The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands written by 16-year old Nikki Go is now available from www.bookshelf.com.ph This book features artwork by pediatric cancer patients. <\/p>\n
As the country gets ready to celebrate National Heroes Day on August 26 (yes a long weekend is here again) we meet a new set of heroes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As Arizona Robbins from Grey\u2019s Anatomy said, not all heroes wear capes. Some happen to be tiny humans. Now, another teenager and her friends set out to create a lasting impact in the Philippine arts and culture space by publishing the first book of the ongoing children\u2019s book series, The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands.<\/p>\n
At just 16 years old, Jacqueline Dominique \u201cNikki\u201d Go is already creating heroic contributions to art and pediatric cancer communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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As the founder of the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation and the author of The Adventures of Damgo, Nikki\u2019s journey starts with the love for family and art.<\/p>\n
Nikki\u2019s artistic interests began in early childhood, nurtured by supportive parents who, despite not being artists themselves, recognized and cultivated their daughter\u2019s creative talents. “I\u2019ve always felt happiest when I get lost creating art,” Nikki shares.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This passion for art, however, was juxtaposed against a backdrop of loss and heartache as cancer took the lives of several close family members. “Cancer is hereditary, and I have it on both sides of my family. I\u2019ve lost 3 uncles to cancer, and my grandma and aunt are survivors,” Nikki recounts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
These experiences naturally fueled her curiosity and empathy toward cancer patients and survivors, eventually leading her to establish the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation.<\/p>\n
Like most youth-led initiatives, the foundation originated from Nikki\u2019s 8th-grade school project aimed at contributing to the United Nations\u2019 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).\u00a0<\/p>\n
While her peers focused on themes like poverty and sustainability, Nikki chose to explore the impact of art on mental well-being, particularly among teenagers. “I saw a huge lift in happiness when teenagers were exposed to art.” Nikki explains. This discovery ignited a deeper inquiry into the beneficiaries of art therapy, ultimately guiding her to Bahay Aruga, a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients.<\/p>\n
“When I approached Bahay Aruga, I wanted to offer something more valuable than monetary donations. Something that would have a lasting positive effect on the patients\u2026 art therapy had that effect,” says Nikki.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Damgo Art Therapy Foundation was born out of this desire, and it quickly became hope for young cancer patients. Through art therapy sessions, Nikki witnessed firsthand the transformative power of creativity. “One of my students said that she ‘couldn\u2019t believe she is able to paint the things she\u2019s done.’ She told me how she looked forward\u00a0 to our art therapy sessions, and she carries this feeling when she goes for treatment.”<\/p>\n
Inspired by the children\u2019s resilience and imagination, Nikki penned The Adventures of Damgo, a series that takes cancer patients on a cosmic journey filled with limitless possibilities. “I hope that through these stories, children all over the country and the world become inspired to dream big and help each other overcome any obstacle,” Nikki says. \u201cDamgo, in Cebuano, also means dream.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The book\u2019s impact has been profound, forging deep connections between the young artists and the community that supports them. Tragically, two of the contributing artists, Richard and Ralph, passed away before the book\u2019s completion. Yet, their legacy lives on through their artwork and the positive influence the project had on their lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Remembering the moments with Richard, he remarked how he loves the art therapy sessions because it takes his mind off the pain, even for a few hours,'” Nikki reflects. \u201cMeanwhile, Ralph was that one student who didn\u2019t miss a single week\u2019s lesson. He loved the art therapy sessions! He told me that he loved to paint Damgo\u2019s adventures because it makes him imagine that he too, can one day go outside the country and see unbelievable sights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Publishing the first book is just the start of Nikki\u2019s big plans for the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation. With two more books in development and a growing partnership with the International School Manila\u2019s Visual Arts Club, the foundation is poised to continue its mission of providing joy and comfort to pediatric cancer patients.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“In the future, I hope to see more innovation in the art therapy execution, and more adventures of Damgo,” Nikki says. \u201cExcited for book 2!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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