By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

Abatan ecological theater groups have aired excitement for the homing of one outstanding Boholano American theater director who could put in the necessary boost in the artistic training of local artists. The son of a former mayor and his American Peace Corps volunteer wife, Orlando Pabotoy has been cited as an outstanding theater director, actor, choreographer and is currently working and teaching in New York's top arts school, the Julliard. After 30 year following their family's migration to the States, Pabotoy is visiting his home and be with his roots, while meeting with local theater workers for future technical help, shared Lutgardo Labad, Bohol cultural icon and multi-awarded director, actor and composer. In for a short visit to Bohol and the Philippines, Pabotoy met Abatan ecological theater groups at the Abatan Main Village Center in Salvador Cortes, Friday evening for an interactive workshop.

Abatan Ecological Theater has been mulled to be an outdoor theater which will be the common performance center of at least six theater and cultural collectives groups. Abatan, after Abatan River, is a common resource of the people of Cortes, Maribojoc, Antequera, Balilihan and Catigbian. Rich as it is, communities living here are still struggling out of poverty. With Bohol into tourism, Abatan has been chosen as an alternate destination to the Chocolate Hills, one that offers community life tours, as a poverty alleviation intervention. The idea of using theater for cultural performances in Abatan came in naturally, said Emilia Roslinda, noting that the area is also abloom with local talents which could enhance the community life experience of tourists. Roslinda, executive director of the non government organization helping communities in the tourism development plan, has also helped develop the Abatan theater as conceptualized outdoor theater.

The Abatan development program also includes the organization of theater groups, now with Cortes, Lincod, Punta Cruz Maribojoc, Antequera, Balilihan, Catigbian Cultural Collectives and Baryo performing group. These groups have different theater specializations: Cortes is into dance drama, Lincod into skits and drama, Puntacruz into pangalay and monologues, Antequera into musicals, Balilihan and Catigbian into folk theater, Labad said. He shared however that despite the local talents, there is a need for professional technical help to enhance local skills, and Pabotoy is in the perfect position to help complement local artists. Pabotoy, also shared that his coming to Bohol is also to find ways to help in re-building houses which the earthquake toppled. This, Labad said is Pabotoy's gesture of helping earthquake victims in Bohol.