My Yearend Roundup: THE BEST OF PHILIPPINE THEATER 2024

December 20, 2024

In 2024, Philippine theater continued its upward surge after recovering from the pandemic paralysis, a process of restoration that started a couple years ago. For the year 2024, I had seen and written about 38 theater productions: 11 musicals, 15 full-length plays, and 13 one-act plays. 

Among the shows I was not able to watch this year included "Sintang Dalisay" at Arete, "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by CAST, and Lea Salonga's version of "Request Sa Radyo." There were a couple of touring productions at the Solaire this year -- "Ms. Saigon" in March, and "Six, the Musical" in October -- both of which I also was not able to watch. 

I will list here what I feel were the best among those theater shows I had seen and written about for 2024:

I. ORIGINAL FILIPINO MUSICALS

Best: "PINGKIAN" (Tanghalang Pilipino) (MY FULL REVIEW) 

Book: Juan Ekis

Music, Songs and Musical Direction: Ejay Yatco

Stage Direction: Jenny Jamora

In 1898, Emilio Jacinto (Vic Robinson) led his troop of revolutionary fighters on a mission in Majayjay, Laguna. They were ambushed by Spanish troops, and Emilio was severely injured in his right leg. He was captured and held prisoner by Spanish soldiers (led by Jonathan Tadioan). A sympathetic doctor (Marco Viana) was called in to treat his injuries. A young Katipunan scout Isyo (Joshua Cadelina) found him, but he was too weak to escape.

Other Notable Productions:

"One More Chance, the Musical" (PETA), directed by Maribel Legarda, book by Michelle Ngu-Nario adapted from screenplay by  written by Vanessa R. Valdez and Carmi Raymundo, songs by Ben&Ben, musical direction by Myke Salomon (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Bar Boys, the Musical" (Barefoot), directed by Mikko Angeles and Pat Valera, book by Pat Valera, music and songs by Myke Salomon (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Jepoy and the Magic Circle" (Repertory Philippines), directed by Joy Virata, book by Rody Vera from a short story by Gilda Cordero-Fernando, music and songs by Ejay Yatco (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances:

Vic Robinson, Gab Pangilinan, Marco Viana, Paw Castillo, Joshua Cadelina, Bituin Escalante, Kakki Teodoro ("Pingkian"); Sam Concepcion, CJ Navato, Nicole Omillo, Via Antonio, Neomi Gonzales, Paji Arceo, Sheena Belarmino ("One More Chance"); Sheila Francisco, Juliene Mendoza ("Bar Boys"); Hans Eckstein ("Jepoy and the Magic Circle"), Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Floyd Tena, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd ("Going Home to Christmas"); Tex Ordonez-de Leon, Pepe Herrera, Deevo ("Buruguduy")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

All technical aspects of "Pingkian." The musical direction of "One More Chance." The puppetry in "Jepoy and the Magic Circle." The over-the-top set, costume and lighting design, and puppetry of "Buruguduy."

II. NON-FILIPINO MUSICALS

Best: "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS" (Sandbox Collective) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Book: Howard Ashman

Music and Songs: Alan Menken

Stage Direction: Toff De Venecia

Musical Direction: Ejay Yatco

Mr. Mushnik (Audie Gemora) owned a flower shop in a decrepit part of the city called Skid Row. Working for him were a foundling orphan boy named Seymour (Nyoy Volante), and a pretty but not-so-smart young lady named Audrey (Karylle). Because business was very bad, Mushnik declared that he has decided to close down shop. Desperate to keep the shop open, Seymour revealed that he had a new discovery which may improve business.

Other Notable Productions:

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" (Repertory Philippines), directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, book and lyrics by Joe diPietro, music by Jimmy Roberts (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Rent" (9 Works Theatrical), directed by Robbie Guevara, book, lyrics and music by Jonathan Larsen (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Once on this Island" (9 Works Theatrical), directed by Robbie Guevara, book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: Nyoy Volante, Reb Atadero, Karylle, Sue Ramirez, OJ Mariano ("Little Shop of Horrors); Gian Magdangal, Marvin Ong, Krystal Kane, Barbara Jance ("I Love You, You're Perfect");  Anthony Rosaldo, Molly Langley, Ian Pangilinan, Adrian Lindayag ("Rent"), Thea Astley, Lani Ligot ("Once on this Island"); AC Bonifacio, Angela Ken, Ron Balgos, Elian Dominguez ("The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee")

Memorable Tech Aspects

The set, lighting and costume design, and puppet work in "Little Shop of Horrors."  The stylish set design of "I Love You, You're Perfect." 

III. FILIPINO PLAYS

A. One-Act: 

Best: 3 UPUAN (Arete) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Writer: Guelan Luarca

Director: Guelan Luarca

Three siblings come together when their father passed away from esophageal cancer. Eldest son Jers (Jojit Lorenzo) was a philosophy professor who quoted Plato and Nietzche in his daily conversations. Second son Jack (JC Santos) was a visual artist whose dream was to interpret Rolando Tinio's poetry into paintings. Youngest was Jai (Martha Comia), a journalist who migrated to the US while advocating for indigenous peoples.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Ang Munting Liwanag sa Madilim na Sulok ng Isang Serbeserya as Maynila" by Dustin Celestino, directed by Toni Go-Yadao (VLF Set D) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"The Foxtrot" by Chesie Galvez Carino, directed by Paul Morales (VLF Set C) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Sentenaryo" by Herlyn Alegre, directed by Ian Segarra (VLF Set B) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: 

Jojit Lorenzo, JC Santos, Martha Comia ("3 Upuan"); Joshymae, Dyas Adarlo, Bon Lentejas (Ang Munting Liwanag); JC Santos and Liesl Batucan ("The Foxtrot"); Ross Pesigan, Ge Malacaman ("Ningas"). Kitsi Pagaspas ("Identite"), Thea Marabut, Peewee O'Hara ("Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The direction, script and set design of "3 Upuan." The realistic make-up of Ekis Gimenez in "Sentenaryo." The eloquent script of Lino Balmes in "Ningas."

