Anakatira

03/07/2026

We were lucky to be able to share a few words for Vernie at his funeral via technology. We share the video here for those who were not able to attend but would still like to connect and remember Vernie.

Like going back to 2010 with our Anakatira dance project where we met Ver Nie for the first time, Yin Yin Yin edited this video, she always makes everything better that she touches.

We also wish to take this opportunity to remember Anakatira alumni Armondo Gales, who also left us too young.

2026.6.19Rest in Peace, Vernie.

26/06/2026

To celebrate Vernie's talent, I wish to share some of the amazing photographs he took using his phone. He had a good eye and a natural creative spirit; you can see clearly he was both playful and skilled.

These photos were sent in private communication between myself and Vernie over the years. I was always full of joy to see how much he enjoyed taking photos and how inspired he was whilst continuing to develop his technique. Sometimes I would feedback my thoughts or send him photographers to look at, other times I would share some photos I had taken recently. I remember exchanging photos with Vernie during a challenging time in my life and how special it felt to have this bond with an old student of mine in what seemed like a world away in the Philippines.

I will miss receiving new photos from Vernie.

With love,
Christina Brandt Jensen

Founder of Anakatira

26/06/2026

It gives us the greatest sadness to announce the tragic passing of one of our own, 1st Anakatira cohort alumni and university graduate, Vernie Escaran. On June 19th 2026, in Cebu City, Vernie succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 35. He is survived by his wife, Zarah Jane T. Adlaon-Esc whom he married this year on the 11th of April and soon-to-be-born child.

Vernie was accomplished professionally and he was loved by his family, friends and community. A creative at heart, he was a beautiful performer and avid photographer. We mourn all that he could had done had he been given the chance to live longer. We mourn that his child will not be able to know him as we have been so lucky to do.

Vernie was cool. Cool because he was kind, funny, driven, talented, and a loyal friend. He was a good man and we celebrate him.

At the end of our dance project in 2010, Vernie wrote, this is "not the end, but only the beginning" - he could not have been more right! The project evolved into a scholarship programme lasting over 13 years with 30+ graduates, helping to support young people like Vernie to achieve their goals. The success of the programme was down to the scholars themselves. Vernie was exemplary, he ran with every opportunity he was given to learn, to grow and to develop himself.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

Vernie, you will be missed.

29/10/2024

29/10/2024

03/10/2024

Learning is always an adventure when fun and curiosity lead the way!

01/10/2024

Last Sunday was a day full of knowledge and energy! Before diving into the tutorial, we kicked things off with a warm-up exercise to energize the kids. They absolutely loved dancing and had so much fun! Once everyone was pumped up, we moved on to writing and math activities. To make sure they were following along, we included an oral math activity, which really helped us check their understanding. It was such a rewarding day spent with these bright young minds 😊

11/09/2024

Last Sunday, we had a productive and memorable session with the kids. We started with some energizing exercises to get everyone warmed up, followed by a reading session focused on improving their English skills. Afterward, we dove into some fun math practice, working on addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The kids were fully engaged, making this free Sunday tutorial a truly special and rewarding experience for everyone involved!