Thank you, Mrs. President for watching 'Alikabok'

Alikabok, an original Filipino musical, is a celebration of heroism and love for country. The brainthrust behind Alikabok were dying to have President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the audience, which is why it was staged.

We sighed, "If only the President could accommodate us with her presence, the message of Alikabok will be more pronounced." Girlie Rodis, Celeste Legaspi, Monique Villonco and I dreamed of this for weeks before the musical’s first staging. The first run had gone so fast. Alikabok was now on its third run.

And we were still hoping. Girlie said, "Why don’t we write her a letter and invite her," all the while looking at me.

And I figured, yes, why not? President Gloria has always supported the arts through the years. And it would provide her a much needed respite if only for the soul, after all the crime and graft-busting and political hypocracies she has had to contend with.

The Alikabok cast and crew were so thrilled when the Palace confirmed her attendance three days after my letter was sent.

"What if we don’t have a full house?" China moaned. "Don’t worry we will," Celeste assured her. "Remember," Monique said. "The President will be in the audience and that’s like performing in front of the whole country." Meanwhile, Pagcor chair Ephraim Genuino gladly agreed to sponsor the evening’s performance. "Pagcor’s little bit to support the arts and the Filipino artist," he said.

Finally the 19th century had come alive in the presence of our 21st-century President. And oh how her presence inspired the kids to give the performance of their lives. Cris, Waya, Jeffrey, Noel and Nonoy and all the rest would have given Broadway’s and West End’s best a run for their money.

* * *

It was in 1895 that the Katipunan hierarchy of San Rafael, Bulacan started recruiting members. At that time, the Katipunan members and their leaders belonged to the Ilustrados of Bulacan. There was Marcelo H. del Pilar of Guiguinto (now called Plaridel), Gregorio del Pilar, Marcelo’s nephew who became a general at the age of 21, and Deodato Arellano, who became president of the Katipunan.

San Rafael was the womb of activism. Women were not only recruited into the Katipunan, but more importantly, the katipuneras of San Rafael were accorded equal treatment as their male counterparts. Present-day male chauvinists should learn a thing or two from these brave townspeople. It was also in San Rafael where the uprising against the Spaniards, especially the friars, began.

San Rafael provides the fitting setting for the celebration of the indomitable spirit of the Filipino which is what Alikabok is all about.

* * *

I chose two songs from the libretto of Noel Balmaceda and Ryan Cayabyab – Filipinas and Ang Prusisyon – keeping in mind Alikabok is not only a love story of the present generation but a love story of our country.

Filipinas

Ano ba ang ating dakilang ipinaglalaban
Tumugon sa sigaw, mga daing ng bayan
Handog nga ba kanino ang pagsasapalaran
Walang ibang dahilan, kundi’y para sa
Filipinas...Filipinas... ating Filipinas!

Duwag ang maysabing pagsunod ay kabanalan
Mag-isip para sa bayan daw ay isang kapalaluan
Ang hiyas ng isip, ating pagningngingin
Tanglaw sa dilim, liwanag sa daan nitong ating...
Filipinas...Filipinas...ating Filipinas!

Ang babaeng Tagalog
Di na payuko, di na paluhod
Tumindig at nakianib
Nakihati sa panganib
Buhay nami’y isinugal
Makapamuhay nang marangal
Ito’y alay, alang-alang
Sa Diyos at sa Bayan!

Maybahay sa turing, katulong sa digmaan
Tagaluto, taga-alaga, tagahanap ng sugatan
Tagahatid ng balitang kipkip sa katawan
Hahantunga’y kamatayan para sa –
Filipinas...Filipinas...ating Filipinas!

Ang babaeng Tagalog
Di na payuko, di na paluhod
Tumindig at nakianib
Nakihati sa panganib
Buhay nami’y isinugal
Makapamuhay nang marangal
Ito’y alay, alang-alang
Sa Diyos at sa Bayan!

Kataas-taasan...
Kagalang-galangan...
Ating Katipunan!!!

Ang Prusisyon

Kay haba man ng prusisyong sinusundan
Sa simbahan, sa simbahan din ang uwi
O kay tagal man ng iyong pagtitiis
Sa hirap at hirap din ito mauuwi.

Sagipin mo ako, o dinggin mo
O ilibing mo na sa kahirapang ito
Hanguin mo ako, o singgin mo
O ilibing mo na sa kadilimang ito.

Ang kaluluwa ko’y nais nang lumipad
Banal na hilagyo, ’wag kang lumayo
Ang puso ko ay di pa hihimlay
Mahal na hilagyo, ’wag kang lumayo

Sagipin mo ako, o dinggin mo
O ilibing mo na sa kahirapang ito
Hanguin mo ako, o dinggin mo
O ilibing mo na sa kadilimang ito.

As we face the exigencies of today’s society, as we grope for moral mooring, as we struggle to chart a better course for family, self and country, Alikabok should give us the strength and the inspiration to do what is right and what is best for our country and our people.

Thank you Madam President for joining us in the celebration of the Filipino revolutionary spirit.

And thank you for your continued support of Philippine art and the priceless inspiration you have given the young Filipino artists of Alikabok.