CORY NG EDSA ROCKS THE CITY OF
GENTLE PEOPLE!
DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 17 The Philippine Stagers Foundation presented a Filipino Musicale entitled Cory ng EDSA on January 17-19 at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Complex and the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
The 50-member cast of Cory ng EDSA is an original Filipino musicale written and inspired by the spirit of democracy and heroism by director Atty. Vincent Tanada.
The cast of the Cory ng Edsa are exclusive stage artists and performers under the Philippine Stagers Foundation.
According to Atty. Tanada, the show wishes to convey the message of hope and the significance of democracy to the younger generation. The story has injected historical value to the fictional part of the play in order to attract the attention of the youth while watching the show. The target audiences of Cory ng EDSA are high school and college students, adding he believes that majority of the young people no longer understand the significance of EDSA to former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino and the Filipino democracy.
Atty. Tanada said they are optimistic that students will understand the significance and importance of democracy after watching the show.
The show is part of the 26th People Power Anniversary on February 25, 2012.
Source: http://www.visayandailystar.com/images/logosml.gif
November 8, 2011 - Cory ng Edsa, wins Best Musicale at the 24th Annual Aliw Awards held at Resorts Worlds Manila. The show's writer, director and one of the leads, Vincent Tañada, also bagged the award for Best Actor in a Musicale. (Review)
Dec. 22, 2011- A successful night of glamour and excitement! Philippine Stagers once again presented its annual Christmas Ball with a breathtaking performance of the stagers at the Grand Ballroom of Richmonde Hotel Eastwood City. The event is sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Trust Condom, Ropers Photo Studio and Theater Lighting Technology.
On January 24, 2012
(Philippine Stagers earns 8 awards at BroadwayWorld.com)
The all-original Filipino musical that continues to stir controversy because of the awards it has earned. It was dubbed to be 'disturbing', but the 'disturbed' critics have to watch the production in order to dispel their respective biases. Photograph by Dale Bacar.
MANILA, Philippines Perhaps amongst the nominees in the first-ever Broadway World Philippines Awards, the humble theater company named Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), led by Atty. Vince M. Tañada is the one sweeping most of its awards, as predicted, it raised eyebrows and made some questioned about its most wins as results were announced on Saturday, January 21.
Even if its a mere popularity votingstill we take pride of what it has earned so far, says Jude Cartalaba, the publicist of PSF.
We may not have the biggest stars in all its productions to attract theater enthusiasts, but we ensure that our shows are sold and we still serve the companys two-fold objectives: To entertain and educate.
Cory ng EDSA is one musicale that every Filipino should watch. Its not because its about the former and late President Corazon C. Aquino alone, but its becausethe materials message is universal. It is something that even ordinary Filipinos could identify withit is about ones sacrifice for the love of his or her country.
PSF is not identified as a mainstream theater company by its critics and it produces this no-heard productions like 'Cory ng EDSA', but the group never fails to deliver a moving, inspiring and at the same time quality content in all its productions. Being a touring theater company, it is not limited to Metro Manila runs, but it spawns to other key cities in the Philippines.
This 2012, it will be staging its 2011 Aliw Awardee for best musical Cory ng EDSA: A Filipino Musicale again and had a successful one in Dumaguete and will continue to bring it to other parts of the country.
BroadwayWorld.com Philippines Awards recently proclaimed Cory ng EDSA as Best Musical and so as Vince Tañada as Best Leading Actor and Best Direction in a Musical.
The other awards that the musical got: Best Choreography - John San Antonio; Best Costume Design - Emy Tañada; Best Musical Direction - Pipo Cifra; Best Set Design - Jeffrey Ambrosio; and Best Sound Design - Art Grabentina.
Inset: Job Bautista as Angel Dummott and OJ Mariano as Tom Collins won Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Musical). Cris Villonco as Waverly Jong earned the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role is seen in the photograph with Frances Makil-Ignacio as Lindo Jong. Photograph by Dale Bacar.
