ACTOR and singer Piolo Pascual recently signed in as the lead character Crisostomo Ibarra in Tanghalang Una Obra’s staging of “Ibarra.”
Piolo will be joined by Philippine musical theater’s best, including Myramae Meneses (Maria Clara), Jeffrey Hidalgo (Elias), Floyd Tena (Padre Damaso), Carlo Mañalac (Padre Salvi), Jon Joven Uy (Pilosopo Tasyo), Nicole Laurel Asensio (Sisa), Carla Guevara Laforteza (Donya Victorina), Dea Formacil (Donya Consolacion) JD Tena (Basilio) and Elian Santos (Crispin).
The songs are composed by Joed Balsamo. Direction by Franniel Zamora and choreography by Paul Morales.
In the company of such talents, Piolo felt like a “baby” when it comes to theater acting.
“I don’t feel any pressure right now,” he joked at a press con last April 18 at the GSIS Museum in Pasay.
“Too much pressure,” he said, serious, “But I believe I’m with a group who can take care of me.
“During our first Zoom meeting, I said, I’m a baby. I’m really a baby [because] the last play I did was 13 years ago and I’m coming in as somebody who does not know anything about what he’s doing.
“But I’m really willing, and really really obsessed and passionate to learn more about what I can learn about this whole thing. And hopefully, it can transcend sa stage.
I just want to give it my best, with the help of everyone with me,” he sincerely added.
who plays Donya Viktorina
“Ibarra” is a musical based on Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere.” The character was used by Rizal to voice his ideas regarding colonialism and the nature of power in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial rule. Ibarra believed that, although the Catholic friars and the Spanish government were corrupt, they provided the Philippines with valuable support.
Ibarra insisted upon reforming the Philippines from the inside out, working with the friars and Spanish officials to bring about positive change without dismantling the system entirely. However, Ibarra was branded a heretical subversive and was imprisoned. In the end, he became a revolutionary.
“Noli Me Tangere” was considered to be one of the instruments that initiated Filipino nationalism leading to the 1896 Philippine Revolution. The novel did not only awaken sleeping Filipino awareness, but also established the grounds for aspiring to independence.
This year’s staging of “Ibarra” is apt as we celebrate the 125th year of Philippine independence from Spain.
“Ibarra” is a re-working of Jomar Fleras’ prize-winning play “Kanser.” The original play “Kanser” won in the 1979 Cultural Center of the Philippines’ playwriting competition. It has been staged since 1980 and holds the distinction of being the longest-running play in Philippine history. The 2023 production of “Ibarra” will be the 40th year of staging of “Kanser.” It has won several artistic awards and has been performed all over the country and even abroad.
Production designer is Mio Infante, lights designer is Dong Calingacion. The Manila Symphony Orchestra will provide musical accompaniment.
“Ibarra” is slated for staging on June 8-18, 2023 at the GSIS Theater. Proceeds of this production will support the various feeding programs of Rise Against Hunger Philippines.
Rise Against Hunger Philippines is a member of the global confederation of Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable, mobilizing the necessary resources to end hunger by 2030. It operates the first and only national foodbank in the Philippines and is a member of the Global Foodbanking Network.
The play is sponsored Government Service Insurance System, Cultural Center of the Philippines, JTI Philippines, Nickel Asia Corporation, Vibal Publishing, Andoks, Diamond Hotels, McDonalds, Figaro, Beautederm and Artdesign.
