07 January 2015 - In commemoration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia organized a one-act play festival dubbed as “Likhadula,” held from December 26 to 27, 2014 held at the Consulate General’s parking area. The theme for the play festival is “Ang tunay na Bagong Bayani ay ang OFW at kanyang pamilya na hindi natitinag kahit sila ay magkalayo.”
Al Dura GEMS International school topped the play competition among four (4) Filipino schools in Jeddah with its entry “NFA Rice.” For winning the Best Play, GEMS received a cash gift worth SR 5,000.00, plus SR1,000.00 worth of vouchers and a trophy from Sarawat Superstore, the major sponsor for the play festival. Durat AI Sharq International School (DASIS) took second place for its “Medalya” (Medal) entry, followed by Bader International School (BIS) for its entry “Ang Mga Sundalo ng Pamilya at Tahanan” (Soldiers of the Family and Home) and the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), “Buhay Saudi” (Life in Saudi Arabia). The three schools also received cash prizes, vouchers and trophies.
Mr. Johnron Macapagal of Durat Al Sharq International School (for the play “Medalya”) and Ms. Madelaine I. Cruzate of Al Dura (GEMS) International School (for “NFA Rice”) were awarded Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. The Best Director award was given to Mr. Ariel S. Javier, a teacher from Al Dura (GEMS) International School, for “NFA Rice.” The awardees received gift vouchers, trophies and medals.
All plays were performed on December 26, while the winners were announced and awarded the next day in an “Awards Night” a la Oscars. Around 400 people, including students, school principals and parents, leaders and members of various Filipino community organizations based in Jeddah, and officers and staff of the Consulate General and their families, graced the two-night play fest. Many of those who attended expressed their delight in and admiration for the theatrical performances of the students, as well as the cultural numbers presented by some Filipino talents from the Consulate General’s Filipino community partners. Many urged the Consulate General to hold the same activity next year.
The plays performed in “Likhadula” were original plays written by students of the participating schools. Conceived by Consul General Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr., it was organized to provide an avenue for the students of Filipino curriculum high schools in Jeddah to hone their talents and skills in one-act playwriting, acting and directing while instilling in their minds the important role of overseas Filipinos in nation-building. END