Because the Filipino is Worth Watching

My heart is filled with joy that this year, theaters in the metro are filled with all original filipino productions. More than my personal take on nationalism at cultural patriotism, it is the amount of talent on stage that has me gleefully buzzed with excitement. Here's my top three gloriously pinoy productions you shouldn't miss.

1. Sabel Love and Passion  by Philippine Ballet Theatre
    Directed by Freddie Santos
    Libretto by Freddie Santos 
    Musical Direction by Louie Ocampo 

PHOTO BY TES TIROL 

Sabel had its world premiere last April in Solaire's beautiful theater.  The critics have spoken. If the glorious reviews of who's who in society isn't enough to get you to buy a ticket, then take into consideration my plea . Art collaborations are tricky. Very seldom will theatre collaborations glorify the different art forms in the same level. However, when a team of masters get together and work on something with the humility of an artist, it is bound to succeed. Sabel, Benedicto Cabrera's iconic muse will  finally be  real to us all. After years of seeing her beauty on a canvass, she will now represent the stories that Ben Cab has told through his creations. Sabel I promise you will be visually breathtaking as it showcases the soulful art of  the national artist.  It will be emotionally healing  as Iza Calzado and Philippine Ballet Theatre will tell you the story of a woman who is familiar to us all. Lastly, it will be a memorable musical treat that will stay with you for days. It is a show that will soothe your senses.

https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineBalletTheatre?fref=ts

2. Kung Papaano ako Naging Leading lady by Dalanghita Productions
    Directed by Chris Martinez
    Music by Vincent De Jesus 

PHOTO BY ERICA JACINTO

Following its succesful debut in PETA Theatre, #KPANLL will have a second run in Onstage Theatre, Greenbelt. This show is all about the greatness of humanity. Don't be distracted by its super hero feel because the show is more than just a  hot cast in leather suits. It will make you laugh until you have abs, cry until you have eyebags  and swoon til you get depressed that you aren't Mely. Everyone will just love this non-fairy tale concoction of Dalanghita productions. Fresh. Flavorful.Filipino. 

PHOTO BY ERICA JACINTO 

https://www.facebook.com/LeadingLadyTheMusical?fref=ts

3. Bituin Walang Ningning
    Resorts World Manila    
    Directed by Freddie Santos 

PHOTO FROM RESORTS WORLD MANILA WEBSITE 

Bituin Walang Ningning opens June 17  in Resorts World Theatre. I have not personally seen any parts of it but the novelty is enough to make me want to see it. If you were born in the eighties then you know Cherie Gil's famous line "You  are nothing but a second rate trying hard copycat!". I'm curious to see if the shift from film to stage is successful or  ironically an  unimaginative copy cat. I have faith in this production, the cast is solid with seasoned theater artists. One can expect nothing but a meticulously put together production by Director Freddie Santos.  

http://www.rwmanila.com/web/bituing-walang-ningning/#

What with all the negative press about the Philippines, I highly recommend a purge. Cleanse yourself of negativity and consider a triple dose of live theater. The cliche' goes the Filipino is worthy dying for. I say no thanks to the melodramatics and yes to the  celebration of sensational  talent. The Filipino is worth living for. The Filipino is worth watching. Go buy tickets to these amazing productions. 

Check out the links for show details!

Yaya Chronicles: Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady

I was bullied as a child. I was born  fragile. I was a shy, fidgety little girl who was almost always unsure of what she wanted to do. I knew deep inside I was different.That alone was already difficult to deal with. Unfortunately, I was destined to be a bullied individual. I remember as a child constantly trying to figure out  why people chose to bully me. Was it because I looked so fragile? Was it because I was plain Jane? Was it because I was stupid, incompetent or even useless? Was it because I tolerated it? Was it because I was ugly? God knows I had my share of uglier child syndrome. It puzzled me that of all the people in the world, I had to be one of the losers. I was unable to stand up for myself. Even with a loving family and a handful of friends, I still couldn't find the courage to protect myself from hurting.  It was the ticking of time and the evolution of  my soul that eventually gave me the permission to be brave. Life happened, and I chose to accept my imperfect self. It took forever but  I forgave myself for all the imperfections I saw in mirror. I told myself that God created me to live, not wallow, not suffer. I found the good in me and I held on to it. I said thank you for it. I tried my best to nourish it. I learned as well along the way that bullies are people too and while I was suffering with all the bullying, they probably had their fair share of hurting too. Through out my life, I would meet new bullies from different directions, but I knew better. I felt better. 

