Rhyan Casiño is a believer in the greatness of each individual, an artist full of hope for the potentials of the youth and a passionate advocate of our cultural heritage. By touching lives through music and the arts, Rhyan is shifting paradigms as he encourages people to understand their self worth, paving the way for them to reach greater heights.
Rhyan started his journey in 2001 when he was exposed to the seven tribes of Bukidnon. He immersed himself with the Talaandig tribe and developed a deep appreciation of culture, especially the indigenous music.
In 2003, Rhyan decided to bring back cultural awareness by reigniting the young generation and bridging the indigenous people to the urban people; emphasizing that our cultural heritage is not just something you read about- it is real. Rhyan partnered with the Department of Tourism- Region X to promote the culture of the tribes featuring real tribal people in various conventions, symposia, the Philippine Travel Mart and other DOT activities. Rhyan aptly became the Cultural Coordinator of the Gardens of Malasag Ecotourism Village, which is managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority.
In 2008, Rhyan saw the growing concern of the indigenous youth, subjecting themselves to the harsh reality of employment and discrimination, and ultimately abandoning their rich culture in order to provide for themselves and their families. Responding to the need, Rhyan established a youth organization for the purpose of reviving indigenous culture: Dire Husi.
As Dire Husi’s chairperson, Rhyan made it possible for the organization to win numerous awards. In 2008, Dire Husi won the British Council’s I am a Changemaker grant competition; in 2009, Dire Husi became a finalist of the Ten Accomplished Organizations; and in 2010, Dire Husi was chosen as the representative of the youth sector of the National Anti-Poverty Commission. Dire Husi has also performed in various events like the Pasundayag sa Northen Mindanao Best of the Regions held in Intramuros held in Manila.
With Dire Husi’s growing awards and recognition, it became a magnet for the marginalized youth like the street kids and out of school youth. Rhyan started to develop a mentoring/apprenticeship program for the arts e.g. craft making, visual arts, indigenous music. This provided a venue for the troubled youth where they could hone their talents and unleash their creativity. Rhyan envisions this youth to become empowered artists who could compete not only locally, but internationally as well.
One of Rhyan’s challenges is sustaining Dire Husi despite the fact that in 2008, he was diagnosed with bone tumor, which would need an operation for the implanting of an artificial prosthesis on the right knee. To this day, Rhyan wears crutches, delaying the much needed operation in order to sustain Dire Husi. Rhyan relies on the performances that the artisans do, which is simply not enough.
Still, Rhyan is optimistic of the possibility of crafting fashionable accessories for the affluent youth, and of making a movement that will develop an appreciation of the handiwork of artisans. Rhyan hopes that its ongoing product development and enhancement will open doors for sustainable livelihood. Rhyan’s optimism is fueled by his belief in God, who is always present in his life and never left him in times of great need.
Hence, Rhyan is committed to responding to the emotional needs of deprived individuals and even soothing their emotional roller coasters. He wants to balance talent and character and strengthen self confidence. He wants the youth to realize that they can work towards a vision, giving them hope that they can do something, without the need to do drugs and alcohol to express one’s self and creativity.
As a cultural coordinator and chairperson the organization, Rhyan makes sure he also has balance in his life. He tries to fulfill his roles as a father, a husband, a son, a mentor, a leader and an artist. But with everything that Rhyan has got going, it is inevitable that he forgets himself in the process and instead selflessly continues on giving, helping, inspiring and sacrificing. But then, I am sure that if I were to ask him, he would tell me that it is all worth it. He will just give me his ever sunny smile and tell me not to worry because there is always a God who gives us hope. That’s Rhyan- an unsung hero of our times.
(Author- Ms. April Nestlie Awiten Piasan)