B. Full-Length: Original Filipino Material or Filipino Adaptation: 

Best: BALETE (Tanghalang Pilipino) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Writer: Devised by the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, based on the book by F. Sionil Jose's novel "Tree," Jose's autobiography "Promdi," and Rody Vera's Filipino stage adaptation "Balete"

Director: Chris Millado

In the town plaza of Rosales, Pangasinan stood one old magnificent balete tree. The biggest rice farm there was owned by a corrupt politician Don Vicente. It was run by by a stern caretaker Espiridion, who was the father of the narrator / protagonist, Francisco or "Kiko." As a child,  Kiko got along well with their farm servants. However, he also witnessed how his father had been a very harsh employer, often resorting to violence. 

Other Notable Productions: 

"Grace" by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter Martinez Santos (Encore Theater) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Mga Multo" by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Ron Capinding and Guelan Luarca, directed by Ron Capinding (Tanghalang Ateneo) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Medea" by Euripedes, translated by Rolando Tinio, directed by Ron Capinding (Tanghalang Ateneo) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: 

Nonie Buencamino, Marco Viana, Gelo Molina ("Balete"); Stella Canete-Mendoza, Sharmaine Centenera-Buencamino, Leo Rialp ("Grace"); Miren Alvarez-Fabregas, Yan Yuzon, Joseph dela Cruz, Sabrina Basilio, Mark Aranal ("Mga Multo"); Miren Alvarez-Fabregas, Yan Yuzon, Joseph dela Cruz ("Medea"), Katski Flores ("Sa Tahanan ng Aking Ama"); Dolly de Leon (Request sa Radyo"), Liza Dino-Seguerra, Ice Seguerra ("Choosing"); Khay Eva, Jigger Sementilla ("Nanay Bangis"); Jaime Wilson ("The Ancient Prodigal")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction, writing, set and lighting design, movement choreography of "Balete." Direction and writing of "Grace." The direction and set design of "Request sa Radyo"). The set design of "Nanay Bangis."

IV. NON-FILIPINO PLAYS:

Best: OTHELLO (CAST) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Writer: William Shakespeare

Director: Nelsito Gomez

Venetian army ensign Iago (Reb Atadero) was furious that his Moorish superior officer Othello (Tarek El Tayech) had promoted an aristocrat Cassio (Davy Narciso) to the position he aspired for instead of him. Recruiting unwitting accomplices in his wife Emilia (Maronne Cruz) and his lovesick friend Roderigo (Rafael Jimenez), Iago executed a devious plot to plant a seed of doubt between newlyweds Othello and his virtuous bride Desdemona (Gab Pangilinan).

Other Notable Productions: 

"The Half-Life of Marie Curie" by Laura Gunderson (MusicArtes) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Betrayal" by Harold Pinter (Repertory Philippines) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Nia Vardalos and Cheryl Strayed (Sandbox Collective) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: 

Tarek El Tayech, Reb Atadero, Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz ("Othello"), Missy Maramara, Caisa Borromeo ("The Half-Life of Marie Curie"), James Bradwell, James Cooney ("Betrayal"), Iza Calzado, Gabby Padilla, Brian Sy ("Tiny Beautiful Things")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction and movement choreography of "Othello." Direction, set, sound and lighting design of "Betrayal." Set design of "Tiny Beautiful Things."

Rep: Review of GOING HOME TO CHRISTMAS: Anxieties at the Airport

December 12, 2024

It was Christmas Eve and the passengers of Liberty Airlines flight to Cebu City were stressed out. JD (Neo Rivera) was very excited, but his father JR (Floyd Tena) was grumpy at the hassle. A Lolo (Gary Junsay) and Lola (Carla Martinez) from the US were bringing their grandchild Kevin (Basti Santos) on his first trip back. Arnie (Lorenz Martinez) and his wife Josie (Neomi Gonzales) were rushing because they needed to catch a cruise. 

Baristas Chris (Davy Narciso) and Jas (Rafael Jimenez) were planning to court the pretty stewardesses, Mona (Krystal Kane) and Alex (Maron Rozelle). Senior flight attendant Pat (Carla Guevara-Laforteza) was being stalked by a naughty pilot Richard (Noel Rayos). The quartet of Dina (Julia Serad), Terry (Roxy Aldiosa), Jaime (Johann Enriquez) and Mikko (Zid Yarcia) sang Christmas carols at the airport. Mang Jose (Alfritz) was the janitor that night.

"Going Home to Christmas" is an original Filipino jukebox musical featuring the songs of Jose Mari Chan, a veteran singer-songwriter who has become the local Mr. Christmas because of a Christmas carols he had composed, in particular "Christmas in Our Hearts." This play was self-aware that it told "Hallmark-type" love stories -- puppy love, reunited love, unrequited love, long-distance love -- written in Taglish by Robbie Guevara, Joel Trinidad and Luna Grino-Inocian.

Ejay Yatco chose which Jose Mari Chan hit to fit each short story -- "Beautiful Girl" for JD and Chris, "Constant Change" and "Easier Said Than Done" for JR, "Love at 30,000 Feet," "Can We Stop and Talk Awhile" and " Hahanapin Ko" for Pat and Richard, "Tell Me Your Name," "Can We Start Over Again" and "Please Be Careful with My Heart" for Arnie and Josie. Yatco's innovative arrangements made the heart of these classics beat with new meaning. 

Audiences identify and respond to characters of their respective generation. For me, the stories and actors of Pat and Richard, Arnie and Josie, JR and Em (Mayen Bustamante-Cadd) resonated best for me. With multiple stories to tell, this play ran for 2 hours and 15 minutes, which may feel too long or too syrupy for more cynical viewers. However, true fans of Jose Mari Chan music should enjoy this show's cute sentimentality and savor its holiday warmth. 

Gonzales, Martinez, Guevara-Laforteza, Rayos, Bustamante-Cadd, Tena, Kane

at the curtain call 

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"Going Home to Christmas" ran from November 29 to December 15, 2024 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. It looks like this may be an annual classic for years to come. 

