The Blue Balloon

PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc.) is proud to partner with RFGA (Rise for Greater America) to present The Blue Balloon, a moving stage play that brings to light the quiet struggles, deep family ties, and enduring strength woven into the fabric of Filipino life. Centered around Criselda and Matt De Vera’s loving but tested family, the play explores autism, loss, motherhood, and intergenerational trauma—all through a uniquely Filipino lens. At the heart of the story is Jeremy, a nonverbal child whose simple attachment to a blue balloon and an hourglass anchors a narrative full of complexity and emotional depth. As the characters navigate grief, reconciliation, and the weight of secrets long kept, audiences are reminded of the power of unconditional love, resilience, and the importance of community.

Through this collaboration, PACCAL and RFGA aim to uplift Filipino stories while addressing often-overlooked topics like mental health, special needs care, and the long-lasting effects of family estrangement. The Blue Balloon is not only a tribute to Filipino culture but also a bridge between generations, inviting Filipino American audiences and allies to reflect, heal, and connect. As the final scene reveals a child’s first spoken word—"Mama"—in the face of heartbreak and redemption, it underscores a message of hope: that love, when nurtured, can transcend even the deepest silence. Together, PACCAL and RFGA continue to champion the arts as a powerful tool for storytelling, understanding, and healing in our community.

IN GRATITUDE

• Partly funded by donors and sponsors

• Partly funded by our online and by private donors (by mail).