The Philippine Educational Theater Association or PETA has always been known to be inventive — willing to take risks and experiment with something new.
At the preview of 3 Stars and a Sun, they have done it again for PETA’s Feb. 4 to March 6, 2016 season.
While waiting for the door to open, signaling the start of the rap musical, we spent some time chatting with friends while sampling various foods on the table.
Of course, all or at least almost all were gathered there at PETA, attracted by its futuristic endeavor featuring the music of Filipino rap legend Francis Magalona.
The play is set decades into the future inside the Stormdome, a fallout shelter created to protect our archipelago from global warfare.
From left; Giannina Ocampo as Dianne, Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Congresswoman Inky Montevista and Paolo Valenciano as Chino
A discussion of elections, politics and such unnecessary things is held. Questions were fielded for prizes like Francis is the son of? Pancho Magalona-Tita Duran is the correct answer.
What was the role Bodjie Pascua played? Mang Okik is the correct answer. What about Paolo Valenciano, what role went to him? The role of Chino.
Two friends will clash inside the Stormdome, they are the kids from glossy Lumino City led by Smug SlaCker Chino, and the kids from rough Street of Diliman City led by troublemaker Sol.
Words and poetry of Francis Magalona prove to be the most nationalistic. Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Congresswoman Inky Montevista is well-known for her capability of shifting from English to Tagalog. How did she learn this? Carla replied it was Bibot Amador who gave her lessons on it while also training to learn different accents.
Titles and lyrics of Francis M are all original. Director Nor Domingo also directed Skin Deep starring Nora Aunor.
Questions regarding Rak of Aegis, being PETA’s most popular offering yet, can’t be avoided. In fact, it will be shown again next year.
Will 3 Stars and a Sun be as popular? Most agree that both cannot be compared, simply because they belong to different periods as well as genres.
Catch 3 Stars and a Sun at the PETA Theater Center. For tickets, call 02-725-6244 or visit petatheater.com and ticketworld.com.ph
(For your comments and questions, e-mail us at bibsyfotos@yahoo.com)