Mark Julius P.

Caballes March 25, 2014

L-130265 SEM02


Sa Kambas ng Lipunan
A painting may be interpreted in various ways. Such interpretation depends on the
context in which it was drawn, the inspiration of the artist, or the very message that the artist tries
to convey to the people wholl see his work of art. For Joey Velasco, his masterpiece Hapag ng
Pag-asa or Table of Hope presented not only a message, but more importantly a challenge to
each and every person who shall grace upon his art and understand its true purpose.
His Hapag ng Pag-asa painting portrayed the Last Supper of Jesus in a unique way.
Instead of the usual disciples, Jesus had for his company children. These children were not just
ordinary children who were randomly drawn by Velasco for each face represented an untold
story of the life that Filipino street children endeavor in our society.
In the video, he describes each and every child and their particular predicament in a
society that has seemingly come to terms with the idea that poverty is but a normal part of life,
and even these children have to suffer the consequences of a life that they probably cannot
escape or change. These young people, at a very tender age, experience first-hand the cruelties of
life. One of them having been tasked to be the mother of a child as early as fourteen years of age.
Many of these children cannot even enjoy the simple joy of eating three square meals a day for
they were lucky if they could eat even once. Some were already exposed to the crooked life of a
criminal as they are forced to engage in illegal and dangerous activities just to earn a living for
their family. And yet, behind all these things going against them, it was evident that there was
still a tender bounce to their laughter and smile, a hint of innocence and hope that tomorrow
might bring a better day.
Throughout the video, it can be observed that for each story that came with the faces of
the children in the painting, Velasco went on to ask what he could have done for these children.
He places himself in a crossfire of regret and pity as he who had so much gave so little to these
poor unfortunate souls. I think that is the main reason why at the start of the documentary, he
said that he could no longer look directly at the painting itself. It was such a profound message
for anyone who has a heart and a soul. How can we, as privileged and as lucky as we are,
perceive that such situations exist in our society as ordinary or at times even a routine part of our
everyday existence. Are we, as a society, already that numb and insensitive to all others that we
forget our responsibility to the less fortunate, not only because we are luckier than they are but
because we are first and foremost sons of Christ tasked to love our neighbor as we love
ourselves. This is exactly the challenge that confronts us through the painting and the
documentary. We are challenged to ask ourselves, What have I done to help these children and
the millions more like them? And if I did do something, was it enough?.
Towards the end of the documentary, Velasco comes to the description of Christ in the
painting. He describes Jesus Christ as facing down, seemingly distraught and disappointed. It
would not be a surprise if such distraught and disappointment would be towards us, the more
fortunate, whom He has given everything and yet, we rarely remember to help. Jesus Christ is
also depicted as being tired. He was tired for having to do everything for everyone when in fact,
we should have the initiative to stand up and do what we can to contribute and be better members
of society and Gods family. We cannot expect God to do everything for us. Each of us must do
our part for a life lived only for oneself is a life that is empty and meaningless. As children of
Jesus Christ, we must follow him by example and serve others who are in need. At times, we are
called to sacrifice for people we barely know because that is what God did for his people in
numerous accounts throughout our faiths history.
So the next time we see a child in the street begging for money or food, let us not be so
quick to judge. Instead, let us ask ourselves what we can do in order to help. No child dreamed a
life in the streets. It is truly unfortunate that such youth and happiness is wasted because of the
harsh realities of our society but that does not mean that we need to stop there. We can do
something about it.