Teatro Paulino Season 16’s HEARTH 2025: A Battle Between Companionship, Greed, and Moral Conscience
By: Luntian Santillan
In a story of push and pull, deception, self-doubt and betrayal, the stage was brought to life in an exhilarating dynamic of lights, sounds, and acts as Teatro Paulino presented its Season 16 Main Play: HEARTH in the Bishop Frederick Rooker Auditorium (BFR) last January 23 to 24, 2025. The play’s title, which can mean both a fire and a home, reflects the way art anchors both warmth and comfort amidst life’s ever-changing nature.
The original musical, written by Anika Fabio, Center for Theater Arts’ President, alongside Nikki Villarama, introduces its viewers to the world of HEARTH with its opening song “Race to the Top”. The first scene takes place as Hiraya Macasinag, played by Aniko Ballesteros on day 1 and Ysa Cayaba on day 2, sits by stage right, the look of exhaustion and uncertainty plastered across her face. With her timid and almost teary expression, she epitomized insecurity as her look of inadequacy was evident throughout the whole story.
Simultaneously, sitting by stage left is a frustrated Angeli Torres, played by Gabby Magpayo on day 1 and Xyris Saculo on day 2. Angeli, despite significantly having a stronger yet stubborn character as the story progressed, was introduced to the audience in a state of desperation and exhaustion– her head buried in her hands. Despite her tough personality being redeemed later on, she still faces difficulties with her peers and herself, challenging her own moral conscience all for her lust for leadership.
Taking center stage with a relaxed demeanor, exuding an aura of confidence is Nico Guevarra. Played by Bea Siena on day 1 and Kallie Lucero on day 2, Nico embodied a character of wit and sharp dominance. Though he seems comfortable in his own skin, it was later on uncovered that he himself is a victim of pressure under his self-assured facade.
The narrative shown by the three was a mix of emotions that one never knew can take place. They brought in a roller coaster on stage, illustrating different dynamics and relationships in realistic manners, which is one of the reasons why the story grew popular within the audience. The play made sure to show relatability, but still remain entertaining and unexpected enough to be unique. It was one that could not be easily replicated, giving way to the contrasts of rivalry and friendship. Moreover, it showed the actualities of cheating, abandonment, betrayal, self and peer pressure, and more that could definitely make its viewers immersed into the storyline as if they were part of that world.
“Would you be ashamed of me? I’m trying my best, could you see?” A line from the play that manifests one of the emotional turmoils that led the story to what it was. The twists brought upon by one character’s hesitancy and distrust of themself would make a domino effect on the events happening to all the other characters, which significantly captivated its audience as they saw the sequence of such circumstances taking place. With spiels like “You are nothing without me.”, “I just have to stand by. […] He gets the credit, but I still get the satisfaction of it all coming to life,” they were able to narrate the simplicity of student dynamics while simultaneously showing its complexity and depth, allowing the audience to easily empathize with all the characters, even with the antagonists.
HEARTH showcased the talents of the Teatro Paulino students in a refreshing way: they touched the hearts of their audience one by one and let them feel the vibrations of each song, each line, and each step they made. The story was one that made anyone who was watching be on the edge of their seat, wanting more of what was taking place on stage. The overall flow of the production, the stressing of different volumes in the story, the management of stage props on transitions from one act to another was commendable and smooth, which enchanted all members of the audience. In the end, the group of students who brought this story to life–the Teatro Paulino students and the HEARTH Production Team–were able to see the fruits of their hard work, and successfully made an impact to the audience of not just students, but also parents, staff, and even outsiders.
HEARTH was a project to be seen, and definitely gained much positive clamor and talk after the event. With the story leaving significance to its audience long after it ended, the play is a distinctive experience that could linger for a while. The story of youthful yet profound perspectives on life provokes a reflection of the reality we find ourselves in–a call to embrace change and welcome growth. Driven by a blazing hearth, Teatro Paulino Season 16 successfully leaves a legacy that will only continue to burn warmly for the more to come. Mabuhay ang Teatro!
