The pursuit of passion is a risky one. Whether it be as a long term career or an infrequent hobby, there is no easy path towards honing a skill and yielding visible results. However, uncertain as the path may be, it is not impossible. And when executed properly, not only is the outcome rewarding, but the journey as well.

Enter Patt Lucido and Jerome Ignacio—scriptwriters and members of ENterteynment para sa Tao, Bayan, LAnsangan, at DiyOs (ENTABLADO), a socio-political theatre organization in the Ateneo. This November, their original plays will be staged in a local film festival called “Isang Upuan: Klasiks.” And although their journeys were nothing short of eventful, these two are just getting started.

Humble beginnings

Now an experienced scriptwriter and the assistant coordinator for theatrical concerns of ENTABLADO, Lucido still recalls how she first started out. Though starting out in her sixth grade, she only really started when she was in high school and was tasked to write an original play. After her first few ventures into the world of theatre during her time in St. Scholastica’s College Manila, Lucido’s dedication to scriptwriting only just grew.

Lucido says her experience in her high school’s theatre organization, Curtain Call, formed the foundations of her scriptwriting. However, her theatre experience in college is what really allowed her to grow into the playwright she is today.

“[Sa college] mas maraming interaction with other writers, actors, director (In college there are more interactions with other writers, actors, director),” she adds. “Na-rerealize mo na mayroon pala ditong kakaiba pang mundo (You eventually realize that there are so many different worlds here).” She credits ENTABLADO’s scriptwriting pool, Imahe|Nasyon, for helping her improve her skills and realize her commitment and passion for scriptwriting.

Similarly, Ignacio also began his scriptwriting experience in the Ateneo High School. “My high school theatre org, Teatro Baguntao, usually calls back its alumni during summer to help out... I was able to write a play and have it staged for the first time.” Ignacio’s plays have since been selected in various events including the Ateneo School of Humanities’ “Short and Brief” in 2013, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Virgin Labfest, and most recently, Antrosininglaya’s “Isang Upuan: Klasiks.”

Lights, camera, action

“Isang Upuan: Klasiks” is a festival being held by the Antrosininglaya Theatre Company. Described as an event that “let[s] you define Klasiks the way you see fit,” the event features a collection of one-act plays—either originals or adaptations written in Filipino or English and each running for about fifteen to twenty minutes.

Lucido admits she found the call for submission by chance, but she was drawn immediately. “Interesting ‘yong theme niya kasi parang “klasiks”, medyo mahirap siya tignan at first. Ano ba ‘yong klasik? (The theme is interesting because it’s ‘klasiks’ and it’s a little difficult to understand at first. What is a ‘klasik’)?” Only after her play was accepted into the competition did she learn the true essence of a klasik—a narrative that draws inspiration from everyday life, but is made extraordinary when executed on a stage.

Lucido’s entry to the Antrosininglaya competition is one that encompasses the pain of leaving and of being left. Its two main characters are forced to be apart and eventually decide that it might be for the best. “Stinage rin siya ng ENTABLADO for a mini [production]… Nagustuhan siya ng audience kasi masakit siya… Kasi true to life siya… (It was staged by ENTABLADO for a mini production…It was favored by the audience because it was painful…because it was true to life).”

While Lucido shares most of her scriptwriting experience with ENTABLADO, Ignacio admits, “Most of the plays I’ve written, and accepted in the festivals, are actually a result of a class workshop.” He says that asking his mentors and peers for constructive feedback has played a big role in his writing process.

Ignacio’s efforts have definitely paid off, considering the three festivals he’s already gotten into—CCP’s Virgin Labfest being the one he’s most excited about. His Antrosininglaya entry, entitled My Fairy Lola, “is about three young brothers from a rich neighborhood in Metro Manila who go to the province to visit their lola…The brothers believe that their lola has been cursed by a kapre because she hasn’t gotten up from her bed and resolve to find said kapre,” says Ignacio.

He shares that being a playwright on Virgin Labfest was a huge entry in his bucket list and he considers it a testimony to his chosen craft. “I consider it one major milestone in my life and a sign from above telling me that I’m on the right track, that I should continue believing in myself and just write.”

Looking ahead

While both Lucido and Ignacio’s paths led them to the theatre and their environment nurtured their scriptwriting abilities, their futures remain uncertain. According to Lucido, scriptwriting will persist in her life—for now at least—but only as a hobby.

“Writing isn’t something mechanical na pwede mo lang gawin automatically (Writing isn’t something mechanical that you can just do automatically),” she says. “It’s more spontaneous.”

Ignacio, however, has a different outlook. “I am one hundred percent certain that I want to pursue playwriting,” he says. “I intend to study for an [Master’s in Fine Arts degree] in playwriting abroad so that when I come back, I can bring back what I learned there here, especially in my home org ENTABLADO.”

Although their opinions differ as far as the future is concerned, the two definitely agree on one thing.

“Write. Just write,” says Ignacio, when asked what advice he would give to aspiring scriptwriters. Lucido elaborates on this further, saying, “Everyone has to start somewhere so start writing for yourself, tapos writing for others.” She says, “Kapag sa tingin mo ready ka na, try mo na i-compete ‘yong work mo (When you think you’re ready try to use your work for competitions).”

The road ahead for these two young scriptwriters may be uncertain, but—if their past excursions are any indication—it is nothing but bright. With well-developed skill, passion, and the kind of dedication that can only come from rigorous experience, only greatness awaits.

Lucido and Ignacio’s plays will be staged this November by the Antrosininglaya Theatre Company.