It looked like a protest: several individuals on the floor, with indiscriminate shouts from all corners of the hall. But upon closer look, I realized they were a bunch of energetic, enthusiastic school kids, participating in pre-program games. No one could stop them, as there were prizes on the line.

Part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Children’s Biennale, with the theme “Let’s Play!,” which encouraged active and hands-on participation of young ones, the CCP and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ (ARDP) rendered a memorable folktale, Mga Kwento ni Juan Tamad.

As the familiar sound of the CCP chimes rang, we noticed teachers immediately spurred into action with some last-minute reminders to listen very carefully and think about lessons they will learn from the performance. “I’ll get back to you for reflection,” one of them even teased.

The schoolchildren then marched into the main auditorium of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, two by two, some holding hands. It was definitely meant for the young, with friendly screening times of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And not only that, the sponsors were likewise hand-picked for the event, with popular local snacks at the forefront.

As the first notes of the Philippine National Anthem blared, we could not help but smile —the singing was the loudest we’ve heard in a long time! It reminded us of the first day of elementary school flag ceremony, filled with students eager to begin the school year.