These are my batchmates. I will be working with these creative beings in the next 2 years and 10 months. I'll introduce them to you one by one from left to right (or, basta follow lang).
That guy in blue to my right is Ted Nudgent Fernandez Tac-an (full name para intense). He's a Filipino actor/dance artist, educator, and cultural worker from Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental. He is an alumnus of La Salle University Teatro Guindegan. What's interesting is that we never bumped into each other before we auditioned for ITI. We only heard of each other from common friends within the arts community in VisMin, yet it turned out that we were actually born in the same city and graduated from the same high school (MONHS alma mater dear). I guess most of you have seen him already in my previous vlogs because he's my roommate here in SG.
Next to him in black shirt is Regina Toon who is a brilliant poet/writer and also a singer. She shared to me that she used to be a licensed busker around SG. She recently launched a book (a compilation of her poems, I guess) and she'll give me a copy soon in exchange also of a copy of my album. That was the deal.
Below Regina, in red and in an anime pose, is Yiseong (pronounced as e-song). She's one of the ate's in the batch and she's a little older than me. By the way, she's not Korean. She just chose to be called Yiseong (not her real name) because of her fascination with Korean arts and culture.
Behind Yiseong is the baby of our batch, Akanksha (also known as Akku). This stunning beauty from India may only be 19 years old, but despite her young age she had enough experience in performance. She studied Kathak dance back in India, and she's really good in movement.
That guy that Akku is leaning onto (in light blue shirt) is Jalal from Syria. I know, he looks like Borat. He gets that a lot. haha! What's interesting about this guy is... uhm... so many things. I guess we all have seen/read the news about what's going on in Syria right now. All his stories gave me a new perspective about his country.
Beside Jalal (right, wearing shades) is Jin Chen from China. Before coming to ITI, she finished her MA in Creative Practices and Directions at University of Surrey - Guildford in London, UK.
Behind Jalal and Jin is Theresa. She's Chinese Singaporean, but not totally. That is because she has Spanish-Filipino blood. It's funny when she does an impression of her lola talking in Filipino. She's also a singer/musician (go figure). I wish to listen to her songs soon.
At her back, raising his arms, is Thasil Backer from India. This big guy looks very tough and intimidating but the sweetest in person. He's also a budding theater actor from his region. If I'm not mistaken, he's from Hyderabad City.
*Update: So, yeah, I was mistaken. haha! He did his 3-year post grad course in Hyderabad Central University, Master of Performing Arts (with Acting as field of specialization), but he was born and raised in Kerala.
The last guy to the right looking so calm is Vignesh Singh. He's Indian-Singaporean and also a local singer-songwriter. To listen to his works, click this link to his soundcloud. He just recently posted some new demos so go check it out. By the way, he likes Up Dharma Down. hehehe.
Farthest to the right beside Vignesh is Wendy, the mommy of the class because of her caring and sensitive nature. She was one of the first people in school that I got to hang out with. Besides being a theater student, she is also in the local film industry. Perhaps one of the reasons why we easily clicked is the fact that she is also a Playback Theater performer.
Lastly, squatting on the ground is Tysha Khan. This Malay-Singaporean girl has been to Davao City as a volunteer for Gawad Kalinga. So, she knows some things about the Philippines, and as a matter of fact, her favorite pinoy fruit is... uhm... mansanitas. hahaha!
So I'm gonna be stuck with this bunch of talented and unique personalities in that school on top of the hill. This will surely be a fun climb everyday.
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