Coinciding with the celebration of National Heroes Day in the Philippines, a new hero emerged—not with a cape, but with a paintbrush. At just 16, Jacqueline “Nikki” Dominique Go is making a lasting impact on the Philippine arts and culture scene through her work with pediatric cancer patients.
Nikki, founder of the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation and author of The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands, is creating heroic contributions to art and pediatric cancer care. Her journey began with a love for art, nurtured by supportive parents. “I’ve always felt happiest when I get lost creating art,” Nikki shares.
This passion was shaped by personal loss—several family members lost to cancer. “Cancer is hereditary, and I have it on both sides of my family. I’ve lost three uncles to cancer, and my grandma and aunt are survivors,” she recounts. These experiences led her to establish the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation, born from an 8th-grade school project focused on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While her peers chose themes like poverty, Nikki explored art’s impact on mental well-being, especially among teenagers. “I saw a huge lift in happiness when teenagers were exposed to art,” Nikki explains. This discovery led her to Bahay Aruga, a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients.
“When I approached Bahay Aruga, I wanted to offer something more valuable than monetary donations. Something that would have a lasting positive effect on the patients… art therapy had that effect,” says Nikki. The Damgo Art Therapy Foundation quickly became a beacon of hope for young cancer patients, offering them transformative creative experiences.
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Inspired by the resilience and imagination of these children, Nikki wrote The Adventures of Damgo, a series designed to take cancer patients on cosmic journeys filled with endless possibilities. “I hope that through these stories, children all over the country and the world become inspired to dream big and help each other overcome any obstacle,” Nikki says. “Damgo, in Cebuano, also means dream.”
The book’s impact has been profound, creating deep connections between the young artists and their communities. Though two contributing artists, Richard and Ralph, passed away before the book’s completion, their legacy lives on through their artwork and their positive influence on others.
“Remembering the moments with Richard, he remarked how he loves the art therapy sessions because it takes his mind off the pain, even for a few hours,” Nikki reflects. “Meanwhile, Ralph was that one student who didn’t miss a single week’s lesson. He loved the art therapy sessions! He told me that he loved to paint Damgo’s adventures because it makes him imagine that he too, can one day go outside the country and see unbelievable sights.”
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With the first book published, Nikki’s plans for the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation continue to grow. Two more books are in development, and the foundation’s partnership with the International School Manila’s Visual Arts Club promises to bring more joy and comfort to pediatric cancer patients.
“In the future, I hope to see more innovation in art therapy execution and more adventures of Damgo,” Nikki says. “Excited for book 2!”
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