Welcome: 2 years teaching in Brooklyn:

Thursday, December 30, 2010

2 years teaching in Brooklyn:

I moved to New York City in 2008. It was a blessing to land a job as a Literacy Instructor for young adults, ages 17-24, who read below the 6th grade reading standards. I found myself working for the Brooklyn Public Library in Bushwick, Brooklyn for the 1st year and then Sunset Park, Brooklyn for the 2nd year.

I met some amazing people in this experience. I am most grateful to have worked with and became instant friends with Maisha Rodriguez. We co-taught together in Bushwick but more importantly, Maisha was the first person in New York City that accepted my crazy ways. We developed a great friendship that I look forward to building upon in the future!

How lucky have I been to work with some great students from all over the planet. Maybe that's why we call this place the Planet of Brooklyn. I'm talking about Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, African Americans, students from Guyana, Barbados, Russia, China, Bangladesh, France, Mali, Tunisia, Ireland..... Yes, my class was like the United Nations!

I learnt so much from my students that I cherish in my heart forever. It felt like our own universe in that basement classroom in Sunset Park, Brooklyn (4th Ave and 51st St.). To watch human beings fight through their own issues and push through a world that labels them failures, all in all felt so sacred to me because I was being reminded of the spirit of resiliency and the enduring nature of growth.

For 2 years I worked day in and day out to improve literacy in Brooklyn. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. But all good things must come to an end. On Dec 17th, 2010, a blessing in disguise came as I was laid off from my teaching position. Public Education in America is nothing but politics! A battleground that I am in need of time away from and self healing.

Now I take this moment as an opportunity to pursue my own artistic endeavors. Specifically, I am most excited about touring my new solo Hip Hop Theater production entitled "Universal Filipino" in 2011. I am also eager to create new and raw artistic material that represents all that I have been through in this journey to survive as a caring spirit in New York City.

I have given much and I have received much. Now its time to believe in the spirit that dwells within this body. Nothing is going to stop me now! I am armed with the blessings of all of my students from NYC to California. I take this leap of faith and work relentlessly to live up to my purpose in life, to tell stories from the bottom of my heart

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News & Views:

Albert Samaha wrote in the Village Voice, "In UNIVERSAL self, Bautista seeks to define the struggle of urban American youth through the lens of identity. The show’s ongoing tension lies the battle between his identity on the street and his identity in his home. He was one of the lucky ones. His grandmother woke him up at 5 a.m. every Sunday to go to church. His uncle taught him Filipino martial arts. And his passion for hip-hop drove him toward the notebook."

Rosalie Marks - Assistant Principal, Young Adult Borough Center in Brooklyn, "I sincerely thank you for working with us and the students at the YABC Program. You are truly inspiring. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated."

Dante Basco (Actor) shared on twitter, "support my friend [Kilusan Bautista] and amazing Fil-Am artist."

Professor Cynthia Marasigan, "In front of an energized, standing-room-only audience of Binghamton University students, faculty, and community members, Kilusan Bautista delivered a performance that was inspirational, educational, and intensely captivating. Bautista brilliantly weaved historical references to colonization and revolution with contemporary issues of gentrification and urban poverty, showing how broad political and socio-economic structures personally and deeply impacted his family and identity. The result was a multifaceted show that resonated with every audience member, in a prolific art form that no book or lecture could replicate. Bautista's performance left the Binghamton University community feeling enduringly electrified, informed, and empowered." - SUNY Binghamton University, Department of Asian and Asian American Studies

Dominque Morisseau (Playwright) wrote, "Kilusan! Thank you for this awesome message. I checked out your link and saw the clip from your show - it looks dope! I'm interested in your voice and would love to support your art :) peaceandlovedominique :)"

Nonito Donaire (World Boxing Champion) expressed, "As a professional boxer I have used a variety of ring entrance music to walk into. Collaboration with Kilusan was actually the first live performance I’ve had at my fight. The professionalism he showed during preparation and leading up to my fight was exceptional and only gave me added confidence when he stepped in the ring and held the microphone. The walls of my locker room amplified the beats and echoed his performance in the ring. It sent an electrical shock waive of confidence, pride and inspiration from my heart to my fist. Kilusan is an inspiration through his word and music to all walks of life."

Raymond Townsend (Former NBA Star) announced, "Congratulations, my brother Kilusan, fly on the wings of His favor, love and grace and fulfill His calling. I'm very proud of you, continued blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ."

Theo Van Alst (Former Assistant Dean of Yale College & Director of the Native American Cultural Center), "Kilusan's visits to Yale are always a highlight of our Cultural Connections program. His intensity, passion and sincere concern for student's shines through in everything he does. We look forward to his return!"

Jack Moore, (Administrative Assistant to the Artistic Director and Executive Director, The Public Theater), “I saw Universal Self last week and was very impressed with your work. I hope you have some productions in the pipeline – please let me know if you ever have any upcoming shows that myself or someone else from The Public could come check out. Again, thanks for putting on such a good show. I’m looking forward to more.”

Terry Park, (Prison University Project), “....honored that Kilusan Bautista performed an excerpt from his solo show Universal Filipino in his San Quentin State Prison class. The students were moved by a story that resonated so well with their own struggles. And we had another great discussion on masculinity, in relation to Frank Chin’s “Chickencoop Chinaman,” that preceded and connected with Kilusan’s performance.”

Daniel Gallant, (Executive Director of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, NY), “Kilusan Bautista captivates audiences with his multi-character exploration of the Filipino-American experience. Bautista employs monologue, music and martial arts to construct an engaging and evocative saga.”

John Leguizamo (Actor) tweeted, "Break a leg!"

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

2 years teaching in Brooklyn:

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