fter the wildly successful rerun of “Rak of Aegis,” The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) continues its 47th season with a play on language entitled “FnL.”
Written by Rody Vera, Anj Heruela, and Maynard Manansala, and directed by Ian Segarra; “FnL” explores the chaotic world of California native Fil-am Lance and promdi call center agent, Flor. By some incredible twist of fate, these two characters cross paths and discover something that they have in common: the voice of Balagtas. With their friends, Flor’s beki-speaking fellow call center agent, and Lance’s street-talking cousin, they set out on a fantastical journey to find the mystery behind their strange gift and what it means to possess it. “FnL” uses the original text of “Florante at Laura” as a springboard into a surreal tale full of twists and surprises delivering the message of how important it is to love your language whether it’s Filipino, Cebuano, beki, jologs, and everything in between.
“FnL” promises to be a mouthful of a play, what with its dialogues permutated with different speaks. If you’re not too familiar with beki or jej talk, we’ve prepared a list of 8 words you’ll need to learn. So sit back down and loosen your tongue for a different kind of vocabulary lesson.
A shortened version of the word “imbalanced,” “imba” is a gaming term, used on players with unbelievable skill.
Although worlds apart, these different speaks mirror and reflect the diversity of culture present in the Philippines. Samu’t saring wika, sa iisang container. That’s what “FnL” is about; proving that in the discourse of language, no tongue is neither inferior nor superior.
Challenge yourself and try these words out in everyday conversation! Or catch them in PETA’s new production “FnL” opening on September 27 at the PETA Theater Center located at No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines. For more information, visitwww.ticketworld.com.ph or contact PETA at 725-6244, +639175765400 or email petatheater@gmail.com