Derrick B.

Duller
Grade 11- Rizal
21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World

August 26, 2016

Mr. Beaven C. Bermudez

AQUARIUM NA WALANG TUBIG

AQUARIUM NA WALANG TUBIG is a theatrical play written and directed by

Anne Villegas produced by Sining Pinagpala Theatre Foundation, Inc. According to Anne
Villegas, AQUARIUM NA WALANG TUBIG is a musical play designed to inform the
evils of drug addiction through songs and dances. It is a story of 4 different high school
students struggling in their everyday lives and has different ways of coping with their
problems.

Jordan came from a rich family with workaholic parents who dont seem to have
time for him. Paolo is the bully. He disrespects girls and always teases others. He seems
to have a problem at home with his abusive stepfather. Botchok is the nerd. He has a
scholarship at school which his only ticket to graduating. He is pressured with the fact
that he has to maintain a high grade for him to continue studying. These three boys
coped with these problems with the main antagonist of the story: drug abuse. However,
their one friend, Dennis, faced his own problems with perseverance and determination,
not in depending on drugs and other dangerous habits. Dennis had a bright future unlike
the latter three boys.

This play aims to show the youth the bad effects of drug abuse in our lives. It was
made to open the eyes of the audience into choosing the right path for their lives. The
message of the play touched my heart. It made me realize that there are healthy coping
mechanisms in dealing with our own problems.

The Persevering
Like Dennis, we should be persevering. If we have problems, we should face it
with all our heart and strength. We shouldnt avoid them because nothing will happen if
we ignore our own problems. Working hard for what we want and what we need will take
us places.

The Enduring

Persevering is very important in dealing with our problems. However, sometimes

these things take time and so much effort. We should endure them enough to be solved.
We should have the right patience and discipline in order to deal with our own problems.
These, together with perseverance, is really effective in coping with our lives.

The Praying

Having faith is the last ingredient in effectively coping with out problems. We
should believe that we would overcome these challenges. We believe in the people
around us, people we love, and God.

This play has really made me think deeper on what I already know. It tackled life,
challenges, rewards, and consequences. Coping with problems shouldnt be with
dangerous habits. We dont want to be fishes in an aquarium with no water, do we?