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The passions of Ellien Gatpatan
Ellien has always been a passionate lover. Her unfathomed love for arts, French language, young children, and Broadway musicals mirror the vibrant essence of her beautiful soul. Take a glimpse of her life's passions… Living her passions Now in her radiant age of 33, Ellien Regondon-Gatpatan remains to be optimistic on how to influence young people to pursue a worthy life amidst the degrading situation of our society. She's the eldest among the four siblings, next to her is Erlyn followed by Elizardo and their youngest Evelyn. Ellien finished her elementary at Assumption Socio Educational Center (ASEC) in Bo. Obrero. While she spent her high school years at Assumption Iloilo and earned her AB Mass Communication degree at West Visayas State University . Ellien has always been an achiever especially in co-curricular activities and performing arts ever since her younger years. She was a former member of Teatro Kampilan and has earned a leadership and dramatics award when she was in elementary. In high school she became the Arts Club President, member of Assumption Honor Society and affiliated to “Hublag” Artist League. During her college years, Ellien was the elected Secretary of Mass Com Council, “Baryohanon” Dance Troupe member (a former group of performing artists founded in Bo. Obrero), a scholar of Faith School of Dance by Faith Javellana and later she won second place for on-the-spot logo making contest sponsored by the National Statistics Office. Soon after she graduated in college, Ellien became a volunteer socio-cultural teacher that taught dance arts and theatre with the Auxiliary Missionaries of Assumption. Later she worked in the French Embassy's Economic and Commercial Section in Manila for one year. She was granted a scholarship to study French language and culture in Via Alliance Francaise de Lyon in France . Upon her return in the Philippines , Ellien founded the Chameleon Association, Inc. in Passi City wherein she became not only the founder but the Executive Director for five fruitful years. After she left Chameleon Association, she was hired as French instructor in Lifeline International Caregivers Training Center and worked for Councilor Merci Drilon-Garcia's office as chief of staff. Presently, she works as French instructor at St. Paul 's University HRM and Tourism Department. Recently, Ellien was elected as secretary of the board for TAPIKAN Association Inc., a newly formed organization of professionals with a noble objective to empower the youth through arts and skills development. In fact, the organization recently launched ‘Lolek', a musical play that mirrors the inspiring life of Pope John Paul II, written and directed by her loving husband Mr. Alan Gatpatan, a well-recognized theatre director.
Though life is busy for her, Ellien still has plenty of time to pursue her hobbies which includes traveling, internet surfing, painting (she's a gifted painter), sewing and doing creative beadworks. “Poverty is not a hindrance to success” will always be her philosophy in life. Her most adored French actress is Catherine Deneuve and favorite Hollywood actor is Venecio del Toro. Speaking of Broadway musicals, on top of her list are Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. Ellien confessed that she loves alternative music especially hypnotic tracks done by Star mania, a French-Canadian band. Talking her passions On three things that people don't know about her “I have a very generous heart but you can't see it because I have a strong personality. I love children and I'm a considerate person” On her future aspirations “Of course, I want to have my own child that's my only unfulfilled dream right now” On things she wanted to change in the past “I don't want to change something in the past because that what makes me strong person today. I am thankful for my experiences in life because I learn a lot” On her most admired role models “When I was in high school I really admire Blessed Marie Eugenie, founder of the Assumption because of her undying optimism and gentle way to transform our society. Right now, doing ‘Lolek', I appreciate the inspiring soul and life of Pope John Paul II” On the query, “what's wrong with the world today?” “Actually, the way I look at the world today we have a lot of critics but we don't give the right solution to ease the troubles. Some of us remain as critics but with no definite elucidation to share to make life better and fruitful” On her advocacy for TAPIKAN Association “Since our mission and vision is to empower the youth through arts and skills development, we want to develop good values and good personality among the youth beneficiaries wherein we can fulfill Dr. Jose Rizal's hope for young people as hope of this nation. Our primary service includes arts and skills training such as theatre, dance, singing and visual arts while education, medical and livelihood assistance is our secondary service. We will realize these noble missions through fund raising projects” On her expectation for “Lolek” portraying the life of Pope John Paul II “I'm very sure that this is an exceptional musical play that will bring the message of forgiveness and reconciliation. The Pope's life will reflect how a divine leader like him will humble down himself and ask forgiveness for the sins of the church” On her views how will the youth be the catalyst of change “I think it's simple, if the youth have a strong values foundation they will become better and responsible citizens of this nation. Attitude can be changed but values will remain” On the reality that she lived her life to the fullest “Well, I was able to touch other people's lives even in the simplest way and that is my greatest legacy in this world” (Touch lives! email the writer at rslphoenix@yahoo.com) |
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