PILATO - a new musical, takes stage this April at PETA

ANO BA ANG KATOTOHANAN: An all-original Filipino musical all set to unveil a new perspective on the greatest story ever told

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than light and truth seems to wear many faces, the question asked over 2,000 years ago by one of the most divisive persons in history still reverberates with haunting relevance: “Ano ba ang katotohanan?” This serves as the heartbeat of Pilato, an all-original Filipino musical set to captivate audiences this April at the PETA Theater Center.

With its daring perspective and poignant relevance, the production revisits the so-called “greatest story ever told”--the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ--through the eyes of Pontius Pilate, a man caught at the crossroads of power, faith, and duty.

Jerome Ferguson (Pilato) and Onyl Torres (Josepo)

The musical traces Pilato’s journey from his early ambitions in Rome to his appointment as prefect of Judea, a province brimming with religious and political unrest. There, Pilato’s every decision is scrutinized by a constellation of figures: the enigmatic historiographer, Josepo; the calculating high priest, Caiaphas; his wise and foreboding wife, Procla; and Hesus, a mysterious and magnetic presence rumored to be the King of the Jews.

Jerome Ferguson (Pilato), Jeremy Manite (Caiaphas), and Noel Rayos (Hesus)

In a time when Holy Week invites reflection and as the country approaches the critical 2025 elections, Pilato emerges as a vital meditation on truth in all its complexity.

Through haunting melodies and powerful storytelling, it challenges us to confront the choices we make as individuals and as a society.

“Information comes to us in countless forms and modes. But how do we sift through the chaos to uncover the truth? Would we even recognize the truth if we meet it face-to-face?” shares writer-director Eldrin Veloso. “Essentially, that is what the play hopes to put out there--a journey that dares to unravel the mystery of truth’s many faces. With our society on the brink of a post-truth era, I believe this is a story that demands to be told, now more than ever.”

With a cast of seasoned musical theater artists and gifted newcomers, Pilato offers an emotional and intellectual journey unlike any other. It is a poignant reminder that even after two millennia, the search for truth remains both our greatest burden and our ultimate salvation.

This marks the inaugural theatrical venture of The Corner Studio, a creative agency renowned for weaving compelling narratives through its expertise in branding, production, marketing, and design. Now, it steps boldly onto the stage, bringing its storytelling vision to life in a new dimension.

Don’t miss Pilato on April 4 at 8pm for its world premiere and on April 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 3pm and 8pm, at the PETA Theater Center.

Tickets are now available at pilato.helixpay.com.

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"Sari-Sali Portal Cafe" a familiar place that unites two different cultures

Don’t miss the captivating collaborative performance between the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Kyoto-based theater group BRDG, Sari-Sali Portal Cafe, running until TOMORROW, December 8 with shows at 3pm and 8pm at the PETA Theater Center!

The cast of Sari-Sali: Hiroyuki Kozaka, Julio Garcia, Hitomi Nagasu and Zoe Damag

This remarkable production creates a bridge between Filipino and Japanese cultures, inviting the audience into a cozy, intimate cafe setting where stories from both countries unfold. Through vibrant storytelling, themes, music, and engaging dialogue, Sari-Sali Portal Cafe offers a unique lens into the everyday lives, dreams, and struggles of people from different walks of life, making it a deeply relatable experience for anyone in the audience.

What truly sets this performance apart, however, is its innovative approach to audience interaction. The show doesn’t just involve the audience as passive observers—audience members are woven into the narrative through participation, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel like a part of the characters' world. This integration of the audience enhances the emotional depth of the performance, making every moment feel more personal and alive.

The true magic of Sari-Sali Portal Cafe is how the actors and creative team have masterfully navigated the potential challenges of language and cultural differences. Despite these barriers, there is a seamless cooperation between the performers, allowing for an emotionally rich, cross-cultural exchange. The universal themes of connection, belonging, and understanding transcend language, and it's evident that the cast and crew have put in an extraordinary amount of effort to ensure that every moment resonates across cultural lines.