 

Mad Child: Review of NAGKATUWAAN SA TAHANANG ITO: Faulty Functioning Family

December 13, 2024

Kendra (Thea Marabut) had a loving family around her. Her mother Alice (Peewee O'Hara) loved baking muffins, knitting scarves, and girls night outs. Her father Bob (Soliman Cruz) was an ever-supportive dad who dutifully took care of everyone's needs. Her elder brother Ben (Joshua Cabiladas) was married with kids and a medical doctor, but he would never miss a family game night. However, Kendra still felt there was something missing in her life.

Kendra is the central character of this play, but she seemed to be the most distant from the other members of her family. I knew Thea Marabut from her videos with the hilarious SPIT Manila improv comedy troupe, so her pensive moods here were a revelation of her range. The mother always tried to bring her family together, and Peewee O'Hara's Alice always tried her best to a fault, even if she had to suppress the crisp cuss words she wanted to say. 

The father character had the vaguest description, with very generic requirements, like "he takes care of all of us." As a result, Soliman Cruz actually had the least "moments" with Kendra. This detail may reflect how little we may know about our fathers, except as a provider. The brother character was supposed to be the fun guy, and Joshua Cabiladas certainly fit the bill. However, the "fun guy" may not always be having fun behind his smiling mask. 

"Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito" is the Filipino translation of Sam Walsh's play "This House Is for Laughing," written and directed by Guelan Luarca. The title may make audiences expect a riotous comedy, but it is not really that, which may be disorienting. Yes, there were funny bits here and there. However, the overall atmosphere of this play was one of depression and uneasiness, not exactly the picture of the perfect family that the happy title may suggest.

This play was about the idealistic expectations we have from the other members of our family. We do not have a choice about who our family members are, or how they are as immediate relations. If society allowed us to program exactly what how we want our parents and siblings to be, will this finally bring us the elusive happiness we cannot find from our real families? This material is potentially triggering to those who may not be happy with their family.

 

Cruz, Cabiladas, O'Hara and Marabut 

at their curtain call

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Mad Child Productions' "Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito" runs at the Black Box Theater, Old Communication Building, Ateneo de Manila University. This is a limited run of only 8 shows: December 12, 13,and 15 at 5:00 PM and December 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15 at 8:00 PM. Tickets at P1000 each. 

Additional show for December 15 at 1:00 PM just announced! 

Sandbox: Review of TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS: Impressive Iza

November 30, 2024

She was a published author who is working on her next book. One day, she received a message asking her if she would consider taking over to write the online advice column, "Dear Sugar." After an initial hesitation, she accepted, even when she was told that she was not going to earn any money out of this gig. Once she began writing her advice for the letters sent to "Sugar," loyal readers recognized that it was a new person behind the pseudonym.

The source book "Tiny Beautiful Things" is a compilation of selected essays written by Cheryl Strayed (author of "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail") for her advice column published the online literary magazine "Rumpus" from 2010 to 2012.  Nia Vardalos (of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame) adapted and developed these essays into a play in 2016, for which she herself originated the lead role of anonymous advice columnist Sugar. 

For this play staged by The Sandbox Collective under the direction of Jenny Jamora, lead actress Iza Calzado plays Sugar who typed her column on her laptop on her dining room table. She got to interact with various letter-writers as embodied by three other actors (Rody Vera, Gabby Pineda, Ketchup Eusebio, with alternates Brian Sy and Regina de Vera), who went in and out and around the different areas of her house (designed by Kayla Teodoro). 

The topics of the letters ran the gamut of personal problems -- from light trivial to profoundly serious. Sugar drew from her own life experiences to try to clarify issues. Some memorable letters involved how to know when what one felt about someone was love, how to tell a good spouse that he wants a divorce, how to tell a new partner about a history of sexual assault, or how to make sense of a senseless death of a son. Heavy stuff, frank language.

The letter writers in the show I watched were: prolific playwright Rody Vera (whom I had never seen act in an English play before, and cursing to boot!), Gabby Padilla (effortlessly transitioning from her indie films to the stage for the second time this year), and Bryan Sy (internally intense as ever, you wouldn't know he was covering for film/TV actor Ketchup Eusebio). Too bad there were occasional mic issues which made some lines unclear. 

The main spotlight rested on elegant Ms. Iza Calzado, who was onstage for practically the entire 1 hour-50 minute run time. Her delivery of Sugar's lengthy, complicated lines was clear and flawless, very impressive for one playing lead in her very first stage production. She paced her emotions well as the intensity of the problems escalated, peaking in that cathartic, excellently-composed 24-point response to a most excruciating question at the climax.

Rody Vera and Iza Calzado at the curtain call

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"Tiny Beautiful Things" runs at the Power Mac Black Box Theater at Circuit Makati, from November 16 to December 8, 2024, with evening shows at 7:30 pm, and matinees at 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

 

Dulaang UP: Review of NANAY BANGIS (TDR): Motherhood and Management

November 10, 2024

It was 1971, and Mindanao was being rocked by a violent conflict between the Christian military and Muslim rebels. Nanay Bangis (Geraldine Villamil) pushed a cart around the roads to sell her goods to the soldiers on both sides. She had three children: Elvis (Ethan King), Kesong Puti (Raymond Aguilar), and a mute girl Christine (Khay Eva). Over the next ten years, she met various people along the way: the prostitute Ynez (Air Paz), the minister Brother Mike (Jigger Sementilla) and the cook Pedrong Tabako (Ronah Rostata- de la Pena).

"Nanay Bangis" is based on Berthold Brecht's "Mother Courage and Her Children," a play often hailed by critics as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Prolific playwright Rody Vera had adapted it in Filipino, transposing the original setting of Europe in the 17th century during the bloody Thirty Years' War, to Mindanao from 1971 to 1981 during the bloody Muslim separatist movement there.  Both of these destructive wars were rooted in religious conflicts -- Catholics vs. Protestants in Europe, Christians vs. Muslims in Mindanao. 

I was invited to what was called the Press Preview of this show last Saturday, November 9, 2024, 2:30 pm. However, when Dulaang UP Artistic Director Issa Lopez Manalo gave her welcome remarks, she called the show a Technical Dress Rehearsal. So, essentially the show I saw was not yet the actual show. There were technical elements which were not yet final, I guess depending on what worked or didn't work during this run-through. 

