When in Manila, why not check out the PETA theater center and immerse yourself in something worth watching. The theatrical plays and musicals aren’t really that big here in Manila which is why you’d find most of the theatrical centers in “hidden” places or hard to reach places. The only places I know where I can watch musical plays and such are at the Meralco Theater, the CCP, and just recently, I got to visit the PETA theater center.
The PETA theater center, felt like it was hidden from mankind. When I was in college I passed by E.rodriguez Avenue for four years, and never knew that there was a theatrical center somewhere there. Probably if you aren’t part of the acting club or the theater org, then you wouldn’t know where PETA is. So PETA is located just behind the Quezon City Sports Club. If you’re coming from Cubao, you just have to turn right at the gasoline station before the Q.C. Sports club, and voila! You’re at the PETA Theater Center.
Me and my friend were running late, and we arrived at exactly 3 p.m., which was the scheduled start of the play. We were greeted by a long line of “high school”-looking students, they looked grade 6-ish turning 1st year high school-ish. Ok, so we heaved a sigh of relief because we weren’t late after all.
As we entered the theater, the play was starting…bummer. Anyway, as the title of the play suggests, we were greeted by stage actors rapping! In Tagalog! Amazing! The venue was small, which was good since you got to see the faces of the stage actors and you could hear them clearly even though you were seated at the back. Me and my friend decided to sit at the back, at the last row, where all the adults were. It was not so comfortable sitting next to all those highschoolers who laughed and giggled throughout the play, it kinda felt so old sitting next to them.
The story is about 5 high school friends in English class, learning all about Shakespeare. As you watch the play you realize that Shakespeare’s works isn’t just studied in class, for the sake of knowing it; his works tend to reflect real life and the struggles that each one faces and how they overcome it.
If you do get to watch the play, which you must, you’ll get to see 5 characters:
TJ– The class bully. Always in green
Sophia – The girly girl. Always in pink (she’s my favorite)
Estella – The class nerd. Always in yellow
Richard – The batch representative. You’ll see him in red throughout the play
Erwin – The shy guy. Always in blue.
The story circulates around their English class project, about Shakespeare, and the struggles in life that each student faces.
I won’t spill much, because YOU HAVE TO WATCH IT! But I can assure you that every second inside that theater was worth it; it was funny, heartwarming, emotional, and real. Oh, and a warning from me, please do not take pictures inside the theater, my camera was confiscated in my attempts to share every minute of the play with you guys, hahaha! But here are a few sneak peeks:
William play dates are August 14, 19-21, 26-28, September 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2011 with shows at 10:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. The PETA Theater Center is located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.
William‘s cast includes: Ian Segarra, Inno Martin, Anj Heruela, Joan Bugcat, John Moran, Nathan Nunag, Norbs Portales III, Rico del Rosasio, J-mee Katanyag, Julia Enriquez, Anna Luna, Meann Espinosa, Jojo Atienza, Timee Gorecho, Elmer Cruz, Cheeno Macaraig, Carlon Matobato and Justin Mactal.
Barkada and early bird discounts are available. Tickets are Php350 (regular) and Php500 (vip). See how affordable they are? For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing & PR Office at 725-6244 or 410-0821, 0917-5765400, petatheater@gmail.com.
When in Manila, visit the PETA Theater Center and see what Philippine Theater is all about!
The PETA Theater Center
No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila
Quezon City, Metro Manila
1112 Philippines
Trunkline: 632.725.6244
Fax: 632.722.6911 or 632.410.0821
Email: mpr@petatheater.com or peta@petatheater.com
