Respect Facilitators go to PETA

Pasali Respect Facilitators and cast members of 'The Tempest' after their show

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) offered Pasali Respect Facilitators an inspiring 9-Day Immersion last December 3 to 12 which was held at the PETA Center, New Manila, Quezon City. The event, mainly organized and initiated by the former’s Program Executive Director, Mr. Wilson Billones, exposed the seven facilitators to a variety of theatre performances focusing on the different forms of staging and theatre techniques. This enabled the facilitators to experience and appreciate the production processes, both on stage and offstage, for the enhancement of their Mobile Theater Production and furthermore share Respect Education and Mindanao’s culture.

​The 9-day experience was truly worthwhile. Pasali facilitators were warmly welcomed and treated both as visitors and partners. This immersion program provided various opportunities.  Specifically, theatrical -related questions were answered and clarified when they met the PETA members, staff, and teacher-artists. They were also made familiar to the different parts of the building during their tour at the entire PETA center. The institution’s historical struggles and pursuits, including the significant individuals behind its triumphs and advocacies, were shared to them during their library work. 

​Among the unforgettable and exciting part of this immersion was the privilege to witness two amazing actual stage plays, “The Tempest: Reimagined” and “A Game of Trolls”. Both portrayed realities that were experienced by typical and elite members of Filipino society. After which, an enriching linking and learning conversation with the stage actors and some production staff followed.

​Moreover, the facilitators were able to observe 3 classes of weekend workshop rehearsals and got to experience the so-called “shadowing” where they sat, observed, asked and worked with the production and technical teams that were behind the above-mentioned plays. In addition, discussion on Curriculum Orientation and Consultation was also facilitated by PETA artist-teachers. This was apparently a refresher that summarized the noble accomplishments of the Pasali-PETA partnership.

Finally, mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety surfaced during series of rehearsals up to the final showcasing of the “Magkanawong” play - a Mobile Theater Production of Respect Education Program. This instance resulted to a shorter version of a 45 to 20-minute show to cater even non-school-based venues and events. Helpful insights and recommendations were also shared by some of the PETA members and artists to further improve the play. This performance was a breakthrough for the Pasali team in giving their best amidst audience from different walks of life and experience to play along with the theatrical lights and other effects inside one of the most-admired theater center in the Philippines. Though tired and exhausted, this once in a lifetime experience has surely afforded the Pasali facilitators with new learnings that will help them inspire and touch more lives of less privileged children especially of IP and Moro communities in Mindanao.