Using science & art to fight a double crises

In this show, we highlight people and how they are using science and technology and their art and music to contribute to the fight against a global pandemic and social injustices.

In segment 1 – Serial science and technology entrepreneur, Yobie Benjamin talks about fighting the coronavirus pandemic by perfecting #covidtesting Yobie, who also won the 2015 Technology Pioneer award from the World Economic Forum (best known as the Davos Conference) and is currently producing testing kits, breaks down the differences between PCR testing which is collected by swabbing specimen from individuals and the antibody testing by drawing blood. He goes on to say that while PCR is more accurate than the antibody test, it is also not 100% accurate because allowances should be made for human error in collecting specimen and in transferring the sample from the clinic or testing area to the lab.

Nonetheless, as the economies continue to open up despite spikes in cases, Yobie says people should aim to get tested often, if not regularly.

In closing, he estimates that Covid-19 will be a problem for the next year or even 2 years, until a reliable vaccine is created and made available to the public. He reminds people to continue to practice social distancing; don’t go out unless you have to; and when out, continue to wear a mask; and finally, practice good hygiene, like frequent hand-washing.

In segments 2 & 3 – Artist Lolita Valderrama Savage shares her life as an artist and wife to a Black man and mother to Black children. She begins by talking about how her art has opened up opportunities for her – coming from a small town in the Philippines and earning an art scholarship to study in Florence, Italy. She traces her travels from Italy to Sweden; working in the United Nations in New York; and finally settling down in there after marrying he husband, Frank Savage.

Through her travels, Lolita admits she has encountered #racism . But admits she has trained herself to “ignore malicious comments”. She says her way of “fighting” is looking away and walking away from the situation or from racist people.

She also shares her wisdom in motherhood, saying that education is the most important thing parents can give their children and that’s what she and her husband did, sending their sons to boarding schools in Switzerland.

In closing, Lolita shares – “Our life embraced diversity and it is just amazing how wonderful it is to be able to share humanity with everyone and not to think about differences.”

Through proceeds from her art, she has supported various organizations which promote art and cultural education and help children in need. She underscores that the message of art is a message of LOVE which right now in our times, is a powerful tool that can be used by the young generation in reforming and building a better world where there is justice and peace.

And in segment 4 – We meet two young Filipino-Americans using their art to speak up against social ills.

Camille Casiles is 16-year-old creator and activist who uses her creative platform to speak out about important issues. In 2019, she established The People Change People Project, a non-profit movement that raises awareness and funds for multiple causes and encourages others to make positive changes in both their communities and lives.

She recalls there was a particular moment during the climax of the Black Lives Matter Movement where she was struck by the gravity of the injustice and maltreatment toward the Black community. and that’s when she asked herself what she could do. She launched a shirt design to help raise funds to donate toward the movement, so 100% of the proceeds are going to an organization for BLM called Color of Change.

Keane Nikishido is a 25-year-old poet, songwriter, singer, sound engineer who was also struck by images from the BLM protests that were widespread, after the killing of George Floyd. And so he says he turned to his music to express his sentiment.

He says he believes int he power of music and that it can be catalyst for unity in communities. He explains that in his opinion, there are so many injustices in this world that no one person can change alone, but together people can bring about change.