2024 Winners
BJAM is proud to honor and support these incredibly talented young individuals for their passion and pursuit of the arts as well as development, discovery, and evolution of self. A heartfelt congratulations to you both! Mabuhay!
Rose P.
"I would describe art as freeing, or rather concealing, but in a way that makes me feel safe. It helps me explore and understand concepts at my own pace, and my own perspectives. As a visual artist, painting and digital arts have been my form of communication and expression since my childhood, and an emotional crutch I used for comfort and coping during rough periods of my younger teenage eras..."
Purpose
The BJ Alisago Memorial "BJAM" Artistic Scholarship mission is to provide financial support for artistic Bay Area youth of Filipinx descent. The BJAM Artistic Scholarship Award was created in tribute to Benito V. Alisago - a talented musician, dancer, and actor who devoted his art to community-building and inspiring people to create change.
Community Support
If you would like to support, please consider making a donation by sending a check of any amount to:
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BJAM "BJ Alisago Memorial Artistic Scholarship"
c/o Lyn Alisago
836 Southampton Rd
Suite B #331
Benicia CA 94510
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We are always looking for volunteers. If interested, email BJAMemorialScholarship@gmail.com and esperanzacatubig@gmail.com
About BJ Alisago
Musician x Dancer x Actor
Benito (BJ) Alisago was born on the island of Oahu in Hawai'i in 1975 but quickly became a Bay Area homer after relocating to Vallejo, CA just a few years later. While attending Sacramento State University he discovered his passion for the arts and performance in the community. He joined a number of groups and organizations such as the Interactive Asian Contemporary Theater, Ebo-Okokan Afro-Caribbean Drum and Dance Ensemble, and Sinag-tala Theatrical Revue.
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After settling in San Francisco, BJ dove further into cultural arts exploring his ability to act, sing, and dance with Teatro ng Tanan (TNT). He also earned his place as the lead singer
and kulintang player with the band, Diskarte Namin.
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At the heart of his journey, BJ aspired to pursue a career in healthcare. After being inspired by Cuba's universal healthcare system and the stark contrast to healthcare in the Philippines during his travels, it became his goal to become an EMT. He hoped to return to the Philippines, the country of his roots, to bring a more supportive health care cause to neglected communities there.
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A force of talent and creative wonder, BJ continues to be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Scholarship Guidelines
Please refer to the following guidelines when submitting a proposal for the BJ Alisago Memorial Artistic Scholarship.
1
Student must be of Filipinx descent and between the ages of 5 and 18.
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Applicants must be active registered and attending students or homeschooled in the surrounding SF Bay Area region.
3
The student awarded the BJ Alisago Memorial Artistic Scholarship must provide proof of payment/receipt (scanned and emailed) within 6 (six) months after receiving the award.
"There is always victory at the other end of the road. And the first step is the step of hope."
Gary Valenciano
Past Winners
Shout out to past recipients of the BJ Alisago Memorial “BJAM” Artistic Scholarship!
2015 Winners
Geordie R.
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2010 Winners
Aureen A.
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