Other big winners were: Best Leading Actress (Musical) - Nikki Gil for Sweet Charity of 9 Works Theatrical; Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Musical) - OJ Mariano for Rent of 9 Works Theatrical; Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Musical) - Ciara Sotto for Sweet Charity of 9 Works Theatrical; Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Play)- Cris Villonco for The Joy Luck Clubof Repertory Philippines; Best Leading Actor (Play) - Martin Delos Santos for Ang Post Office of PETA; Best Leading Actress (Play)- Shamaine Buencamino for Fake of UP Playwrights' Theater; Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Play)- Jeremy Domingo for American Hwangap of Tanghalang Pilipino; Best Play - American Hwangap of Tanghalang Pilipino; Best Lighting Design -Shoko Matsumoto for Next To Normalof Atlantis Productions Inc.; Best Theater Company -9 Works Theatrical; Best Theatrical Venue -Resorts World Manila.
Nominations were submitted on October 2011, and voting ran through midnight of December 31, 2011
Article by:
JR Bustamante,
Source:
http://philippineparadisepages.com
CORY NG EDSA
August 2011 to March 2012
Kindly inquire at (63) (2) 7816727 for time,Venue and ticket prices.
Director:
Vince Tañada
(Aliw Awardee)
Choreographer:
John San Antonio
Music: Pipo Cifra
Come join the FREE Summer Workshop of Philippine Stagers Foundation. Anybody can join from 8 to 50 years old. Learn the basics of the theater arts from the STAGERS, headed by PSFs Artistic Director, Aliw Awardee Atty. Vince Tañada.
AUDITION: March 27-30 2012
TIME: 1:00pm-8:00pm
VENUE: Philippine Stagers Foundation Office, 4th Floor Vincent I Bldg, 411 Calabash - A corner G. Tuazon St. Sampaloc Balic-Balic Manila.(Gray and red Bldg beside PS Bank of G. Tuazon)
Directions: If you’re coming from Quezon City, ride a jeep going to Quiapo or España, then ride a jeep going to Balic-Balic. Go down to P.S Bank.
If you’re from Manila, go to Recto, Quiapo or España, then ride a jeepney going to balic-balic. Go down at P.S Bank
Note: Please be prepared for any on the spot choreography, one-on-one acting improvisation and singing. There are only One Hundred (100) available slots for the Theater Acting Workshop so be at your best!
The registration is at first come first serve basis. Upon arrival at the PSF Office, you will be asked to register and will be given a number by the Secretary. If qualified, you will be designated into either of the two classes available.
...If you are interested just send us a message of your FULL NAME, CONTACT DETAILS (e.g.cellphone no., e-mail add) and SCHOOL in our fb or contact Cel. # 09228124319 .
Have fun and develop your personality along the way!
President and Chairman of the Board
Atty. Vincent M. Tañada
Board Members:
Jeffrey T. Ambrosio
Christian H. Lim
Board of Trustees
Ana T. Bautista
Elaine T. Coronel
Costume Designer
Emy Tañada
Senior Regular Stagers:
John San Antonio- Company Stage Manager/ Choreographer
Chin Ortega- Asst. Production Manager/Make-up Artist
Tere Tajan-Publicity Head
Art Gabrentina- Lights Designer
Adelle Ibarrientos-Lim
Patrick Libao-Marketing Assistant
Reggie Caranyagan
Kevin Posadas
Cindy Liper
Cherry Bagtas
Kierwin Larena
Glory Anne Nacional
Junior Regular Stagers:
JM Bautista
Bryan Galvez
Patricia Lopez
Jordan Ladra
Gabby Bautista
Miel Reysantos
Moises Tenorio
Senior Apprentice Stagers:
Monique Azerreda
Alex Dorola
Jaymar Encinas
Jemarie Loquinario
Jerie Sanchez
Jill Villar
Junelyn Villareal
Nikki joy Villaviray
Jessivic Cruz
Gerald Gimarino
JP Lopez
Kenneth Sadsad
Roel Estrella
Junior Apprentice Stagers:
Jerome Vergara
Clyner Rayray
Earl John Jarlega
Larry Estonanto
Alyssa Learned
Monray Lao
Edison Fortuna
Raprap Santos
Lance Santos
Genesis Ukol
Rachael Gianan
Gerald Viscarra
Guinelle Gavino
Richard Dominguez
KIm Feliciano
Len-len Binarao
PHILIPPINE STAGERS FOUNDATION is a fast-rising and critically acclaimed professional theater company duly organized and registered under the laws of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Founded in 2002 by Atty. Vincent M. Tañada, a lawyer and writer, Jeffrey T. Ambrosio, an interior designer and Hans Christian H. Lim, a professional computer analyst and graphics designer. The three PSF incorporators saw the necessity of transformation and recuperation of Philippine theater. But PSF is not just an ordinary performing group. It is a Foundation with an objective of helping the poor, the sick, the elderly and the forgotten through the medium of theater arts. At present, the Foundation has