And now San Pedro Calungsod the Musical

MANILA, Philippines - After the sung-through musical Lorenzo in 2013, produced by Christopher de Leon and with music by Ryan Cayabyab, about the life and passion of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Japan, it is time to mount a musical tribute to San Pedro Calungsod, the second canonized Filipino saint

Thus, San Pedro Calungsod the Musical, which was recently previewed for the media at St. Scholastica’s College in Manila. It is a production of Kids Acts Philippines (the performers are adults, I hasten to add), with script, lyrics and direction by Luigi Nacario and music by Eugene Belbis.

The leads were played by Alexander Dagalea as Pedro and Ernhil Serguino as Padre Diego, with an ensemble of young and lively actors and actresses who sing, dance and emote.

Young Pedro Calungsod was born in Iloilo during the late 1600s and studied at the seminary in Cebu, which is why the Cebuanos have claimed him as their own and built a church in his honor. This is immaterial, though, for St. Pedro belongs not just to the Visayans but to all Filipino believers.

As the play progresses, we see Pedro surrounded by his fellow students and being taught the faith by Padre Diego, enthusiastic and idealistic. Later he is tapped to be a missionary in the Marianas Islands (now Guam), ruled by hostile natives dressed in fig leaves. He makes a stopover in Manila, and then we see him in the Marianas going about spreading the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Things go well at first. Pedro (Alexander) gains converts among the young men and women, but trouble soon erupts. The activities of Pedro and Padre Diego incur the wrath of the chieftains. Conflicts arise, and Pedro is killed. Then come the miracles which elevate him to sainthood.

The production brims with young talent, showcasing the Filipino skill in musical theater. The play is now being marketed and is aimed at schools, parents, the youth and all devotees. Performances are per booking and will be held at St. Scholastica’s St. Cecilia Hall (call tel. no. 507-3396).

In these stressful times, we need inspirational figures like San Pedro Calungsod to serve as a role model for the youth.