On April 7, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta) celebrated its 50th anniversary by renewing its commitment to make a difference through theater.
First, Peta revisited its original venue, the historic ruins of Fort Santiago, for a celebratory ritual interwoven with narrations, indigenous prayers, scriptural readings, staged poetry, and contemporary songs and dances performed on the Rajah Sulayman stage.
The event, directed by founding member Gardy Labad, was graced by Peta founder Cecile Guidote-Alvarez who came with her family and husband, former senator Sonny Alvarez.
In attendance were several generations of Peta alumni: former Peta trustee Eki Cardenas and Remmy Rikken, founding member Nick Lizaso, playwright poet Frank Rivera, TV and theater directors Joel Lamangan and Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Cultural Center of the Philippines artistic director Chris Millado, Tanghalang Pilipino artistic director Nanding Josef, film, theater and TV actors Spanky Manikan, Bodjie Pascua, Susan Africa, singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon and National Commission for Culture & Arts Committee of Dramatic Arts chair Dessa Quesada-Palm, as well as current members and leaders led by Peta president CB Garrucho.
The celebration continued with a two-day concert, “Singkuwenta,” held at the Peta-Phinma Theater, which celebrated Peta’s rich history through songs. Written by Anj Heruela, directed by Melvin Lee, with musical direction by Jeff Hernandez and Myke Salomon, the concert featured music from “Rak of Aegis,” “Care Divas,” “Batang Rizal,” “Galileo” and “1896” performed by the Peta Choir, the UP Singing Ambassadors, Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, Rody Vera, Cynthia and Lionel Guico and other artists.
The concert was also Peta’s thank-you gift to its many partners and supporters, including past and present Peta Board of Trustees led by chair Marlon Rivera and Phinma president and CEO Ramon del Rosario Jr., Sen. Riza Hontiveros, former Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Japan Foundation director Hiroaki Uesugi, Metrobank Foundation president Chito Sobrepeña, Liwayway Marketing Corp. president Carlson Chan, architect Andy Locsin, managing director of Universal Records Kathleen Dy-Go, columnist Conrad de Quiros, Philstage president Audie Gemora, former CCP president Nes Jardin, Repertory Philippines’ Joy Virata, Dulaang UP founder Tony Mabesa, former CCP artistic director Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Ligaya Fernando Amilbangsa, Teatro Mulat founder Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, and Ballet Philippines former directors Denisa Reyes and Paul Morales.
Among the celebrities present were Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, Gina Alajar, Bembol Roco, Robert Seña, Kakai Bautista, Grace Nono, Dingdong Avanzado, Jessa Zaragoza, Nanette Moscardon, Robert Arevalo, Allan Paule and Irma Potenciano.
For details on Peta’s 50th Theater Season, call 7256244 and 09175765400. E-mail petatheater@gmail.com. Visit petatheater.com
