The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) recently hosted a group of bloggers, taking them on a tour of its new facility at Eymard Drive, New Manila, and organizing an interactive workshop that tapped the inner thespian in them. The “complete theater experience” that PETA president Cecille Garrucho promised was capped by the play, Batang Rizal.

The blogging group included Arpee Lazaro, Martin Malabanan, Kai Nicolas, Jun Somoza, Diego Maranan, Melissa Rosello, Carla Mejia, Benj Espina, Cielo, Jeff Villafranca, Joe, Coy Caballes, Chris Lagman, and Faith.

The bloggers also checked out the PETA library, which holds a collection of some 300 Filipino plays, including their scripts and costumes, the studios, the 400-seat theater, and the backstage and dressing rooms.

The mini workshop by Dudz Teraña and Lotlot Bustamante allowed the bloggers to unearth their creativity by exploring movements and characters, and integrating costumes and props in their spiel. The bloggers had their 15 minutes of fame when they were asked to go onstage in character (see above photo).

We figured it would be best if the bloggers were to talk about their experiences firsthand. Here are their stories. We’ll continue to update this page as each post comes in.

• Arpee Lazaro: “All the World’s a PETA Stage“

PinoyCentric will be giving out a reporter Moleskine to the best post. The winner will be announced on September 3, Monday.

Our thanks to Gibbs Cadiz for organizing this event.
Photo credit: Gibbs Cadiz
More photos here.