Thank you to The Japan Foundation Manila, Philippine Educational Theater Association and Kyoto-based theater group BRDG for a wonderful experience.

If you’re looking for a theatrical experience that not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding of two rich cultures, Sari-Sali Portal Cafe is an absolute must-see. Be sure to catch it before it’s gone!

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ONE MORE CHANCE, THE MUSICAL Rerun Tickets available starting July 1

The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) hit musical, One More Chance, The Musical, featuring the songs of Ben&Ben, is set to return from August 22–October 27, 2024 at the PETA Theater Center, due to insistent public demand.

Since it opened in April, PETA has added 29 shows to its original run to accommodate more audiences after tickets sold out months before the musical opened.

For its rerun, PETA will open 50 additional shows.

Tickets for the feverishly anticipated show will be made available via TicketWorld.com.ph starting July 1.

Metrobank pre-sale
From July 1–3, a pre-sale will be made exclusively available for credit cardholders of Metrobank, PETA’s co-presenter and official bank partner.

To join the pre-sale, Metrobank credit cardholders must enter the first six digits of their card as the passcode. Each cardholder can enjoy a maximum of four (4) tickets per transaction.

Waitlist and public sale
The Metrobank pre-sale will be followed by a special sale for the TicketWorld waitlist from July 4–5.

The general public sale starts on July 6.

To sign up for the waitlist, go to https://bit.ly/OMCRerunWaitlist.

The TicketWorld waitlist registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

For more information, follow PETA's social media accounts at @petatheater (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok).

For partnerships, contact PETA’s Marketing and Public Relations Office at 0917-5765400 or petatheater@gmail.com.

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CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives PETA’s Bold Collection of New Theater Performances

With an unwavering commitment to empowering and enriching society, PETA continues to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in the realm of socially relevant theater. PETA welcomes 2024 with a bold collection of new theater performances that puts the spotlight on the theme of narrative change with CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives, Reclaiming and Reshaping Stories of the Filipino People.

PETA artists, together with creative partners and collaborators, have created fresh works that hope to provoke curiosity, spark conversations, challenge assumptions, interrogate, and transform the toxic narratives and harmful depictions that hold society back.

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.

The line-up includes:

• Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, and Gold Villar-Lim’s “Momsilogues,” directed by Gold Villar-Lim. Single mom foodie vloggers collaborate on an interactive vlog about tapsilog, uncovering a savory journey of career, love, and motherhood.
• Sabrina Basillo’s “Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z,” directed by Norbs Portales. A journalist interviews two recovering “halimaw” about their reintegration into society and discovers a shocking revelation that could alter humanity's destiny forever. This play explores the construction of monster myths and their impact on young Filipinos' mental and social well-being.
• “Albularyo,” direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato, dramaturgy by Ian Segarra. A movement performance that journeys into the world of Filipino folk healing of the ills of our body and our nation.
• Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo,” directed by John Moran. Gen Z content creators hide their deeper realities while navigating the digital age with wit and vulnerability, challenging viewers to see beyond the algorithm.
• Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego,” directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu. An unexpected fairytale between a Kapre and a country girl, set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This play explores how to reshape the way we talk about love, rebirth, and revolution.
• Liza Magtoto’s “/” (Slash), directed by Meann Espinosa. When an influencer’s best friend is “canceled,” her seemingly neutral stance is put to a test. As these two friends grapple with the idea of re-entering the industry, Xendy (the influencer) tries to balance loyalty, righteousness and branding.
• “Ang Parangal," direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario. 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.
• Glecy Atienza’s “Nakatala Sa Tubig” (Staged Reading), in collaboration with Anthony Cruz & Bobet Mendoza. A performance discourse on water and the lives and roles of women in times of war.
• Kyle Saldonido’s “Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?” a devised performance by Umalohokan, Inc., directed by Kovi Billones with directing guidance from Ian Segarra. The residents of Barangay Pinapili woke up in an obscure playground. To leave, they must beat a series of childhood games, each with a dark twist.
• Melvin Lee’s “KUMPRONTASYON” This production, which boasts three plays: Allan Palileo’s “Lakambini,” Guelan Luarca’s “The Impossible Dream,” and Joshua Lim So’s “A Color for Tomorrow,” uses theater as a platform for difficult but necessary conversations on unresolved historical and political events.

