CONTENT WARNING: This article contains graphic discussions of initiation rites that may be distressing or triggering for readers. Discretion is advised.

[…]

Four former probationary members from organizations under the Performing Arts Group (PAG) alleged that they experienced initiation-like activities, physical punishments, and a culture of intimidation that they said persisted across batches, following a series of anonymous “Freedom Wall” posts raising concerns over organizational practices within PAG. 

In an exclusive interview with The HERALDO FILPINO, testimonies from three former probationary members of the Lasallian Pointes N’ Flexes Dance Company (LPNFDC) and one former probationary member of TEATRO Lasalliana (TLS) suggest that the practices raised in the online posts were not isolated incidents but, according to their accounts, reflected a broader organizational culture within PAG. Both organizations were frequently referenced in the online forum.

The interviewees, who verified their previous affiliations with the said organizations with supporting documents, agreed to be interviewed on condition of anonymity due to concerns over possible repercussions, being identified, and the sensitive nature of their accounts. 

PAG is composed of seven organizations under the supervision of the Cultural Arts Office (CAO). In previous years, it faced similar allegations from anonymous entries on DLSU-D Freedom Wall, an online forum among members of the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) community. The issue resurfaced after a recent series of entries on the same platform renewed concerns on organizational practices within PAG.

Initiation-like allegations

A former probationary member of LPNFDC first described a three-day off-campus “midyear” activity required to become official members, where they raised concerns over its execution, transparency, and impact on participants.

According to the interviewee, participants were transported to an undisclosed location while blindfolded, had their phones confiscated throughout the activity, and were only permitted to communicate with their families through “senior members.” Upon arrival, probationary members were allegedly subjected to shouting from seniors and alumni.

“Parang hazing na rin po eh. After ng makeup session, nakatunganga lang kami. Then dumating ‘yung alumni at pinag-trip-an po kami isa-isa,” an interviewee stated.

Moreover, they recalled an incident in which participants were suddenly doused with water during an exercise, describing the program as physically and emotionally exhausting, with strict control over their movements and activities, which they likened to a “military training” setup. 

“Pinagsasampal-sampal ‘yung mga membership. Kung sino ‘yung pinakamalapit sa amin, sila po ‘yung mas kinakawawa. Pero ‘yung president po namin, hindi po kami sobrang close, tapos ang ginawa sa kaniya, sinabunutan, sinampal… tig-isa silang pinagsasampal ng lahat ng mga seniors,” they recalled, also noting that “membership” refers to senior members directly assigned to  supervise a batch of probationary members. 

They also alleged that probationary members were forced to consume certain food.

“Pinakain po kami ng green bell pepper. Sa active members naman, ang pinakain po sa kanila [ay] siling pula (bird’s eye chili),” they said.

They also described a separate early-morning blindfolded exercises where participants were separated and instructed to find one another.

“Pinag-blindfold na po kami… gumagapang po kami habang nakapiring. Binuhusan po kami ng parang hinalo-halo po [na] toyo, suka, harina, tapos hinahagis-hagis sa amin,” they added.

While they noted that conditions improved after participants were formally welcomed as members, they said the experience remained distressing despite later explanations that portions of the activity were intended as “acting” exercises.

It remains unclear whether the alleged off-campus activity was approved through the University’s Student Activity Portal (SAP).

Superiority culture

Former probationary members said their concerns extended beyond the midyear activity, describing what they characterized as a longstanding culture of hierarchy, intimidation, and excessive deference toward seniors and alumni that began with auditions and continued throughout training.

“Do’n kami unang in-introduce sa tradition or sa culture na whenever you enter GMH (Gregoria Montoya Hall) building, you have to bow down sa lahat ng nakikita mo na people. Because they are either a senior from any PAG group, or either they are your alumni,” another interviewee said, further adding that failure to do so was viewed as disrespectful and could lead to disciplinary consequences.

Auditions were also described as intentionally intimidating, alleging that seniors and alumni asked personal and offensive questions—including remarks about applicants’ skills and physical appearance—designed to undermine their confidence. 

“Personal ‘yung mga questions na tinatanong, and then some other statements or questions were actually offensive kasi ‘yung point nu’ng pag-i-interview nila is to… make you feel down para ma-feel mo sa sarili mo na you’re insecure, you’re down, gano’n,” they said.

The interviewees also pointed to the influence of alumni within the organizations, saying they were held in high regard and, in some cases, publicly criticized or mocked members during rehearsals, contributing to feelings of insecurity among probationary members.

