When I was a kid, my grandmother used to tell me stories under the stars. Tales of mythical creatures, brave heroes, and enchanted lands. Those stories weren’t just entertainment—they were a spark. A spark of malikhain, the Filipino word for creativity.
But somewhere along the way, that spark dimmed. Schools started focusing more on memorizing facts than imagining possibilities. Jobs became about routines, not innovations. The vibrant colors of our collective imagination began to fade.
So how do we bring back that creative spirit? How do we reignite malikhain in our lives and communities?
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Tell Stories Again
Start sharing stories like our ancestors did. Gather your family, friends, or neighbors and exchange tales—old legends, personal experiences, or even made-up adventures. Storytelling fuels imagination and connects us on a deeper level.
Make Learning an Adventure
Education doesn’t have to be a chore. Teachers can turn lessons into interactive experiences. Imagine learning history by reenacting events or understanding science through hands-on experiments. When learning is fun, creativity flourishes.
Support Local Artists
Our streets are filled with unseen artists—painters, musicians, writers. Visit local art shows, listen to indie bands, read works by Filipino authors. Your support not only uplifts them but also enriches our cultural landscape.
Think Outside the Box
Next time you face a problem, approach it differently. Encourage others to do the same. Creativity often sparks when we step away from traditional solutions and explore new paths.
Blend Tradition with Technology
Use modern tools to showcase our rich heritage. Create a blog about Filipino folklore, start a YouTube channel teaching traditional crafts, or develop an app that highlights local festivals. Technology can amplify our creativity if we let it.
Create Spaces for Expression
Whether it’s a corner in your home or a community center, dedicate spaces for art, music, and ideas. Places where people feel safe to express themselves can become hubs of creativity.
Lead by Example
Don’t be afraid to show your creative side. Write that poem, paint that picture, craft that project. When others see you embracing creativity, they might just find the courage to do the same.
Embrace Mistakes
Remember, not every creative endeavor will be a masterpiece—and that’s okay. Mistakes are part of the process. Each one teaches us something new and brings us closer to our next great idea.
Find Joy in Everyday Creativity
Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s in the way you cook a meal, arrange your workspace, or solve a daily challenge. Celebrate those small moments of innovation.
Nurture the Next Generation
Encourage kids to ask questions, explore, and imagine without limits. Provide them with tools—crayons, building blocks, musical instruments—and watch where their creativity takes them.
Bringing back malikhain isn’t about making grand gestures. It’s about small steps that rekindle the creative flame within each of us. It’s about remembering that creativity is a vital part of who we are.
So go ahead. Tell a story. Try something new. Support someone else’s creative journey.
Let’s bring back the vibrant colors of our imagination. Let’s make malikhain a living, breathing part of our everyday lives again.
What will you create today?
