Latest news with #TanghalangIgnacioGimenez
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Tanghalang Pilipino ignites 39th season with powerful musicals on Filipino revolutionary heroes
Tanghalang Pilipino launches its 39th season with a compelling theme — "TP39: Ignite" — celebrating stories that spark transformation. Through a dynamic mix of original musicals, educational initiatives, and outreach programs, the company aims to keep alive the revolutionary spirit of the nation's visionary heroes: Emilio Jacinto, Gregoria de Jesus, and Apolinario Mabini. These three figures, who ignited revolutions of thought and action during the nation's most tumultuous eras, are at the heart of this year's season. Tanghalang Pilipino invites audiences to revisit their legacies and continue their fight for justice and freedom — not with arms, but through the power of performance, story, and truth. 'Pingkian: Isang Musikal' Opening the season is the critically acclaimed "Pingkian: Isang Musikal," which returns to the stage following a sold-out run and a Best Musical win at the 2024 Aliw Awards. Written by Juan Ekis and composed by Ejay Yatco, the production brings to life the story of Emilio Jacinto, the brilliant young revolutionary and 'Brains of the Katipunan.' The musical explores Jacinto's short yet significant life through vivid flashbacks, fever dreams, and hallucinations as he confronts his ideals, fears, and the sacrifices demanded by the revolution. Portrayed by Vic Robinson, Jacinto's journey is framed by encounters with key historical figures, including Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal. Courtesy: Tanghalang Pilipino Directed by Jenny Jamora, with choreography by Jomelle Era and production design by Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling, "Pingkian" features a stellar cast that includes Gab Pangilinan, Paw Castillo, Kakki Teodoro, and Tex Ordoñez-De Leon. "Pingkian: Isang Musikal" will run from September 12 to October 12, 2025 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City. Tickets are available through TicketWorld and Ticket2Me. 'Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical' Following "Pingkian" is "Gregoria Lakambini," an original musical that shifts the spotlight to Gregoria de Jesus, one of the most overlooked figures of the Philippine Revolution. Told through the high-energy sound and visual language of a contemporary P-Pop girl group, the production follows Oryang's transformation from a spirited young woman in Caloocan to the steadfast 'Lakambini of the Katipunan.' Courtesy: Tanghalang Pilipino The musical traces her courage, love, and political awakening alongside Andres Bonifacio, all while asserting her voice in a movement often dominated by men. Played by Marynor Madamesila, Gregoria emerges as a symbol of strength, resistance, and feminine power long written in the margins of history. 'Mabining Mandirigma: A Steampunk Musical' Rounding out the season is the 10th-anniversary restaging of "Mabining Mandirigma," Tanghalang Pilipino's steampunk musical on Apolinario Mabini, the paralytic intellectual whose ideas and unwavering principles helped shape the Filipino republic. First staged in 2015 and a winner of 12 Gawad Buhay Awards, the musical now returns with a more intimate and daring production. Courtesy: Tanghalang Pilipino Portrayed by Shaira Opsimar, Mabini is depicted not just as a historical figure but as a radical thinker who challenged Filipinos to transcend personal interest and work toward a common national identity. The cast also features Arman Ferrer and David Ezra alternating as Emilio Aguinaldo, with Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Dionisia. Tanghalang Pilipino's 39th season affirms theater's power to remember and reimagine. Through these three revolutionary musicals, TP39 ignites a fresh call to action — to reflect, resist, and keep the spirit of freedom burning. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal' returns for Tanghalang Pilipino's 39th season this September
Following a sold-out debut and sweeping wins at the 2024 Aliw Awards—including Best Musical—Tanghalang Pilipino's "Pingkian: Isang Musikal" is set to return to the stage this September for the company's 39th season. The powerful production once again brings to life the brilliance and bravery of Emilio Jacinto, the young revolutionary known as the "Brains of the Katipunan." The musical opens on September 12 and will run until October 12 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City. Written by Palanca Award-winner Juan Ekis, with music by Gawad Buhay-recognized composer Ejay Yatco and directed by theater stalwart Jenny Jamora, "Pingkian" delivers a riveting portrayal of Jacinto's passion, ideals, and ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of Filipino freedom. The musical explores the complexities of youth, leadership, and nationhood in the final years of the Philippine Revolution and the early stages of the Philippine-American War. At the heart of the musical is actor Vic Robinson, reprising his critically acclaimed role as Emilio Jacinto, also known by his nom de guerre 'Pingkian'—a Tagalog term for a flint that sparks fire. Through a series of dreamlike flashbacks and fevered hallucinations, audiences witness Jacinto confront his past, his beliefs, and the ghosts of revolutionaries who shaped the nation's history. Joining Robinson is a stellar ensemble: Gab Pangilinan as Catalina de Jesus and Florencio Reyes, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Josefa Dizon, Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal, and Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio, with Almond Bolante, Joshua Cadeliña, and Marco Viaña rounding out the principal cast. The ensemble also features standout performers from the Philippine theater scene, bringing dynamic energy and movement under the choreography of Jomelle Era. Visually and sonically, the production is a feast. The design team includes Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling (Production Design), D Cortezano (Lighting), GA Fallarme and JM Jimenez (Projection), and TJ Ramos (Sound). The technical ensemble, led by Kiefer Sison, ensures the seamless fusion of historical narrative and modern theatrical storytelling. "Pingkian" stands out not only for its artistic excellence but also for its deep cultural resonance. The musical celebrates Jacinto's intellect and revolutionary contributions, including his authorship of the Kartilya ng Katipunan—the seminal manifesto of the movement, which emphasized liberty, equality, and moral conduct. One of the youngest leaders in the Katipunan, Jacinto became a general at 17, shaping the ideological core of the revolution with pen and sword. This revival aims to ignite a deeper connection with today's audiences, especially younger generations, reminding them of the cost of freedom and the power of youth to shape history. It is a timely homage to a hero whose short but meaningful life continues to inspire patriotism and critical reflection on Filipino identity. Tanghalang Pilipino's "Pingkian: Isang Musikal" is more than just a historical retelling—it is a bold, urgent call to remember, resist, and reimagine the nation's path forward. Theatergoers can secure their seats through TicketWorld and Ticket2Me. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
