Aspiring creatives had the opportunity to explore the world of Communication and Multimedia Arts at Let’s Talk: Visual Storytelling, an open house event held on January 9, 2025, organized by COMMA’s Southville Artist Anonymous. The event brought together students from Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) and other Philippine schools, providing them with an inspiring and educational experience featuring two prominent guest speakers.
Ruston Banal, a lecturer at FEU Manila, shared his expertise in photography and visual narratives. His artistry focuses on design thinking and storytelling, particularly through documenting culinary traditions and indigenous knowledge systems in his province. Arjanmar Rebeta, founder and CEO of Giya Studios, also graced the event. A multimedia arts and filmmaking professional, Rebeta has made a name for himself through his award-winning short films, which have been featured in top international film festivals.
Before the main talks, the event showcased selected works from COMMA students, including short films, music videos, advertisements, and more. This segment celebrated the creative talents of Southville students and set the tone for an engaging discussion on visual storytelling.
Throughout the event, Banal and Rebeta shared their journeys on how they started, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. Their stories resonated with attendees, offering insights into the realities of pursuing a career in creative industries. An open mic session allowed students to ask questions, seeking advice on honing their craft, overcoming creative blocks, and making an impact through their work.
By the end of the event, students left with motivation and a deeper understanding of their creative paths. Both speakers emphasized a key lesson: never give up on your goals. Mistakes and failures are essential parts of growth, shaping one’s progress and imagination. Let’s Talk: Visual Storytelling was not just an event, but it was also a transformative experience, encouraging young creatives to keep pushing forward in their artistic journey.
