BALIKBAYAN: FROM VICTIMS TO SURVIVORS is the story of a group of Canadian activists, led by Edmontonian Jon Jon Rivero, who are determined to use performing arts to help street children in the Philippines heal from traumas in their daily lives, and from traumas brought on in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. Through community outreach, organization of arts galas, and housing support for children living in vulnerable circumstances, Rivero and the entire Balikbayan Project help empower and liberate kids facing some of the toughest challenges life has to offer, all while maintaining respect and dignity for the lives the children lead. ‘Balikbayan’, a Tagalog word, refers to repatriates of the Philippines who return to their homeland after a long period abroad; after BALIKBAYAN: FROM VICTIMS TO SURVIVORS, that word may also be synonymous with hope.