At different times the past three months, I had the privilege of touring and showing Singapore to my two visiting friends and sister from the Philippines. The wonder, the excitement, and the confusion they experienced refreshed me. Their countless “wow” and “really?” as they saw, tasted, heard, and smelled new things were contagious. With them, I felt like a beginner again. A tourist. A learner. An adventurer.

I co-facilitated a video production workshop this week with a group of accountants and other professionals in the corporate world. None of them have ever tried the basic software that we used – Audacity and Windows Movie Maker. Quite challenging, yet exciting at the same time.

Together with my team, I had to teach like it was my first time, too; mindful of each one’s weaknesses and strengths. I guess as a facilitator, I’m the one who benefit most. The more I teach, the more I learn. And yes, the more chances for me to have that beginner’s experience. As the participants learn new things, it’s priceless to see the light on their face. The relief. The “wow” and “aha” moments.

How their frowns turn to smiles and big grins and sighs to laughter and cheers after learning something – an eruption of wonder – ah, those are some of the best moments in the workshop that I hold dear in my heart.

For everyone, a new journey begins.

Preparing for a workshop on Video Production as a Presentation Tool for Accountants this month in Singapore.

Yes, you have a story to keep and to tell. And yes, you can make it. Sign  up for our next Digital Storytelling Workshop, 28-30 September 2011, The Training Room, #B1-08 Kembangan Plaza, Singapore. Jointly organized by the Digital Storytelling Asia and the National Book Development Council of Singapore.

Register Now/More Info

Here’s another treat of an evening of digital stories. Please come and join us at The Arts House, 25 August 2011, 7:30 pm, Living Room.  

“When a digital story is finished it should be remembered for its soul, not the bells and whistles of the technology tools.” -  Bernajean Porter, author, DigiTales: The Art of Telling Digital Stories

Digital storytelling is about stories and the telling of stories using multi-media tools. New Word Order brings you An Evening of Digital Stories in August, where graphic designer, author, and now, digital storyteller, Angeline Koh, will show how people are discovering the timeless delight of storytelling in this digital age.

New Word Order is an initiative of The Arts House.

It wasn’t my cup of my coffee that woke me up yesterday morning and gave me a good start. It was a story that I’ve read from Today newspaper.

“Home means you must have some memories, you must have shared experiences and you must have some sense of where we came from, why we are here what it means to us… we will tell the stories about it to the younger ones and the next generation…we will connect to one another, connect to our parents and past, and to our children and future.”

The article quoted Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his speech at the launch of this year’s HeritageFest, a community trail project by the National Heritage Board.

Wow. How timely and significant that is for me, for Digital Storytelling Asia, and for everyone who believe in the power and necessity of stories.

I thought, “Yes, that’s it. That’s what we do. That’s what we’re trying to bring to society, to schools, to individuals, to various groups…”

Digital storytelling founder Dana Atchley said, “The stories and anecdotes we share with one another are the ways we let each other know who we are, what we care about, where we come from, and where we are going.”

In the midst of all the confusing roads before us, the challenges, the thrill, and the ups and downs any pioneering work faces, what PM Lee said was like water to a dry land. A beacon of light to a traveller.

“Stories are like fairy gold, the more you give away, the more you have.”

Come for a three-day digital storytelling workshop, 17-19  August 2011. Write your story. Record your audio narrative. Learn how to put your audio and images together. Go home with your two-minute digital story done and ready for use. Meet new friends. Share your stories. For more info, please visit www.digitalstorytellingasia.com.

The National Book Development Council of Singapore and Digital Storytelling Asia are jointly initiating DiSC, Singapore (Digital Storytelling Circle), a support group for digital storytellers and enthusiasts that will meet once every two months. It’s also open for anyone interested to know or learn more about digital storytelling.

Am I back yet? Hmm…Oh, yes, I am since three days ago. I was on 13-hour flight from London to Singapore.

Lots of things to digest from my 18-day travel in the UK – which is a good problem. Lots of photos to sort out, friends to email, catch up, and say thank you; calls to make, work backlogs to settle, deadlines to meet, blah, blah, blah…You know what it’s like after you make a trip overseas.

I’m not complaining. Happy to get started with work today. I’m back.

“…I see a boy and his storyteller. Dad didn’t just tell stories, he created a world in which I lived…”

A digital story by Bernard Lee produced in DSA’s digital storytelling workshop, 8-9 and 15-16 April 2011, Singapore.

Yes, in less than a week, I will be in London and Wales! My first trip to the United Kingdom. I’m going to attend the 6th International Festival of Digital Storytelling in Aberystwyth (Wales) with Angeline Koh, my friend and colleague.

Exciting, I know. As usual, when it’s still like three or four days away for my trip, I’m not packed yet. Maybe today, maybe today.