As of now, I can only describe what I saw in this open TDR. When you read this, keep in mind that what I saw was just a rehearsal and not the final show. The pacing felt off, where the transitions between subsequent scenes seemed to take too long. For example, it was announced repeatedly at the start that the show will run for 2 hours and 4 minutes with an intermission. This TDR ran for almost 3 hours, or at least felt like it.

The individual main scenes were very well-performed, especially during Act 2, by which time the viewer would have already gotten drift of the story, and there was already more action than exposition. However, the transitions between these main scenes still felt awkward, and needed tightening and streamlining. The singing parts felt jarring because they seemed so out of place, but later I would read that these songs were really there in the original after all. 

I have to admit that the acting style felt strange while I watching, rather aloof and unengaging. The characters here were all very flawed, such that I did not really like any of them, not even, or especially Nanay Bangis herself, who was particularly incorrigible. I would later learn that in Brechtian plays were written purposefully to alienate audiences from the characters emotionally. Therefore, expect this play to be a different experience, as I did.

Also unique for a Brechtian play is breaking the fourth wall. King and Aguilar went out of character to do narration. There was a part when Villamil took a break as Nanay Bangis, so the narrator King begrudgingly took over, as instructed by the stage manager. Brecht did this technique in order so audience would realize that they were only watching a play now. It reminds the viewers that the real fight happens outside the confines of the theater.

Brechtian epic theater is meant to be a living newspaper, where issues of society and politics are presented on stage. This aspect of a Brechtian play was definitely well-reflected in this play. The detailed narrations about the history of the Muslim separatist movement in the 1970s, complete with all the personalities and events, were very educational, thanks to the dramaturgical research work by Jonas Garcia and Popo Amascual.  

Nanay's Cart on the Road Stage

Directing this play with its specified rules and expectations must have been a welcome challenge for veteran director J. William Herbert Sigmund Go. Having Angel Dayao's musical score played by a live band with traditional Muslim instruments was an excellent idea. Mark Daniel Dalacat designed a stage formed like two wide intersecting roads on which Nanay Bangis's cart moved all around. Go did not limit the action on that main stage, but he also involved the rafters above, which can be accessed by a rope ladder. He even set major death scenes up there. 

Again, the only version of this play that I've seen was only a TDR, not a real full run of the play. There was even no curtain call at the end of the show for us to be able to show appreciation to the actors. Like ure that the full play will proceed more smoothly, exactly how director Go had envisioned it to be. I hope I still have the chance to go watch this play full-fledged, if not during this run, then a future rerun. 

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Dulaang UP's "NANAY BANGIS" runs from November 15 to December 1, 2024 at the Ignacio B. Gimenez - KAL Theater, UP Diliman.

Showdates and times are as follows: November 15, 22, 28 (7:30 p.m.), November 16, 23, 29 (2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), and November 17, 24, December 1 (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.).

Regular ticket price is P1000, with appropriate discounts as warranted.

Non-UP student tickets are priced at P750. PWDs and senior citizens may also enjoy a discounted rate of P800, while regular tickets are available for P1,000. 

TA: Review of MEDEA: Motherhood and Murder

November 11, 2024

Medea (Miren Alvarez-Fabregas) was deep in despair and rage. Her ambitious husband Yason (Yan Yuzon) had left her and their two sons to get married to the princess of Corinth, daughter of King Kreon (Chot Kabigting). Fearing for the safety of his daughter, Kreon ordered Medea to be exiled out of Corinth. Medea pleaded for one more day, which the King granted begrudgingly. Medea knew that was enough time for her to set her plans into action.

"Medea" is a classic tragedy play written by ancient Greek playwright Euripides which was first performed in 431 BC. It was about characters from Greek mythology -- Jason, leader of the Argonauts and hero of the Golden Fleece, and Medea, the sorceress who helped him obtain it. I did not hear the word "sorceress" last night, but the play mentioned that Medea was from Asia, and played a big role in Jason's rise to prominence in society. 

Joseph dela Cruz, Katski Flores, and 

Joel Macaventa

This adaptation of "Medea" was translated into Filipino by none other than National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio. It stars some alumni of Tanghalang Ateneo who had just been spurred back to activity by the death of their inspirational mentor Ricky Abad. I was in awe when I watched Miren Alvarez-Fabregas, Yan Yuzon, Joseph dela Cruz reunite after a 20-year acting hiatus in "Mga Multo" last July, and I made sure I will not miss this new show.

Miren Alvarez-Fabregas was a force of nature here as Medea. We only hear her eerie cries of anguish and woe from offstage for the first fifteen minutes, and it was already giving us goosebumps. From the moment she appeared on stage, she owned our full attention the whole time. We felt her wrath and desperation escalating to the point of madness, until they peaked in that spectacularly-staged, smoky and chilling climax on her chariot. 

Pickles Leonidas and Goldie Soon

Yan Yuzon possessed a very strong and confident stage presence, with an easily malleable and expressive face. Yason's emotions were at a constant high in the last thirty minutes of the play, so he was practically shouting in rage, incredulity and shock the whole time, for which he would need ample quality voice rest afterwards to recover. We hated him as the scornful philanderer at the start, just as we can still empathize with his bereavement at the end.

The supporting cast likewise gave strong performances -- Joseph dela Cruz as Medea's supportive friend Egeo who also witnessed the outcome of her act of vengeance, Katski Flores played Medea's old Yaya who worried about her mistress, Joel Macaventa (Mark Aranal alternates) played Medea's sons' Maestro who worried about his wards. The chorus of two -- Gold Soon and Pickles Leonidas -- helped the story along with their narration and as Medea's friends. 

Yam Yuzon and Miren Alvarez-Fabregas

Under the direction of Ron Capinding, the show ran for 1 hour and 40 minutes without an intermission. Tata Tuviera's rectangular stage was the courtyard of Medea's house set in between two raised bleachers on both long sides for the audience. Don't take those seemingly textured walls on both short ends for granted. Tuviera's costumes and Ara Fernando's makeup gave a Central Asian vibe. Zak Capinding's sound and music evoke tension and danger.

