PETA presents “Batang Rizal” in Bagac

BAGAC, Bataan – The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bataan and the Bataan Peninsula Tourism Council Foundation, Inc., chaired by Mrs. Victoria S. Garcia presented the award winning author and playwright Christine Bellen’s play, “Batang Rizal,” at the Hotel de Oriente in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, yesterday in this town.

The play Batang Rizal allows the audience to see our national hero as a child. According to the author, much has been written about Rizal’s struggle against Spaniards, but little has been said about his childhood, thus the creation of this play.

Directed by Dudz Teraña, Batang Rizal is about the journey of Pepito, a young boy who accidentally damages a statue of the young Jose Rizal. In his struggle to repair it, he comes across a magical book that takes him to the time of the young Jose “Pepe” Rizal. Together, they traverse time and meet various characters from the past and present. During their magical journey, they found out the truth about heroes and how one, no matter how old or young they are, can be one.

The cast of characters include the following: Nar Cabico as Pepito, Abner Delin Jr. as Pepe, Bernah Bernardo as Ms. Tangolang/Donya Lolay, Joan Bugcat as Ela/Taumbayan, Lotlot Bustamante as Chiqui/Neneng/Tindera ng Scapulario/Taumbayan, Roi Calilong as Manuel/Taumbayan/Pedro/Berdugo, Wylie Casero as Mayor Rapcu/Paciano, Meann Espinosa as Kaye/Sisa, Ronna Guba as Bambam/Maria, and John Moran as Raffy/Prayle/Guardia Civil/Taumbayan/Kaibigan ni Pedro.

The production staff include: Vincent de Jesus as Lyricist, Composer and Musical Director, Mel Bernardo for the “Disenyo ng Entablado,” Ian Torqueza for the Lights and Design, Ron Ryan Alfonso for the Costume Design, and Don Salubayba and Anino Shadowplay Collective for the Animation.

Guests, residents of Bagac and employees of the Provincial Government of Bataan, led by their department heads, who took time to watch the two-hour play expressed their appreciation over this work of art.