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“Isang Panaginip na Fili”, a musical play written and directed by Floy Quintos was admittedly astounding. The actors, script, music, voices, technical aspect and costumes made the whole play appear great. It showcased one of the best performances this year which is usual yet relevant for today’s youth.  This musical play about Jose Rizal’s creation of El Filibusterismo is the sequel to Noli Me Tangere. It exhibited how Filipinos fought against the Spanish government under the unjust regime of the friars. This play that is being put into an act was made even brilliant by the artists.

I truly assert that the role of each one in the play were suitable. I suppose that they auditioned for their roles and went through various trainings for they acted and gave their lines clearly. Most of them perhaps have been doing this craft for years that they seem very comfortable on stage. I noticed that they were really professional that even some technical problem did not hinder them to discontinue.

For an instance, Doña Victorina which was played by Ces Quesada is magnificent. She looks around forty and she fit the role as of her appearance. She really carried her lines very well along with her mannerisms as elite. Her face as well as her body actions was communicating which made her to be appealing to the audience. I could say that she was not that funny or as comical as other artists like Eugene Domingo, who popped-up immediately in my mind, but she was still good enough.

Costumes were actually astonishing. They hold one’s attention so as me. The play brought me as if I was in their time. It was really amusing especially that they did dress up according to their character. Some of them were credibly expensive. I guess they had sponsors that helped them come up with this. For an occasion, the character of Doña Victorina who played as a social climber caught my attention. She wore a lot of jewelry and her gown was embroidered with decorations in it. Her makeup was just fine and relative with the others. She was tagged as a very meticulous woman with her endearing makeup who was justified by her. It helped her appear to be more realistic.

The voices of the characters were great. They delivered their lines well. They articulated words unmistakably even as they sing. Emotions can be felt the way they utter it and good thing that no one of them buckles as they send out lines. One character that I admire was Doña Victorina, an excellent singer, which was noticeable in the way she belted songs from the play. It was beyond doubt very engaging watching her sang as she moved wearing her marvelous costume.

The entire production was great and I do not have negative criticisms about it besides with any of the character. The microphone of some characters so often cut and run, nevertheless it was good. It was not perfect but fine as other earlier plays of Floy Quintos. The cast emanated passion which was obvious from the good reviews they have been receiving from any group outside. They worked hard for it and it illustrated from every aspect of the play. For me, they did really well and what I could just say is I wish that they keep on maintaining their professionalism and love for this craft so as to allow people watching them obtain the message they want to express.

State Universities and Colleges budget cut is an alarming event. It shows how invaluable indeed our educational system here in the Philippines. Being a state means it should be subsidized by the government. It is responsible for providing the needs of every student. It is also being raised in our 1987 constitution that the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. However, it is quite conflicting for the government violates its own promise and it takes away the hope even of poor Filipinos who are intelligent but could not get a tertiary education because of the incapability of their parents to send them to school.

Protesters are commonly viewed as being lame—who always complain for their rights but personally, I view it as an act of courageousness and unselfishness to do the necessary actions for the common good. Some may view it as an excuse not to attend one’s class but it is more than that. The mere fact of joining this event only shows how dignified you are as a student. It is a symbol that you as a Filipino care for the future generation. It is hard really to explain this especially to people who have an elevated lifestyle for they might not care about high tuition fees and expenses in school. But for a student who goes to school exhausted brought by their part- time jobs, this is really a BIG NO! Moreover, it should be remembered that education is a right and not a privilege only for those who can afford it.

It is said that if this budget cut win over the interest of the students , then the university once more will think of ways to supply its needs and therefore resort to a higher tuition and will continue to be so if not being protested. Anyway, I hope that this act of courage made by my co-students will turn out well. If not, then shame more to our newly-elected president. It is he and not we who should be labeled as fool.