Get a chance to win FREE tickets for 2 when you shop and dine at select Robinsons Malls from April 1-24, 2024
“We are as thrilled and as excited as the millions of followers and supporters of Popoy and Basha, whose love story has stirred the hearts of so many Filipinos, encompassing decades of classic storytelling,” says Jess Zulueta, Robinsons Malls Senior Marketing Director.
Robinsons Malls, a staunch advocate of the arts, has always championed the many passions of its customers. This is evidenced by its different projects and initiatives, from its collaborations with Jefre and Erwin Wurm to ARTablado, which gives visual artists from all over the Philippines the platform to showcase their work. Robinsons Malls is also home to great entertainment, consistently hosting exciting live performances and giving mallgoers the chance to see their favorite performers up close. It has also become a place where fresh talent is discovered and developed, thanks to the RMalls Academy.
Mr. Joel Lumanlan, Robinsons Malls’ Vice President for Marketing and Operations, signs the partnership agreement alongside Ms. Beng Santos-Cabangon, Executive Director of PETA.
This time, Robinsons Malls is giving local theater a boost with its partnership with PETA. There’s another layer to the partnership—the musical will tell the unforgettable story of Popoy and Basha and their barkada using the songs of the hugely popular band and Robinsons Malls brand ambassadors, Ben&Ben.
“One More Chance, The Musical,” which opens at the PETA Theater Center on April 12, has already set records, selling out 50 shows months before opening night. Due to overwhelming demand, PETA added more shows and released new tickets but those too were gone in an instant.
One More Chance the Musical will feature the hits from Robinsons Malls brand ambassadors, Ben&Ben
No tickets yet? No problem. Robinsons Malls gives you “One More Chance” to get tickets to the highly anticipated musical. You can win the hottest tickets in the country with Robinsons Malls’ Shop and Dine Promo, happening at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Pinas and Robinsons Galleria South.
Spend a minimum of P2,000 in a single transaction at any store in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, or P1,000 at any store in Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Pinas, and Robinsons Galleria South to receive one (1) e-raffle entry. Additionally, a single-receipt purchase of P5,000 from Robinsons Supermarket in any of the four participating malls also earns you one (1) e-raffle entry.
Robinsons Malls looks forward to the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with PETA
Promo runs from April 1 to 24, 2024. Winners will get 2 tickets to “One More Chance, The Musical” shows in May-June 2024.
The cast of “One More Chance, The Musical” will also be coming to select Robinsons Malls to give a glimpse of the musical and give away exciting prizes. Follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of Robinsons Malls for more information.
CONTROL + SHIFT is a series of 8 new works (both short plays and short contemporary dance performances) that hopes to “spotlight the theme of narrative change” as it is mentioned at the start of the show. Running for two weekends (January 12-14 and January 19-21), the performances are set to reframe the ways with which we speak about each other as, according to the preface at the start of the show, that we are drowning in a world full of misinformation and disinformation.
It feels like a statement to start the new year for PETA to usher in a new era of exploring socially relevant plays that has been the theater company’s bailiwick. I was able to catch Set A, which had three short plays and one contemporary dance performance, which was an exciting way to start a new year of theater for me.
SET A
Momsilogues Written by Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, Gold Villar-Lim Directed by Gold Villar-LimPerformed by Kitsi Pagaspas, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola
This play is about three mothers who come together to cook for a school activity and in the ensuing bonding activity end up revealing striking issues involving women. They range from the difficulties of being a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, to giving up your dreams because of an unplanned pregnancy, and even juggling a family and career on your own.
‘Momsilogues’ takes its time to get into the meat of the story – the three monologues of each mother and the issues they represent – and it builds the world and the characters carefully. It gives you time to get to know them. What’s interesting is the way the writers allow the women to push each other’s buttons, to test their boundaries, before they break down into a real moment of vulnerability and gives these women a chance to support each other. There is an attempt to take a symbolic approach here: each mother is an ingredient to tapsilog, and it’s incorporated into the narration how each one is like a fried egg, the tapa, or the fried rice. At first, it doesn’t work, but by the time the play is done, it sort of hits home. It helps that the actresses are really cooking tapa on stage (they offer it to the audience at the end of the show).
Pagaspas, Enriquez, and Viola do a strong job at bringing these characters to life. There are times when the “woke and progressive” mom gets a little cloying – her lines feel a little forced and scripted – but the overall effect of the entire play, especially the monologue about the mom taking care of the child on the spectrum really hits its mark.
Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z Written by Sabrina Basilio Directed by Norbs Portales Performed by Felicity Kyle Napuli, Sabrina Basilio, Kiki Baento, Nicole Manlulo, Donn Boco, Jason Barcial, Ada Tayao
Of the four performances, ‘Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z’ is the one that doesn’t quite work. The short play is set in a science fiction world where monsters live amongst men. People turn into monsters and, in a place called Compound Z, the monsters are being rehabilitated so they can become human again and reintegrate into society. A reporter visits the compound to interview some of the monsters there for an article about the cure, but she has an agenda of her own.
The reason the play doesn’t quite succeed is that the play’s running time isn’t enough to build the world properly. The concept needs more time (maybe a full-length play?) to fully flesh out its world. There are many symbolic elements here – the monsters can be metaphors for activists or insurgents, the religious order that runs compound Z can be analogous to a tyrannical government – but the world needs to develop more. The work is also not character-driven, but plot driven, and so the story might also be stronger if explored as a film.
Due to the constraints of time, trying to fit within the duration of a one-act play, a lot of the story feels rushed and a lot of is discussed rather than acted out. The play never really gives us any example of how these monsters are monstrous and, for this concept to work, we really need to see it in action. ‘Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z’ is an interesting experiment, but I think the true take away here is that the story is meant for a different medium.
Albularyo Direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato Dramaturgy by Ian SegarraPerformed by Carlon Matobato, Noelle Polack, Ekis Gimenes, Mico Esquivel, Carlos Deriaga, Raflesia Bravo
A contemporary dance piece, ‘Albularyo’ shows us a faith healer as he battles spirits to in the contemporary world. The ballet configures video to amplify the performance and creates a series of segments, the faith healer takes on several dancers who are trying to cause harm – from smoke demons to spirits that chatter and talk and even one that consumes – and it creates a dazzling spell. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a contemporary dance performance and seeing Raflesia Bravo dance again is always a welcome treat.
‘Albularyo’ is a moody piece that teeters towards the repetitive but manages a strong ending and powerful performances.
Children of the Algo Written by Mixkaela Villalon Directed by John Moran Performed by Ado Villanueva, Jan Magcaling, James Pe Lim, Mika Nitro
This was a fantastic piece. The four actors mimic the experience of skimming through social media – Tiktok or Instagram or Facebook reels – and it’s just a dazzling display of content acted out live. Each actor goes through different ways by which these social media influencers engage with their audience. From unboxing videos to pseudo-intimate confessionals, to showing us their home, or talking about their daily expenses. The play, at first, seems like it has no rhyme or reason. Just a never ending display of content and the more the play unfolds, the more the play seems to say how social media is so vapid, noisy, and insubstantial (at least that’s what I got from it).
But as one of the content creators start to realize that life is not fair for everyone, and a strong typhoon connects all four content creators together, reality is fractured and one creator manages to break into other people’s content, the play manages to create a strong criticism against the way social media has affected the way we see the world.
This is a brilliant play that feels new and is coming in strong with something important to say about the way we see the world and how it is filtered by our interactions in social media.
My Rating:
CONTROL + SHIFT is running at the PETA Theater Center until January 21. For tickets, please contact Trish at +639-15-311-8199.
As we step into 2024, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) embraces its mission with renewed vigor, presenting a bold and compelling collection of new theater performances. Under the banner of “CONTROL + SHIFT: Changing Narratives,” PETA sets out to redefine stories, challenge assumptions, and transform toxic narratives, ultimately reclaiming and reshaping the stories of the Filipino people.
The Visionaries Behind the Revolution
PETA artists, in collaboration with creative partners and collaborators, have passionately crafted eight new works, blending devised performances with the re-staging of the acclaimed “KUMPRONTASYON.” This groundbreaking collection will grace the stage at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14 and 19-21, 2024.
CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives features eight new works, devised performances, and the re-staging of KUMPRONTASYON at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14, 19-21, 2024.
Unveiling the Narrative Alchemy
Momsilogues: A Savory Journey of Life and Love
Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, and Gold Villar-Lim’s “Momsilogues,” directed by Gold Villar-Lim.
Directed by Gold Villar-Lim, “Momsilogues” takes center stage, unraveling the intricate tales of single mom foodie vloggers. In this interactive vlog about tapsilog, the audience is invited on a savory journey delving into the realms of career, love, and motherhood.
Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z: Rethinking Monster Myths
Directed by Norbs Portales, Sabrina Basillo’s “Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z” weaves a gripping narrative. A journalist interviews recovering “halimaw” as they reintegrate into society, uncovering shocking revelations that could reshape humanity’s destiny. This play explores the construction of monster myths and their impact on young Filipinos.
Albularyo: A Movement Journey into Folk Healing
Direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato, dramaturgy by Ian Segarra
Carlon Matobato’s creation, “Albularyo,” is a mesmerizing movement performance delving into the world of Filipino folk healing. It aims to heal not only the ills of the body but also the nation, offering a unique exploration of our cultural roots.
Children of the Algo: Navigating Gen Z Realities
Directed by John Moran, Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo” explores the hidden realities of Gen Z content creators in the digital age. With wit and vulnerability, the play challenges viewers to see beyond the algorithm, unveiling deeper truths.
Kislap at Fuego: A Fairytale Amidst Revolution
Directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu
Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego” transports audiences to an unexpected fairytale set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The play seeks to reshape conversations about love, rebirth, and revolution.
/ (Slash): Navigating Influencer Culture
Directed by Meann Espinosa
Liza Magtoto’s “/ (Slash),” directed by Meann Espinosa, delves into the complex world of influencer culture. As an influencer’s best friend faces cancellation, the play explores loyalty, righteousness, and branding in the industry.
Ang Parangal: A Humorous Take on Inept Governance
Direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario
Directed by Eric dela Cruz, “Ang Parangal” adapts Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball. The play unfolds as a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration, showcasing the dire ineptitude in governance, proving that spectacles and good intentions aren’t enough.
Nakatala Sa Tubig: Women’s Roles in Times of War
Direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario
Glecy Atienza’s “Nakatala Sa Tubig” (Staged Reading) collaborates with Anthony Cruz & Bobet Mendoza to present a performance discourse on water and the lives and roles of women in times of war. In this adaptation of Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball, a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration in tribute for their retired barangay captain but crumbles in the face of their dire ineptitude. Spectacles and good intentions are not enough to make up for incompetence in governance.
Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?: Dark Twists in Childhood Games
Directed by Kovi Billones with directing guidance from Ian Segarra
In this devised performance by Umalohokan, Inc., directed by Kovi Billones with guiding insight from Ian Segarra, Kyle Saldonido’s “Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?” explores the dark twists in childhood games that the residents of Barangay Pinapili must conquer to leave an obscure playground.
KUMPRONTASYON: Theater as a Platform for Difficult Conversations
Melvin Lee’s “KUMPRONTASYON” presents three plays – Allan Palileo’s “Lakambini,” Guelan Luarca’s “The Impossible Dream,” and Joshua Lim So’s “A Color for Tomorrow.” This production serves as a powerful platform for difficult but necessary conversations on unresolved historical and political events.
The Power of Theater
These thought-provoking performances aim to use the power of theater as a platform for collective meaning-making and social transformation. PETA invites everyone to join this theatrical revolution and witness the empowering stories come to life! For more information and ticket reservations, visit tinyurl.com/PETAControlShift. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a narrative transformation that might just change the world.
After PETA’s two-year break from live theater, they return with a bombastic show that is meant to celebrate the joys of the theatrical experience. Walang Aray is, as playwright Rody Vera calls it, “a tribute and a spoof’ to the Severino Reyes zarzuela ‘Walang Sugat.’ It is an irreverent show that takes the form of the zarzuela and the plot of ‘Walang Sugat’ and infuses with modern sensibilities for a hilarious romp that pokes fun at our history, and invariably ourselves, while utilizing the best of Filipino humor.
Photo courtesy of PETA
Directed by Ian Segarra, ‘Walang Aray’ is set in colonial era Philippines where two lovers, the zarzuela star Julia and her freedom-loving paramour Tenyong, find themselves separated by the circumstances of the times. Tenyong’s parents perish at the hands of the cruel friars while Julia’s mother, Juana, wants her daughter to be married to Miguel, one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. But the love triangle of this story is not between Julia, Tenyong, and Miguel, but between Julia, Tenyong, the revolution as Tenyong leaves to join the Katipuneros and Julia must fend off the advances of Miguel.
