Dramafest '07

32 years have passed since Dramafest started. With all those years, each batch has shown their talents and expertise on other fields.

Last March 2, 2007, the batch 2006-2007 studes , performed our very own Dramafest. Because of the lack of time, both sections, Tan and Gonzalez, weren’t able to create an original script for the play. Instead, Dr. Ereno handed us different copies of scripts which were written by a playwright and an alumna of UP High batch 1991. “Sa Ngalan ng Ama” went to Quevedo Productions (Gonzalez) while “Bulag” went to Tanikala Productions (Tan). Both stories were about conflict of family members specifically between the father and son.

“Sa Ngalan ng Ama” tells the story of the Villasante family which was headed by their military bread-winner. The story shows how Emmanuel Villasante controlled his family. It’s as if they were like pones in a chess game that every move they made was of the player’s decision or want. In short, they have the freedom to choose what to do.

The Villasante family were portrayed by Paul Andrew Gutib (Emmanuel), Ella Beverly Sarmago (Dolor), Nico Martin Enego (Miguel), Juna Rose Dinglasa (Fatima), John Albert Metoda (Angelo), Lorem Mendoza (Manuelito) and Aiko Sarmiento (Yaya Maria). The play was directed by Jann Krystel del Mar and produced by Euvic Ferrer.

If Gonzalez were able to perform to the crowd their own Dramafest, Tan also showcased what they have.

“Bulag” tells the story of a father who has a strong principle in life. Because of what he believes in, his son was captured and shot to death. His son was accused of killing a cop in the squatter’s area where he wanted to help the people living there.

Joseph Caesar Freinademetz Esteban played the role of the father (Don Ramon), Gayle Lorraine Tallo (Donya Chedeng), John Paul Catubig as the son of Don Ramon (Rene), Shallunah Faith Leopardas (Marilou), Sunshine as Rene’s girlfriend (Marita) and Nico Antonio Sagun as the mayor domo of the family (Tasyo). The squatters were portrayed by Richard Rey Caminade, Jezza Lagura, Reniel Panares, Mary Lyndel Amora, Nathaniel Gopinathan and yours truly, Novelyn Lao. Our play was directed by no other than Artsron Sumabong and produced by Razel Paldo.

Both plays made the crowd shed tears because both sections did their best. And also, each story depicts about a problem between the relationship of a father and a son.

And because this is a contest, it must have awards and of course, awardees. Most of the technical awards went to Gonzalez like Best Poster, Best Musical Scoring, Best Costume and Make-up, Best Set Design, Best Lights, Best Theme song, etc. The best supporting actress went to my best friend, Juna Rose Dinglasa. Tan also grabbed some awards like Best Playbill, Best Interpretation of Script, and Best Stage Management. John Paul was declared Best Actor, Gayle Lorraine as the Best Actress and Nico Antonio was the Best Supporting Actor. Tan also bagged the Best Production and Best Direction award.

All our hard work were worthwhile—going home late because of practices, no rest day for all during Saturdays and accepting criticisms from others.

It was a good feeling after we have shared our talents to others. We did all our best not just because it was considered our Periodical Test in Filipino but also we want to prove to others that we can also do it.

And hey, in behalf of batch 2006-2007, I would like to THANK the teachers who helped us. For giving up their time for our practices. It was really a big help for us.