WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
ENGLISH 1- PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
Quiz 7-30 pts
Name: Ma. Sophia Acena Schedule: MWF (9-10 am) Score:_______
Reaction paper about the Teatro Primiero production titled Kinabuhi
Teatro Primiero’s production of Kinabuhi is a touching and thought-provoking play that explores
different aspects of human life. It presents various stories that highlight love, family, sacrifice,
struggles, and hope. With strong acting, effective staging, and meaningful storytelling, Kinabuhi
successfully connects with the audience emotionally and intellectually.
Since I was only able to watch three of the stories, the Piglas, Bungisngis, and Basul. I focused
on their themes and messages. Each of these stories showed different struggles people face and
the decisions they make. The play effectively portrays real-life experiences and emotions that
many people can relate to. It also raises awareness of issues like mental health, societal
expectations, and the strength of familial bonds.
Piglas is about the eldest sister who faces heavy pressure from her family. She is constantly
compared to other children who have achieved more. She struggles to balance her studies, love
life, and responsibilities as the eldest child. Eventually, she reaches a breaking point and decides
to take her own life, thinking it is the only escape. However, in the end, it is revealed that Piglas is
actually a movie within the play, where the character tries to take her life. This twist sends a
strong message about how overwhelming expectations can affect mental health and the
importance of seeking help instead of giving up. The story sheds light on the emotional weight
carried by many eldest children and emphasizes the need for understanding and open
conversations within families.
Bungisngis is about classmates with different personalities. Despite their differences, their
interactions bring laughter and joy, showing the importance of friendship and connection. This
story adds a lighthearted touch to the play, proving that humor and companionship can help
people cope with challenges. It reminds the audience that even in difficult times, moments of
happiness and strong friendships can bring comfort and healing.
Basul focuses on family struggles. The eldest child has mental health issues, while the youngest
is deeply religious and believes that God will guide and protect them. Their father is uninvolved,
leaving all responsibilities to their mother. In the end, the youngest child dies from cancer, which
deeply affects the family. The story highlights the importance of faith, resilience, and the
emotional impact of illness and family problems. It also portrays the sacrifices that family
members make and how grief changes people in different ways.
Among these, Piglas resonated with me the most because I am also an older sister, and I can
relate to the main character's struggles. Being the eldest comes with high expectations, and I
understand the pressure to succeed and set a good example. Like the protagonist, I have
experienced the challenge of juggling responsibilities while meeting my family’s expectations.
Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed, but I continue to push forward because I believe I need to be
strong for my family. The story made me realize how important it is for families to communicate
better. Parents and younger siblings should also understand the struggles of being the eldest and
provide emotional support instead of just expectations. It also taught me that seeking help in
difficult times is not a sign of weakness but rather a step toward healing.
The themes in Kinabuhi are relevant to many people, making the play impactful. It sheds light on
everyday struggles while also showing the strength of the human spirit. The play encourages
people to reflect on their own experiences, social issues, and the challenges of life. It also raises
awareness about mental health, family relationships, and the need to seek help when necessary.
The realistic storytelling makes the audience feel connected to the characters and their situations,
making it a truly immersive experience.
Overall, Kinabuhi is an impressive theatrical piece that delivers deep messages about life. It is not
just entertaining but also inspiring and thought-provoking, leaving a strong impact on its audience.
Teatro Primiero’s effort in bringing meaningful stories to the stage is admirable. Kinabuhi is a
reminder that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always hope, support, and the strength to
keep going. The play encourages conversations about important issues, making it a valuable and
necessary production that deserves to be seen by many.