Photo courtesy of PETA
But from the opening number, which is a song sung by three women (two women and one man in drag, to be precise) about how they have to sing the opening number because the star of the show is missing. It’s hilarious and funny and gets the energy going. It tells us exactly what we are to expect and that nothing is going to unfold like a regular zarzuela. Sure, the play is set during the revolution but it’s never heavy-handed in its portrayal of it; the play recognises some of the country’s ills that wonderfully reflect current issues as well (autocracy, a failure in governance, etc) but it takes a light-hearted approach to it all. As cruel as the friars may be, they are still fans of Julia (which can sometimes reflect current-day fandoms; the effect is hilarious). There are moments when the show would even break to endorse a real sponsor of the show and these breaks just reinforce the joyous nature of the show.
At the heart of it is Julia, played by Alexa Ilacad in the show I saw, and she just imbibes this character. She flits from scene to scene effortlessly and nails every song. Julia is infused with modern lingo and Ilacad throws these punchlines so seamlessly that it really helps sell it. Her alternates are Marynor Madamesila and Shaira Opsimar. On the flip side, Tenyong is played by KD Estrada (with alternates Gio Gahol and Jon Abella), who seems like he is still feeling his way around the stage. But when he’s paired up with Ilacad, there is magic there. Their chemistry fills that stage and their harmonies are quite gorgeous. Hilariously, the character of Tenyong disappears in most of the second act, as he is with the Katipuneros, and it really becomes Julia’s play through and through.
Photo courtesy of PETA
While Miguel (a hilarious Jarred Jaicten with alternate Bene Manois) makes his advances, the real third party in this is the pressing revolution that is causing Julia a lot of stress. As her planned marriage to Miguel looms near, Julia is forced to push her hand and most of the second act becomes a showcase for the other characters of the play. At some point, it’s a revue more than a full-on show and we don’t mind because each part is full of laughs and great singing.
The only unfortunate thing about the show is that it’s staged to favor only those on the center of the audience. This is the first PETA show I saw on the side where I felt that I was missing out on the show. The choreography, the blocking, the tableaus, and the set design make it hard for those sitting in the sides to see all that’s happening in the story and I wish it was directed more outward so that we were all included into the fun. Also, there’s a joke near the end where a character’s coming out is used as a punchline. While I understand that it may work thematically with the mindframe of a zarzuela, I really wish that homosexuality wouldn’t be used as a punchline in future productions.
Photo courtesy of PETA
But aside from these little issues, ‘Walang Aray’ is just such a joy to watch. The original songs by Rody Vera and Vince Lim are wonderful (and a great argument against jukebox musicals). There are lots of laugh-out-loud moments and even its deus ex machina ending feels earned and warranted when you realize how irreverent the play has been all-throughout. Lots of spirited performances by Ilacad, and the ensemble (with other standouts including Kiki Baento as Julia’s companion Monica, Johnnie Moran as the wickedly funny Padre Alfaro, and Neomi Gonzales as Juana).
Photo courtesy of PETA
Coming from its 2-year break, it’s great for PETA to be back with something fun and funny and irreverent. ‘Walang Aray’ and its unapologetic happy-ending is so in tune with how today’s world just wants happy endings at whatever cost. Even in that little concept, they are on point.
My Rating:
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Walang Aray runs at the PETA Theater Center until May 14. Buy your tickets here.
Pioneer Filipino theater company, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), award-winning creative content agency, Indie.Go Media, and premiere talent management, Star Magic, are coming together to bring forth Rody Vera’s all-original Filipino musical, Walang Aray, from Feb 17-May 14, 2023 at the PETA Theater Center.
This unique partnership between the three companies, comes after the displacement of the creative and cultural sectors during the height of the pandemic. PETA alone had to close its theater doors for nearly three years, and this is the first-time that the company is staging a live public performance in its home theater since March 2019.
“We are coming from a period where art was deemed non-essential,” PETA artistic director Maribel Legarda explains. “We need partnerships, we need community, and we need to come together. This partnership with Indie.Go Media and Star Magic blurs the borders and allows for collaboration to happen between artists and creatives from various sectors and organizations,” she adds.
Indie.Go Media founder-CEO and veteran advertising director, Jun Reyes, has been the driving creative force behind Walang Aray, since he first commissioned it as a film script in 2007. As a fourth-generation descendant of Walang Sugat playwright Severino Reyes, his dream was to be able to transform his great-grandfather’s 125-year-old zarzuela into an original musical comedy for modern audiences. “My grandfather was the great Filipino storyteller of the 20th century, both through his plays and Lola Basyang stories,” says Reyes.