more than fifty (50) High School and College Scholars. Aside from its very active Scholarship Program, the Foundation is consistently handling absolutely free Theater Workshop every summer with more than two hundred (200) participants from various schools in the country. For its regular season runs, the Foundation has also organized out-reach activities at various charitable institutions such as Golden Acres Home for the Aged, Servants of Charity, National Center for Mental Health and Reception Study Center for Children. Through this, Philippine Stagers Foundation is an artistic team with a purpose in the society.Remaining humble and silent despite its phenomenal success, the Foundation has produced several stage plays which broke all theater box office records of the Philippines. For its plays Mactan 1521, Enzo...Santo, Chi-noi, OMoises, Pinoy Samurai, Desaparecidos, A Filipino Musicale, NamasteAng Makulay na Buhay ni Gandhi and Troy Avenue, Philippine Stagers Foundation has made phenomenal ticket-sales, averaging from thirty-five (35) to ninety (150) shows in big venues such as SM Cinemas, UP Theater, St. Scholasticas St. Cecilias Hall, St. Paul University, Waterfront Hotel, Cebu , AFP Theater Tanghalang Pasigueño, Meralco Theater to name a few. The aggressiveness of its marketing team remains its inspiration in producing quality plays. Its markets hailed all its plays as spectacular, well-polished and innovative. The Aliw Awards, the only award-giving body in the country honoring live performances, has recognized for numerous times its various stage plays and musicales, as well as its Director and Cast Members. Recently, the company received endorsements from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and the Department of Education for its contributions not only in theater arts but also to the society. After nine years of existence, PSF is here to stay. Its success may be attributed to Gods guidance and the Foundations selfless desire to share its triumph to myriads of people by lowering the ticket price and continuing its various programs to help the less fortunate.
By Jude Cartalaba
Robert Brustein said, The primary function of a theater is not to please itself, or even to please its audience. It is to serve talent.
Perhaps, it was then the path that Vince Tañada saw himself even if he was pursuing law in San Beda College back then. He was destined to be in the theater, heading a group called Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), which has now grown its members to more than 50 and 22 regulars (meaning they are already the prized talents). Starting out the group was really blood, sweat and tears altogether, Tañada confessed. Philippine Stagers Foundation was founded in 2002, but it was originally called Dulaang Bedista Alumni Production. To date, it has a total of 328 shows for Ako Si Ninoy, making their group as a phenomenal success that broke all Philippine theater box-office records. EnzoSanto, which is still running is now in their 100th performance. Recently a Dangal ng Bansa award was alsogiven to PSF by Komisyon ngWikang Filipino.
Instead of flying to the United States of America to pursue his preparatory law studies at St. Marys College in California, he opted to stay in the Philippines and enrolled at San Beda College on Mendiola Street in Manila where he took Philosophy.
It was in this 109-year-old educational system that he found his passion for theater. Vince was a member of Dulaang Bedista, the resident theater organization of San Beda that started in 1992. He and was writing plays back then. His theater group was ambitious and wanted to go beyond from adaptations to introducing Filipino original plays.
We wanted to be radical in terms of treating theater. As stage enthusiasts, we opted to do some experimental presentations. We were radical during those years, he essays how he and his group started.
We did all-original plays such as Cain at Abel, Out: The Musicale, Enzo (non-musicale version), Pahiyas sa Underpass, Si Mildred at si Brenda, and Anonymity Inn.
In 1992, Vince also played Huse in Rene O. Villanuevas Hiblang Abo which was directed by Lou Veloso in 1992 and was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Despite being successful with his study in Law and worked at Cruz-Cruz-Navarro law office, his love for theater didnt wane. He was also teaching labor laws in San Beda when he and his group from Dulaang Bedista decided to put up Dulaang Bedista Alumni Production, now Philipine Stagers Foundation (PSF) back in 2002.
