Monday, December 14, 2009

"A DAY WITH A NATIONAL ARTIST: F. SIONIL JOSE"





When we were informed about the event" Pambansang Pagpupugay Sa Mga Alagad ng Sining at Panitikan”, I thought that we will only sit as spectators; however, when we were asked by Director . Labad to choose our preference between acting and on behind the scene, I was half-minded yet at the same time was excited and privileged to be part of a play as tribute to F. Sionil Jose. That was my inital reaction for the reason that it will be my first time to witness a tribute to a national artist and  because I will be a part of the play for the event. It’s already a big thing for me since not all were given an opportunity to be part of  the said event. 

However, there were speculations on what would be the quality of the product upon knowing that we only  have few days to prepare before the day of the event (Dec. 3, 2009) at the Bohol Cultural Center. Despite of that, I was still thankful that we were not only confined to our classrooms in the course "Play Productions, Acting , & Directing"  but were also exposed outside.

I opted on acting where I stood as one of the students in the play. As a sort of preparation, I observed the rehearsals of the other actors with the director to acquire some insights on acting area and also helped few actors on memorizing their lines.

My time spent was productive .Miss Lorely shared a little talk about play and theater- the people involved and their jobs- checking if those people are working in their designated assignment such as those in-charge on the technical, sets, costumes, and others, checking if the actors are already present and reminding them if they are not still around, and its documentation. She also showed us featured plays and theaters in some magazines where she stood as deck manager. Other than that, the organizers committee was accommodating. The play also opened us to bond with other casts especially during the meals and rehearsals. It taught us to appreciate the patience showed by everybody and opened us to have a critical mind on every scene and act. 

In connection still to the event, the following programs were also presented: Writer’s Symposium, Public Lecture, and Cultural Tribute. I was not able to witness the first one. 

 On the public lecture where there were interactions between students and teachers of literature in regards with it. I found it very interesting and enhancing in both parties since because it opened up to the value of literature . Moreover, teachers were taught on more effective teaching strategies for Literature. 

On this part,  Gat F. Sionel Jose delivered his talk depicting his achievements and success in writing career. He was very frank and straight; however, the only thing I could comment is that there was a sort of inconsistency in a certain point that he stressed out.. He said in the early part that teachers have some faults in teaching Literature because of not giving more emphasis of our Filipino writers; thus, he meant that we should patronize our Filipino writers before the foreign. He added that his novels and books were translated to several languages and mostly are read in other countries. According to him, foreign novels are dull. On the other hand, in the later part, he said that in writing, we should apply Western criteria. How could he say that foreign write-ups are dull if we, too, are using it? Would that also mean that our own writings are dull? His write-ups which are read by other countries, these are foreign to them, aren’t they? This is just my own analysis. Maybe, he just meant something different or beyond my understanding.  Afterwards, UP Likhaan representatives did their share by encouraging  those whose passions are in arts and literature to pursue such endeavor..

In the Cultural Tribute, I understand that there was a scarcity of time preparing for it. In the reading of the synopsis of Gat F. Sionil's some novels, not all were delivered clearly. Maybe, it would had been  better it was read clearly and with a visual presentation of the text of it so that the audience will listen at the same time read between the lines for a better comprehension of his novel. 

Totally, my involvement in the event was very relevant in our course "Play Productions, Acting and Directing" especially that we will be having our own production show later on. I will apply the insights and the points shared by the director and their colleagues that I have learned.

Together with the National Sponsors and with the organization of the CCAD of our Provincial Government in respond to the NCCA National Programs, the event was held successfully.

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