“When Indie.Go and I collaborated with Rody [Vera] to create a screenplay based on Walang Sugat, we wanted to honor his creative legacy by turning his century-old masterpiece into a movie musical with OPM songs. The Indie.Go film never got made. But thanks to PETA and Star Magic, we’re happy the script will finally see the light of day on the stage, for today’s generation to enjoy.”
With Star Magic as a partner, PETA is also able to continue its tradition of inviting television and film artists to bring in new audiences to the theater, which began from the time of the late National Artist and former PETA Executive Director and member, Lino Brocka.
Legarda recalls, “Lino always felt that it’s good for film actors to come and do theater because their experience of the theater will improve their craft as performers, and at the same time, their give back, is that they lend their celebrity to help theater become more popular to new audiences.”
Walang Aray features Star Magic’s “hottest musical couple” KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad — a.k.a KDLex, who will make their theatrical debut as the leads Tenyong (KD) and Julia (Alexa), alternating with theater triple threats, Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila.
Star Magic Head, Lauren Dyogi, shares his enthusiasm regarding the collaboration: “We are thankful to PETA for this partnership. We know this experience will help our artists, Alexa and KD, in their craft. This joint venture will surely be fruitful not only for PETA and Star Magic, but also for the entire industry, and most importantly for the artists who are part of this production.”
With Walang Aray, PETA hopes to celebrate the joy of our little victories as artists and citizens. “We need to re-energize ourselves and move forward,” says Legarda. “It’s healthy and important in terms of strengthening whatever ideas we have of ourselves as a nation and as individuals.” Even with Walang Aray’s historical narrative, its message rings true and relevant to today’s generation: that despite whatever repressions Filipinos may face, there is strength and victory in community when we clamor for change and fight for our dreams.
Walang Aray is hilariously clever, with irreverent tongue-in-cheek humor. “After three years of what we went through – not only the pandemic, but also the elections – that’s actually what I think people need right now. People need a space to laugh and allow themselves to have fun and enjoy,” Legarda quips.
The entertainment value of Walang Aray, together with how it pays tribute to our history and culture, and how it makes social commentary by weaving the past and present, make for a musical that will surely leave audiences with a reignited love for theater and nation. It is an echo of what Walang Aray calls for: TUMINDIG at UMIBIG! “That’s the whole idea of ‘tumindig’,” says Legarda. “Standing up and moving forward.”
Walang Aray will run at the PETA Theater Center from Feb 17-May 14, 2023. Tickets are available via TicketWorld.com.ph starting December 10, 2022. For bulk tickets and showbuying inquiries, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112.
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), makers of the hit musical Rak of Aegis, is returning to the theater for full live performances featuring a brand-new original musical, Rody Vera’s Walang Aray!
Walang Aray was chosen to launch the company’s comeback and cap the company’s emerald year after waiting in the wings since its first laboratory performance in 2018 and 2019.
Why Walang Aray? “It’s necessary, after three years of what we went through — not only the pandemic, but also the elections — to do something irreverent and funny. I think that is what people need right now. They need a space to laugh, to sort of allow themselves to have fun and enjoy something,” shares PETA artistic director, Maribel Legarda.
“But of course, in PETA, it’s not just having fun,” Legarda adds, “PETA believes that good comedy makes you think and reflect, and Walang Aray is exactly that.”
Presented by PETA with Indie.Go Media in partnership with Star Magic, Walang Aray is a genre-defying adaptation of the screenplay of the same name, based on Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela Walang Sugat.
“We must evolve. We cannot do things over and over the same way, we must change, challenge, and chase forward. That is why Walang Sugat evolved to Walang Aray, from the stage, adapted to screenplay, and back to the stage— and we tried to make the comeback different,” Legarda explains.
Legarda describes the new musical as “a play that is really entertaining but at the same time, reflective of us as Filipinos and our own histories.” Walang Aray richly mashes the timeless classic with contemporary language, funk and pop tunes, and tongue-in-cheek humor.
Playwright Rody Vera shares what he hopes audiences will take away from the musical: “It feels like we’re doing this play produced by ‘the mechanicals’ in Act 5 of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where at that point, all that was strange and horrible is now past, that while we’re aware these things indeed happened and may happen again, we’re also here to remind people that theater, always… ALWAYS dies and is born anew,” he says. “I wish they’ll have as much fun watching as the prod team had mounting it.”
