The University of Baguio, in collaboration with RockEd Philippines, has successfully hosted KWANFEST 2025, a heartfelt tribute to the late artist Kidlat Gottlieb Kalayaan de Guia. Held on March 7, 2025, at the UB Centennial Hall, the event featured several prominent speakers who shared their insights on grief and remembrance and put on beautiful musical performances.
Kidlat Gottlieb Kalayaan de Guia, son of National Artist Eric de Guia – better known as Kidlat Tahimik – was a prominent Filipino filmmaker and visual artist who has been active in the world of arts since the early 2000s. He passed away in March of 2022 in Madrid, Spain.
Ms. Gang Badoy Capati kicked off the event with a heartfelt talk, recounting her memories of Kidlat and her grief following his passing. It was an insightful glimpse into her relationship with the late artist, a poignant exploration of navigating the feelings that come following the death of a loved one.
Following her talk, Mr. Ice Seguerra took to the stage to serenade the audience with his music. Each song was a tribute to the late artist and a glimpse into his experiences navigating his mental wellness, as he briefly touched on his experiences with depression. His heartfelt performance evoked remembrance and healing, prompting insights into navigating mental health and grief.
In the latter half of the event, Dr. Zorba Bnn Bautista joined the two other guests in a panel discussion led by Mr. Gabe Mercado. They opened the floor for questions from the crowd, further exploring the realities of grief, mental health and wellness, and personal well-being. Their discussions emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for conversations about loss and mental health issues, emphasizing the role of community support in giving strength to those who are struggling.
The event was a rousing success, with attendees leaving with a new outlook on grief and mental health and a profound appreciation for music and art’s role in navigating these complex experiences. KWANFEST 2025 not only honored the memory of Kidlat Gottlieb Kalayaan de Guia; it was also a gentle reminder to exercise grace and patience when dealing with issues revolving around mental health and grief. It was a reminder that healing can come in different forms, like open conversation and music, and that the strength of a compassionate community is indispensable to maintaining a healthy outlook on life.
Events like KWANFEST reinforce the University of Baguio’s dedication to promoting mental health awareness. They open up safe spaces for reflection and connection, allowing students, faculty, and staff members to have meaningful conversations about complicated matters such as grief, loss, and mental illness.
