Behind the curtain with the Sining Sakbibi Ensemble

By Santi Buenviaje
March 25, 2025

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Within the lively halls of Bulacan State University (BulSU), Sining Sakbibi Ensemble shines as a dynamic student organization—a thriving hub of creativity, talent, and the seamless fusion of arts and academics.

Originally founded in 2012 as the Performing Arts Division of Theater Arts (PAD-TA), Sining Sakbibi Ensemble was created by faculty members as a space for students to apply their theatrical training in a hands-on setting. Over time, it has evolved into a dynamic laboratory for artistic exploration, fostering creativity and refining the skills of aspiring performers. With the introduction of the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPEA) theater track, the organization was rebranded to align with the program’s broader vision, seamlessly integrating into BulSU’s academic framework, allowing students to master not only acting but also stage management, directing, and production management.

For Nico Varona, Program Chair for Performing Arts at BulSU and Faculty Advisor of Sining Sakbibi Ensemble, the organization is more than just a platform for performances—it is an essential pillar of both academic and artistic development for the university’s theater students.

 

Behind the Curtain

At the heart of Sining Sakbibi is a deep commitment to both the art of theater and the preservation of Filipino identity. Its name, derived from the word “bitbit”, meaning “to carry” or “to bring,” encapsulates the role of its members—as bearers of the arts, they are entrusted with bringing theater to audiences and ensuring its continuity for future generations. This mission is reflected in the group’s productions, which prioritize the use of the Filipino language as a vital means of preserving and celebrating local culture.

Whether staging original works or adapting existing plays, Sining Sakbibi is dedicated to making theater accessible, relatable, and culturally rich. From thought-provoking plays about children and war to original works written entirely in Filipino, the ensemble brings classic and contemporary stories to life in ways that deeply resonate with the local community. More than just a stylistic choice, this focus on Filipino language and culture is central to the ensemble’s identity.

Over the years, Sining Sakbibi Ensemble has built a strong reputation for excellence, particularly in regional competitions. A standout contender at the Culture and the Arts Association of State Universities and Colleges (CAASUC) competition, the group consistently delivers outstanding performances, earning top placements year after year.

Notably, at CAASUC 2024, the groupi claimed the championship title in the musical category and secured second runner-up in drama. These achievements not only highlight the exceptional talent of its members but also reflect the depth of training and artistic development they receive through their academic program.

 

Inspiring the next generation of performers

At the core of Sining Sakbibi lies not just its productions but its deep commitment to cultivating the next generation of theater artists. Varona underscores the importance of nurturing each student’s growth—not only in honing their performance skills but also in fostering a lifelong passion for the craft.

“To build a thriving theater community, it’s essential to care for the talents within it,” Varona explains. “When you nurture your students intentionally and give them the space to grow, they will take that passion with them into their careers and beyond.”

In an era where digital media and technology dominate the entertainment landscape, some may argue that theater is losing relevance. However, Varona remains optimistic, emphasizing that while theater continues to evolve, it is far from fading—it is simply adapting to the times.

“People have been saying theater is dying for thousands of years,” Varona points out with a smile. “But theater continues to evolve and adapt with the times. We integrate new technologies into our productions, and we remain relevant by staying connected to the needs and interests of our audience.”

As Sining Sakbibi looks to the future, Varona envisions an organization that reaches beyond the walls of BulSU and into the wider theater community. While the ensemble has already made a significant impact within the university, it aspires to bring its artistry to broader audiences. In the coming years, the goal is to expand performances beyond Bulacan—venturing into Metro Manila, the heart of the Philippine theater scene—and forging collaborations with other theater organizations to further elevate their craft and amplify their presence on a national stage.

The Sining Sakbibi Ensemble is passionate about sharing their production with a wider audience and believes that collaboration is key to making this vision a reality. They welcome partnerships with other schools and organizations to help bring their performances to new venues and communities. Those interested in working with them can reach out to CREATEPhilippines for more details on how to collaborate.

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