Walang Aray is top billed by Star Magic’s “hottest musical couple” #KDLex, KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, alternating with triple threat theater artists Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila as Tenyong and Julia.
The cast also features PETA artists Jarred Jaicten, Kiki Baento, Carlon Matobato, Gie Onida, Norbs Portales, Neomi Gonzales, John Moran, Yeyin de la Cruz, Ayla Garcia, Ada Tayao, Tom Bienvenida, Donn Boco, Gerard Dy, with Gardo Exconde and Csai Habla as the swings.
Walang Aray will run at the PETA Theater Center from Feb 17-May 14, 2023. Tickets are available via TicketWorld.com.ph. For bulk tickets and showbuying inquiries, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112.
For more information about Walang Aray, follow PETA’s social media pages: @petatheater.
After Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) big digital breakthrough during the pandemic: a string of successful online show streams and virtual workshops, the pioneering Filipino theater company is making a big theater comeback for its 55th Theater Season!
The return to the theater features no less than a PETA classic, Christine Bellen’s Batang Rizal! First to launch online via streaming from October 14-16, the well-loved musical will be the first show to open PETA’s theater stage in November.
Co-written, directed for stage, and choreographed by Dudz Teraña, with musical direction, arrangement, and composition by Vincent de Jesus, Batang Rizal is a remarkable piece because of its ability to resonate with audiences across generations. Its power rests in its simplicity and relatability, while carrying a deep challenge for audiences to become everyday heroes.
Even after a decade and a half, the magic of Batang Rizal has not wavered. PETA artistic director, and Batang Rizal video director, Maribel Legarda, says that one of the most powerful aspects of the show is “how Rizal’s story is told not through the eyes of an adult but that of a child’s.”
“We hope to inspire children and young people to imagine a world where they can participate and contribute in a healthy way. We want them to be conscious of not only their own reality but also of the world around them,” she adds.
First staged in 2007, Batang Rizal won the hearts of critics and audiences because of its imaginative storytelling, together with timeless songs, including the well-known PETA classic “Pag-asa Ng Bayan,” which originated from the show.
It is for this reason that the story of Batang Rizal lives on, always remaining fresh for new, young audiences. However, older audiences are still able to enjoy the show, as it serves as a reminder of a Filipino’s duty to family, friends, and country.
Perhaps, Legarda continues, it is also because of how the social realities during Rizal’s time are not too far from the issues and problems our society faces today. “Batang Rizal is timeless and it will always be able to speak to any generation and inspire them to believe in and be part of that heroism.”
After fifteen years since its original run, the 2022 staging now features a new cast, new set, and new animations. The cast features Tim Mabalot, Yhuan Gatbunton, Gold Villar-Lim, Norbs Portales, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Teetin Villanueva, Jovy Vieja, Raven Relavo, and Marynor Madamesila.
Watch Batang Rizal’s online streaming via KTX.ph from October 14-16, 2022, and the limited run at the PETA Theater Center on November 25 and December 2 (9:00 AM and 3:30 PM).
For ticket inquiries and touring packages, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112.
For streaming tickets, go to www.ktx.ph/category/batang-rizal.
Batang Rizal is also part of PETA’s Hero Vision creative campaign, which aims to trigger conversations and reflections on heroism – and to inspire Filipinos to choose to live heroically every day.
The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), the country’s prime professional wrestling brand, will crown its new MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion on September 11, Sunday, 5 PM at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Its annual live extravaganza titled MWF Road To Fate 2022is set to be headlined by an elimination-style match to determine the Philippines’ top athlete-entertainer, who will represent the country in the burgeoning Southeast Asian pro wrestling scene.
Pinoy-Flavored World-Class Talent
The four contenders for the prestigious MWF title are the best of the best in the Pinoy wrestling scene today.
● Crystal –The undisputed “Queen of Philippine Wrestling”, Crystal put women’s wrestling in the country under the international spotlight by competing against some of the world’s toughest female wrestlers, which include Japanese Joshi legend Emi Sakura, and in the 2019 WWE tryouts in China. In addition to her in-ring achievements, international media was also drawn to Crystal’s indelible allure when she was featured in an episode of Netflix’s “Midnight Asia”.
● Nigel “Suplex” San Jose – MWF’s ultimate everyman underdog, Nigel San Jose has always risen above all odds armed with his unwavering determination and passion. Debuting in 2018 as an MWF trainee, San Jose had immediately impressed the whole Pinoy wrestling scene with his high-impact moves, holds and throws that allowed him to rise up the ranks early in his wrestling career. While this is his first high-profile match and his first exposure to media attention, Nigel San Jose guarantees to leave fans breathless with his undeniable fighting skills.