These shows hope to use the power of theater as a platform to reclaim spaces for collective meaning-making and social transformation. After all, changing the world can all begin with experimenting with a story, a frame, a narrative.

PETA invites everyone to join and watch these empowering stories come to life! For more information and ticket reservations, go to tinyurl.com/PETAControlShift.

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Auditions NOW OPEN for PETA's One More Chance, The Musical

Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) much-awaited production for 2024, “One More Chance, the Musical,” featuring the music of the massively popular and award-winning Filipino nine-piece band, Ben&Ben, announces the casting call for auditions starting Monday, November 20, 2024.

Interested applicants who want to audition will have the chance of a lifetime to portray the roles of Popoy, Basha, the Thursday Barkada, and other ensemble characters from the cult-classic movie.

Applicants must submit 16 bars, or 1 stanza and 1 chorus, of the best part of any Ben&Ben or OPM song, along with 4 bars of choreography to any contemporary modern music. The full set of requirements can be found at this link: https://tinyurl.com/OMCauds.

The deadline for all casting submissions will be November 26 at 11:59 p.m. Live auditions at the PETA Theater Center will follow from December 4–5.

“One More Chance, the Musical” is slated to open in April 2024 at the PETA Theater Center.

For more information on this much-awaited musical, follow PETA Theater on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @petatheater. For partnerships, email PETA at petatheater@gmail.com. For questions regarding auditions, email petaonemorechancetm@gmail.com.

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PETA announces ONE MORE CHANCE musical - featuring the music from Ben&Ben

A brand new musical gets on stage at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). One of the most loved romantic stories from a generation to match the music of the current one.

One More Chance, the movie featuring Popoy and Basha, and as popularized by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, is taken live by the talents of PETA is set to fill our hearts again with kilig and heartbreak, featuring the songs of hit OPM band Ben&Ben. A collaboration of Star Magic and PETA that we never knew we needed.

The announcement broke after the closing show of the modern zarzuela hit Walang Aray last October 22, 2023. While the audience were still on a high from the last production, John Moran built the excitement, Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila broke the movie's famous lines, and called on Ben&Ben on stage and performed two of their hits, Kathang Isip and Araw-araw.

PETA also announced the cast for the upcoming production. The musical is set to run starting April 2024.

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PETA Summer Workshop is BACK!

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is back to offering its face-to-face summer theater workshops starting May 2023!

The year marks an important milestone for Philippine theater as this is the year stages reopened and live performances returned for Filipino audiences post-pandemic. As PETA celebrates its 56th year in the industry, and wraps up its last month of the successful and highly-anticipated run of its newest original musical, Rody Vera’s Walang Aray (a farcical adaptation of Severino Reyes’ class zarzuela Walang Sugat), we can expect more theater activities in store for everyone in the coming months!

The next big thing everyone can anticipate is the return of PETA’s annual Summer Workshops, which shifted to an online, and eventually, a hybrid set-up during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From May-July 2023, PETA Summer Workshops will now take place fully in-person at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City, offering five courses:

● Children’s Theater 1 (6 to 8 years old) is a safe space for little kids to get immersed in the art of rhythmic movement, dance, songs, puppetry, storytelling, and many more;

● Children’s Theater 2 (9 to 12 years old) offers kids a journey of artistic discovery through music, visual arts, poetry, story writing, storytelling, and drama improvisation;

● Teen Theater (14 to 17 years old) employs PETA’s one-of-a-kind Integrated Theater Arts approach to create a combination of a fun and challenging workshop course designed for teens looking to nourish their artistic spirit through creative drama, sound and music, and visual arts;

● Musical Theater for Teens (13 to 17 years old) is rooted in experimentation and discovery for musically inclined teens, offering a workshop course that aims to develop the connections between body, music, and storytelling through various theatrical activities;

● Theater Arts (18 years old and up) is a beginner’s course for adults that will teach the fundamentals of theater acting, dramatic improvisation, and theater production;

● Acting 1 (18 years old and up) is an adult’s course that focuses on the specialized skill of acting, to develop and enhance one’s acting tools by exploring different acting styles and principles for experienced performers to level up in their discipline; and

● Creative Musical Theater (18 years old and up) is a course for musically inclined adults which explores the fine art of musical theater by allowing participants to experience the elements of musical performance, composition, and production in order to understand the harmonization of the different fields that make a successful musical show.

