A Salute and Benefit to an Outstanding Artist Leader - Frank G. Rivera

 

The Philippine Centre of the International Theatre Institute (I.T.I.) a World Performing Arts organization associated with UNESCO presents “ TULA , AWIT, DULA ni FRANK G. RIVERA” to celebrate his 45 years in theatre at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Theatre, Ermita, Manila on October 18 (Friday) at 3PM Matinee and 7PM Gala. This is likewise a benefit show to assist the medical needs of Frank currently afflicted with cancer. With Theater Actors from the Sining Kambayoka, CEU Dramatics Guild, Alab-Artistika, Philstagers, Earthsavers- UNESCO Artists for Peace and A.C.T.I.O.N. featuring Liesl Batucan, Roeder, Alegria, Njel de Mesa, Vince Tanada, Nenen Espina, Jim Pebanco, Fray Paolo, Dang Elio, Wally Tuyan and Joel Lamangan, plus other very special surprise guests. Hosted by Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and Arthur Casanova. Video by CJ Andaluz. Stage direction by Joey Nombres.

                                             

Recipient of the 2012 Fr. Neri Satur Award for Environmental Heroism for Eco-Media Education and a Gawad Haraya Award,  Rivera chairs the Phil. I.T.I. Centre’s Youth Development Committee having conducted seminar-workshops on Theatre Arts and Media Education for 43 years all over the Philippines literally from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi under the auspices of NCCT-DepED, NCCA Kalahi, DOT Tunay na Kulturang Pinoy, CCP Batang Sining, Metropolitan Theatre, Sining Kambayoka, PETA and A.C.T.I.O.N. He has also conducted theatre workshops to international students in Thailand, South Korea, Singapore and Portugal with the ITI- Earthsavers UNESCO Dream Center.

 

The founding director of the celebrated Sining Kambayoka of the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Rivera wrote the original zarzuela “Ambon, Ulan, Baha” in the 70’s before environmental issues were hip, “Oyayi” and “Halik sa Kampilan” which are still being performed regularly by different theater groups all over the country like his later musical plays “Tao, Isang Tagulaylay” and “To Be A Butterfly”.

 

Also known as “Makata sa Cellphone,” Rivera authored 21 books of plays for stage, radio, TV and film, short stories and essays including 4 books of poetry published by UST. He has received 4 National Book Awards while his poems and textula are read in political rallies, passed around as text messages, read on radio, posted on social media, printed in tabloid and newspaper columns, recited in school programs and utilized as material pieces in poetry interpretation, oratorical and declamation contests. He started his theatre training and career on state, TV, Radio founded by Cecile Guidote-Alvarez.

 

 

Rivera is currently confined in the hospital (6 months now) for lymphoma cancer (what killed his friend and namesake, Frank Chavez), has had a 13-hour operation, and is undergoing chemotherapy. The I.T.I. show hopes to augment some of his mounting hospital bills. For inquiries, send an email to frank_aliw@yahoo.com.ph or through Dr. Arthur Casanova, Outstanding MetroBank Teacher Awardee at 0917-8231499 or Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Ramon Magsaysay Outstanding Asian Arts Awardee at 0917-5432889.

 

 

Cecile Guidote-Alvarez
President, Philippine Center of ITI
Director, UNESCO DREAM Center
(632) 524-6662