use them. They need to be comfortable with them. If I get to see them using their bodies, that’s the most rewarding for me,” he said.
“Get outside of your 4 walls and see for yourselves. You can be a blessing, just by showing up, just by being there or just by talking to somebody. You do not have to join or organize events or charities to see what you can do,” Philip ended.
Like Phil, would you step out and share what you love doing for a cause?
Here’s how you can be an Operation Blessing Partner:
BE A BLESSING THROUGH YOUR GIVING: www.obphil.com/home/give-through-banks/
Sign up to Volunteer: www.obphil.com/home/volunteer