By Annalyn S. Jusay
"Ka.SEEN.halaga (HPV. Out!)" is a groundbreaking play about the human papilloma virus that will premiere in Makati City on July 14.
Far from being boring, it's a fun, educational take on HPV which affects about 16 Filipinos for every 100,000 and can lead to certain types of cancer. Director Rodel Mercado stressed that with vaccination and proper education, the Philippines can beat this silent killer disease and this is what the show tackles.
"This play is not only timely but relevant. Anyone can be infected with HPV regardless of age, gender, and economic status. Our play will raise awareness on how anyone, especially young people, can get protected from the virus through preventive efforts such as vaccinations and sex education.” Rodel pointed out.
"Ka.SEEN.halaga (HPV. Out!)" consists of three monologues where the characters of Roger, Maya and Girltok express their thoughts and feelings about afflicted with HPV from a script written by Julia Enriquez.
Indie actor Migui Moreno plays the role of Roger, a father who has throat cancer because of HPV. Being a parent himself "triggered" Migui to do the play.
"As a dad, it's important for us na mga magulang na maingatan ang mga anak natin. Dapat talaga matutunan ng mga bata na mayroon palang ganitong sakit na hindi lumalabas ang mga symptoms. At a young age, pwede kang mahawa kaya as early as nine years old, pwede ng magpa-vaccine. Medyo alarming kasi sa mga magulang ang ganitong problema."
(It's important for parents like me to care for their children's health. The kids should learn about HPV, which has no symptoms. You can have a vaccine against this disease as early as nine. The problem is alarming, especially for parents.)
Theater actress Angela Maghanoy revealed that being given the chance to portray the Gen Z character Girltok is a learning lesson in itself.
"To be honest, the first time na nag-audition ako, I have no broad knowledge regarding HPV. My goal has always been to learn something new with every role I play. I also want to use my passion and craft in theater acting to share information and advocate for HPV prevention."
The view is shared by seasoned artist Phi Palmos, last seen in the Kapamilya series "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?"
"Hindi ako nahirapan na mag-yes because an advocacy like this is very close to my heart. Bago ako mag-teatro, I worked for numerous NGOs here and abroad where we dealt with HIV and AIDS awareness, sexuality, and reproductive health," Phi remarked.
(I did not find it hard to say yes to this project because an advocacy like this is close to my heart. Before entering theater, I worked in numerous NGOs here and abroad.)
"Atsaka ng tagal ko nang hindi gumawa ng advocacy play. Parang I've been doing mainstream theater shows and I've been doing TV and movies. So excited ako na bumaba ulit sa grassroots, tapos yung primary audience ay students. Kasi iba din ang ganyan. It humbles you, kumbaga," Phi added.
(It has also been a long time since I did an advocacy play. I am excited to go back to the grassroots and it's different when your primary audience is the students. It humbles you.)
Blaisdell Caloyloy (Roger), Twinkle Santiago (Maya), and Zhyra Villanueva (Girltok) are playing as alternates to Migui, Phi, and Angela.
Director Rodel said the producer Frontline Productions is honored to have the Rotary Club of South San Francisco California (through Dr. Jasmin Flores) as the co-presenter of the play. The other sponsors are MSD, PAGCOR, and Orocan. Minor Sponsors are SOGO, Nature’s Spring & Zephaniah’s Catering.
Ka.SEEN.halaga (HPV. Out!) will begin showing at the RCBC Theater, Makati City on July 14. Matinee is scheduled at 3 pm and Gala is at 8 pm.
Tours in campus and universities and other outreach performances will happen in September. Tickets for the July 14 shows are available at ticket2me.net or send your queries to 0954-170-2679 and look for Bevs Lalo.