What a strong central female character who took agency, no matter how divisive or controversial her decisions are, this classic is feminist at its core. Even up to the present time, in any corner of the world, women are still often in situations where they are caught between a rock and hard place. While Medea's dilemma may be an extreme example of agency, her story remains a thought-provoking piece that will always invite debate anytime and anywhere. 

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Tanghalang Ateneo's production of "MEDEA" runs from November 12 to 24, 2024 at the FA Black Box Theater in the Old Communications Building of the Ateneo de Manila University. Shows at 7 pm, with 2 pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets available via this LINK. Basic price is P700, with appropriate discounts as the case may be.

Review of SA TAHANAN NG AKING AMA: Wrecked by War

October 26, 2024

On New Year's Eve of 1941, the Santamaria family was gathered together in their opulent ancestral house fronting the church in Dumaguete. The patriarch was Don Carlos Santamaria (Gie Onida), and his wife was Dona Amanda (Katski Flores). Their eldest son was lawyer Miguel (Gino Ramirez), whose wife was Isabel (Bea Jose), Their second son was politician Franco (Johnrick Noynay), whose wife was Cristy (Chase Salazar). 

When the United States declared war on Japan after the latter attacked Pearl Harbor, the Philippines was very much part of the arena of that war in the Pacific. It was only on that New Year's Eve that the Santamaria family began to realize the impact that this war was going to have on their family. The youngest son, medical student Carlito, had just been drafted into the army in Luzon, while Miguel and Franco were about to join the troops in Cebu. 

This play was originally written in English by Elsa Coscolluela. She graduated with a degree in Creative Writing in Silliman University, which had been mentioned many times during this play. It was first staged by the UP Playwright's Guild in 1988, to critical acclaim. Coscolluela had written the play based on real stories of the war as told by her own father and father-in-law, which is why it resonated strongly with those who had lived through the war. 

Bea Jose (Isabel) and Gino Ramirez (Miguel) take their bows,

as Louis Paguia (Marissa), Jeremy Mayores (Emilio)

and Adrianne Ungriano (as mayordomo Benito) look on.

Even if the title referred to the father (based on bible verse John 14:2), but Don Carlos was absent in several scenes, purportedly out playing chess with the parish priest. Gie Onida's highlight was when he angrily confronted Franco about his unpopular decision. Johnrick Noynay was able to give heart to Franco's antagonistic stand. You'd think Jeremy Mayores's houseboy Emilio was just comic relief in Act 1, but he would ace his very serious scene in Act 2.    

The heaviest dramatic scenes of the play belonged to the women characters. Chase Salazar's highlight was that confrontation scene between Cristy and Franco about their marriage. Bea Jose's highlight was Isabel's mental torture after three days of walking to find food for her children.  Louis Paguia's Marissa only had a few scenes, but we are deeply moved by her trauma witnessing her teachers' deaths and her shame as sex slave to a Japanese officer. 

Over and above everyone was Katski Flores' emotionally-devastating turn as the family's matriarch Amanda. Flores was so totally possessed by her character, such that her every facial expression and her body language all spoke volumes about Amanda's pain. When she protested about her sons joining the war, we felt it. When she stopped her son's friend from telling his news, we felt it. When she issued a silent scream at the end, we all heard it. 

Gerald Morfe (as Japanese Capt. Haroda), Chase Salazar (Cristy), Johnrick Noynay (Franco)

with Katski Flores (Dona Amanda) and Gie Onida (Don Carlos) 

Jerry Respeto translated Coscolluela's play into eloquent Filipino.  I have not read or seen a staging of the original play in English, but I expect that this shift of language from English into the local tongue should make the drama even more heartfelt and the anguish even more palpable. It made the bitter sentiments against the enemy drip with more contempt. It made the declarations of heroism and patriotism ring even more sincere. 

As director, Respeto prefaced each chapter of the Santamaria family story with actual WWII newsreels to put the events in proper historical context. Essentially this play is a 2-1/2 hour summary of the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. Aside from expected tragic stories of victims of various atrocities, it also told about those who became guerillas and those who chose to serve as government officials, and the price their families had to pay. 

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"Sa Tahanan ng Aking Ama" runs from October 9 to 27, 2024 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, 3/F Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing. Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, with 7 pm shows on October 9-13, 15-20, 23-27, and 2 pm matinees on October 12-13, 19, 20, 26-27. Regular adult tickets are priced at P850, with applicable discounts. 

 

 

Review of REQUEST SA RADYO: Introvert's Introspection

October 15, 2024

When the first announcements about this play starring Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon came out four months ago, everyone was abuzz was excitement. We would soon learn that they won't be sharing the stage at all. This was actually a one-woman play without any spoken lines. This meant that the actress would only have to use her facial and body language to tell the central character's story. Watching this play promised to be a very different experience. 

When you go into the theater early, you would be seated in a waiting area first, where you saw huge metal shipping containers stacked up. About 30 minutes before showtime, the viewers were led into the main staging area inside the containers. They arranged the seats theater-in-the-round, surrounding a fully-furnished studio unit with no walls, which we will later see had water faucets and electric outlets that worked. At almost exactly 7 pm, she would enter, and the play began.

It would be best to watch the play with a clean slate, without knowing anything about what was going to happen. The next paragraphs would have spoilers so you may want to stop here and continue reading after you watch the play. 

Upon entering her house and taking off her coat, the first thing she did was to go to her kitchen and prepare her dinner. This was not pretend cooking -- she prepared all the ingredients and turned on the appliances, which all worked. After a few minutes, we see the steam coming out of the rice cooker and the saucepan on the stove. She would later eat the very rice and viands which she cooked in front of us. This all happened in real time. 

Since she did not say a single word, we can only deduce things about our central character's life by context clues. We knew she was in a foreign country, because she wore a thick coat in February. She wore a scrub suit, so she is in the health care industry, likely a nurse. She is a Filipina who missed her home country, because she listened to a radio program that featured Filipino pop songs, and her favorite song was "Hallelujah" by Bamboo. 

