The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) draws its 52nd Theater Season to a close by responding to an issue that has long been met with silence: the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
Together with esteemed HIV advocacy organizations The Red Whistle and LoveYourself, PETA launches the Acting on HIV campaign with Rody Vera’s anthology drama ‘Under my Skin‘, directed by Melvin Lee, as the frontliner.
Inspired by real people and events, “Under My Skin” accurately depicts the realities, triumphs, and struggles of people living with HIV, while navigating an important conversation about acceptance and tolerance.
Under My Skin introduces us to a number of characters: Dino, an HIV-positive teen whose status is discovered through a contraction of tuberculosis; Mary Rose, a mother who unknowingly passed down the virus to her son after contracting if from her husband; a gay beauty parlor employee experiencing work-related discrimination, and more. Their stories of love, pain and acceptance are revealed through Dr. Almonte, who is studying the spread of the devastating virus.
“Under My Skin” features stellar theater actresses Ms. Cherry Pie Picache and Ms. Roselyn Perez alternating as the lead character Dr. Gemma Almonte. They are joined by Anthony Falcon, Mike Liwag, Gio Gahol, Migs Almendras, Eko Baquial, Gold Villar-Lim, She Maala, Mico Esquivel, Bene Manaois, Lotlot Bustamante, Kitsi Pagaspas, Dylan Ray Talon, Ekis Gimenez, Dudz Teraña, Jarred Jaicten, Erold Enriquez, Jason Barcial, Joseph Madriaga, Rach Gimpes, Reggie Ondevilla, Roy Dahildahil, and Csai Habla.
Here are some captivating scenes from the play, captured by photographer Erickson dela Cruz:

Under My Skin is showing at the PETA Theater Center, #5 Eymard Drive, Brgy. Kristong Hari, New Manila, Quezon City started last February 7 and will run until March 22, 2020 (Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays/Sundays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm). For tickets and showbuying inquiries, please contact PETA at petatheater@gmail.com / 725-6244, or TicketWorld at www.ticketworld.com.ph / 891-9999.
For more info, Visit PETA’s Official Website: www.petatheater.com/undermyskin