On December 4, 2023, the UPD Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Office, together with the chosen representatives from Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, travelled to Quirino Memorial Medical Center to conduct UPD Pahinungod’s Tutorial Service Program. This took the form of a puppet show, a demo, and a puppet-making workshop.
Upon arrival at the venue, the team was welcomed by Kythe Foundation Volunteer Program Officer Ms. Jem Benzon, Kythe Volunteer Ms. Christine , and Head Doctor Dr. James. The team immediately started setting up the venue – assembling the stage area for Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas and organizing the participants’ area. Following completion of the set up, participants were invited to temporarily move from their bedsides to the Pediatrics Ward lobby. They were given a brief overview of what to expect during the session by Junior Project Associate Jeanne Ascue, before being introduced to the Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, led by Dr. Amihan Ramolete.
The learning session began with a demonstration of the various types of puppets, how to create them, and how to use them. This was followed by a performance from Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas of their most recent play: Prinsipe Bahaghari. Afterwards, participants were each given workshop kits, and a short video on their expected output was shown. Once the puppet-making workshop began, the entire Pahinungod and Mulat team split into two – one was in charge of facilitating the workshop and ensuring that each participant was given proper assistance, while the other group handled distribution of materials and snacks to all in attendance.
Participants were then invited to present their puppets, providing the name they have chosen for their puppet, along with a wish. Once all participants finished, they were invited to join in a group song where their self-created puppets would be used. The tutorial session ended with a photo opportunity, showing the participants and their creations. A total of seventeen (17) participants were able to complete the entire tutorial session.