We surmise that she was an obsessive neat freak, because we saw her wash the dishes, cookware and even the toilet right after using them. She also sharpened her colored pencils right after using each one. So basically for the first 1 hour and 10 minutes, we see her puttering around her studio unit mundanely -- cooking and eating dinner, bathroom rituals, her artwork hobby, prayers to her Sto. Nino, bedtime and lights out.

However, something unexpected happens in the last five minutes that put everything that transpired in the last 70 minutes in a different light. If at first you thought that watching our character do her nightly routines had no point, or a case of much ado about nothing or "The Emperor's New Clothes," the last five minutes will give you pause and make you reflect on everything you've just witnessed and how they actually made sense.  

The show I watched featured Ms. Dolly de Leon. Based on the plays and films I have seen her do before, there was no doubt in my mind that she could pull this challenging project off. As expected, she was riveting, not a dull moment, even if it felt like I was just peeping into the private life of a next door neighbor. With her sad eyes and hunched stance, De Leon made us feel the loneliness of the character, but not without hints of her sense of humor. 

Lea Salonga may have the more stellar name on the marquee, but we know her more as a powerful singer and articulate speaker. Acting alone in a wordless hour-plus-long one-act play is way out of her usual comfort zone. Her fans would be very curious to see her in another form of theater other than a musical. I may not be able to see a Lea Salonga show any more, but knowing her work ethic, she will surely give her performances her 100%.

Director Bobby Garcia and co-producer, set and costume designer Clint Ramos devised Franz Xaver Kroetz’s 1973 play "Request Concert" in the point of view of a Filipina nurse overseas, living alone and exhausted from work. This made the character's sadness feel more organic for local audiences, so that the ending did not feel random as it reportedly did during its original German run. It would also have been interesting if an alternate actor was male.  

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"Request sa Radyo" runs for 20 shows only from October 10 to 20, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Tickets cost P9000 and P8000, available on Ticketworld via this LINK. Those seated in the F section seemed to have the best view.

The ticket prices are formidable, but this 7 pm show I watched on a Tuesday night was almost full house. Latecomers will not be admitted anymore once the show has begun. It has themes, issues, and references that may be triggering to some audience members, so rated R-15.

Rep: Review of JEPOY AND THE MAGIC CIRCLE: Feast of Filipino Folklore

October 14, 2024

Jepoy and his washer-woman mother Aling Barang may be very poor, but they managed to lived happily together with their pet dog Galis in their cottage at the edge of a big forest. One day, Galis ran off with a dress Aling Barang was washing, so Jepoy ran after his pet. To his amazement, his dog jumped into a mysterious circular portal floating in mid-air. Jepoy jumped right in with him and they ended up in another dimension called the Underworld.

"Jepoy and the Magic Circle" is the first of two original Filipino musicals Repertory Philippines is staging during this, their current 87th season.  The second one is "Going Home to Christmas," featuring the songs of Jose Mari Chan, timed for the holiday season. This continues Rep's initiative to stage original Filipino shows which started with "Miong" and "The Quest for the Adarna" in 2019, only to be interrupted by the pandemic. This new musical is directed by Ms. Joy Virata, the creative director of Repertory Theater for Young Audiences.

Rody Vera adapted the script from the children's book "The Magic Circle" by Gilda Cordero-Fernando, while the original music and lyrics were written by Ejay Yatco. Yatco is on an extraordinary creative roll this year. He was the musical director of Full House's Parokya ni Edgar musical "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy" (while Vera wrote the book). He was the composer of "Pingkian," Tanghalang Pilipino's musical about Emilio Jacinto. This makes "Jepoy" the second totally original full-length musical composed by Yatco in a single year. 

The play opened with a short introduction to endangered indigenous fauna, like mouse deer, warty pig, Philippine eagle, tarsier and pawikan. The first half of the play was expository, building up the real world where Jepoy and mother lived and teasing a brief taste of the Under-world on the other side of the portal. However, it was during the second half when the wondrous world of Filipino folklore bloomed in full color right in front of our eyes, featuring the fantastical costume designs of Raven Ong, and cute puppet work of Kayla Teodoro. 

As we joined Jepoy as guest of a Tikbalang wedding officiated by the elegant Dona Geronima, we get to meet the Tres Marias -- Maria Makiling, Maria Sinukuan and Maria Cacao, the duwendes in blue and the tiyanak in pink, the two manananggals in flight, the sirena who guides the sailors, and finally, the Kapre. There was also a guy carrying a blind guy, a mute guy and a lame guy on his shoulders (not sure who he was). Like Galis, there were other talking animals in attendance, like Cat, Frog, Monkey and Cockroach.  

Elian Dominguez as Jepoy

In the show I watched, Jepoy was played by Elian Dominguez in his first lead role in a major musical production. His Jepoy was full of energy, with a slight rascally vibe, which was a nice comic touch. His singing voice had a wide range, so he should have a promising career in musical theater ahead of him. As he is an environmental scientist by profession, he got his wish to merge his two interests with this play. (Alternating as Jepoy are theater veteran at age 20 Noel Comia, Jr. and former "Batang Rizal" Yhuan Gatbunton.)

Aling Barang was played by Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, as bubbly as ever. (Ring Antonio alternates as Aling Barang.) Host Paqui was played by Luis Marcelo, who should be more careful with his intro spiels for the kids. He mis-defined the word "nocturnal" in the show I watched. (Joshua Cabiladas, Franco Ramos and Stephen Vinas alternate as Paqui.) Dona Etang and Dona Geronima were played by Pinky Marquez, her soprano as solid as ever. (Abi Sulit alternates as the Donas.) Real-world Galis was played by Francis Gatmaytan (Czar Decena as alternate), while Under-world Galis was played by Cara Barredo. 

A featured character that deserves special mention is that the Kapre, portrayed by Hans Ekstein in the matinee show I watched. You barely see the actor at all, as he had dark green face make-up on and a full-body costume of green leaves. He had to carry the giant's head and torso (with a moving mouth and arms!) above him, while wearing elevated clogs on his feet. The actor had to rely on his deep resounding voice to act and convey the Kapre's sad plight, and Eckstein delivered. (Juliene Mendoza and Joey G. Vargas alternate as Kapre.)

