METTA Student: Criena House

We just received a good news from one of the former students of METTA who is now based in New York City. Below is the letter sent to Ana Valdes-Lim, METTA's Artistic Director and her acting coach.

From: Criena House 
Subject: Good news
To: "Ana Lim" 
Date: Tuesday, 24 May, 2011, 2:34 AM

Hi Ms. Ana,

I just wanted to let you know I got in to the Actors Studio Drama School. They let me know right after the audition. I performed Act 2 Scene 2 from The Crucible with a scene partner.

Thank you for your recommendation and helping me prepare for this. Really I couldn't have done it without your guide and teachings throughout the years.

It's a little daunting though, because they're rooted in "the method" and Stanislavsky system. I'm not sure if they'll let us explore other schools of thinking. But I guess it's best for me, because I need to get in touch with my own emotions and experiences as a person (which I somehow escape from).

Anyway, as you've said, I'll observe and absorb. Here's to growth! Thank you again for everything!

Hugs,
Criena  

  

Criena House was awarded as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Students in the Philippines, was an active student leader in Assumption, has been a member and president for ACT (Assumption Community Theater), Director for Metamorphoses II, Actor for The Crucible and Broadway Productions, was part of Hairspray and Legally Blonde among other outside shows, and now a student of Actors Studio Drama School, New York. Congratulations, Criena! METTA is proud of you! 

METTA: The year that was (2010-2011)

Season 2010-2011 was a very busy year for METTA. We had several shows and classes that occupied our school year from institutional shows to our own little classroom recitals. Here's a quick recap on our year:

METTA kicked off the school year with an original show for Buwan ng Wika. Written by Ana Malit, "ANG PAGTATAGPO" is an original concept where the characters Ibong Adarna, Florante, Sisa and Elias tell the audience their tales through a song and at the end, they come together for peace and hope. The songs were composed by Jeff Hernandez. Below is a part of the finale song:

Lumipad sa isang malayang alapaap

Gamit ang mga hinabi nating pakpak

Kung saan maaaring mangarap

At matupad ang ating hinahangad

Sa pagduyan ng himig ng hangin

Tayo’y mahihimbing at muling magigising

Haharapin ang hamong darating

Ng bagong umagang paparating

AUGUST and SEPTEMBER 2010. We re-staged the show "The Mystery of Irma Vep" by Charles Ludlam with Jon Santos and JV Katipunan. With more effects, better set and lights, a backstage tour and a question and answer portion for the audience, the restaging was definitely a success!

December 2010. Amidst the examinations and christmas rush, METTA was preparing for a big dance recital. Entitled "TRANSCENDING THROUGH DANCE 2010", the show featured fresh choreographies from Jun Saagundo (Modern), Batche Tan (Hip Hop), Corina Vallejos (Ballet) and Stephen Biadoma (Neo-Filipino). Here are some photos from the show:

 Dancing for Banaue Rice Terraces.

 The Prayer Dance

 Royal Academy of Dance

JANUARY 2011 marked METTA's production Broadway 4. A musical medley of 3 W's -- Wizard of Oz, Wiz and Wicked. With a cast of 200 and a once a week rehearsal (Broadway 4 is a culminating activity for METTA Club), this is one of the biggest production for the year and not an easy one. This time, we adapted the green living and had the costumes DIY by the students. We discouraged them  to buy new ones and recycle their old ones! Hands down, this is one of the hard and fun METTA Productions! 200 students, 8 coaches. We are all looking forward to Broadway 5!

 Choral rehearsals

 Their DIY Costumes.

METTA College

 FEBRUARY is one of the busier months for METTA. We had METTA Studio Broadway 4, Teachers' day CAFFS, Shakespeare Festival, we had a production of THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA by Federico Garcia Lorca. This time, we added a twist to the play by using the Narration Method and the Mask acting technique. Directed by Jose Estrella and coached by Ana Valdes-Lim. 

MARCH marked the end of a long year but METTA's work does not end there! We had graduations, moving up and thanksgiving day! But aside from those activities, we also had culminating shows for the classes handled by METTA. A 2-part movement dance recital spearheaded by Susan Decena with Stephen Biadoma and a Rehearsal and Performance Recital facilitated by Ana Valdes-Lim.

It may have been a busy and hard year but all is worth it once the curtain closes, and the audience claps. We are thankful to everyone that has been part of our theater season. Next school year will be bigger and busier but it will be a breeze with the support of our students and parents, and the passion of the METTA Team.

METTA SUMMER WORKSHOP 2011
Assumption College San Lorenzo, Makati City
METTA: 8170757 loc 1163-64 or 8942681

metta.ac@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/metta.ac

METTA SUMMER WORKSHOP 2011

Classes offered: 

Shakespeare Rehearsal Techniques

            Tution Fee:    P 5,500/month         

            Recital Fee:   P 2,500 recital

            Duration:       March 28 – May 5

            Time:            Tuesday & Thursday

                                 1:00pm – 4:00pm,

            Coach:           Ana Valdes-Lim & Jose Estrella

           

Metta Dance Theater: MODERN DANCE CLASS

            Tution Fee:    P 5,500/month         

            Recital Fee:   P 2,500 recital

            Duration:       March 28 – June 3

            Time:            Monday and Tuesday

                                1:30pm – 3:00pm

                                (Beginner 9-12 y/o)

                                3:00pm – 4:30pm

                                (Intermediate 12 y/o & above)

            Coach:           Jun Saagundo

Metta Dance Theater: HIP-HOP CLASS

           

            Tution Fee:    P 5,500/month         

            Recital Fee:   P 2,500 recital

            Duration:      April 6 – June 3

            Time:           Wednesday and Thursday

                               1:30pm – 3:00pm

                               (Beginner 9-12 y/o)

                               3:00pm – 4:30pm

                               (Intermediate 12 y/o & above)

            Coach:           Batche Tan

METTA Musical Theater

            Tution Fee:    P 5,500/month         

            Recital Fee:   P 2,500 recital

            Duration:       March 28 – June 3

            Time:            Wednesday and Thursday

                                9:30am – 12:30pm

                                (9 y/o and above)

            Coach:           Marian Santiago

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE BALLET

Duration:       April 5 to June 4  Tuesday and Thursays

Coach:           Corina Vallejos

 Levels:         Beginner to Adult Ballet

REGISTRATION STARTS MARCH 15, 2011

REGISTRATION FEE FOR NEW STUDENT: P 500.00

For more info: METTA 8942681/ 817 0757 loc 1163-64

www.facebook.com/metta.ac