Starbucks, PETA promote Philippine arts

MANILA, Philippines - With the success of Rak of Aegis, a rock comedy musical using the songs of ’90s rock band Aegis to tackle Filipino resilience, more and more Filipinos have rediscovered the joys of theater. The success of the musical can only be attributed to the people behind the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), whose cultural mission is to use “the art of theater as a tool for social change and development.”

Since PETA’s founding almost 50 years ago, the organization continues to be the home of creative and critical artist-teacher-cultural workers who are committed to artistic excellence and culture that fosters both personal fulfillment and social transformation.

From Rak of Aegis to the upcoming Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil (a modern retelling of Dr. Jose Rizal’s two greatest novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo), PETA has been known and credited for creating issue-based performances that reflect the times. PETA’s productions represent a consistent stream of artistic styles, genres and disciplines that entertain and empower the audience through critical thought and creative expression.

For cultural projects like this that make an impact on the lives of the actors as well as the audience, it needs to widen its reach. PETA, in partnership with Starbucks Philippines, aims to make theater more accessible to all and to further push theater-centric education through joint programs.

These programs include a Theater Appreciation Program (TAP) which allows students of public schools and state universities as well as out-of-school youth to watch performances for free. Starbucks also supports select individuals, teachers, partners and youth who are interested to join PETA’s theater workshops but are in need of financial assistance.

Aside from sponsoring public school students to watch shows like the upcoming Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil, Starbucks also provides support for research and development of new scripts. It allows PETA to create more original materials for future plays.

“Starbucks has always been committed to helping promote culture wherever in the world we may be. Here in the country, we are committed to building Filipino arts, helping PETA advance its work and encouraging the development of the youth’s theater aesthetics and education,” said Noey Lopez, Rustan Coffee Corp. (Starbucks Coffee Philippines) president.

Through this partnership, PETA hopes to realize its cultural mission and expand its reach whether through its performance audiences, workshop participants, or network engagements locally and internationally.

Starbucks will continue to promote Philippine culture and the arts through PETA to help achieve the end goal of social change and development one play at a time.