In the show I watched, the Tres Marias were played by Jay Barrameda, Barbara Jance, Paula Paguio (Mica Fajardo alternates).  The ensemble included Lance Soliman, Ayla Garcia, Nyla Festejo, Francesca Mata, Alyanna Wijangco, Ayam Eckstein, Cheska Quimno, Chan Rabutazo, Franco Ramos, JV Fulgencio, Kenny Isidoro, Pablo Palacpac, Broey Divinagracia, Sebastian Katigbak, and Dindo Divinagracia. (Sean Nicolas, Monica Tulio, Chesko Rodriguez, Ado Villanueva, Deo Dela Cruz, VJ Cortel, Jay Pangilinan, Jae Valencia, Gabo Tiongson, Ian Hermogenes, Bea Remollo, Katie Bradshaw, Jacqui Jacinto, Meg Salud, Jalea Cabiladas, and Daniella Albano alternate in the Ensemble). 

For the rest of the artistic team: Cara Barredo was the assistant director. Stephen Vinas and Francis Gatmaytan did the choreography. Mio Infante designed the set. John Batalla designed the lights. GA Fallarme and JM Jimenez designed the projections. Johann dela Fuente designed the hair and makeup. 

Marquez, Gatmaytan, Dominguez, Barredo

and the colorful ensemble

Parental guidance is needed so the kids can get the messages of this show straight.  Traditional Filipino dark monsters were portrayed here as colorful friends. Their continued "existence" remains valuable only for our heritage and cultural identity as Filipinos, certainly not as fact. Discrimination against those regarded by society as different is correct. However, calling everyone "all a little weird" (and having Jepoy proudly declare himself as a "weirdo" as the final line) can be confusing for kids and should be explained to them properly. 

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"Jepoy and the Magic Circle" is Rep's first play staged in their new home in the fourth floor of the Eastwood City Walk. Tickets are available at Ticketworld. For ticket reservations, send a message at: 09626918540 & 09669054013. Orchestra Center and Loge seats go for P1500 each, while Orchestra Side seats cost P1000 each. 

CAST: Review of OTHELLO: Jumbling in Jealousy

October 8, 2024

Venetian army ensign Iago (Reb Atadero) was furious that his Moorish superior officer Othello (Tarek El Tayech) had promoted an aristocrat Cassio (Davy Narciso) to the position he aspired for instead of him. Recruiting unwitting accomplices in his wife Emilia (Maronne Cruz) and his lovesick friend Roderigo (Rafael Jimenez), Iago executed a devious plot to plant a seed of doubt between newlyweds Othello and his virtuous bride Desdemona (Gab Pangilinan).

"Othello" was one of William Shakespeare's more popular plays that I have not read nor seen performed on stage. When I learned that CAST was going to stage this classic, I immediately bought a ticket once they were released for sale. I had known about CAST's previous staged readings and productions, but unfortunately, I never got a chance to see any of them yet. I made sure I was not going to miss this one anymore. 

Before watching any play by Shakespeare, I was afraid that I may not be able to comprehend the Old English verse since I did not have any idea about the story. These apprehensions doubled when it was announced that the play would run for a formidable 2 hours and 45 minutes, with 20 minute intermission. However, once the play started, my worries were unfounded, the language was clear and the pace was engaging.

Reb Atadero and Tarek El Tayech

Tarek El Tayech was effortlessly intimidating as Othello, towering over everyone with his hefty frame. When his rage reached its peak, his big eyes were aflame, and we would cower in fear.  Paired with the waifish Gab Pangilinan as his Desdemona, she was like rag doll in his massive arms. The skilled wrestling choreography made the rough violence that transpired between them feel so shocking and real, as we helplessly watched on the sidelines. 

At the center of everything was Reb Atadero, who played the sly, cunning Iago with sinister relish. We needed to understand Iago to be able to understand the whole play, and Atadero's clear delivery of his lines gripped us and drew us into the complex web he spun without much difficulty. He was able to balance the duplicitous nature of his character, appearing like loyal and honest friend on one side, while being relentlessly ruthless traitor on the other. 

Emilia was Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid, a role which may feel small with a lesser actress, but Maronne Cruz definitely made sure she would make her mark on that stage. She and Pangilinan shone in that scene where the worldly Emilia advised naive Desdemona not about their husbands, but also their self-worth. Emilia memorably called men "stomachs", while women were the "food" which their men eat, and belch out when they're full. 

 

Maronne Cruz and Gab Pangilinan

Veteran actor Jaime Del Mundo was featured as Desdemona's father Brabantio. The rest of the cast also donned military fatigue uniforms like Othello, Cassio, Iago and Emilia, including Dippy Arceo as Cassio's lover Bianca, MC Dela Cruz as Desdemona's cousin Lodovico, and director Gomez as Venetian official Montano.  Jimenez wore humor t-shirts as the play's dark comic relief. Panganiban radiated innocence, virtue and purity with her flowy dresses.  

Director Nelsito Gomez was very bold to stage a big play like this in the limited space of the Mirror Theater Studio. The stage was just a flat square floor, with the audience seated on all four sides around it. This close proximity of actors and audience in this tiny black box venue added to the suffocating atmosphere of percolating toxic jealousies. These emotions just erupted in full hurricane-force into our faces at the climax. I was left gasping for breath. Whew!

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CAST's "Othello" runs only for two weekends, from October 4 to 13, 2024 at the Mirror Theater Studio, on the 5th floor of the SJG Building, 8463 Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. Tickets were sold at P1000 each. The whole run is already sold out.

Today, in response to the overwhelming demand, another performance date has been added on October 19 at 8 pm! Go and watch this!

Review of 3 UPUAN: Dealing with Death, Looking at Life

September 28, 2024

Three siblings come together when their father passed away from esophageal cancer. Eldest son Jers (Jojit Lorenzo) was a philosophy professor who quoted Plato and Nietzche in his daily conversations. Second son Jack (JC Santos) was a visual artist whose dream was to interpret Rolando Tinio's poetry into paintings. Youngest was Jai (Martha Comia), a journalist who migrated to the US while advocating for indigenous peoples.

