𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Hiraya Theater Production takes stage at LOA, touching hearts with 'Sina-Dasal' performance” by Elijah Evangelista and Justine Louis De Guia

Photos by: Rr Pantaleon

Published by: John Kurt Gabriel Reyes

Date Published: October 5, 2024

Time Published: 10:11 PM

Hiraya Theater Production captivated audiences from Lyceum of Alabang (LOA) at the Danilo V. Ayap (DVA) Gymnasium on October 2, with their thrilling rendition of "Sina-Dasal," filled with heartfelt storytelling and a strong emotional impact as it showcased different themes of faith, human experiences, and family values with deep symbolism.

In an exclusive interview with The Spiracle, Director Rommel "Chaps" Manansala shared his advice to aspiring writers and theater actors, “As a writer kasi, gift ‘yan or sometimes, divine intervention. I never thought that I would be a writer. At the end of it all, when you’re sincere about what you do, at alam mo yung mga nitty-gritty pag mag-aaral ka, hindi kasi siya madali eh, pag nakuha mo ‘yung ingredients na ‘yon, at pinag-aralan mo, it would be easier.”

The production had the audience crying, laughing, and shocked throughout the story with its dynamic storytelling. From the comedic scenes of Diwata and Zimang’s humorous banters to Leviticus and Karla kissing, the theater play gave the audience a whirlpool of emotions.

One audience member, Sui Lontoc from ICT 11 - Titus, shared her thoughts, “Nakaka-touch sa heart [kasi] ramdam na ramdam mo yung feelings ng mga actors, para kasing rollercoaster na halos paiba-iba 'yung nararamdaman ko. Maganda ‘yung pagpapakita nila about sa personal problems within sa family," Lontoc said.

Sina-Dasal not only touched the hearts of the attendees but also tackled sensitive topics with an educational approach that many people are not aware of. BJ Tolits Forbes, one of the cast, emphasized how important the message is for the audience to remember.

"Si Aaron kasi, the awareness of unprotected sex nang dahil nga siya nagkaroon ng HIV and AIDS, and also yung norm na hindi naman lahat ng taong mayroon no'n, or kahit ibang bagay na stereotypical ay masama na," Forbes stated.

"It’s just a matter of understanding and not judging a person base lang sa little information na alam mo tungkol sa kanila, kasi nga sa story ng Sina-Dasal, everybody has a backstory na pinaghuhugutan," he added.

Each character represents a type of sin that resonated with some audience members. One of them, Aaron, represented the sin of laziness, leading to his diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), eventually progressing to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Additionally, Manansala expressed gratitude in his Facebook post, stating, “The #SINDADASAL FEVER is now experienced by the teachers, parents, and students who believed and trusted us… Isang pasasalamat, isang sakripisyong ikararangal. Habang binabasa ko lahat, lalo akong lumalakas at maraming salamat.”

The director, together with the cast—Kathy Arguelles as Sarah, James Lomahan as Solomon, BJ Tolits Forbes as Aaron, JP Sumucad as Leviticus, Chase Romero as Amana, Fraine Sta. Ana as Diwata, Ma. Regina Rio-Balindres as Zimang, Akeisha Nicole Bacungan as Rose, and Raul Dela Cruz as Tito Nato, gave a breathtaking performance that left each attendee with a lasting impact.

At the end, the cast members were left exhausted but satisfied after seeing the crowd enjoy the show while bringing home new learnings.

Director Manansala stated that Hiraya Theater Production will return in December 2024 for another rendition of Sina-Dasal for those who have not attended the most recent performance.