APRIL THERESE MENDOZA

It has almost been a decade since I last participated in any production. My theater arts days ended when I graduated from high school. I sort of focused on my studies in college and explored many other things. But I can never forget my past.

My highschool life would never have been complete without my Si-Kat family. It was the San Lorenzo Ruiz in 1997 presentation that marked the start of the group. From then on, we started conducting workshops and attending summer camps.

I was always a backstage person and an extra during my Si-Kat days. I'd act as a stone or a tree or a wave. Those are the characters that gave justice to the plays, me thinks. Haha! Anyway, my real roles would be the cast director or the stage manager. I am grateful how Sir Ped allowed me to handle the group with his supervision.

The two plays that will forever be dear to my heart are "Journey to the Kingdom of the Sun" and "Ang Bagong Pilipino". I love how we were able to "produce" the first play with only a handful of budget from Ma'am Arci (Miss Arcigal). I found the design group very resourceful. I remember we had to ask for black clothes and empty cartons from all the sari-sari stores in town to sort of give a dim feel to the auditorium. I also love all the characters in this play. I was the cast director then so I also memorized all the lines.

Ang Bagong Pilipino was a bigger production. It was considered a "grand" production during our time. The sound effect was great and the final song "Mabuhay Ka Pilipino" was just moving. Parang ramdam na ramdam mo talaga na Pilipino ka. Hanggang ngayon, whenever I hear that song, naaalala ko 'yun buong cast na nasa stage at proud na nagba-bow for a great performance.

After a few years, I was still able to watch a few Si-Kat presentations and I must say, I am proud to be one of the pioneers of this group. It has really gone a long way. Noong time namin, papatay-patay pa ang sound at ang lights, hindi pa ganun kaganda. Pero when I got to see ang mga productions a few years back, sobrang galing na. I am glad how the group has evolved. To Sir Ped, Ma'am Abeth, and all the members (old and new) --- Kudos!