This new play written and directed by Guelan Luarca runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes without an intermission. However, during that single act, the story was not told in a linear manner, as the scenes jumped forwards and backwards in time. At one point, it went so far back into the "juicy" past that even the big bang entered the conversation. A guest narrator would indicate the passage of time, but sometimes it was just a whooshing sound effect that did so.   

As if to embody the title, the set only consisted of three simple chairs, one for each of the three characters. They not only sat on their chairs, they carried them around, or also stood on them. Further elaborating on the theme of chairs, there was an interesting and enlightening discussion about Joseph Kosuth's 1965 installation called "One and Three Chairs." A popular Burt Bacharach song about a chair was sung in a karaoke segment.   

The siblings contemplated on broad topics, like life and death, words and language -- parts where Luarca displayed the breadth of his knowledge on philosophy, religion and literature. However, the tearjerking moments were those parts when they reminisced about their parents and about each other. Luarca knew how to write beautiful lines which can hit raw nerves, be they in Filipino or English, giving each actor a highlight moment of raw emotion.

JC Santos's best moment as Jack was that scene when he was listening in on a bonding moment between Jai and her daughter Jackie. Jojit Lorenzo's best moment as Jers was when he shed tears as he talked about being ashamed that his children saw him shedding tears.  Martha Comia's best moment as Jai was that scene when she read a text another death in the family. It was her Jai who became the central focus of the play, and Comia owned it.

The play was staged at the Arete in Ateneo, but not in the big theater spaces. It was held in a humble second floor dressing room of the Hyundai Hall, the entrance of which was a side door, probably for the use of the cast and crew. The room can only accommodate an audience of 30 people, 10 of whom were seated on the floor. Being so up close to the actors, we can see every little gesture, facial tic and rolling teardrop -- intimate theater at its best.

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"3 Upuan" ran only for 8 shows, September 22, 24, 26, 28 and 29, at 8 pm, with 4 pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Regular tickets cost P700 each, subject to appropriate discounts as warranted.  

Recap of STRINGS OF GOLD: Captivating Cello Concert

September 19, 2024

I first knew of Damodar das Castillas from the effusive posts of veteran writer Pablo Tariman about this cello child prodigy. As my favorite musical instrument was the cello, I had been wishing that I could watch him perform live in a concert, and my chance to do so came to pass today. It was a bonus that the venue for this benefit concert was also new to me -- the MiraNila Heritage House and Library, located along Mariposa St. in Quezon City. 

Because it was not located in a gated community, I did not expect the elegant beauty of the main mansion and expansive grounds that I saw when I drove through their gate. MiraNila was built in 1929 by Conrado and Francisca Benitez, parents of the late Dr. Helena Benitez of the Philippine Women's University. The pre-war grand style house and its collection of art and books are now open to the public for guided tours and catered events.

Damodar das Castillo and his cello now

Damodar das Castillo was born in 2007, which makes him all of 17 years of age now. According to his bio, he started playing cello at age 4. He won his first international competition in 2017, and since then, he had won 4 more. Since 2017, his studies, competitions, and cellos are all sponsored by the Standard Insurance Co., Inc. Tonight's concert was also a send-off concert for him, as he flies off tomorrow for Salzburg. 

When he first stepped out onto the stage, I was surprised how he did not look like the boy in the poster above for this event. He was much taller now, and wore a thick mop of hair on his head. According to the emcee's introduction, das Castillo was a well-rounded guy. His hobbies include playing basketball and football. He could also play death metal on his electric cello, (too bad he did not include one such song in his repertoire tonight).  

Passion in Playing

The program proper started a little after 6 pm. The performers were introduced by the emcees, who were a couple of 4th generation Benitez scions. Das Castillo was to be accompanied on piano by Julliard alumna, concert artist and music professor Mariel Ilusorio. The piano Ms. Ilusorio played was a 1904 Steinway grand piano, refurbished by the same technician who serviced Cecille Licad's pianos. This concert celebrates this piano's successful rehabilitation. 

Das Castillo opened the concert with a solo number -- "Cello Suite no 3. Prelude" by Johann Sebastian Bach. Ilusorio joined him to play Frederic Chopin's 30 minute-long piece with four distinct movements of various moods and tempos -- "Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano." During the 10-minute intermission, I really felt the society page experience that this concert as the guests, politicians and ambassadors among them, hobnobbed with each other. 

Precision Partnership

The second act opened with another cello solo -- "Transcendence" by Faye Miravite (a Filipina composer from Italy), notable for including the cellist's singing vocals (!) into the piece. It was followed by a composition by National Artist for Music Nicanor Abelardo -- "Cavatina". The next two songs were lighter popular fare -- Henry Mancini's "Moon River" from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (VIDEO) and Richard Rodgers' "Edelweiss" from "The Sound of Music" (VIDEO).  

The final number was described by Ilusorio as "meaty" and indeed it was -- the 11 minute-long "First Movement for Cello Concerto in B-minor" by Antonín Dvořák (VIDEO). For his encore, he first played the 8-minute long "Pezzo Capriccioso, Op. 62" by Tchaikovsky (VIDEO), with the piano taking over the orchestra parts. Finally, the concert ended with the beautiful "Gabriel's Oboe" by Ennio Morricone, the theme music from Roland Joffe's "The Mission" (1986).  

Acknowledging the Applause 

This evening of beautiful classical music played in a nostalgic historical setting was such an enriching experience. I have a personal bias for the full-bodied string music emanating from a cello, so this concert of cello music from a rare Filipino prodigy of this majestic instrument like Damodar das Castillo was certainly extraordinary. Mariel Ilusorio's piano complemented his cello in a precise and passionate partnership. Glorious.

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This concert is only the first in a series of future performances from the nation's best talents to be held in MiraNila. MiraNila Heritage House & Library is located at 26 Mariposa Street, Brgy. Bagong Lipunan, Crame, QC (find us on Facebook: MiraNila Heritage House and Library). If you want to visit the house, contact 87220243 or 09454876827 to set an appointment. 

The MiraNila House (from their FB page)