A former TLS probationary member similarly described what members referred to as a “pack one, pack all” rule, where a mistake committed by one member was treated as the responsibility of the entire group, often resulting in collective consequences.

Some interviewees said they initially accepted these practices as normal within the organization before later questioning them. 

“Parang na-realize namin na hindi pala tama ‘yung lahat ng ‘yon, and we were just being manipulated and na-gaslight lang talaga kami,” one of the interviewees said.

Despite the perceived authority of alumni, interviewees said they were unaware of any formal policy or handbook granting them such power, adding that their influence appeared to be rooted in tradition and a longstanding culture of seniority.

Duty and rehearsal requirements

Former LPNFDC members said that they were required to complete a 10-hour duty every week during both their trainee and probationary stages, adding that failure to fulfill the requirement would result in punishment for the individual or the entire batch.

They also alleged that attendance at rehearsals was strictly enforced, with monetary penalties imposed for late arrivals and absences, which were reportedly collected and used to fund organizational expenses.

“‘Yung monetary penalty, depende po siya. So for training po or rehearsals, ₱500 po kapag late, and then ₱1,000 po kapag absent. Ito po is kapag hindi po valid ‘yung reason,” they clarified.

Interviewees also described training as physically demanding, particularly during flexibility drills conducted on the floor, and said that both the exercises and the corresponding punishments for failure to keep up were physically intense.

“Mayroon naman din po isa pa pong ka-batch na may na-develop din pong lower back problems since, ayun nga po, hinihigaan po kami sa floor habang naka-spread po ‘yung legs namin,” an interviewee said.

Why concerns remain unreported

The interviewees said they did not file formal complaints against their organizations or question the system at the time because many of the practices they experienced were initially framed and accepted as part of tradition, training, or longstanding culture within PAG.

One added that concerns had been raised with their membership head, who acknowledged it but ended up justifying the system, making the practices seem reasonable within the context of training.

“‘Pag nasa loob ka kasi ng PAG, nagiging reasonable [ang] mga nae-experience mo doon, na you’re seeing it as training na rin,” they noted.

Adding to this, a former probationary member said they initially accepted the culture as something beyond their control. While aware that similar accounts had surfaced publicly, they said they no longer considered themselves part of the organization and believed any changes would need to come from within.

They also pointed to the influence of alumni and senior members, saying many probationary members felt pressure to conform rather than challenge established practices.

Meanwhile, another interviewee mentioned that several members of their batch resigned after becoming uncomfortable with the organization’s culture, while others chose to remain due to scholarship benefits despite feeling emotionally and physically drained.

Call for action

Interviewees called on PAG to re-evaluate practices they said fostered fear, intimidation, and the normalization of harmful treatment.

“Maraming umaalis hindi dahil hindi sila passionate sa pag-arte, umaalis sila dahil sa treatment na nakukuha nila. If they think this system will ensure that it will give them members who are passionate about their acting, I think they are wrong,” a former TLS member said.

Another interviewee added that although the experiences shaped them as a person, they did not believe all of the organization’s practices were reasonable.

Meanwhile, one of the interviewees urged current and former PAG members to speak up collectively about their experiences through credible channels.

“We call for you to also share your truth. Your truth deserves to be heard,” they stated.

Administrative and PAG responses

The HERALDO FILIPINO reached out to the Cultural Arts Office (CAO), Office of Student Services (OSS), Student Welfare and Formation Office (SWAFO), TLS, and LPNFDC for comment on the allegations raised in the Freedom Wall posts and interviews. However, responses were limited to written statements and clarifications, and no office or organization agreed to a direct interview regarding the allegations.

The CAO and OSS said in separate statements that there are existing official channels for students to raise concerns and encouraged the use of these mechanisms, adding that they are aware of the circulating Freedom Wall posts involving PAG-related allegations. 

“While platforms (Freedom Wall) such as these may provide insight into the experiences of members of the University, the anonymity of those postings makes it difficult to verify the information being shared,” the OSS said, finding it inappropriate to issue official statements based solely on anonymous online posts.

Meanwhile, the CAO mentioned that its head is currently on leave due to health reasons and was unavailable for an interview, while TLS refused to comment on the allegations, stating that their official term of office had ended and that they were no longer in position to make formal announcements, representations, or decisions. 

“Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with our respective advisers to ensure that the welfare and interests of our trainees and members are always prioritized and advanced,” former TLS President Yolieanne Jenna Gandia concluded.

As of press time, LPNFDC has not responded to requests for comment.

This is a developing story.

 

Originally published in Heraldo Filipino Volume 40, Issue 2