The PETA Summer Workshops offer a range of courses for people of all ages, and participants can expect to learn a range of skills, from the fundamentals of theater acting to creative drama, sound and music, and visual arts.

The PETA Summer Workshops have gained immense popularity among children and adults for their long-term impact, aiding participants in their respective fields and disciplines. The courses offer a unique opportunity to learn from experienced PETA Artist-Teachers, who have been part of iconic PETA shows like Walang Aray, Rak of Aegis, and CareDivas.

Registration and enrollment is currently ongoing. Interested applicants can register for PETA Summer Workshops 2023 now at www.bit.ly/petasummerworkshop! For more information, contact Betita Sarmiento at 0926-406-6858, betitasarmiento@petatheater.com, or follow PETA on its social media accounts: @petatheater.

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PETA streams A Game of Trolls to combat fake news and history revisionism

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.

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.

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PETA's Under My Skin: Review and why we should not stop talking about HIV

Last night in a special preview of the Philippine Educational Theater Association "Under My Skin," it has shed more light in understanding HIV, the disease and more about humanity towards people who have it. I haven't seen the production on stage but the streaming version gives a different approach and I thought as impactful to everyone.

"Under My Skin" is an anthology on different cases of HIV/AIDS. And as an eye-opening production, it shatters notions that it only affects gays. It tells us that homo or hetero relationships can also be affected through unprotected sex, blood transfusion, needle sharing or even at birth. A wrong mistake due to curiosity can change one's life slowly if it was ignored.

PETA, in partnership with LoveYourself and The Red Whistle, helps everyone affected or unaffected to be informed, and with this production, it reaches out to the individuals, their families and communities to understand people living with HIV. As for now during the pandemic, it is feared that cases may have tripled in reasons that might have been in the dark.

I like how Under My Skin gives a backgrounder on the frailty of the victims. Promiscuity and curiosity in the name of self-expression and love. The advocacy of playwright Rody Vera and director Melvin Lee produced a very informative, emotional, and no-nonsense production. Ms Cherry Pie Picache gives a straightforward but caring delivery of her dialogues as a non-discriminatory epidemiologist that patients would like to have. And also as a person, she shares the struggles of the victims and fights for them, and gets sad when she loses a life. The ensemble also immerses us to the journey that you'll think you're the infected and puts your heart to it. The magic of pre-recorded production and editing sends a new signal with its "in-your-face" graphics that tells us to watch out for signs especially that we are social individuals.

Under My Skin is a commendable, provocative, informative, scientific production that should not be missed. It sheds the light to everyone, not just the victims but also to the people around them to know how approach it and even avoid to stop the spread of disease. LoveYourself and The Red Whistle opens their lines for those who'd seek help and encourages everyone to get tested and to stop the stigma.

Under My Skin will be streamed online via ticket2me.net starting November 26 to December 5, 2021.

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PETA Theater's Under My Skin steps into streaming platform

Not long after it started playing at the PETA Theater, Under My Skin was forced to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The advocacy play written by Rody Vera and directed by Melvin Lee comes into a revival to pursue information drive on understanding the HIV epidemic and to encourage a support system in the community for people living with HIV (PLHIV+).

Under My Skin is an anthology on the lives of PLHIV+ and narrates how a person gets it, how it changes the lifestyle and opens our eyes to how we can fight the stigma and support the person as he faces this great obstacle.

