The published edition (which is accompanied by an English translation),
although revised from the contest entry, leans to neither side, but is sympathetic
to both and, the playwright says, was only meant to draw forth laughter, a bit of
thought, release, and understanding: "Ibig lamang ng may- akdang matawa tayo
sa mga talaga narnang nakakatawa sa atin, kahit totoo na minsan, mapaisip nang
kaunti, magkalabasan ng ilang sama ng loob, at magkaunawaan bago magkaisa"
(p. 179).
"Sana'y maaliw tayo," Noriega ends, and indeed the play amuses and
entertains. It is welcome comedy, especially since not too many contemporary
playwrights-and indeed comparatively few in the history of Philippine
drama-have devoted their talents to the comic genre. And it is welcome
laughter, since it comments lightly but pointedly on the world of "pelikula't
politika"-on the mores and manners, on the pulsing and possible lives within
Philippine media and politics.
Doreen G. Fernandez
Department of Communication
Ateneo de Manila University
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