Filipino animates art despite disability

SOME people give up easily but not Filipino computer graphic artist Ronnie Sapinoso who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Rejected so many times because of his condition, Sapinoso wanted to become a filmmaker ever since he was kid. His interest was sparked after he saw the Disney movie Pinocchio. “Nakita mo naman ako, walang nagtitiwala sa akin. Wala akong connection. [As you can see, no one trusts me. I don’t have any connections.],” said Sapinoso. Sapinoso, currently a freelance computer graphic artist, said that if he would just be given a chance to work, then his wife would not need to leave and work in Singapore, leave him and their child in the Philippines. Despite having Cerebral Palsy, Sapinoso has managed to move forward. “Ayaw kong isuko ‘yung pangarap kong ‘yun. Gusto kong mag-direct. Gusto kong gumawa ng pelikula. [I don’t want to give up on my dream to be a filmmaker. I want to direct. I want to make a film.],” said Sapinoso. Good thing Sapinoso discovered the world of animation. Sapinoso said that animation allows him to become the director, scriptwriter, editor, and artist. “Wala kang ibang ka-deal kung hindi sarili mo at ‘yung computer. [You don’t have to deal with anyone except yourself and the computer.],” Sapinoso said. For Sapinoso, animation is not only an art but a way for him to communicate. “Lahat ng art, hindi yan pagiging selfish. Kaya ka nag-art kasi gusto mong ma-touch ‘yung puso ng pinaghahandugan mo ng art. [Art is not selfish. You’re doing art because you want to touch the hearts of the people that inspires your artwork],” he said. Sapinoso who has a degree in Law admitted that he has no formal training in animation. Through trial and error, he learned to animate graphics and has created at least 10 animated films. One of the 10 animated films was Connect Ed, which is about a robot who lost its creator to World War III and is longing to regain its creator. “‘Yung animation ko, ‘di nagpapa-cute. May kaunting humor pero kinakatok nito ‘yung puso mo na maging human ka. [My animation is not the type that presents only the lighter side of the story but it also wants to touch the heart and reminds that we’re humans.],” said Sapinoso. His 3D animated film Connect Ed is now a finalist in Aniboom.com. Here's the video that he created. Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at aniBoom Apart from animation, the vocal Sapinoso has also done short films and comics. He has a handful of local comic artist heroes, including Carlo J. Caparas who also started in comics before he took up directing movies. “Lalaban ako hangga’t kaya ko. Gagawa ako ng animation hangga’t may pambayad ako sa kuryente. [I will fight as long as I can. I will animate as long as I have money to pay for the electricity.],” Sapinoso said. Sapinoso also admires directors Tim Burton and Steven Spielberg. Some of his animated films are inspired by Burton. “Tinulak ako sa lupa pero bumangon. Nilalayuan ako pero lumalapit pa rin ako. [I was pushed to the ground but I stood up. Many avoid me yet I still reach out.],” said Sapinoso. Asked for advice, Sapinoso said, “Kahit alam mong puputok ka na, take chance basta masunod mo ‘yung passion mo. [Even if you’re about to burst, take chances to follow your passion.]"