It was through national artist Cecile Guidote-Alvarez founder of Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and the former executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, who recognized PSF as a great contributor for theater arts and in nurturing Philippine culture.
Biggest Break!
After going through all the labor pangs of starting out a group and when the rest of the original eight
members opted to exit from the commitmenthe, along with Hans Christian Lim and Jeffrey Ambrosio persisted to carry on what they have started. It was then considered a divine intervention as God is faithful to complete the good work they all have started out; their moment came when Rafael C. Lopa, the executive director of Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation came to see them and witness how their musicale, Ako si Ninoy befits the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of senator Aquino.
I could vividly remember the night we did our performance of Ako si Ninoy at the Cojuangco mansion in Dasmariñas Village.
It was one sentimental performance. We were just garbed with our Ako si Ninoy shirts and jeans. Close friends and relatives of the Cojuangcos and the Aquinos were there, and we brought the house down in tears, Tañada reminisces that experience.
That night signaled a new dawn for Philippine Stagers Foundation as it staged the seven-year-in-the-making, selfless heroism-themed musicale; inspiring Filipinos, the youth in particular to be heroes in their respective daily lives.
The original weekend-gig theater concept has evolved into something that delves into a social advocacy.
When asked what makes PSF different from other theater groups, Tañada humbly shares, What made us a stand out is the fact that we are not just focused on the art of performing but also in the value of actually helping the needy.
PSF has 30 scholars in high school and colleges, including some of its members. Golden Acres (a home for the aged), Asilo de San Vicente, and the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation are also their partner charitable institutions as beneficiaries.
Theater: His Life.
Tañada admits that portraying the character of the late Benigno Aquino Jr. was a life-long dream and it did come to pass. Amidst the success PSF is enjoying, he feels the need to further intensify even the more his advocacy to use theater arts as a medium of education.
We know that theater has a two-fold purpose, to entertain and to educate, he imparts how he views theater.
Hence, I have moved heaven and earth just to convince school heads, principals and administrators to use our play as an instrument for instruction. This is also the main reason why I write stories of heroes or important parts of history. The problem is some DepEd superintendents and supervisors and even parents of students do not see this important component of theater. Maybe they are the ones who take arts for granted. They see this merely as a money-making venture or a business. I have never treated the arts as a means of livelihood. This is not my bread and butter. This is my passion. People, especially those in the education department should see this. Culture and the arts are both the heart and soul of the nation. If used properly, our youth will learn more.
As an artist he, too, believe in the concept of profitable creativity as he says, Some of the new graduates would think that having a career in theater is not financially rewarding. I want to change that misconception.
I guess it depends on the theater company. I know that the main investment of a theater company is the actors, their talents. Hence, I give everything back to my members. It has been the practice of other theater companies, mainstream or fly-by-night to suck all the energy, talent and expertise of their employees, pay them meager amounts and drop them like a hot potato when not needed anymore.
Theater company owners, artistic directors or managers should be more sensitive toward the needs of their actors. Treat them well and come hell-or-high water they will work on their craft and your product will be really good.
Vince Tañada, an attorney by profession is positive of the future of his theater group. In fact, a worldwide tour is already in-the-works for the group to stage Ako si Ninoy in Guam, US Mainland, Hawaii and Saipan.
Only a few knew that he once ventured into the bar and restaurant business called Fox Square on Kalayaan Avenue in 2001. Having an innate flair for cooking, he was hands-on in managing the business and literally cooking some of its specialties, but grew tired.
We would close between 3 to 4am because UP and Ateneo students use to hang out there. I had to go to the office at 8am. It was bad for my health. I closed it two years after when I became so busy with the legal profession and had few hours sleep, he reveals.
But with theater, he will never get exhausted. This is the path he chose to live and walk for the rest of his life. When he teaches in the workshops, he loves people who dont know anything but have the strong willingness to learn, I always refer them as tabula raza, a blank tablet whom I can develop and pop-in instructions.