Now with the concerns of the pandemic, Under My Skin will be available for streaming via Ticket2Me.net. Running from November 26-28 and November 30 to December 5, coinciding with World AIDS Day on December 1. It will now be available to more audiences all over the world in the pursuit of reaching out to educate the whole community.

The Under My Skin streaming cast is lead by Ms. Cherry Pie Picache as Dr. Gemma Almonte, an epidemyologist understanding the spread of the HIV virus. She is joined by Eko Baquial, Gio Gahol, Mike Liwag, Jarred Jaicten, Kitsi Pagaspas, Dylan Ray Talon, Dudz Teraña, She Maala, Bene Manaois, Erold Enriquez, Jason Barcial, Joseph Madriaga, Rach Gimpes, Reggie Ondevilla, Roy Dahildahil, Gerard Dy, and Ekis Gimenez to complete the ensemble.

Under My Skin - Cherry Pie Picache

Under My Skin - Ensemble

Under My Skin was also cited to many awards in last year's Gawad Buhay awards including Outstanding Play, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play for Melvin Lee, Female Lead Performance for a Play for Ms Cherry Pie Picache and Roselyn Perez, Female Featured Performance in a Play for Lotlot Bustamante, Kitsi Pagaspas, Gold Villar-Lim and Male Featured Performance in a Play for Eko Baquial, Anthony Falcon, Gio Gahol, Dylan Talon, and Dudz Teraña.

Tickets are now on sale via Ticket2Me.net or you can go to bit.ly/undermyskinonline. Tickets are at P180 for livestreaming or P250 for video-on-demand. You may also get from show buyers listed below.

Under My Skin is an original production of PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association) in partnership with LoveYourself, The Red Whistle and Unilab.

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PETA launches Voter's Education Campaign

With less than a year before the 2022 national elections, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) launches a voter's education campaign with Rak the Vote: Mobilizing the Youth For Change to address young voters who consist of around 40 MILLION voters, the largest group aged 18-39 years old or the Gen Z and Millennial group.

This year's #RaktheVote uses the power of theater and the arts to motivate young people to seize their power for change - to register, to vote, to make a stand, to participate in good governance, and to express their sentiments over things happening in our society and articulate what changes they desire.

Since PETA's establishment 50 years ago, they have been advocating democracy through powerful productions. PETA is using a mix of existing videos from its past voters’ education campaigns, and a series of fresh materials created specifically to address the youth during this time. It kicks off the campaign with an online streaming of the vaudeville musical about elections, Vincent De Jesus’ Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, from June-August 2021. Cited in 2009 by the Philstage Gawad Buhay! Awards as one of the Outstanding Musical Performances of that year, the play is not only entertaining and wildly funny, it also underscores the significance of “every Juan’s vote” in creating ripples of positive change. Every online streaming is followed by a Talkback Session with PETA artists as well as influencers from We The Youth Vote and Impact Leadership network such as Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan, actress Ria Atayde, as well as content creators like Janina Vela, Macoy Averilla aka Macoy Dubs, and Thysz Estrada, to name a few.

#RaktheVOTE is made possible by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) together with its partners, PETA Lingap Sining, Impact Leadership, and We The Youth Vote, through the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippines, and MISEREOR Germany, and runs from June to October 2021.

For more information about Rak the Vote, search the hashtags #RakTheVote, #40Mstrong, #RegiToVote, or follow PETA’s social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/PETATHEATER and https://www.facebook.com/LingapSining.

To register to vote go to bit.ly/irehistro. 

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Why we can't stop watching PETA's Rak of Aegis online

It will be a delight for OPM fans to get back to Villa Venezia and relive the story of Aileen, Ken, Mary Jane, Kiel, Jewel and the rest of their neighbors singing the songs of Aegis in Rak of Aegis, one of my most loved musicals from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Now, everyone will got the chance to see it as it will be streamed online on July 31, August 1, 7 and 8, 2021 via www.ticket2me.net.

This run is a fundraising drive to help PETA's community of dedicated artists survive that has been greatly affected by the pandemic. The lack of shows, events, workshops and the painful layoff of artists, staff, and crew made them decide to do this initiative in this trying times.

