A successful Entablado play for kids with cancer
* Although these two plays were written in the 1980s, their elements continue to have relevance on our times
* The event was a project of Mga Kaibigan ng Kabataang May Kanser (KKK)
For 25 years, Entablado of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) had been using its members' expertise in theater to do volunteer community work. This theater group, composed of student actors, conduct workshops and stage plays for free not only in Manila but also in other provinces, like Iloilo.
"They love theather so much, that's why they are doing this," said Richard de Guzman, Entablado's director and an ADMU teacher.
Last Dec. 16, 2007, Entablado showed their prowess in providing entertainment and education through two one-act plays entitlted "Tatlo-Tatlo" by Rene Villanueva and "Sistema ni Propesor Tuko" by Al Santos. Even this writer, who already witnessed the matinee at 3 pm, managed to laugh so much during the gala at 6 pm. It was a rare opportunity for Ilonggos to get together again and have a good laugh over a play. We seldom witness plays these days.
Although these two plays were written in the 1980s, their elements continue to have relevance on our times. Tatlo-Tatlo focused on spinsterhood and running away from one's debt. Sistema ni Propesor Tuko focused on a teacher who terrorizes his student to cover up his shortcomings.
The event was a project of Mga Kaibigan ng Kabataang May Kanser (KKK) to raise funds for pediatric cancer patients of the province of Iloilo.
Although the UPV Auditorium was only half-filled, the ticket sales was good. Most of the Ilonggos bought tickets to show their support for the cause. KKK's first project was Cross-over, a dance concert, in May 2007.
In fact, the show was able to raise enough funds for the children's chemotherapy and other treatments not only through ticket sales, but donations from well-meaning individuals and companies.
"You have increased their chances of survival," said Dr. Socorro Martinez, KKK's president, said before the plays started.
Marilou, the mother of Eden Mar Miranda, one of the patients, expressed her thanks. "Thank you for those who have helped us. God has ensured that we accept this help," she said. Eva Java, mother of John Philip Java, another patient, thanked the public and the doctors who have helped them and her son. Before leaving the stage, they were given buckets of groceries from Ateneo de Iloilo. Also present were Mr. and Mrs. Dureza, parents of Fritz, who succumbed to cancer early this year.
According to Dr. Martinez, "The group, which was started with only nine members, now has 15 of different professions. At first, the goal of giving financial aid to indigent cancer-stricken children by supporting their chemotheraphy seemed like too big a dream to each of us and just short of a miracle. But when our individual dreams were shared, and it became a collective dream, it was suddenly possible. The overwhelming support given to us was unexpected and exhilirating. We were encouraged by numerous individuals who also had dreams of giving to others and making a positive change in someone else's life."
She added that KKK is supporting the chemotherapy of three patients: Allen Joy Galvez, 14; Eden Mar Miranda, 6; and John Java, 5; all diagnosed to have acute lymphocytic leukemia. The illness has good prognosis, provided that adequate and continous medications (chemotherapy) and medical support are given them. "We have more children requesting for assistance," she said.
"Hard as it may, in these days of impersonal relationships, I still believe that all people feel the connection of our common humanity. By simply opening our eyes to realities, by paying attention to the needs of others, and knowing we can create change, all of us can improve ourselves – and the world. Step by step great transformations can be made. Let us always keep in mind that there is always something we can do to make things a little different, a little better," she concluded.
On more information about KKK, visit http://www.iloilokanserkids.com/