When Kierwin or Patrick or Jordan (PSF prized talents) started, they dont sing. Jordan only knows Itaktak Mo Dance moves when asked to dance. Now, they are regarded as good triple-threat actors with a back-to-back recognition from the Aliw Awards to boot. But I dont want to take the credit solely. They also worked hard for it. These people practiced and persevered a lot and it wasnt easy. Yes, I truly believed that everything in this world can be learned, with a right attitude, inspiration and a strong desire to learn.
A spectacular and life-changing musicale produced by the Philippine Stagers Foundation is this year's Aliw Awards' biggest theater winner. The said play bagged the highest recognition from the oldest and well-respected award giving body recognizing live performances - Best Musicale Production. Writer-Director and PSF Artistic Director Atty. Vincent M. Tanada also received the Best Stage Director Award, his second Aliw, the first one he received two years ago for the Biblical Musicale billed as O'Moises.
Four-year old and youngest regular Stager Gabby Bautista was judged as the Best Child Performer for his singing role Osborne in Ako Si Ninoy, the bright kid awaiting for his OFW Father's return to the Philippines.
Tanada, in his speech, thanked the men and women of Philippine Stagers Foundation, comparing them to heroes such as Ninoy in their passion and desire not only to entertain but to educate and inspire audience as well. He ended by an invitation for the audience to see for themselves why the play was awarded, pointing out that Aliw has awarded a running play.
Other finalists for the Aliw Awards are regular stagers Jordan Ladra and Cindy Liper for Best Stage Actor and Best Stage Actress respectively, both for Ako Si Ninoy and Kierwin Larena for Best Stage Actor for his portrayal as Achilles in Troy Avenue. This is the third straight year that Aliw Award has recognized the plays produced by Philippine Stagers Foundation.
Last December 10, 2010, a new feather was added to the PSFs cap when no less than Pres. Benigno Aquino III recognized the group as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines (TAYO Awards) not only because for staging the well-acclaimed Ako si Ninoy musicale but for the numerous recognitions and worthy contributions that the company gave to the yet small industry.
Here are the the list of winners (in random order): #
Education Revolution Movement (Bulacan)
PRO-DORP Team (Surigao del Sur)
Pochon Youth Group (Ifugao)
Pagaypay 4-H Club (Iloilo)
Philippine Stagers (Manila)
Mandaya Tribal Youth (Compostela)
Pag-asa Youth Association (Cebu)
Alay ni Ignacio (Quezon City)
Link.exe (Iloilo)
Brotherhood of Peace (Baguio)
4C-3 (A collection of four Contemporary Value Laden Filipino or English plays)
Written and directed by world renowned stage director and writer, Aliw Awardee Atty. Vincent Tañada.
SYNOPSIS:
Jomar Bautista's
KARI-BAL
A story of youthfulness, and kids play, two siblings are fighting over the love of their father, a closet queen widower. The funny sibling rivalry, they will fight over the love of their father. In the process, the widower will show snippets of gayness. The funny dialogue between the two siblings will coincide with the hilarious antics of the father. As a device, the father will fake a heart attack that will result to the siblings reconciliation. A play that will put the audience into full laughter, the literary importance is on the innocence of the dialogue and the uniqueness of the presentation.
Glory Anne Nacional's
TRUE
A One Act Play with a rare passing of time consisting of four decades. A unique love story of two distinct individuals separated by difficult and unbelievable circumstances grounded on money, family and community. Set in the Ilocos Region in the 1970s before the Declaration of Martial Law. Upon their meeting after three decades a secret will be revealed, love for God will be the reason for the impossibility of the lovers to be together again.
Patrick Libao's
Lahug
A play about love and sacrifice, Barrera family who live in unfrequented place called Lahug, Tapaz in Capiz. Some time in summer, Luiz Barrera went to their town to ask his parents blessings for his wedding. At first he tried to convince his mother Aling Sayong to join him in his wedding and fly going to manila. Unfortunately, Mang Gunying disagreed. However the town was restricted by the local government due to mysterious killings happening in during midnight. And later in midnight an unexpected guest knocked on the door while the family was having an argument regarding the scarcity of the people. As Luiz opened the door he found out it was Denise and the Family was stunned what they have saw, Denise was pregnant. As the story progresses, a shocking event happened in the family. A wrangle began, a life and death situation, and a love and life decision. A literary masterpiece combined with a horror suspense drama thriller feel that will literally put the audience in awe.
