Another look at Fili

My good friend Floy Quintos has a musical play titled, Isang Panaginip na Fili which was initially a straight play that premiered in 2001. “In 2008, we turned it into a musical with Franco Laurel playing Pepe Rizal whose portrayal of the role earned him an Aliw Award,” said Floy. CJ Javier who wrote the music is into his first major musical score with Isang Panaginip Na Fili. The musical play will be presented in November at Dulaang UP as a prelude to Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary.

Isang Panaginip na Fili is a reworking of El Filibusterismo set during the time Rizal was finishing his novel. As the characters of the novel come to life, the whole process is seen through the eyes of Tunying Ibañez, a fictional character who appears to be Rizal’s roommate in Paris.

More than the injustices the Filipinos experienced during the Spanish period, it is the central theme of transformation and change evident in the most interesting characters in the novel that are highlighted in the production. It also shows how, in a corrupt and evil society, a beast seeking revenge and blinding justice may come out even from the best of people. Rizal, after all, in the course of his lifetime, also transformed from being an idealist to nationalist, a reformist, a revolutionist and of course, a hero.

There is more to Rizal than his gifts and his talents. Aside from speaking in several languages and being an exceptional poet, playwright, artist and scientist, Rizal is a martyr who understood what the Filipinos needed, and perhaps — what Filipinos still need today.

Rizal’s message of good and authentic change as something that happens as a result of a person’s willingness to work selflessly resounds to this very day, when Filipinos still dream about that change. Isang Panaginip na Fili shows the dark side of Rizal’s novel. In that darkness, hopefully, it is easier to find and see the light.

Reprising the role of Pepe Rizal is Franco Laurel. Alternating with him is Red Concepcion, last seen in Repertory Philippines’ Equus.

Alternating as Tunying are Reuben Uy, OJ Mariano and Nazer Salcedo; Floyd Tena and Inno Martin play as Basilio; Greg de Leon and Dondi Ong as Kabesang Tales; Mica Pineda and Janine Santos as Juli; and Ces Quesada and Emlyn Santos as Donya Victorina. The production is supported by the Dulaang UP Ensemble.

Isang Panaginip na Fili runs Nov. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City, from Wednesdays to Fridays, at 7 p.m., and at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.

For tickets, call Cherry at 0917-7500107 or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.

Christmas music from the Jesuits

Here’s good news from Jesuit Communications.... Jesuit Communications (JesCom) presents its latest Christmas album — Ang Ating Pasko by the Ateneo Chamber Singers.

“This album is a collection of songs we proudly call our very own. The Ateneo community has been fortunate to have been blessed with many songwriters and arrangers, each with their own unique rendition of Christmas. The songs we have chosen speak of a wide range of Yuletide realities and sentiments that many Filipinos share — from the charming chaos in crowded malls, to the unforgettable feasts that put any dieter to shame, to the loved ones missed during this season, to the relish of having those present — all these experiences as we eagerly await the glorious birth of the Child Jesus.”

Get your copies now at all Tanging Yaman stores located at Sonolux Bldg. and Loyola House of Studies (Ateneo de Manila University), and fifth floor SM Megamall. Or call 426-5971 or 72 local 113 or 0918-9431817. You may also log on to www.jescom.ph and to www.ateneochambersingers.ph.