Transformative Vision: Rosa Javier’s Journey of Resilience and Change

From personal healing to empowering others, Rosa Javier’s story of resilience and innovation invites you to support transformative art therapy for PDLs through OpenTown and Laya Digital Curators

Rosa Javier’s journey to founding Laya Digital Curators is a tale of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to social change. Her path began in the structured world of banking and finance, where she spent over a decade honing her skills as a savvy and organized professional. However, it was her firsthand experiences and the transformative power of art and sound therapy that led her to a more profound calling. Rosa’s life took a pivotal turn when she became a recipient of the WSE-Ashoka program in 2020. This recognition empowered her to launch Laya Digital Curators (LDC), a social enterprise with a mission to empower Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) through innovative programs.

Rosa’s connection to the healing power of art and sound is deeply personal. She shared a poignant story on Facebook, recounting her battle with eczema and the harsh reality of overusing topical steroids prescribed by her dermatologist. “I was a steroid user for 35 years before I decided to stop and heal naturally,” she wrote. Her journey through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) was a dark and challenging period, yet it was also transformative. Rosa’s experience with TSW not only healed her but also ignited a passion to inspire others suffering from skin conditions. “My TSW photo album is not enough to describe the dark knight of the soul I experienced,” she said, underscoring the profound impact this journey had on her life.

As the CEO and Founder of LDC, Rosa leverages her diverse background to create meaningful change. LDC focuses on providing art and sound therapy, along with other creative livelihood projects, to inmates at Manila City Jail. Rosa’s vision is not just about rehabilitation but about fostering personal growth and resilience among PDLs, ensuring they have the tools to reintegrate into society successfully.

Rosa’s professional journey before founding Laya Digital Curators was marked by significant roles in the corporate and educational sectors. She worked as an Enrollment and Employment Manager at Virtualahan. Her tenure working for a multinational company equipped her with a keen understanding of organizational dynamics and the importance of structured support systems.

The idea for LDC was born out of a collaboration with two extraordinary individuals, Angela and Paul. Despite Angela’s lower spinal cord injury, which left her wheelchair-bound, she remained a tech enthusiast and a dedicated workaholic with a profound compassion for marginalized communities. Rosa’s journey from community development to envisioning impactful art and sound programs for PDLs found a perfect complement in Angela’s resilience and Paul’s creative direction. Paul, a conceptual artist with a background in painting from UP Diliman, brought a unique artistic vision to the project, guiding PDLs in their artistic progress.

Rosa’s healing journey was significantly influenced by “inner Dance,” an Indigenous movement meditation rooted in brainwave techniques. This modality played a crucial role in her transformation and later inspired her community-focused approach. Rosa envisioned offering impactful art and sound skills to PDLs, transforming this vision into a comprehensive program that utilizes art and sound as mediums for change. Through their shared commitment, Rosa, Angela, and Paul created a platform that not only uplifted those in need but also inspired positive change within communities.

LDC addresses a critical societal issue: the lack of effective rehabilitation and reentry programs for PDLs, compounded by inadequate mental health support and high recidivism rates. The organization’s solution is multifaceted, providing city jails with music and art therapy sessions to support inmates’ mental health and skill development. These sessions include educational workshops that teach valuable vocational skills, helping inmates prepare for reintegration into society. Community engagement through exhibitions and performances further promotes rehabilitation and raises awareness about the positive impacts of these programs.

The vision of LDC is clear: to be the leading PDL art platform in the Philippines, highlighting success stories and transformations through healing arts. Their mission is to facilitate the artistic expression of freedom through art and sound therapy among PDLs, providing sustainability programs during and after their prison rehabilitation. The organization’s objectives include developing and implementing art and sound therapy programs, establishing sustainable post-rehabilitation support systems, promoting awareness and advocacy, and creating a community of practice among persons restored of liberty.

One of LDC’s standout initiatives is the OpenTown Project, which features two unique NFT collections: “Tales from the Dark Side” and “Prison Perspectives: Art Beyond Walls — A Multimedia Experience.” These collections highlight digital artworks created by artists from Manila City Jail, highlighting their talent and creativity within the confines of the prison. Each piece tells a story of resilience, transformation, and artistic expression, transcending physical boundaries. The “Prison Perspectives” collection incorporates original music and poetry inspired by the drawings, deepening the emotional impact of the visual stories.

Rosa’s dedication to this cause is unwavering. Through LDC, she has created a platform that not only empowers PDLs but also bridges the gap between them and the global art community. The NFT collections serve as a testament to the artists’ ability to break through barriers and connect with people worldwide, providing a platform for these talented individuals to share their creativity.

As Rosa continues to lead Laya Digital Curators, her vision for the future remains clear. She is committed to expanding the organization’s reach, ensuring that more PDLs benefit from the transformative power of art and sound therapy. Her journey is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the lives of many, inspiring others to join her in this mission of empowerment and transformation.

Support Laya Digital Curators’ OpenTown project and help empower PDLs by purchasing from their NFT collections “Tales from the Dark Side” and “Prison Perspectives: Art Beyond Walls — A Multimedia Experience.” Visit Laya Digital Curators OpenTown project to learn more and make a difference today.