Alex Dorola's
O.L.A.H
An anthology of three divergent stance and behavior with an identical appearance, the play is a unique tour de force presentation that connotes brawny ambition, exceptional talent and a showcase of two distinct Asian nation cultures. A musical extravaganza, the play is not about pop-culture nor commercial spectacle, it is a showcase of relationship between siblings, sometimes good, sometimes bad but stays as siblings in the end. The triplets will make real the dictum that theater is a world of make belief. The challenge is for the audience to believe that the triplets indeed will be identical onstage. But that is secondary; the real selling point of the play is the heart and soul of the story.
MANILA, Philippines - The same successful theater company that brought the highly-acclaimed, longest running musical of all-time in Philippine theater historyAko si Ninoy , comes the awe-inspiring and much-awaited sequel titled Cory ng EDSA: A Filipino Musical. This is a powerful production to be mounted by Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), which is written and directed by its founder and president Atty. Vince Tañada, based on the life, struggles, sacrifices and victories of the former and first woman President of the Republic of the Philippines, the Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, opening in July this year.
PSF promises to provide a fresher look of Cory Aquinos worth-emulating life story. With a strong cast of almost 50 performers, it is expected that viewers will be treated to a two-hour emotionally-evoking, spectacular kind of experience on stage. Cindy Liper, PSFs homegrown talent takes the lead role, which she portrayed in Ako si Ninoy and this time she is the focus of the newest musicale to rock the theater world.
True to its mission and vision, Atty. Tañada opted to have Liper to breathe into Corys role, which at first, he thought of casting a more seasoned and established name. But after realizing his companys main thrustto develop new talents in the industry he has served for years and is passionate about, he was quick to turn to his own stead.
I have to stay loyal to what my company has created and committed for years now. Cindy is one talent to reckon with. She has that acting prowess and singing voice that I am proud of, Tañada justifies his choice.
Liper admits that shes the youngest to portray the character of Cory and she never ever had a close encounter with the musicals subject except when her theater company visited the wake of the former President. She just had to use her references and guides, the experiences shared by people to her and the inspiration she got from learning about Corys life story.
I am challenged to give also inspiration to others by not just simply portraying the role but also making Cory Aquino as my model and inspiration, Cindy adds.
As part of her preparation for the said role, she watches videos on YouTube that features Corys interviews, speeches and everything about the late woman president in order to literally get closer to the character.
I study her life story. I even read some of her books. By then, I was inspired and even touched to know everything about her. And I feel so blessed this opportunity was given to me.
I feel honored that PSF entrusted me to play the role of Cory Aquino. I feel pressured and excited at the same time, mixed emotions, I mean because the role I'm portraying wasn't just ordinary, Liper shares her thoughts on her biggest break ever.
I will be portraying a real character known as the Mother of Democracy and known by every Filipino, and very different from the roles I've usually played in PSF. This is also a challenge for me because it's the first time for PSF to have a female title role.
Alternating Liper is another equally talented homegrown actress of PSF, Glory Ann Nacional.
For more details on the said musicale, contact telephone number (632) 7816727 or visit its PSF Studio on the fourth floor of Vincent I Bldg. 411 Calabash-A corner G. Tuazon Street Balic-Balic, Sampaloc Manila (its the Red-Gray building beside PS Bank of G. Tuazon).
After opening in July at St. Scholasticas College in Manila, Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) is bringing the all-original Filipino hit musical Cory ng EDSA to the Queen City of the Southin Cebu on Saturday, October 8, 8am; 1130am, 3pm; and 730pm at Mandaue Sports Complex.
Cebuanos will witness this spectacular and monumental musical that spotlights the life and death of the former first woman President of the Republic of the Philippines, Corazon Cory Cojuangco-Aquino, who rose to power in 1986 and ousted the 20-year dictatorial regime of Marcos.
Cory ng EDSA: A Filipino Musicale is the sequel to the highly-successful and longest-running musicale of PSF titled Ako si Ninoy.
Atty. Vince M. Tañada, writer and director of the said musical reveals, The reason why we brought the production to Cebu is to let the Cebuanos partake of the tribute we have for the Mother of Philippine Democracy.
Cebu has been a great part of Corys victory when the Carmelite convent hid her during the post election fever.
