In this edition of SEAtizens, we feature Jacqueline “Nikki” Dominque Go, a young storyteller, cancer patient advocate, and passionate artist who published “The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands”, an adventure story that showcases illustrations from Bahay Aruga’s pediatric cancer patients.
The power of art
Stories have long been a powerful tool for inspiration, shaping the dreams and aspirations of children across Southeast Asia and the world. Narratives can illuminate pathways for them to push through despite the obstacles they are facing. Whether through folklore, fairy tales, or contemporary tales of courage, stories resonate deeply, while also igniting our imagination, and giving us the strength to keep pushing forward. “The Adventures of Damgo” reinforces that art is more than just an expression. For some, it is an outlet of passion for creativity, but for others who are inflicted with pain, art is a way to explore life, hope, and the world.
Collaboration for a cause
Nikki Go with children from Bahay Aruga
The book began as a school project about contributing to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for good health and wellbeing. As someone who knows the pain of losing loved ones to cancer, and who has experienced firsthand the positive impact of art, Go delved into the healing power of the arts. By connecting her passion and creativity with her aim to help improve mental well-being, Go founded the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation with Bahay Aruga, a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients. Through art therapy sessions in Bahay Aruga, she is able to uplift the spirits of both the patients and their parents by providing hope and a glimpse of the world through creativity.
A story of hope
With the support of online bookstore Bookshelf PH and Bahay Aruga, 16-year-old Nikki Go and her friends began writing “The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands.” The story follows the astronaut, Damgo (meaning “dream” in Cebuano), and a mythical fish, Betta, as they journey through the cosmos. The book is about exploration and bravery, as the protagonists embark deeper into unfamiliar worlds. The book is also complemented with artwork made by Bahay Aruga’s young cancer patients, who channeled their artistry through six painted illustrations on the book.
The illustration process was carried out during their art therapy sessions with the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation, which offered them a space to let their creativity run wild and feel like the kids that they are. Here, they were able to explore an adventure of their own by bringing their imagination to life on the page. Unfortunately, Richard and Ralph, two of the book’s contributing artists, passed away before “The Adventures of Damgo” was published. Their legacies, through their art, each live on by continuing to inspire countless readers, and Go herself.
“Remembering the moments with Richard, he remarked how he loves the art therapy sessions because it takes his mind off the pain, even for a few hours,” Nikki reflects. “Meanwhile, Ralph was that one student who didn’t miss a single week’s lesson. He loved the art therapy sessions! He told me that he loved to paint Damgo’s adventures because it makes him imagine that he, too, can one day go outside the country and see unbelievable sights.”
The story continues
“The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands” | Image from Bookshelf PH
Since the publication of “The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands,” Go is hopeful in publishing a continuation of the book series and is looking forward to partnering with other art groups and organizations to provide art therapy sessions for more cancer patients.
Carrying a heart full of creative passion and advocacy, Go remains committed to continue the mission of Damgo Art Therapy Foundation in bringing joy and comfort to cancer patients through arts and stories filled with colorful adventures.
SEA Wave Magazine’s SEAtizens initiative is a series of inspiring stories of people in Southeast Asia who champion the human spirit by demonstrating courage, ingenuity, generosity, and selflessness.
For more Southeast Asian stories and stories about SEAtizens all around the world, visit seawavemag.com.