30 December 2014 – In commemoration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, KSA has organized a one-act play festival dubbed as “Likhadula” in honor of the Overseas Filipino Workers on 26-27 December 2014 held at the Consulate’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 Five Thousand Saudi Riyals (SR 5,000.00) cash gift, 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 26 December, while the winners were announced and awarded the next day, 27 December 2014 in an “Awards Night” a la Oscars. Around four hundred (400) people comprising of students, schools principals and parents, leaders and members of various Filipino community organizations based in Jeddah, and officers and staff of the Consulate and their families graced the two night playfest. Many of those who attended expressed their delight in and admiration of the theatrical performances of the students, as well as, the cultural numbers presented by some Filipino talents from the Filipino community partners of the Consulate. Many have urged the Consulate to hold the same activity next year. For its part, the major sponsor has insinuated its readiness to sponsor the same event in 2015.
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 by the Consulate 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, not only at home but also abroad. END.
