TWO wonderful, original Filipino theatrical productions will be re-staged on the first weekend of September outside Metro Manila.
The first is Ibarra…Ngayon, which had a limited performance last June at the GSIS Theater. Directed by Frannie Zamora, the historical musical is based on the character created by Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal in his 1887 novel Noli Me Tangere. Joed Balsamo composed the music from the libretto of Jomar Fleras.
Ibarra…Ngayon will have four performances on September 4, 5 and 6 at the Ilocandia Cultural Center in Batac City with basically the same cast that performed in Manila.
Ilocos Norte governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos is elated that the province’s cultural center is emerging as a very visible hub for the province’s many programs for the arts, culture and tourism.
‘This confirms that the Ilocandia Cultural Center is becoming exactly what we have envisioned it to be-an active space for culture and artistic excellence where every Ilocano can watch shows and witness performances without ever having to leave the province,’ the governor said, adding, ‘We welcome the production and artistic teams of the historical musical Ibarra…Ngayon to Ilocos, and I’m very positive that this is just the beginning of many original Filipino theatrical and dramatic productions that will be made readily available for the student population and Ilocanos of all ages to enjoy, be entertained, and learn from.’
Sparkle artist Derrick Monasterio will lead the cast as Crisostomo Ibarra and he told us that he is bursting with excitement.
‘Being part of a touring musical theater production is something that I haven’t experienced and this opportunity to perform in Ilocos Norte and to share this musical with our Ilokano kababayans is very special. I was told that the audience will be mostly students and I am thankful for this chance to perform for them. This project is certainly a gift that keeps on giving.’
‘ATANG’ IN BULACAN
AS the historic province of Bulacan winds up its celebration of the Singkaban Festival, with festivities to commemorate the province’s 448th founding anniversary, there is a special place reserved for outstanding theatrical productions that were successfully staged in the past.
Bulacan governor Daniel Fernando is more than glad to support arts, culture and traditions, and he shared that the province’s premier theater group Dulaang Filipino Sining Bulakenyo will be mounting Floy Quintos’s Atang at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center during the first two weekends of September.
‘We have a very rich history that we need to appreciate and cherish, and amazing traditions that we need to nurture and pass on. We also have extraordinary talents in Bulacan that we continue to discover and rediscover, that is why we make sure to provide them with platforms and venues to showcase their God-given gifts and talents,’ Fernando said.
Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, a multiawarded actress for theater, television and film, will give life to the renowned zarzuela queen Atang de la Rama, a very colorful artist filled with truth, talent and tenacity, and one whose brand of art continues to shape and stir the minds and hearts of people up to this day.
‘Every chance to perform a character written by the great Floy Quintos is a big honor for me, especially now that he is no longer with us. I am more than fortunate to have had several collaborations with a genius like Floy during his very colorful lifetime. He gave actors like me not just complex, rich and interesting characters, but the projects he entrusted to me certainly touched my core as a Filipino, especially when he used our history as the source for his materials as a playwright and director. Floy is a league all his own, a visionary, and this chance to give life anew to the character of Atang and share it with a new generation of audience in Bulacan is truly invaluable,’ shared Shamaine.
Interestingly, this production that will surely charm the Bulakeños is directed by Nonie Buencamino, himself a highly-touted thespian, with musical arrangement by Nonie’s older brother Nonong Buencamino and choreography by Delphine Buencamino-Abesamis, the eldest daughter of the Buencamino couple. Sharing stellar billing is promising actress Jeanna Maurice Lapada.