Rizal in song and dance/ Magsino exhibit opens today/ Fr. Tony launches two books

The Philippine Heritage Festival Foundation headed by president Mita B. Rufino and festival director Bambi Harper honored Rizal on his 150th birth anniversary with “Pepe Rizal sa Isip, sa Salita at sa Gawa” whose over-all concept, script and direction were by Floy Quintos.

The Gantimpala Theater Foundation restaged PETA’s “Ang Batang si Rizal” which starred Franco Laurel, Nazer Salcedo and Abner Delina. Christine S. Bellen wrote the script to music by Vincent de Jesus.

Clarissa Ocampo deserves high praise for singing “Kundiman ni Rizal” with Jesse Lucas’ music played by guitarist Dale James Ferrer. “The Madness of Sisa,” eloquently read by Sharmaine Centenera Buencamino, was followed by “Awit Kay Sisa”, this directed by Adrian Agcaoili and Jose Jeffrey Camañag, under Tony Espejo’s artistic direction. The scene was deeply moving: Sisa, upon being shown by her tormentors the bloodied shirt of her son Basilio, shrieks and whirls about uncontrollably as she turns insane.

Karla Patricia Gutierrez and Randy Gilongo in “Sa Magandang Silangan” with lyrics by Rizal and music by Ceejay Manuel Javier; Clarissa, Karla and Randy in “A Mi Retiro” with lyrics by Floy Quintos and music by Jesse Lucas, enchanted with more vocal highlights.

The dramatic readings laid stress on the hero’s literary talent: “A Mi Retiro” by Nonie Buencamino, “The Moth and the Fire” by Shamaine, “Flowers of Heidelberg” by Nonie.

Rizal’s “Letter to the Women of Malolos read by Shamaine, portrays the national hero as a champion of women who enjoins them to be uncompromising in their fight for truth, justice and freedom.

Gener Caringal’s exciting choreography of “Ako Gamo Gamo” had dancer Lemuel Capa potraying Rizal against a backdrop of men carrying long, lighted torches, moving in synchronized steps around the forlorn, distraught Rizal.

The riveting “Dulce Estrangera” was choreographed for Ballet Philippines by Alden Lugnasin and danced by Richard Yadao as Rizal and Karmela Cortez as Josephine. Six pairs, whose movements were in consonance with those of the principals, enhanced and heightened audience interest. The fascinating accompaniment, from the Eraserheads’ “Ang Huling Bimbo”, sounded like a clock ticking against the wailing of a solo instrument.

Based on Virgie R. Moreno’s drama “Itim Asu”, Myrna Beltran’s choreography, vivid and vibrant, was interpreted by Maureen Villanueva and Reagan Cornelio with the UP Dance Company.

Tres Rositas — Charley Magalit, Janine Santos, Roxy Aldiosa — sang De Leon’s “Awit ni Maria Clara”; Franco Laurel and Nazer Salcedo spiritedly led the cast in closing number “Ano Ba Itong Mga Panaginip” from Dulaang UP’s “Isang Pana-Ginip ni Fili”, with lyrics by Floy Quintos and music by C. Manuel Javier.

“Junto al Pasig” was directed by Andre Tiangco, with music by Jesse Lucas, book and libretto by Jose Jeffrey Camañag, under the artistic direction by Roeder Camañag, and live media designed by Naser Lubay.

“Halik” from Crisostomo Ibarra was beautifully choreographed by Paul Morales to music by Jed Balsamo and performed by Katherine Trofeo and Earl John Arisola/Emmanuel Guillermo.

“Fuego” from Kanser was directed by Adriana Agcaoili and Jose Jeffrey Camañag, with music by Jesse Lucas, direction by Tony Espejo.

The significantly diverse production gave valuable insights into Rizal’s mind, soul and spirit. As Mita Rufino said in her opening remarks, the program aims to have the audience absorb the essence of Rizal’s legacy, primarily his love of country.

Toots Magsino exhibit

Toots Magsino’s “Between Episodes” opens today, 6-8 p.m., and ends June 28 at Artist Space, Ayala Museum. Artist’s Talk will be on June 18, 3:30 p.m.

Book launch by Fr. Tony

Former San Antonio Church parish priest Fr. Tony Rosales will launch “Three Letters” with foreword by Cardinal Vidal and “My Son Francis” with foreword by Bishop Nacua on June 25, 5 p.m. at the San Antonio Parish Center. Fr. Tony also marks his 50th anniversary as a Franciscan.

A mass will precede the launch, dinner following. A previous engagement prevents my attendance but I’m sure the launch will be a huge success, Fr. Tony being well-loved.