Latest news with #GinoBanola
Al Bawaba
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Al Bawaba
Dubai Culture Welcomes Summer with 18 Creative and Enriching ‘School of Life' Sessions
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is launching a fresh season of community workshops through its 'School of Life' project, part of Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy. Under the theme 'Hello Summer', 18 interactive sessions will be held in June across the programme's Impact Track and creative clubs. These activities invite Dubai Public Library visitors to develop new skills and enjoy a vibrant calendar of summer month, Al Mankhool Public Library will host the Japanese Kakigori workshop, where attendees can learn how to prepare kakigōri, the soft Japanese shaved ice dessert, using seasonal flavours and homemade syrups. This hands-on experience also offers a window into Japanese culture, making it a memorable summer treat. As part of the Calligraphy Club, the library will feature the 'Baybayin Calligraphy on Shell' class, led by Gino Banola, who will introduce Filipino heritage and the art of painting on shells using the ancient Baybayin script. Meanwhile, Hatta Public Library will present a 'Fruit Carving Workshop' with Nada Saeed Kattan, under the Health & Nutrition Club, teaching participants how to transform fruit into playful shapes and edible works of Safa Art & Design Library will host Art Club activities for adults and children. In 'From Idea to Creation: An Artistic Journey in Colour', Benedicte Gimonnet guides learners through the process of starting an art project, including how to select colours that capture their vision. In 'Painting on Tote Bags,' Abeer Al Edani helps attendees turn personal memories into unique keepsakes by decorating tote bags. Medaf Creative Studio will offer two sessions for kids: one focused on designing their own fishbowls, and another on painting with gold leaves. The Book Club's 'Travelling Memoirs' will invite visitors to explore how journeys, whether real or imagined, can serve as a means of escape, self-discovery, and personal transformation through a discussion of travel memoirs, road trip fiction, and stories of change. As part of the Impact Track's Calligraphy Club, Mohammad Altamimi will lead Ruq'ah classes, focusing on mastering Arabic letter formation using traditional tools, covering characters such as Meem (م), Ya (ي), Hamzah (ء), Ayn (ع), and Haa (ح). The Photography Club wraps up the month with practical training on presenting images professionally and building confidence in sharing work, culminating in a public exhibition of participants' photographs.
Khaleej Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Autistic kids as young as 4 carve out words of hope during calligraphy workshop
"Acceptance, awareness"—these words were carved out on a big canvas by kids aged 4 to 18 on Sunday morning at a special calligraphy workshop for children with autism, led by the talented Filipino artist Gino Banola. The children took this Sunday activity to the next level as they came together to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Month in Dubai. The session aimed at using the art of calligraphy as a creative tool to support self-expression and enhance fine motor skills in children on the spectrum. Laica Hamilton was on the front line with her 6-year-old son, who was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 4. Describing the moment of her son's diagnosis, she said, 'It all started with denial and trying to figure out the best for your child.' Laica, who is also a member of the Ausome Family Journey (AFJ) community—a group of passionate parents raising children on the autism spectrum—emphasised their mission. 'Our goal is to create safe, inclusive spaces that promote diversity, acceptance, and creativity among neurodiverse children,' she explained. Her journey evolved from finding the right therapy centres for her child to discovering a supportive community where fellow Filipino parents come together. 'Everyone here has a different experience; there's no guidebook for raising a child with autism, but we have each other. You find a sense of belonging.' As her son drew lines on the big canvas, Laica noted how beneficial these types of workshops can be for both children and parents alike. Artistic expression For the second year in a row, Gino Banola, a Baybayin calligrapher, guided the kids through the art form. He shared his vision for the workshop, stating, 'We're not only promoting our Philippine script but also teaching the kids about their identity. Words like 'Acceptance' and 'Awareness' are vital for understanding their journey and embracing who they are.' Gino highlighted the importance of fostering both self-awareness and cultural pride through artistic expression. Pamela Amor Calinog, founder and president of the AFJ community and Brand Ambassador of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower UAE, opened the mic for parents to share their journeys. She explained the significance of the Sunflower lanyard, which symbolises hidden disabilities. 'To me, it's a call for patience, understanding, and kindness. As a mom of a nonverbal child with autism, I know how difficult it can be when my son is overwhelmed. The lanyard helps raise awareness that not all disabilities are visible, reminding us to choose empathy over judgment.' The event also showcased a beautiful prayer performance led by children with autism and ADHD, highlighting their talents and resilience. The event took place at ABLE UK in Dubai Healthcare City, which offers a spectrum of specialised therapies tailored to meet the diverse needs of every child. Aman Sura, the Director, expressed the centre's commitment to community-building. 'Hosting events like this not only brings families together but also celebrates the resilience of both parents and people of determination. We welcome every child here—so much difference can happen when they're in the right place,' she remarked.