Cindy Maree Liper will reprise her role as Cory and will be supported by a 50+ strong cast members. Apart from directing, Tañada will also appear as one of the characters of the musicale. Other members of the cast are PSFs homegrown talents like Patrick Libao, Glory Ann Nacional, Jordan Ladra, Alex Dorola, Adelle Ibarrientos-Lim, Kierwin Larena, Kevin Posadas, Monique Azerreda, Gabby Bautista, Chris Lim and Jomar Bautista.
Cindy Liper as Cory Aquino dancing along with the ensemble of 'Cory ng EDSA' depicting a scene of demonstration against the Marcos cronies.
PSF promises to not just entertain, but to move every Cebuano audience to value the word love of country and sacrifice.
The show is made possible through the auspicious support of Mandaue City government led by Mayor Jonas Cortes and Cebu City government led by Mayor Mike Rama. Other sponsors are Diamond Suites and Residences; Ayala Center Cebu; T.G.I. Fridays; Red Tag Events, Productions, Graphics and Digital Printing; Julies Bakeshop and media partners Killer Bee 92.3; Sun.Star Cebu; and PhilippineParadisePages.com.
For ticket inquiries and reservations, contact (6332) 4147257 or +639272009225.
Who is Ninoy Aquino? Is he merely the good-looking guy with the glasses imprinted in five hundred pesos? Or the stationary monument in Ayala Avenue?
Philippine Stagers Foundation in cooperation with the Benigno S. Aquino Foundation (BSAF) through its I Am Ninoy Campaign will stage a grand musicale in order to humanize our modern-day hero. Billed as Ako si Ninoy, this Filipino Musicale will give life to Ninoy as he co-relates his life to various ordinary Filipinos. The core message of the stage musical is the selfless giving of oneself for our countrymen and women and for the advancement of our country as a whole. Indeed, there is a Ninoy in all of us and heroism can also be accomplished through ordinary ways.
SYNOPSIS
Ang ISTORYA Ang dula ay isang pinagdikit-dikit na kuwento ng labing isang (11) tao sa makabagong panahon sina Noli, Ivy, Miss Nuñez, Oscar, Yosef, Andeng, Quentin, Dr. Ungria, Ingrid, Nanding at Osborne na iuugnay sa mismong kaganapan sa buhay ng Bayani ng ating modernong henerasyon si Ninoy Aquino. Nais ipakita ng dula na ang simpleng mamamayan ay may alab din ng pagkabayani, na hindi lamang si Ninoy ang bayani kundi ang laksa-laksang Pilipino na isinasabuhay ang kanyang halimbawa sa pakikipaglaban sa katotohanan, ang kanyang mainit na pananampalataya sa Poong Maykapal at ang labis na pagmamahal sa bayan.
Ang DULA Isang makabago at kakaibang pagsasaentablado na sinaliwan ng musikang orihinal na may pag-awit at sayaw. Magaganap ang mga tagpo sa magkakaibang panahon ang panahon ni Ninoy at ang modernong panahon ng labing isang (11) tauhan ngunit pag-uugnayin sa iisang eksena. Samakatuwid, ang bawat tagpong magaganap ay paghahambing hindi lamang sa istorya kundi pati na rin sa kasuotang pangentablado, set at props, kulay ng ilaw at tunog at higit sa lahat sa kahalagahang pampanitikan ng dula.
MANILA, Philippines Many people saw a ray of hope for the country and for themselves after the EDSA Revolution in 1986. Couples got married, businessmen opened up new businesses, and even Filipinos residing abroad started to come home and placed their hopes high on a new leader, President Corazon Aquino.
The promise of a new day after breaking free from the chains of a 20-year dictatorship, and the shining example of supreme sacrifice , were what the newfound democracy and principled leadership of President Cory brought to the Filipinos. From then until she breathed her last, President Cory remained the revered icon and mother of the nation who touched the hearts of many.
This is the theme of Cory ng EDSA, the latest musical production of the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF). After the successful staging of its award-winning musical Ako Si Ninoy, the community theater composed of students and young professionals, is now reliving the heroism, sacrifices, principles, and personal connection the late President had with the Filipinos.
