The year 2013, contrary to superstition, proved triumphant for IPAG with more victories scored than ever. But IPAG promises, in 2014 to surpass its gains with a line-up of projects including international performances and programs.
In 36 years, IPAG has surpassed its goals exceeding even most cultural programs in many schools and communities. IPAG called for “One Image, One Vision, One Nation” slithering through the Year of the Water Snake that was.
After being elected to the UNESCO-ITI Asia Pacific Bureau Drama Schools joining other universities in the Asia-Pacific, IPAG has continued to mirror the nation and its aspirations through trailblazing works.
“Tales From Mindanao” celebrated Philippine Independence in Ho Chi Minh City (June 2013) at the Saigon Opera House and the Sheraton and performed “Uwahig” at the My Phat Center (September 2013) for the APB Festival with 10 other Asia-Pacific universities. Sequel “Tatlo Sa Isa” continued to electrify large audiences elsewhere.
“SugaTula” highlighting the 2013 Taboan Philippine Literary Festival in Dumaguete (February) impressed a national writers festival. “Epicon,” the Agyu epic was mounted for Tanghal, the Philippine Arts Festival (February) in Cagayan de Oro City.
The twin-bill “Bilugan” (August-September) drew record audiences in a 20-performance run directed by apprenticing directors of plays ‘Banua’ by Sheryl Sumugat and ‘Makahiya’ by Bonfacio Alfonso Javier III, winners of the JY Balacuit awards of the Iligan National Writers Workshop and “Sarimanok” with a production grant from the National Commission for Culture & Arts (NCCA) capped a prodigious year in a November premiere to a surfeit of positive reviews.
IPAG was prodigious not only through its productions but through the practice it has generated.
Founder Steven PC. Fernandez discussed the Guild’s practice in international conferences in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Dumaguete, General Santos, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Manila, among other communities.
The latest works of Fernandez have been anthologized in two books published by PEN International Philippine Chapter and the UST Publishing House.
Significant 0utreach projects have included efforts to alleviate the plight of the victims of typhoon Yolanda in “Tabang Sugbohol” and in providing assistance to school children of remote mountain barangay Ampucao. Contributed news for OC-OPI
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