Annika Cordero
OCTOBER 26, 2024
The first scene of Noli Me Tangere: Huwag Mo Kaming Hawakan.
Photo from Artist Playground's Facebook page.
To improve their Filipino vocabulary and understanding of the historical novel, grades 9 and 10 students spectated a Noli me Tangere play last September 21, 2024, in The College of St. Scholastica Theater, Manila.
“Mas lalo silang ma-appreciate [ang] novel dahil kongkreto ang kanilang experience,” explained Teacher Jojo Raba, the high school Filipino teacher.
When asked about their expectations for the play, grade 10 students expressed their desire to gain a deeper understanding of Noli Me Tangere due to their limited study the previous year. On the other hand, grade 9 students hoped to build a solid foundation of the novel for their future readings.
When asked whether he thought the trip would help him, Dennis Gonzalez, a grade 10 student, responded, “I would say this [play] could help me because it can give a clear view on what we read through last year… I think it will tie up loose threads.” Isabel Patron, a grade 9 student, supported his statement, “I feel like it will help me learn more about our history,” she asserted.
The actors take their final bow.
Photo from Artist Playground's Facebook page.
After watching the play, the students described it as a positive experience that met their expectations.
“I really enjoyed the play, I enjoyed the characterization. I think it was the most clear and concise way to understand Noli Me Tangere,” remarked Isabella Boom, a grade 10 student.
Ben Samaniego, a grade 9 student, commented, “I can understand a bit more Filipino now, and I’m more open to reading Filipino literature.”
The Noli Me Tangere play was a collaboration between Teatro Gantimpala and the Artist Playground. They will continue to show more plays based on classic Filipino literature, such as Florante at Laura (November 16, 2024), Ibong Adarna (February 22, 2025), and El Filibusterismo (March 7, 2025).