Those who know or know of me now   would probably not associate me with the words weakling or fragile. But somewhere in my past and in my heart is the underdog that didn't know how to redeem herself. I will not dwell on the storyline of this musical but I will say that the bullied child in me empathized with the central characters of this musical. The story is about bullying  per se but about not feeling good enough for others .After all the laughter, I went home and I couldn't help but feel triumphant remembering the musical's take on a happy ending.  I was happy I shared the sentiments of the storytellers. Strength and power are free for all. Greatness is for the taking. We only need to say yes to life. 

Dalanghita Productions. Catchy name indeed. First impression tells me its flirtatious name is also very much appropriate in describing its  point of view.    Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady being its debut production  as a new theatre company  was just as they promised.It was fresh, flavorful and Filipino. 

Let's talk about freshness. 2015 has had a barrage of super heroes. Who can forget the film Avengers? One cannot mention Filipino and Superhero in one sentence without associating it with the recently concluded Manhid  the Musical. It seemed almost serendipitous that all these had to come in  one after the other.Thankfully, despite the  similarities in theme, the storyline of this musical was unique. It did not dwell so much on super powers of heroes but rather the innate greatness of the ordinary. This is a story about the underdog's redemption. This is musical is about a yaya. 

This production is not only hand crafted by an all Filipino team, it is also quite  literally a Philippines 101 subject. As expected, mirroring life  were socio-political  satires and farcical comedy. The writer however  took it a step further by  balancing it out with references to all time Filipino strengths through its main characters. While the villains " Kayumangilas" represented ills of political society, Mely the lead character of the musical also represented  contrasting  qualities of hard work, sincerity, loyalty and servitude. While it's fun to poke fun at negatives, it's uplifting to be reminded that we can still use the hashtag #morefuninthephilippines.  

 Let's talk about the claim to fame for the category of flavor. Sweet it was because of the beautiful melodies created by Vincent De Jesus . Music being the expression of the soul  was utilized ever so cleverly  in telling the story. Every lyric had  an emotional resonance. It affected. It moved. It made the heart remember personal experiences.  The tangy flavor came from the acidity of  the actors as they bared their hearts on stage. It was a breathtaking sight to see both the ensemble  and the leads perform with so much honesty. The taste was always melting  in your mouth. Memorable was the Nancy Crowe's choreography in all the major production numbers. It showed genuine enthusiasm from  the actors and choreographer as well. It was the perfect seasoning to the plated dish. I must say something about the how this production was plated. The seemingly  minimalistic set was genius  and intelligently used. Kudos to Tuxq Rutaquio for framing the scenes  with love. Veteran John Batalla lighted up and  colored the stage and made it look every bit a graphic novel. I loved capturing the moments of color and light. All these little details enhanced the theatre experience. Nothing like a good 4d presentation of a a such a hearty dish.  

Lastly and quite obviously, I must say something about harvest of talent on stage. Bituin Escalante as Mely the lead character of the story  was subtle yet powerful. It felt as if  she made sure her every move was organic. She was relatable beyond belief. Could it be that my nanny Rose was her peg? Or maybe it was Yaya Maricar or our kapitbahay's Manang? Her comedic timing was impeccable. The audience would roar in laughter. I  guess I need not mention her stellar notes. She really was bright star in this production.  Hans Eckstein as the leading man fit the role to a tee. He has a natural swagger and charm that was effective. Leading Man was swoon worthy. No wonder the characters were all smitten.   Gianina Ocampo delivered with her sensitive performance as Nena Baboushka She humanized the world of the super heroes and made everyone tear up with  her character's devotion to love.Astarte Abraham had just the right amount of Brittish color in her as Madre De Dios. Her dramatics  were en pointe.  Domi Espejo as Senyor Blanko   was phenomonal. His punchlines were my favorite as he massacred the english language in the best way possible. It was high brow comedy.  The revelation for me however was Kim Molina as Viva. It's my first time to watch her perform. She  was astounding. She held her own performing  songs with Bituin Escalante. She for me is a diva in the making.She is dynamite.  

The verdict is in the  producer  wasn't lying when he promised a Fresh Flavorful and Filipino show.  He  should have also added another F word to their introduction. This production is simply FABULOUS.  It was skillfully written by Carlo Vergara and brought to life by  the renowned director Chris Martinez . It is an appealing collaboration of artists. It is a show that will be remembered by its audience not only for the knee-smacking laughter and the uncontrollable tears it created but also for the 3 hour ( ok it was a little too long but I forgive them) escape  to wonderland. Bravo Dalanghita Productions and more power.

All photos by : Erica Marquez Jacinto

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady 

May 18, 2015

Peta Theater

Dalanghita Productions