The musical is also a tribute to the first death anniversary of President Cory on August 1 and her husband Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr.s 28th death anniversary on Aug. 21.
Social Transoformation
While Ako si Ninoy was about nationalism, about being a hero without actually dying but by doing little things to help others, Cory ng EDSA capitalizes on the spirit of sacrifice that Cory had.
Mga pangpersonal na sakripisyo para sa minamahal, sa pamilya at sa bayan. If you just live a life of sacrifice, then we can make a persons life better, or a country move forward. I believe that social transformation should really come from within. Its an individual act of a person. If all of us could make that sacrifice, we could achieve social transformation, explains Atty. Vincent Tañada, president and artistic director of PSF, also the playwright and director of Cory ng Edsa.
The two-act musical production begins with scenes depicting the death of Ninoy in August 1983, his grieving widow, and the awakening of a nation. It gradually progresses to show how Cory, the widow, is forced to face head-on the dictator at the snap elections.
And then there are Peter, a neophyte reporter who is drawn to the simple and unassuming nature of Cory and is inspired to follow her story; Rey, a husband of a desaparecido, who is hopeful that Corys victory will bring justice to the death of his wife; Jason, a balikbayan who volunteers for Cory as a poll watcher in the elections; Elsie, a computer analyst who works at the Comelec and cannot tolerate the massive cheating done in the elections; and a young boy nicknamed Edsa who idolizes Cory and symbolizes the future of the country.
At the scenes of the People Power revolt and during Corys presidency, more characters are revealed. They are Anette, the singer who bravely faces the tanks to serenade the soldiers at EDSA and loses her sight during the chaos; and Lt. Dalusong, a PSG officer who gladly puts his life in danger to protect Cory from a coup d etat. Act II ends with President Cory bravely trying to keep her pain from the illness to herself, the same sacrifice being done by Peter who also gets sick of Parkinsons disease.
We also highlighted the physically challenged and the illness in the play because I truly believe up to now the country is still sick. Its very important to know that when the character of President Cory who was then suffering from cancer tried to lift Peter, the reporter who was also sick, it showed us again that spirit of sacrifice that she was always willing to offer.
Kahit maysakit siya, binuhat niya pa rin yung maysakit na bayan. But shes gone now so what are we going to do? Edsa, the boy symbolizes the new nation, yung kinabukasan na handang lumaban. All of us should be like Edsa na kahit wala ng ina na masasandalan at puwede masumbungan, we can still win our battles, stresses Tañada.
All these characters reveal that personal connection they had with the President and how it inspires them to follow her example of supreme sacrifice and love.
Cinematic Experience
The visually-appealing musical production is made more unique and cinematic with the use of montage, real and reel footages/video clips of the events that transpired during that period. Tañada says this form of production is called a cinematic play.
Theater is the world of make-believe. The fast-paced play changes scenes in three to five seconds, that is very hard.
We used the magic of theater to create the illusion that they are watching a live show and a movie at the same time, he says.
Overwhelming feedback
Tañada reveals that the reception of the audience to their production is truly heartwarming and monumental. He says many of the students in public and private high schools and colleges who were able to watch the play were moved to tears. They also get fan mails and messages on Facebook of lifechanging testimonies after seeing the play.
Napansin namin iba yung pagmamahal ng mga bata sa character ni Tita Cory.
They were chanting her name. Sa Lingayen, nag standing ovation yung mga tao for five minutes. That is very hard for a touring theater company to achieve, especially with an audience that is not really a theater-going public. Pero naabutan kasi nila. Napapanood nila sa TV. Alam nila nagkasakit. Its also sentimental for the youth to see it being relived on stage, he adds.
Tañada says his only appeal is for President Noynoy Aquino and his sisters to find time to watch the play which is a fitting tribute to the mother of the nation. Nakakatuwa yung mga bata na hindi naman nila nanay si Cory pero naantig ang mga puso nila. What more if her own family sees it, he says.
PSF, the recipient of the Best Musical and Best Director in the Aliw Awards, Dangal ng Bansa and one of the 2010 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations, is bringing the production Cory ng Edsa to various schools across the country. The soundtrack of the musical , produced under Viva Records, is also available at all Odyssey and Astrovision stores. (For more information, visit www. freewebs.com/dbaptheater).
