Earth Day at Kafe Binalaybay
Armor Rapista
Homegrown art, music and dances highlighted the Earth Day celebration at Kafe Binalaybay last April 27, 2008.
In the morning, Momo Dalisay held an exhibit, followed by talks by the Paranormal Society of Iloilo and the Philosophical Society of Iloilo. In the evening, Armor Rapista, PG Zoluaga and Alok played instruments and sang while Kafe Binalaybay owner Marcel Milliam performed a string poi and JC Jamili did poetry reading.
It was the first time that this writer went to Kafe Binalaybay, which is located just before Central Philippine University. This is considered as a haven of local artists. Milliam himself is one of them, who has received several awards because of craft in writing. One of them is winning first place in the Global Heritage Press Holiday Poetry Contest.
Performance arts
Kafe Binalaybay opened last Feb. 18, 2008. It is a venue for independent performances, experimental theater, poetry reading, tribal music, chanting, book sales, tarot card reading, and more. It is home to budding artists who can't afford galleries. At one area of the cafe is a board that contains poems and other musings by the guests.
"In general, Kafe Binalaybay helps artists in whatever form," Milliam said. "This venue may not be part of the mainstream, but it's about time there's a place for artists or anyone who's hit with a burst of inspiration," he added.
The sight of the divan spells
relaxation already
For years, Milliam wanted to have a cafe just like the ones in Cebu ---Turtle Nest and Kahayag --- where local artists are supported. He said that Iloilo has far better talents, thus it's about time that Kafe Binalaybay exists.
Kafe Binalaybay also offers very affordable meals and drinks. It is a favorite of students during din-din and hang-out time. Milliam, a graduate of Management minor in Finance, knows that running Kafe Binalaybay can be tricky with its limited market. But he is patient and has big plans for the place. One of them is making Kafe Binalaybay a venue for culinary experience, too. "After all, culinary is an art."
Customers enjoying the night.
Yes, it can be stressful to manage a baby like Kafe Binalaybay in a society that loves Western pop culture, but as Milliam stressed, "It's good to be able to sleep at night knowing it's another day well-lived."