Mid East Info
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Dubai Culture Unveils a Ramadan Edition of School of Life - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is providing an educational and entertaining environment for all members of the community through its School of Life initiative, which carries the theme 'Ramadan: The Month of Giving' this March. The initiative will feature 18 interactive sessions and workshops across its Impact and Creative Tracks along with innovative clubs, covering topics such as scientific research, professional skill development, critical and creative thinking, vertical farming, and the aesthetics of Arabic and ancient Filipino calligraphy, as well as the Emirati dialect. The Dubai Public Library branches will also celebrate Ramadan through a series of artistic and entertainment performances, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month. Visitors to Al Safa Art & Design Library will have the opportunity to apply foundational concepts to create original artwork inspired by simplified landscapes, using mixed media techniques through the 'Art Colour and Texture' workshop led by Benedicte Gimonnet as part of the Art Club. Meanwhile, the Pilates Academy will offer a ladies-only Pilates class focused on enhancing strength and flexibility. As part of the Career Club under the Creative Track, Al Safa Art and Design Library is also the venue for two workshops that empower participants to develop their professional skills in various fields and present these creative ideas and projects interactively. The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children will have a workshop titled 'Jewellery Renovation' workshop for children aged 4 to 12, teaching them to recycle old pieces into new, creative designs. Participants will learn to select stones, combine colours, and add details to transform their jewellery. Al Mankhool Library is hosting the Chess Club session 'Think Like a Champion' by the Chess Academy, where those aged 6 and above can get to know the secrets of strategic thinking and how to plan ahead and make smart decisions that lead to success, while Gino Banola will tutor the 'Baybayin Calligraphy on Umbrella' workshop, giving participants a platform to be taught to design their own umbrella using the ancient Filipino script. The Baseet educational-scientific organisation, under the STEM Club's Impact Track, will offer a 'Scientific Research and Sustainable Solutions' workshop in Al Twar Library, where learners will explore how to conduct scientific research, use artificial intelligence to create sustainable solutions, and apply these skills in preparation for participating in international scientific competitions, thereby enhancing critical and creative thinking to address global challenges. As part of the 'Ramadan Nights' Festival, across Dubai Culture's cultural and heritage sites, Al Safa Art & Design Library will showcase a diverse lineup of artistic performances, including oud music, puppet theatre, and shadow plays. The programme includes interactive and creative workshops where participants can engage in ancient Filipino calligraphy, palm frond weaving, traditional Emirati incense and perfume making, and traditional Emirati fashion design. Meanwhile, Hatta Public Library will bring people together for a special Ramadan night, combining a communal Iftar gathering with Ramadan storytelling sessions, as well as a variety of cultural and entertainment activities tailored to empower People of Determination in celebrating the holy month.
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Dubai Culture unveils a Ramadan edition of school of life
Dubai, UAE: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is providing an educational and entertaining environment for all members of the community through its School of Life initiative, which carries the theme 'Ramadan: The Month of Giving' this March. The initiative will feature 18 interactive sessions and workshops across its Impact and Creative Tracks along with innovative clubs, covering topics such as scientific research, professional skill development, critical and creative thinking, vertical farming, and the aesthetics of Arabic and ancient Filipino calligraphy, as well as the Emirati dialect. The Dubai Public Library branches will also celebrate Ramadan through a series of artistic and entertainment performances, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month. Visitors to Al Safa Art & Design Library will have the opportunity to apply foundational concepts to create original artwork inspired by simplified landscapes, using mixed media techniques through the 'Art Colour and Texture' workshop led by Benedicte Gimonnet as part of the Art Club. Meanwhile, the Pilates Academy will offer a ladies-only Pilates class focused on enhancing strength and flexibility. As part of the Career Club under the Creative Track, Al Safa Art and Design Library is also the venue for two workshops that empower participants to develop their professional skills in various fields and present these creative ideas and projects interactively. The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children will have a workshop titled 'Jewellery Renovation' workshop for children aged 4 to 12, teaching them to recycle old pieces into new, creative designs. Participants will learn to select stones, combine colours, and add details to transform their jewellery. Al Mankhool Library is hosting the Chess Club session 'Think Like a Champion' by the Chess Academy, where those aged 6 and above can get to know the secrets of strategic thinking and how to plan ahead and make smart decisions that lead to success, while Gino Banola will tutor the 'Baybayin Calligraphy on Umbrella' workshop, giving participants a platform to be taught to design their own umbrella using the ancient Filipino script. The Baseet educational-scientific organisation, under the STEM Club's Impact Track, will offer a 'Scientific Research and Sustainable Solutions' workshop in Al Twar Library, where learners will explore how to conduct scientific research, use artificial intelligence to create sustainable solutions, and apply these skills in preparation for participating in international scientific competitions, thereby enhancing critical and creative thinking to address global challenges. As part of the 'Ramadan Nights' Festival, across Dubai Culture's cultural and heritage sites, Al Safa Art & Design Library will showcase a diverse lineup of artistic performances, including oud music, puppet theatre, and shadow plays. The programme includes interactive and creative workshops where participants can engage in ancient Filipino calligraphy, palm frond weaving, traditional Emirati incense and perfume making, and traditional Emirati fashion design. Meanwhile, Hatta Public Library will bring people together for a special Ramadan night, combining a communal Iftar gathering with Ramadan storytelling sessions, as well as a variety of cultural and entertainment activities tailored to empower People of Determination in celebrating the holy month.