● Jake De Leon – Dubbed as “Mr. Philippine Wrestling”, De Leon is already a multi-time Philippine wrestling champion and has represented the country in numerous matches internationally, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and most notably in mainland China – where he participated in the WWE tryouts in 2019. A Philippine wrestling pioneer with almost a decade of in-ring experience, Jake De Leon is one of the most respected and accomplished Filipino athletes in the genre.
● Fabio Makisig – Fashioning himself as a modern Pinoy folk anti-hero, Fabio Makisig has captured the attention of MWF fans with his no-nonsense, street-smart bravado and spectacular athleticism. Having survived living in a tough Batasan neighborhood all his life, the “Walang Kasing Lupit, Walang Kasing Astig” Fabio has etched his name in Pinoy wrestling history by facing – and defeating – multi-time WWE titleholder TAJIRI. He was also featured in an episode of the ABSCBN News Channel documentary series “Mukha” in 2018.
A Uniquely Filipino Championship Belt
Designed by artist Manuel Mesina III, the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship’s design celebrates the Filipino spirit just like the Philippines’ King of the Road – the Jeepney. Colorful, vigorous, attention-grabbing and always action-packed, the MWF Championship perfectly encapsulates Pinoy wrestling’s heart and soul.
It was first held by Robin Sane, another international-level Pinoy wrestler, in 2018, and Ho Ho Lun from Hong Kong, one of Southeast Asian wrestling’s most significant and pioneering figures, in 2019, before being vacated early in 2022 due to the pandemic.
MWF Road to Fate 2022 marks the uniquely Filipino championship belt’s homecoming.
Tickets are now available online via Ticket2Me. For more details, visit www.manilawrestling.com.
The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) upcoming 55th anniversary coincides with an important event in society: the upcoming national elections.
To celebrate this significant milestone, PETA streams Liza Magtoto’s martial law musical for millennials, A Game of Trolls, directed by Maribel Legarda, with lyrics, composition, arrangement, and musical direction by Vincent de Jesus via ktx.ph on April 8, 22, and 23.
In an exclusive interview, we talked to playwright Liza Magtoto and cast members John Moran who plays Eman Lacaba, and Gold Villar Lim who plays Cons. They talk about how relevant the play is until today, why people are still blinded despite the facts, and more. Watch the interview below:
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Watch A Game of Trolls from April 8, 22, and 23 on www.ktx.ph with tickets at Php150 for video on demand viewing. For ticket and bulk inquiries, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112.
The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) upcoming 55th anniversary coincides with an important event in society: the upcoming national elections.
To celebrate this significant milestone, PETA aptly streams Liza Magtoto’s martial law musical for millennials, A Game of Trolls, directed by Maribel Legarda, with lyrics, composition, arrangement, and musical direction by Vincent de Jesus via ktx.ph on April 8, 22, and 23.
“PETA remains steadfast in our mission to use the arts to reflect people’s stories and examine the past and present. Now even more, is a critical time to use theater as a vehicle for introspection and truth-telling, to use theater as a beacon of truth!” PETA Executive Director Beng Cabangon asserts.
“In our 50-year history, we have always stood for democracy. Every election is an opportunity to remind every Filipino of each one’s power to choose the leaders who will chart the path of our future,” she adds.
Through this effort, PETA hopes to reach 8,000 youth who comprise the 56% of the 67 million registered voters who are expected to troop to the polling stations.
PETA President CB Garrucho passionately expresses the urgency to stream A Game of Trolls, “We would like to make a solid contribution to combat the flood of disinformation and historical revisionism. We want to tell a powerful and engaging story about the abuses of the Marcos years. As artists, we owe it to the next generation to tell these narratives so that the lessons learned are ingrained in their hearts and so that all Filipinos, especially the young, will join the chorus: NEVER AGAIN.”
As the oppressors of the past continue their attempts to gain power, A Game of Trolls remains relevant, especially today.
Support PETA’s emerald year as the company solidifies its mission to keep the torch of conscience alive as Filipinos aim to rise to the challenge of evolving, changing, and expanding during these transformative times.
Support PETA’s emerald year as the company solidifies its mission to keep the torch of conscience alive as Filipinos aim to rise to the challenge of evolving, changing, and expanding during these transformative times.
