A Life in the Theater

INSIANG, the stage adaptation of the Lino Brocka film that swept the 2003 Aliw Awards (Best Play, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress) returns to the CCP for a limited two-weekend run from October 5 to 15, 2007. The Tanghalang Pilipino production is directed by Chris Millado from the script by Mario O'Hara and features Ricky Davao, Mailes Kanapi, Mae Paner, Peewee O'Hara with Sheenly Vee Gener in the title role. For tickets and other inquiries, check out the Insiang Website at http://www.brighteyedboys.com/insiang/ .

PILIPINAS CIRCA 1907 was the first play of the 21st season of Tanghalang Pilipino. With Libretto by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson and music by Jose Estella, Lutgardo Labad, Louie Pascasio, Lucien Letaba, Nicanor Abeladro, Scott Joplin, and Barry Fagan, the sarswela was staged for four weeks at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) with a cast headed by Ana Guillen Feleo, Miguel Castro, Lani Mabilangan Ligot and Arnold Reyes. Googling through cyberspace, I came across several web posts from people who saw the production. Following are some of them, edited for this page. The links are provided, in case anyone might be interested to read through. I Solemnly Swear to Watch It Again Nasa cloud nine pa rin ako. As in over the moon happiness. . . . WOW! . . . Found my new love: THEATER. read the entire blog here Despite the heavy political theme, "Pilipinas Circa 1907" is quite a delight to sit through. All three hours of it! First, there's good singing. . . . Second, ...

SUSAN VALDEZ, the actress most famous for her role in Mike de Leon's "Itim", is in town for a short visit, her first after moving to New York in 1985. We met up last Saturday after the one-night performance of ART at the Music Museum, and together with Raquel Villavicencio, Gina Alajar, Rez Cortez, Bembol Roco, and for a brief while, Ricky Davao and Mark Gil, reminisced about all the productions and film projects done in the past and good naturedly ribbed her about what the future might hold for her if she decides to come back for good. I had the glorious fortune of working with Susan on a number of plays (that's us above flanking Barbara Perez, together with Tony Mabesa, Cris Michelena and Sonia Valenciano inBehn Cervantes' 1982 production of "Larawan" for UP Repertory, which we even toured to Cagayan and the Visayas) that included "Peer Gynt", "Hedda Gabler/A Doll's House", and Chris Millado's "Intermedyo" where s...

Tanghalang Pilipino's new musical "MULAN" for children of ALL ages, is on its last two weekends at the CCP's Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) on September 28-30 and October 5-7, with Friday performances at 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. From the audience feedback on its first two weekends, the production is a delight for both young and old. Most viewers are raving about Gino Gonzales' production design, particularly the costumes, as well as the choreographed routines that are heavily influenced by the Chinese martial arts of Wushu. Disney, it ain't. For those interested, do call the Tanghalang Pilipino office at 832-3661, Ticketworld at 891-9999 or the CCP Box Office at 832-3704. Tickets are at P500 (regular) and P250 for students, with discounts for groups. Tanghalang Pilipino's MULAN features the Tanghalang Pilipino ACTORS COMPANY. Libretto by Rody Vera, Music by Jed Caballero Balsamo, Choreography by Denisa Reyes, Production Des...

TUKSO, which won for myself and my co-writers Nikki Torres and Mara Paulina Marasigan the Best Screenplay Award in the 2007 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, will be screened at the Indie Sine at the Robinson's Movieworld Galleria from October 3 to 9, 2007. TUKSO is a mystery film with a twist. A young village lass is found dead. An investigator is assigned to the case, and the film presents the different perspectives of the people who know her. In the cast are award-winning film, television and theater actors led by RICKY DAVAO and IRMA ADLAWAN together with SHAMAINE BUENCAMINO, SOLIMAN CRUZ, SID LUCERO, PING MEDINA, and DIANA MALAHAY. RICKY plays David Solomon, a businessman whose subdivision project and personal life are affected by the girl’s mysterious death. IRMA plays the role of Fe, a widow who may have the key that can help unravel the mystery. SOLIMAN portrays the deceased girl's father; SHAMAINE is the investigator. PING is the girl's childhood fr...

The last three months have been hectic, and I was surprised to realize I have not posted any new blog for over ten weeks. In defense, I have to state that July was witness to the Virgin Labfest 3, the Asian Voyage of Songs in Pattaya, and Cinemalaya 2007. In August came the opening of the Tanghalang Pilipino 21st Theater Season with "Pilipinas Circa 1907" and elections of new officers for the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Multipurpose Cooperative (IFC). Earlier in this September month were the openings of "Mulan" and "Quiapo." All of these I will write about, no matter how briefly, if only to make amends for the prolonged silence. And this site is sporting a new look which I hope echoes the colors of Tanghalang Pilipino's logo and primspark design.