Now showing: In the name of the blind father

“Sa Ngalan ng Bulag na Ama.” That is the funny combination of the two equally renowned plays rendered and presented by the fourth year students of the University of the Philippines High School in Cebu last March 02, 2007, Friday. Of course, some of the parents were present that night to witness such a marvelous event for their children, especially to the actors and actresses of the play. Some lower year students were also present that night and of course, the faculty would not miss this annual event.

Prior to the big night, the seniors kept on practicing their plays and did everything just to make their play a very good one. Both sections would stay late in school, around 10:00 in the evening just to perfect everything. Three nights before the night of the presentation, the two sections went through a night full of criticisms, the critics’ night. Four critics were there to deliver all the criticisms in the world. It was indeed, a “Critics’ Night”. Only a few words of praises were heard that night and the rest were criticisms. But the two sections were not affected by the criticisms to them. They whole-heartedly accept them and use them for the betterment of their productions.

And the big night came.

Tan’s play, “Bulag” was written by a student, but not form anyone of the batch. Their production, “Tanikala” won eight awards, including best actor, best actress, best direction, and best production, under their production manager, Razel Paldo.

On the other hand, “Sa Ngalan ng Ama”, the play presented by the Gonzalez students was written by a playwright, very known in his field. It won nine awards, more on the technical side of the play. Their production was named “Quevedo”, a Spanish word for the “different kinds and collection of mirrors” under their production manager, Euvic Ferrer.

Funny it may seem, but I was the one in-charged for the committee that takes care of the make-up and wardrobe of the actors and actresses. And surprisingly, we won for the “Pinakamabisang paggamit ng make-up at kasuotan.” I was proud and honored of the award and at the same time, ashamed of it for I think girls should have been the one in my position as head of that committee.

After the announcing of the winners, the senior batch rejoiced because the said productions served as their fourth quarter periodical exam. We were indeed delighted because all the hardwork in practicing and preparing for the productions ended up into a success. Another thing to be grateful at is that even for the tough competition between the two sections, the still friendship was not affected. Indeed, the bond of the fourth year students could not be broken anymore after the four years of laughter and tears in school.

Now, we are having our debate, held every Filipino period, and our production album, currently in the process, as our last requirements for Filipino IV. We are hoping a hundred percent in the number of batch mates to graduate. I know this is not the end, but the beginning of a brand new journey in College life.