It’s never too late for Night School

It's never too late for Night School, a growing movement in the Philippines aimed at providing creative adults with opportunities to learn new skills outside traditional academic settings. On a recent evening, participants gathered at The Studio in Ayala Malls Circuit for a workshop on indie game development, hosted by Somewhere Else, a collective of multimedia artists dedicated to nurturing the country's creative community. The session, led by animator Agu Crisostomo, offered attendees a chance to explore game creation using Construct 3, a browser-based tool that requires no coding knowledge. Participants left with completed games and certificates, underscoring the value of lifelong learning in adult education. The workshop took place in a well-lit space filled with glowing screens and the hum of focused concentration. Attendees, many of whom had careers unrelated to game design, engaged in hands-on activities under Crisostomo's guidance. The session began with an overview of Construct 3, followed by step-by-step instruction on building a Tamagotchi-style game. Crisostomo emphasized the importance of thinking like a developer, encouraging participants to approach game creation with both creativity and logic. His teaching style fostered collaboration, allowing attendees to share ideas and troubleshoot challenges together. Crisostomo, known for his independent game projects shared on platforms such as itch.io, brought a wealth of practical experience to the workshop. He demonstrated how to navigate Construct 3's interface, explaining its features in simple terms. Attendees followed along, creating their own versions of the Tamagotchi-style game. The process involved designing characters, setting rules, and adding interactive elements, all achievable without writing a single line of code. This accessibility was a key selling point for the session, attracting individuals who might otherwise feel intimidated by the technical aspects of game development. Throughout the workshop, the atmosphere remained lively and supportive. Participants exchanged notes and insights, forming connections that transcended their diverse professional backgrounds. Many expressed surprise at how easily they could engage with the material, finding the collaborative environment refreshing compared to the isolation often associated with self-directed learning. One attendee described the experience as reminiscent of their college days, albeit with the added benefit of working alongside peers who shared a common passion for creativity. Somewhere Else has been organizing similar events for several years, offering a range of workshops that cater to the interests of the local creative community. Their initiatives include film screenings, music listening sessions, and other artistic gatherings designed to inspire and connect like-minded individuals. The Night School program represents a specific focus within these efforts, aiming to provide structured yet flexible learning opportunities for adults seeking to develop new skills or pursue creative passions. The success of the recent game development workshop highlights the demand for such programs among working professionals. With limited time during the day, many find it challenging to commit to formal education. Night School addresses this need by offering classes in the evenings, ensuring that learning remains accessible to those balancing career and personal growth. The initiative reflects a broader trend toward recognizing the value of continuous education beyond traditional schooling, emphasizing the benefits of experiential and peer-supported learning environments. As the night drew to a close, participants showcased their completed games, each reflecting their individual interpretations of the Tamagotchi concept. The sense of accomplishment was palpable, with many expressing excitement about continuing their exploration of game design. Some planned to further refine their creations, while others considered attending future workshops to expand their skill set. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates, marking the end of a productive session and the beginning of potential new journeys in creative expression.