Rak of Aegis' story has a similarity in today's pandemic that Aileen (Aicelle Santos), Tolits (Pepe Herrera), Ken (Poppert Bernadas), Mary Jane (Isay Alvarez), Kiel (Robert Sena) and the rest of Villa Venezia who faced a challenge by helping each other during a calamity -- a scenario which is very similar today that needs to be addressed as everybody are struggling their ways to survive in the crisis brought by COVID-19.

Pepe Herrera (Tolits) and Aicelle Santos (Aileen)

Isay Alvarez (Mary Jane) and Robert Sena (Kiel)

Poppert Bernadas as Ken

It is also a celebration of OPM music, with the songs of rockband Aegis that crosses the borders of social class. This online show will feature subtitles, and yes, you can sing-along to the top of your lungs octaves higher than Luha, Halik, Sinta, Basang-basa sa Ulan and more. The drama, humor, music and messages of hope, resiliency, family and community will now be available to everyone who wants to see it around the world! 

Tickets are now ON SALE when you visit www.ticket2me.net and choose the following pay-per-view options:

• Livestream at Php 350 - 8:00 P.M to 11:00 P.M. (Philippine Standard Time)
• Video On Demand at Php 500 - 24-hours streaming from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. the next day (Philippine Standard Time)
• Video on Demand Premium at Php 1,000 - 24-hours streaming from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. the next day (Philippine Standard Time) plus exclusive access to the Rak with Aegis LIVE virtual concert on August 8, 8:00 P.M., featuring the Aegis Band and select cast of Rak of Aegis.

Get full Rak of Aegis experience with an Aegis concert! 

You can also help PETA and the artists and keep the arts alive by donating through their bank and Gcash accounts below:

For bulk tickets and partnerships, contact Mitch Go, mitchgo@petatheater.com, 0917-5391112. For more information, follow PETA’s social media pages: Facebook www.facebook.com/petatheater; Instagram @petatheater; Twitter @petatheater; YouTube www.youtube.com/petatheateronline or visit www.petatheater.com/rakofaegis.

*images courtesy of PETA

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PETA's RAK OF AEGIS to stream soon

Gawad Buhay's multi-awarded musical from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) comes to your home screens soon!

Rak of Aegis will stream for pay-per-view on ticket2me.net on July 31, Aug. 1, 7, and 8.

Written by Liza Magtoto, the musical features songs by the rock band Aegis such as Sinta, Luha, Christmas Bonus, Rockin' in the Cities, Munting Pangarap, Halik, Mary Jane, Basang-basa sa Ulan and more. 

The musical follows Aileen who dreams of becoming famous by posting song covers online. As she pursues her dreams she also helps her perennially flooded urban community. The musical opened on Jan. 31, 2014 and its most recent run closed on Sept. 29, 2019.

Directed by PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda, with musical direction, arrangement, and vocal direction by Myke Salomon, principal cast members from the past seven seasons include Aicelle Santos, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Isay Alvarez Seña, Robert Seña, Kakai Bautista, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, and Ron Alfonso.

The online stream is the banner project of PETA’s #TakePETAbeyondCOVID fundraising campaign.

 

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The Kundiman Party comes into a new home this weekend

Floy Quintos' play The Kundiman Party will be performing for a limited run at the PETA Theater Center starting May 24 to June 2 2019. This acclaimed Filipino play also brings back majority of the stellar cast to give a relevant and crucial performance on national issues seaming modern topics that can bind old schoolers and millennials alike.

CB Garrucho has opened the doors of PETA Theater Center to UP Playwright's play in continuing the advocacy in providing audiences narratives to keep the nationalism alive and to cement what the Philippine Educational Theater Association stands for. Just in time after the mid-term elections, they believe that it will be another chapter of struggle in fighting national dignity.
The cast of The Kundiman Party still includes most of the ensemble led by Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino as Maestra Adela, a reclusive voice teacher whose latent nationalism is awakened. Together with Frances Makil-Ignacio, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Jenny Jamora and Missy Maramara as Adela's close circle of Titas, the cast painted a portrait of contemporary Pinoy society that was both poignant as well as wildly entertaining.

