Animotion launched its week-long fundraising project, “Tara! Gacha!” from June 1 to 6, at the 12/F Cafeteria, Design and Arts (D+A) Campus. This year, the organization partnered with PISTON (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide) to raise funds and support jeepney drivers, especially during times of crisis.

Inspired by a previous project, Animotion continued fundraising efforts inspired by Pokémon and the overall theme of Gacha games with the aim of supporting beneficiaries who are currently struggling due to global issues. With the past project being “Gacha for Gaza,” a focus on the war happening in Palestine, this year, the organization shifted its focus locally by being with the Filipino community.

The first pull

Through the experience of past projects, Erin Gabrielle Yap, an ID124 student from the Animation (AB-ANI) program, project manager and Vice President of Internals, shared that they wished to continue similar projects and pursue initiatives for the community. Noticing how global issues affect Filipino communities, they focused on positioning “Tara! Gacha!” for jeepney drivers in this year’s iteration. 

One of the challenges the organization faced was finding the right beneficiary. As the event date drew closer, they needed to secure a group that could connect them with jeepney drivers. Yap explained that this was the first project they had managed, uncertain about its outcome. They also wanted to ensure that the efforts of the artists who generously contributed their artwork as merchandise would not go to waste. Eventually, they reached out to various individuals that knew PISTON, leading them to their partnership. 

When The Benildean asked why they chose to partner up with PISTON, Yap explained that many people rely on jeepneys for their daily commute and that they have observed the challenges faced by jeepney drivers. Sharing the sentiment of commuting struggles and having a decent job to create a decent living, they said, “We want people to understand that we see the jeepney drivers [and their] struggles.” 

From a collector

Esther Carmel B. Cortina, an ID120 AB-ANI student and a former member of Animotion, shared that they learned about the project through social media and knowing it was organized for a cause made her set on checking it out. 

They noted that art organizations can use events to highlight challenges faced by struggling communities. By bringing attention to these causes, such events encourage attendees to contribute and support those in need. “It's almost like you're calling attention to it in a very quirky, silly way,” Cortina says. 

They also explained that organizing more cause-driven events and projects helps foster a sense of community. By bringing people together around a shared purpose, these initiatives create opportunities to support those in need. They added that acts of charity like these serve as a message of solidarity, in support of and understanding their struggles. As such, these events become a meaningful way of reaching out and offering support to the community.

Roll for change

With the rise of global and national issues, it causes troubles in the local community and affects everyone, even in small ways. Animotion showed care for other communities by offering what they can do, Yap shared that it is important to showcase how people see those who are struggling and that they understand what they’re going through. 

With the proceeds that Animotion earned, they intend to use it as a donation for PISTON, hoping it could help in meaningful ways. Events and projects like “Gacha for Gaza” and “Tara! Gacha!” shows how much people care for others, especially those who are deeply affected by social issues. Through their event, they wish that people who bought from them get to stay informed that fundraising events highlight communities affected by social issues, with these initiatives serving as platforms to promote awareness of challenges they face.  

Through this project, these Benildeans demonstrated that spirit, reflecting the Filipino value of malasakit sa kapwa, or being compassionate and empathetic to others. For more projects that show local and Benildean artistry, follow Animotion on their Instagram and Facebook.