Alaminos City, Pangasinan—The Tanghalang Sandaang Pulo Cultural Group Inc., a non-profit and non-government organization, staged on Tuesday a literary open microphone event that centered on the different concepts of freedom, as part of the advanced celebration of the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebration on Wednesday.
The event was held at Plaza Marcelo Ochave Barangay Poblacion, Alaminos City.
Alyssa Contreras, TSP’s Literary Arts and Performance Group member and event chairman, said the activity called LIRIP: Ang Unang Kalayaan is an open mic event participated by everyone.
“We have not set any age limit or any qualifications. We tried to reach to as many audiences as possible as this is for the entire community. Amateur and professional artists, working members of the community, students and out-of-school youths are all invited and there is no age limit,” she said in an interview Monday.
Contreras noted the event aims to tackle socially relevant issues and provides opportunities for creative and artistic interpretations for every Pangasinense.
“This is a free event and not a competition. No entrances and registrations required. No ratings, rankings, and or awards whatsoever will be presented to the performers. However, certificates of recognition and participation will be given,” she said.
In a Facebook post, TSP explained that ‘Ang Unang Kalayaan’ (the first freedom) symbolizes the act of being released, breaking free, or achieving liberty in any form or circumstance, from any chain that holds one back—be it a person, thing, situation, memory, or an idea or expectation.
“The theme also signifies the first freedom of TSP Literary Arts and Performance Group to present itself and what it offers to the world,” TSP added.
“Participants wrote and performed literary pieces in English, Filipino, Ilokano and Pangasinan. Their performances were not more than six minutes. Some performed their original pieces while others adapted a literary piece,” Contreras said.