Marlon Baldago 
Proud. Fulfilled. Grateful.
These sentiments were shared by Region 8’s sole delegates from Samar State University (SSU) as they emerged triumphant at the 11th Philippine Association of State Colleges and Universities – National Culture and the Arts Festival (PASUC NCAF), placing fourth runner-up in the Short and Sweet Play Musical.
With the theme “Bidlisiw: Paghilom, Pagbangon, at Pagsulong,” the recently concluded PASUC NCAF was hosted by the Philippine Normal University and the City of Manila from April 23 to 25, 2024.
The award-winning play is titled “Patik,” a local term for tattoo, and features six talented performers from the university: John Michael Iso, Jhulius Grata, Kaven Nuñez, Giselle Daligon, Ivy Navarra, and Angelo Brin, with the head of the SSU Arts and Cultural Heritage Programs, Jhonil Bajado, as its director.
However, things were not as smooth as they hoped it would be. According to the performers, behind their win at the nationals are moments covered with both highs and lows, especially for a team of novices in terms of theater arts.
In an exclusive interview with The Tradesman, the cast of Patik shared their journey and experiences from the auditions to their victory at Dagot Hall in PNU, where the contest was held.
“Mayda na man gud kami experience before kay nag-te-theater na liwat kami hadto kay may subject man kami hadto… so sabi ko, what if mag try ako? Although, nag-aalangan gihap ako kay an gin bibiling nira is maupay an vocals, diri man ako confident akon voice,” said Brin, a third-year BSEd English student portraying “Kaudto,” on how he pushed through with the screening.
For Navarra, a second-year BPEd student portraying “Kaanyag” in the musical, the auditions was unplanned. “Waray talaga ako idea, gin recommend la ako ni Giselle, gin surat niya nak ngaran… so far maupay gihap nak audition kay bet ko kasi iton acting nga nagtatangis talaga… ka-u-unexpected la,” she said.
Meanwhile, most of the cast echoed the same attitude towards auditioning, feeling hesitant because of personal insecurities, but still, they remained steadfast in their desire to perform by trying their odds at the screening.
After the casting was finalized, it was time for them to memorize the script, learn the songs, and internalize their characters. According to the group, it took a lot of hard work and dedication to prepare themselves and master the entire play in less than a month.
“Same kan Brin ngan kan Ate Ivy, grabe maguol ngan makuri. Kay an pag internalize han character, just imagine, bayot shukis tas akon character lalaki… Gin-a-ask ko ito hira kun lalaki na ba nak katindog, kun lalaki na an akon kalakat,” said Iso, a first-year BSEd Social Studies student who played “Kaisog,” revealing what it took to prepare them for the competition.
Moreover, Brin, along with Daligon, a second-year BPEd student portraying “Kabaysay,” and Nuñez, a first-year BS Psychology student portraying “Kadayaw,” stated that the three of them had to really work on their chemistry and connection on stage. With their characters being in a love triangle, they said they even had to be in character during and after rehearsals.
“At first maalang, as I go [over] han mga lines ngan han internalization bagan diri na gud hiya naging hard ha akon… Gin-put ko ito nga mindset nga this is all an act, pero with the guidance liwat of Kuya Brin,” said Nuñez, stating how he established his character’s relationship with his conflicting love interests in the play.
When asked about how it felt to represent both SSU and Eastern Visayas in the PASUC NCAF, they all smiled in unison, letting out peaceful sighs, hinting at the enriching experience filled with a whirlwind of emotions.
To which Daligon answered “Para ha akon exciting, makapira na kasi ako maka-experience na ig-represent an Samar State University ngan the region… Han nag perform kami that time I didn’t feel any pressure. Diri kami gin-kukulba, honestly… It’s such a privilege talaga, kay bug-os ito nga region, napili an SSU, napili kami nga unom.“
The cast shared that every moment in their journey was worth cherishing. For them, the bonds they created with each other and with their coaches, as well as the memories they’ve all shared made their win much sweeter.
“Siguro an awarding na, kay diri kami nag-e-expect nga makakaapi kami ha placement. Baga’n kuan na kami, hopeless ba, kun makasakob kita. Kay kaabot namon by region an pagtawag… han pag tawag contestant no. 4 waray anay namon ka m-realize nga kami adto,” said Grata, a first-year BS Statistics student and musician for the play, regarding their winning moment.
During their stay at PNU, the cast also appreciated the opening ceremonies of the three-day festival, highlighting their enjoyment during the parade and the fireworks display, including their jamming sessions with some of the contenders in the Short and Sweet Play Musical.
They further shared that they were also fortunate enough to get a good feel of the area near the host university and maximize their visit to the country’s capital by exploring the historical walled city of Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral, and Quiapo Church.
“This journey taught us the importance of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. Diri mo makakamit ito na butang kun diri mo anay pagkukurian… Burubligay talaga, mayda diri maaram kumanta ha amon, gintututduan. Ako naman diri gud maaram um-acting napabulig ako,” said Iso, with the other members nodding in agreement.
Patik is the university’s second win at the PASUC NCAF Short and Sweet Play Musical category since its victory in Davao City at the University of Southeastern Philippines in 2018, with the play then being titled “Friendship is Forever,” written and directed by Prof. Bajado.
The said musical play is set to be performed live during the flag raising ceremony on Monday, May 20.
