Help Young Filipinx Queer Artist Get to AMDA New York!

Kontrolado ni Girly Ang Buhay N'ya (Girly Is In Control Of Her Life) by Gilb Baldoza; 2018

Hi! My name is Marcus Belisario, and in October 2020 I have the chance to study at the Conservatory Studio Program of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City!

Aguas Santas 1901 (Filipino Adaptation of Thornton Wilder's Our Town)

MY CRAFT

I do freelance acting on stage and on screen. I also direct stage plays that mainly focus on legends and myths as a base tool in presenting contemporary Filipino narratives. Being exposed to theater also opened me in creating performance art, that has a strong foundation with my fascination in native rituals. I also creatively write queer texts that has a strong connection on how I identify myself.

It was 2016 when I started training as an apprentice under PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory, the resident student theater organization of our university which I represent now as the Company Manager for its 39^th theater season. Eventually, I tried exploring outside our branding and joined short courses and trainings under The Scenius Pro., Philippine Educational Theater Association, and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

I also got involved in representing our university in the Short+Sweet Manila Theater Festival 2017, PASUC Arts and Culture Festival 2017 – Regional Competition, Pink Shorts 2018, and TANGHAL 11 NCR 2018.

Celebrating arts also included me in performing at the Pasinaya Open House Festival of the Cultural Center of the Philippines during 2018 and Solidarity in Performance Art Festival of Sipa Pinas in 2018 and 2019.

Laro ng Lahi, Solidarity in Performance Art Festival 2019, photo by Rylyn Sabijon

WHO DO I CREATE VALUE FOR?

I know how it feels not to be seen, and I don’t want others to experience that. Just like everyone who came before me, I want to be an inspiration especially to the youth that strives everyday just to offer something better for this country.

Chikahan sa Panitikang LGBTQIA++, photo by Jep Gabon

I create value for communities whom I feel a strong connection of solidarity, especially to the LGBTQIA++ community. People I think that needs to be seen, heard, and represented. Because I belong to them, and it’s a great responsibility to return them the favor because I owe them my strength in continuing amidst all the hate and discrimination. This is very personal to me and I think that is the best way in sharing stories, getting it from your own experiences.

WHY DO I NEED TO DO THIS FUNDRAISING?

My acceptance is not an all-expense paid education. They awarded me a merit-based scholarship, plus I applied for an international grant and fortunately they have approved it so it’s really a big help. I have also received donations since last year and I really owe it to all of my good friends, family, and kababayan. There are some who offered opportunities for me to work just to add support and I am very grateful to them. But still, the cost of living in New York City is really expensive, and the program is for two years. Having a sponsor, which I am working to have right now would really make this more possible. For transparency, I have included additional expenses such as visa and transportation fees on the total target donations and here is a link of my award letter for the total expenses that I will have in the duration of my stay in the US.

WHY PURSUE AMDA?

This is a rare opportunity for me to hone my craft, and I worked hard for this. I am still young, and coming from my own trainings and experiences, I can say that I am physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the intensive training that the program has. I am committed. I am passionate. I am dedicated. I am hardworking, I never stop learning. I have already proven myself since the auditions and complying with the requirements needed for the admission. I am serious about this. As a young queer artist from a third world country, being accepted and given the platform to master what I am passionate about cannot be ignored. This is my way of taking up space and uplifting my community as well as my country. That someone like me can make it this far. This is really what I want, and I know this is the craft where I will gain so much growth. I have already invested a lot of time and effort. I will not put everything into waste.

Ang Pagbabalik Tanaw sa Unang Hari ng Balagtasan, photo by Virgilio Labial

To my dear kababayans,

I believe that the help I would get through this fund raising will bring me closer to my goals, and every amount of help I receive from generous people will not be put into waste. I can never repay whatever support people will give me, but rest assured that I will do my best to not take all of it for granted. I know how to return favors, it may not be as soon as possible, but the gratitude and appreciation comes and lasts forever.

Just by being expressive and able to perform is already a gift. Ever since at a young age, there has always been this creative call for me to present and represent different stories and narratives around me, and to be given various platforms for my artistic endeavors just like this one is something I am really grateful.

Please help me make this possible!

You may get in touch with me through my number: 09302326258

For other means of financial support, you may also place your deposits through my BPI bank account!

Account Name: Marcus Justin Dela Cruz Belisario

Account Number: 3879050013

For collaborations and other ways of how you can offer help, you may reach me through my social media accounts!

Facebook: Marcus Belisario
Twitter: @serenamarcusa
Instagram: @serenamarcusa

Gmail: [email protected]

Maraming maraming salamat, kapatid!

Magpapatuloy at Nagmamahal,

Marcus