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“While it is so hard to imagine that humor and armed conflict could occupy the same basket, it is my experience that humor can heal wounds and bridge divisions. Kurt Vonnegut once said that, “Humor is an almost physiological response to fear.” I have heard countless stories – humorous once – that have helped people cope with the harsh realities of war and displacement.” - Gutierrez (Teng) Mangansakan II, Writer/Filmmaker/Peace advocate

“Hilarious and never preachy, Ang Bayot deserves a run that should be as long as, or longer than, its title.” – Philippine Daily Inquirer

“…tackles hilariously unresolved problems every Pinoy is still facing with his satirical play Bayot. Racial and gender discrimination, hypocrisy, bigotry, divisiveness of faith and corruption are few of the issues discussed in the play. To add on to its mirthful observations, the play sarcastically used vulgar street language, tawdry words and kitschy taste. Two outstanding actors, Joey Paras and Arnold Reyes, effectively utilized these devices…” – The Manila Times

The UP Repertory Company, The Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with the Young Moro Professional Network and the The Asia Foundation present a twin-bill production: “Ang Bayot, Ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte” and “Ang Mga Mananahi” for the benefit of the internally displaced persons in Pikit, North Cotabato.

Playdates:

October 29 (Wednesday) 8:00 PM
October 30 (Thursday) 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Tanghalang Huseng Batute
CCP

Ang Mga Mananahi (Directed by Paul Santiago)

Set in an ‘unnamed’ place somewhere in the South on the heyday of the government’s war against the Bangsa Moro freedom fighters. A story of how four Muslim women perform the act of bravery on their bare hands and compassionate souls. “Walang kapayapaan kasi walang kalayaan…” Ang Mga Mananahi is a celebration on the triumphs of human spirit against the adversity of a cruel and ruthless power and homage to those beautiful thoughts that keep ordinary people together to stand for freedom and lasting peace.

Ang Bayot, Ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte (Directed by Nick Olanka)

Is the unusual rendezvous of two beautiful and sharp-tongued creatures living on the fringes of society. As they joust and engage each other, they courageously travel the rough and ‘older than history’ roads of discrimination, hypocrisy, bigotry, social divides, corruption and unspoken violence to arrive at a decent friendship.

Guests Artists on October 29 and October 30, 8PM shows:

Bailan will perform songs “O, Hele Na…” and “Tagulaylay sa Kamatayan ng Iyong Maratabat” (from the play “So Sanggibo a Ranon na Piyatay o Satiman a Tadman”)

Syalam will perform “Ranaw”

“Students’ Run” will be October 30, 4PM show – a “Talkback Session: Drama and Reality” to be facilitated by playwrights from the Writers Bloc, Inc., guests Moro speakers (will share insights and perspectives) and peace advocates, and members of the audience.

During the show the organizer will welcome donations: (food items) rice, salt, sugar, dried fish, mongo, noodles; (non-food items) clothing, pots, plates, and utensils, sleeping, mats, blankets, water containers/jugs, mosquito nets, detergent/soap, medical supplies, medicines.

Tickets at Php 250.00 may be purchased at the UP Repertory Company in Vinzon’s Hall, UP Diliman, you may contact +63 915 5881782/ + 63916 6125404/ +63 918 779 7982/ + 63 926 812 2336, the Young Moro Professional Network at G108 Jocfer Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue QC c/o Aradelia Belleng at +63 920 652 9066; UP Office of the Student Regent, Vinzon’s Hall Basement UP Diliman c/o Shan; UP Muslim Student Association, Vinson’s Hall, UP Diliman c/o Tani Basman; and the CCP Box Office at +63 2832 1125 local 1409.

Tickets are also available on the following organizations:

The Peacemaker’s Circle Foundation, Inc. (A Cooperation Circle of the United Religious Initiative) Rm. 105 PhilDHHRA Partnership Center 59 C. Salvador St., Varsity Hills 1108 Loyola Heights, Quezon City Tel. No. 920-7622/ Fax: 920-4618

Balay Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 25 Maalindog Street, UP Village, Diliman Quezon City 1101 Philippines Tel No. 4263825/ Fax: 9216301 and look for Sister Arnold Noel.

Schools and other organizations are welcome for special arrangements, bookings, donations and other queries on the production and on the relief operations you may reach YMPN members:

Manila – Rogelio Braga
0918-7797982/ 0926-8122336
ogiebraga@yahoo.com/ www.rogeliobraga.blogspot.com

Mindanao – Sarah B. Matalam
0918-5582188
OFFICE: 225 V. Mapa street, Davao City (look for Jane or Joyce) 228-6959/2242702
http://nanaynirashi d.blogspot. com/ sar_matalam@yahoo.com

The Pikit Relief Mission will focus on delivery of assistance to evacuees who have not been able to avail of adequate help from government, international, or non-government relief agencies because they are situated in remote areas, or because of discrimination against them in the relief distribution process.

Today, more than 500,000 individuals are considered internally displaced persons (IDPs). The war in Mindanao has, indeed, taken a huge toll in terms of human lives, health, and property. Victims of human rights violations and international humanitarian law press on with calls for justice.

The Pikit Relief Mission will focus on the internal areas of Pikit, North Cotabato. Specifically the barangays of Punol, Macasendeg, Paidu Pulangi, Manaulanan, Kolambug, Silik. A few kilometers from the National Highway, these barangays hardly receive any assistance due to the distance from the other evacuation centers.

The UP Rep and CCP Production on the other hand aims to engage Filipinos specially the younger generations on the discourses on Mindanao conflict in the form the is familiar to them, theatre arts.

Please support this worthwhile endeavor!!! Stop theWar in Mindanao!!!