last time we checked: Christine Bellen

CHRISTINE with former student and now fellow ateneo teacher
and industry colleague--comic book creator and artist ELBERT OR

the last time we checked, CHRISTINE S. BELLEN is sort of oic/head honcho at the Filipino Department at the Ateneo. she also just finished writing BATANG RIZAL for PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association).

BATANG RIZAL tells of sixth-grader Pepito who accidentally breaks the head of a statue of the young Jose Rizal, given to the school by the City Mayor as a gift during the Buwan ng Wika celebrations. Pepito has a week to return the statue, and when he mournfully goes to the storeroom to check on it, he finds himself in Calamba, the hero’s hometown.

The play takes the audience from the present to the past, to a time when Jose Rizal was a boy called Pepe, and then back again to Pepito's time as the two boys experience life in each other’s era. Along the way, they discover that patriotism and heroism can be found even in an ordinary child’s heart.

This 40th Theater Season offering is directed by Dudz Terana, with music by Vince de Jesus and animation by Don Salubayba and the Anino Shadow Collective. Batang Rizal runs July 19-August 25 at the Tanghalang PETA-Phinma of the PETA Theater, with performances at 10:00 am and 3pm.

The play features Ron Alfonso, Nex Agustin, JK Anicoche, Glecy Atienza, Bernah Bernardo, Joan Bugcat, Nar Cabico, Willy Casero, Abner Delina, Mary Ann Espinosa, Neomi Gonzales, JV Katipunan, Patricia Liwanag, Shé Maala, Carlon Matobato, Kitchie Pagaspas, Norbs Portales, Ian Segarra and Gold Villar. Set design is by Bobot Lota, Costume by Ron Ryan Alfonso.

For inquiries and ticket reservations, call the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 7256244, 4100821 to 22, 0918-9354166, 0917-8154567. E-mail mpr@petatheater.com or petampro@yahoo.com, or visit www.petatheater.com. Season subscriptions are also available for only PhP1,000.