Kambas ng Lipunan | Canvas of Society by Joey Velasco | Revisited

Kambas ng Lipunan or Canvas of Society is a documentary film done by Joey Velasco. It’s a revealing true story of 12 street children from different areas of Manila, Philippines. They acted as the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ’s last supper during His earthly ministry at least in the portrait only. Take note, that the film is all about the life’s story of 12 young kids but the portrait speaks a different message to me. As I watched the film being narrated by Joey Velasco himself, it indirectly rebuke many of us who only think of ourselves the most. Sometimes we are presuming that these people deserve the kind of life they have now because  we think that they are lazy and doing nothing. I think, it’s easy to say it especially if one doesn’t have the experience to live in a squatter area even for a while only.

I remember one time when Preacher Bro. Eddie Villanueva said in one of his speeches during his presidential campaign on 2004 national election, paraphrasing “Filipinos are naturally gifted, talented, and hard working. But because of lack of opportunities mainly caused by economic downturn in our country, many remain poor.” I think that statement is true in a way.

Kambas ng Lipunan or Canvas of Society by Joey Velasco must be promoted to schools and universities so that students of all levels including teachers will know that poverty is a serious disease in our society. Surely even Jesus Christ did not allow any of His disciples suffer the fate of the 12 kids having nothing in life: shelter, education, and more importantly food in the table.

Personally, Kambas ng Lipunan or Canvas of Society is a documentary film that touched my heart, and I even cried because I realized that I am so much blessed regardless of the little that I have and having a simple life still.

It’s true that Joey Velasco left so many questions unanswered, but to me, answers will be coming from individuals who have the heart of helping the needy.

Watch the video and see for yourself:

I’ve personally seen Joey Velasco spoke in a leadership gathering somewhere in San Juan City, Manila. And I would say that He speaks from the heart. He did this project without personal agenda in mind because according to him, his hobby of painting happened by chance when he was sick and wanting to end his own life. It’s a long story but I salute him for being so brave.

Joey Velasco now has a book that talks more about this film portrait. I browsed the book and I was able to dig more of this heart-touching project of him as a Filipino.

It’s my prayer that there will more Joey Velasco who have the heart to do something related to the condition of Filipino society or the Philippines.