ONE OF the country’s youngest children’s book writer and illustrator, Jose Miguel “Jomike” Tejido, is the new host of the television program “Art is Kool.” The UST Architecture student replaces the show’s creator, Robert Alejandro.
Formerly aired over GMA 7, Art is Kool, claims to be the first Philippine Art workshop for children on television.
“It’s a show that makes use of usual everyday household items and turn them into unique, creative, and enjoyable art projects,” Tejido said.
Tejido went through an audition participated mostly by his fellow members in Illustrador ng Kabataan (INK), a group of Filipino artist-illustrator for children’s books, where Alejandro himself is a member of.
“‘Yung ginawa ko para sa audition ay bubble blowers, na makikita ng mga viewers sa 1st episode. Gawa ang mga iyon sa mga plastic bottle na hugis isda. Pwede silang gawing laruan at the same time bubble blowers,” Tejido explained.
Although Tejido is already experienced in conducting workshops for children, he admitted having stage fright while doing his first televised workshop.
“Kabado talaga ako during the first shoot. Iba yung feeling na kailangang laging nakangiti at nakatingin sa kamera. Sa normal na art workshops kasi, pwedeng hindi laging nakatingin sa mukha mo ‘yung mga bata dahil mas iniintindi nila ‘yung ginagawa. Pero sa TV, iba,” he said.
Despite sorts of uneasiness, Tejido finds a speical kind of delight in his latest venture.
For the sake of the program’s regular viewers, Art is Kool will have a transitional period where Tejido will be co-hosted by Alejandro for the first six episodes.
After his first episodes last April 17, Tejido promises nothing but “endless art and boundless discoveries for children.”
“Sa bagong Art is Kool higit na matututong magexplore ‘yung mga bata sa non-traditional media. May mga bago akong segment na siguradong magugustuhan nila.”
Tejido was officially launched in a free art workshop organized by Art is Kool last April 14 at Starmall, Pasig.
