Dz May Ambros
November 23, 2023

Guang Ming College (GMC) unveiled a captivating performance of "FAKE," a thought-provoking full-length play penned by the esteemed Floy Quintos. The premiere took place at the GMC-Tagaytay campus, marking a significant milestone for both the college and the Filipino arts community.

"FAKE" transcends the conventional boundaries of theatrical storytelling, delving into the depths of dramaturgical drama set against the backdrop of the Mountain of Revelations. The narrative follows Miguel's quest for truth as he questions Sister Emily's vision of the Virgin Mary, even amidst the steadfast beliefs of characters like Lobo, the "fake" Tasaday, and the enigmatic American poet George. The play, intricately woven with themes of authenticity and doubt, extends its exploration to Philippine history, urging the audience to scrutinize the veracity of faith.

"FAKE" transcends the conventional boundaries of theatrical storytelling, delving into the depths of dramaturgical drama set against the backdrop of the Mountain of Revelations. photo／The Life News Agency

Floy Quintos expressed his gratitude to Guang Ming College for providing a cutting-edge platform for the arts. He commended the institution for fostering an environment where young artists can thrive under the guidance of dedicated professionals. "GMC has proven itself as a hub for nurturing young talent, offering a promising landscape for the improvement of the art industry," Quintos remarked.

One of the highlights of the production was the stellar performance of Raphne Catorce, a GMC graduate who portrayed the character "Lobo of Tasaday." Catorce shared insights into the significance of having a semi-professional production within the college. "This not only benefits the students but also contributes to the growth of the school as a whole. The platform allows us to invite established artists, build connections, and expand our networks. Having professional actors join us on stage elevates the quality of our performances and sets higher standards for aspiring actors," Catorce emphasized.

The narrative follows Miguel's quest for truth as he questions Sister Emily's vision of the Virgin Mary, even amidst the steadfast beliefs of characters like Lobo, the "fake" Tasaday, and the enigmatic American poet George. photo／The Life News Agency

As a freelance actor, Catorce highlighted the importance of building a diverse network, and he expressed gratitude to GMC for providing students with opportunities to explore beyond the classroom. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, "Being part of this play has allowed me to showcase my skills to a wider audience, especially those within the arts industry. I am thankful to Guang Ming College for opening doors for students to venture into the professional realm. This experience has not only connected me with other artists but has also paved the way for exciting opportunities in film and television."

The success of "FAKE" at Guang Ming College signifies not only a triumph for the performing arts but also a testament to the college's commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative minds in the Philippines.

Floy Quintos expressed his gratitude to Guang Ming College for providing a cutting-edge platform for the arts. photo／The Life News Agency

Abbess Venerable Miao Jing of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple and Dharma Sister Belinda Tantuco watched. They commented that GMC has built a learning community for performing arts. When there are children among the audience, they knew that GMC has inherited the practice of Humanistic Buddhism to become a trustful institute for nurturing the future in Tagaytay.