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| Photo from Artistang Artlets |
On March 8, 2023, Artistang Artlets, the recognized theater guild of the Faculty of Arts and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas, successfully staged their Season 42 major production called Pabalik, Pahilaga.
The play’s leads for the 4:00 PM set were Kent Erasga as Mori and France Andrei Cueta as Viv. Meanwhile, Cathrina Aquino played Mori and Isabelle Laurente played Viv during the 6:00 PM set. This marks the first time for the theater guild to have its play premiere online on YouTube with more than 150 live viewers.
Written by Mildred Anne Jumarang, directed by Mikaela Francesca Nitro, and managed by Aaron Roi del Rosario, Pabalik, Pahilaga revolves around the endearing story of two best friends, Mori and Viv. After many years, Mori decides to go back and visit the place where they would often hang out. To Mori’s surprise and disbelief, Viv also shows up at the place. They reminisce and journey back to the past as they dig up and open the time capsule they had buried a long time ago.
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| Photo by Artistang Artlets |
Mori and Viv look back at the bucket list they had written and they find out that only Mori was able to fulfill the list. The both of them share laughs and tears as they recall all the special moments they had when Viv was still by Mori’s side. After all the years that have passed, Viv waited and watched over Mori’s journey to fulfilling the dreams they shared.
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| Photo by Artistang Artlets |
The play teaches us about loss and the things that come with it. It also teaches us the importance of letting go and moving on. Although there were many questions inside Mori’s head that remained unanswered for many years, they finally get the closure they painfully avoided as they met and talked to each other again. Ultimately, Pabalik, Pahilaga makes us realize an important thought—the only way to move forward is to make peace with your past.
