           Slowly but surely, the Philippines is unfolding its take on contemporary art. In the visual arts painting has taken center field in the past century. One facet of the modern period in the arts however that should not go unnoticed is Performance Art, often referred to as the performing arts. Going through a brief definition between the two, the performing arts has always been scripted and meticulously rehearsed, while performance art doesnât necessarily have to have a script. The essence of spontaneity is present in this type but even so there is a process involved between the artist and the performance. Although documentation is necessary in preserving the performance due to its spontaneity only a significant amount has been recorded with technology becoming only more accessible at the turn of the 21st century. Most performance art works are imbedded in our minds, and lives on as a memory.
 The Performance Art Initiative is a project by the Benilde Arts and Culture Cluster (BACC) of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. The platform was established to help fund future performances within the college. Performance art may not ring a loud bell in the Philippines, but spearheading this platform aims to raise awareness about the medium and the brilliant, creative minds of Filipino performance artists, who introduce us to a fresh perspective in making art. A Facebook page was launched by the production team that provides information about current and upcoming projects with industry professionals. The page also provides information about the Spark Up Project encouraging the public to donate and fund the Performance Art Initiative, the first ever crowdfunding effort for the genre in the country.
 Students in the media arts at the De La Salle College of Saint Benildeâs School of Design and Arts are currently developing a pilot project with film veteran, Ronnie Lazaro. On Saturday, July 21, 2018, 6:00PM they will present at the SDA Black Box a new performance art work by the artist entitled âBreathlessâ. Immersed in the early days of his career in performance art, Lazaro opens a curtain onto a lesser known side of his artistry. He will join in a live discussion this Saturday, June 30 at Radyo Natin hosted by Marian Pastor Roces and Arvin Alivia to speak about Breathless along with Arts Management professor, Sandra Palomar-Quan who will speak about the initiative.
 Visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/BACCPerformanceArt for more information and updates on Breathless and the Performance Art Initiative.
