Most people have the misconception that there is little to no room for the arts in the world of hard sciences. Well, Dr. Fe Eleanor F. Pardillo, M.D. would disagree as she folds her 10th paper crane while she animatedly narrates her story on how she learned origami despite her demanding job as a government physician.
The world of the arts is an area that only the brave, and privileged, can venture into. There is so much emphasis on math and sciences that the arts are usually overlooked despite a promising number of artists sharing their works in social media and having an online community to bond over their shared passions.
Ever since she was a child, Dr. Fe had the knack for the arts and crafts. She enjoyed drawing and scrapbooking during her free time, but she had to set them all aside when she got into medical school.
As a full-time doctor working as the municipal health officer of Consolacion town, northern Cebu, there is almost little to no time to do other things due to the demands of her job. However, despite her busy schedule, Dr. Fe is still able to find time to learn origami, a craft that she knew very little about.
“Way back in 2013, after that strong earthquake, my children had more than a month of free time because their school building had to be repaired. I had to find something to entertain them. That’s when I thought of searching for origami videos on YouTube,” she shared.
Two of her four children found origami interesting, and since she had to join them every time they started a project, she got hooked on it too. As she became familiar with the ropes of origami, Dr. Fe began to think outside the box and decided to be innovative with her creations.
She ventured out and started creating bouquets of kusudamas, geometrical models, Christmas garlands, heart shaped bookmarks, and more!
Dr. Fe’s love for origami has allowed her to connect with her patients and people she encounters in her job. She extends her love for origami to people in her community who have a troubled past, and it has allowed her to connect with them through a shared art.
“I make origami toys that I can share with my pediatric patients in the health center. I have also taught origami with children in conflict with the law as well as to those people deprived of liberty in jail. I have also shared the joy and fun of doing origami together with recovering drug dependents in our municipality. Indeed, art connects people in such a beautiful and fun way,” she said.
Art has indeed connected everyone in so many ways, and Dr. Fe is a prime example of that.
With one folded masterpiece after another, she is able to reach out to people, especially those who need guidance, in her own unique way.