Dexter Santos still directs The Kundiman Party in PETA and joined by talented artists who reprise their roles: Miah Canton as Antoinette, Rica Nepomuceno as Melissa. Watch their videos below as they sing kundiman songs in the play. Some songs are arranged by National Artist for Music, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.

Newcomers such as Gabriel Paguirigan makes his acting debut as Ludwig, who has a lot of achievements on his plate -- including bagging the first prize in the NAMCYA 2011 competition and winning again in 2015 in the Senior division. Boo Gabunada (Cyrano, Mula sa Buwan and Emman, Ang Huling El Bimbo) plays the young activist Bobby Valderama. Nonie Buencamino is also in the play as Sen. Juancho Valderama who will confront in a scene with his wife, Ms. Shamaine.

The cast with Mitch Valdez during the presscon (May 2, 2019)

The original creative team of The Kundiman Party is a reunion of playwright Floy Quintos and director Dexter M. Santos. Production design by Mitoy Sta.Ana, Krina Cayabyab as the musical designer, Meliton Roxas (Lights Designer), Nour Houshmand (Asst Director), Io Balanon (Technical Director) and Steven Tansiongco (Video & Graphics Designer).

For interested showbuyers, you may contact the following:
May 24, 8pm - Carmela Pangilinan | 09178900050
May 25, 3pm - Denise Nayve/Ticket2Me | 09176601714
May 25, 8pm - Fe Canton | 09989818696
May 26, 3pm - Denise Nayve/Ticket2Me | 09176601714
May 26, 8pm - Denise Nayve/Ticket2Me | 09176601714
May 30, 8pm - Waya Araos | 09209890227
May 31, 8pm - Alejandro Santos | 09399257499
June 1, 3pm - The Julia Buencamino Project | 09177012489
June 1, 8pm - Marvin Olaes | 09175336267
June 2, 3pm - Micheangelo de Leon Alvarez | 09178316480
June 2, 8pm - Denise Nayve/Ticket2Me | 09176601714

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A review: 'night Mother

PETA's 50th season-ender might be far from their usual productions with musical endings, but 'Night Mother is a must watch for every one with a mother and for everyone who knows or might be suffering from depression. It is running at the PETA Theater Center until March 18. I have never seen so much relatable play like this one and PETA has achieved new level of awareness and understanding mental illness and suicidal attempts.

The 1.5-hour play sets in the simple home of Jessie (Eugene Domingo) and Thelma (Sherry Lara) that resembles much of our mothers' and grandmothers' homes in the 80s or earlier and I want to congratulate the set designer for bringing the sense of home to the audience. It has transported us to a place where good memories in contrary what Thelma and Jessie would be discussing throughout.

It's a strong exchange of dialogues that were affecting us in so many ways and levels. Thelma's simple and motherly reminders to Jessie are very touching, makes me want to cry when I remember similar words from my mother. When she tells some things that I may have forgotten, where to find them and what they are for. Jessie's lines on the other hand much resembles of me, sometimes when our parents get stubborn, we get impatient but still we have to control. Eugene Domingo and Sherry Lara made us love their characters and portrayed Jessie and Thelma very well. And I think that's a very familiar scene in all of us. But in spite of many shortcomings between a mother and a child, memories last but we still love each other no matter what. There will come a time that we will decide our own fate and leave them and in the end, we will resort to their care and company.
The real issue that needs to be addressed is Jessie's depression and that Thelma failed to stop Jessie's suicide episode. I brighten and gives us a learning that we should always be there for other people. That the power of conversation is very important in every relationship. It was great to see members of the Philippine Mental Health Org are there to educate us about mental illness. If you are in need of mental health support please call the 24/7 HOPELINE at (02) 804.4673; (0917) 558.4673 or 2919 (Toll Free for all Globe and TM subscribers).
'Night Mother runs until March 18. Directed by Melvin Lee, in memory of Director Soxie Topacio.

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