UMak hosts the opening of 18th TANGHAL Festival
09 March 2024 – The University of Makati (UMak) organized the 18th Tanghal National University and Community-Based Theater Festival. Prof. Romualdo Protacio, a College of Arts and Letters faculty member, headed the festivities.
Opening Parade and Ceremonies
The festival started with a parade of the participating theater groups who chanted their cheers as they marched and introduced themselves. Then, the UMak Choral performed the doxology with the Collective Arts of Students and Thespians Inc. (CAST) members’ interpretative dance.
The National Committee on Dramatic Arts (NCDA) representatives and Prof. Wovi Villanueva, Director of the Center for Culture and the Arts, officially opened the 18th TANGHAL Festival by consecutively ringing the Agong. CAST and Tanghalang Bagong Sibol led the theater groups to the UMak Auditorium with their opening performance of “Halina”.
IN PHOTO: NCDA Representatives, Mr. Roderick Alo, Mr. Ejay Villafancia, and Prof. Romualdo Protacio with Prof. Wovi Villanueva officially opening the 18th TANGHAL Festival
IN PHOTO: CAST and Tanghalang Bagong Sibol opening performance of “HALINA”
Ms. Ichi Yabut, the city’s Head of International Relations, congratulated everyone on behalf of City Mayor Abby Binay for their dedication to their craft. Prof. Virgilio Tabbu, Vice President of Student Services and Community Development, expressed his hope that UMak hosting the festival’s opening would inspire collaborations in arts and culture.
Dr. Glecy Atienza, Alyansa NCR Chairperson, delivered her keynote speech entitled “AI! Mga Kuwentong B mula sa Ka-T post-C“. She discussed the nature of Tanghal where artists actively participate despite limited budgets and its continuity amidst the recent pandemic. She explained its functionality as a venue for creatives.
IN PHOTO: Dr. Glecy Atienza giving her keynote speech
Prof. Villanueva extended his gratitude for selecting UMak as the host. He stressed the importance of knowing the purpose of their creation, allowing their craft to spark positive change.
Mr. Robert Mendoza explains the importance of criticism in the creation
They covered topics about being a complete being, reviving a dead art form, and committing mistakes in live performances in a Q&A forum. Dr. Atienza explained the importance of accepting changes and the evolution of art forms into another embodiment rather than fading.
Mr. Robert Mendoza, Haraya Artists Ensemble’s Artistic Director, stated that we should accept criticisms and learn from them.
The opening program concluded with a song titled “Sining ng Buhay, Gawing Ganap” to which all the attendees sang along.
Socialization
The activities continued in the afternoon where the attendees had a group chanting session. They actively socialized as the members were interchanged.
Haraya Artist Ensemble Inc. performing with UMak Jammers
The UMak Choral sang soulful songs followed by UMak Dance Xtreme’s enticing performance. Then, the Haraya Artist Ensemble Inc. and UMak Jammers sang songs that hyped the attendees. The theater groups continuously showcased their gymnastic skills until the afternoon program adjourned.
Southwest Cluster performances
The festivities concluded with an open house with live performances from the Southwest Cluster theater groups. Their acts depicted real-life conflicts and situations that the audience sympathized with—the evening ended filled with applause and commendations for the performers.
Ms. Harriette Maru Planilla, CCA-CAST Marketing Head, and Mr. Anthony Cruz, Tanghalang Bagong Sibol Artistic Director and choreographer hosted the festival.
FOR MORE PHOTOS:
Tanghal 18 – Same day Edit
