Paete is one of the smallest municipalities in the Philippines, and yet it stands out because of its thriving arts-and-crafts industry. It is also home to many of the country's most talented wood carvers. As individuals drawn to the arts, we felt that it was an excellent place to get to know a brand new skill.
I'd like to think of myself as an aspiring filmmaker. I have done two short films with friends in my free time and those shorts have been exhibited in local festivals. My partner, Jay, on the other hand, is a video game designer who dabbles in film and animation from time to time. I believe that the world can be changed through stories, and film is an excellent medium for that. Getting this scholarship would be a much needed break that will bring me closer to that goal.