PRESS RELEASE
After a successful 20-show run at the IBG-KAL Theater in the University of the Philippines Diliman last February and March, the full-length play O, Pag-ibig na Makapangyarihan will be staged at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) this September.
Tag-ani Performing Arts Society reimagines the tempestuous romance of Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesus and Andres Bonifacio, and reconstructs a little known episode in their love story.
It presents a modern drama set against the backdrop of the brewing anti-colonial revolution and the birth of our nation.
This production also commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Oryang, who was born on May 9, 1875.
As written in history books, Oryang was the initiator and vice-president of the women’s chapter of the Katipunan.
She was fondly called the Lakambini of the underground revolutionary organization, which was founded by Andres Bonifacio, who eventually became her husband.
Catch O, Pag-ibig na Makapangyarihan at the D. L. Umali Auditorium, UP Los Baños, Laguna on these dates: Sept 12, 7 P.M.; Sept 13, 2.30 P.M. and 7 P.M.; Sept 14, 2.30 P.M. and 7 P.M.. Tickets are available online and at the theater lobby.
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Synopsis of O Pag-ibig Na Makapangyarihan
The year is 1893, barely a year since the underground rebel organization, the Katipunan, was founded by a handful of audacious activists led by Andrés.
Busy as he is with plotting against the colonial government of imperial Spain, Andres manages to find time to court young Oryang.
Owing to the age gap—he is 11 years older—and to what Oryang’s parents perceive as Andrés’ dubious character, they give her a stern warning.
Defying convention, she does the unthinkable for the time and goes against their admonition.
When they find out, they are horrified, and promptly whisk her away to be detained, much against her will.
Andres, meanwhile, is completely unaware of the fate that has befallen her Oryang.
However, as Balagtas had proclaimed some 57 years prior, “O, Pag-ibig na makapangyarihan, kapag ikaw ang nasok sa puso nino man…”
And the rest is our romantic play, set against the backdrop of the looming Revolution of 1896.
The dramatic arc of O, Pag-ibig na Makapangyarihan centers on how Oryang is freed from detention and reunited with Andrés.
But this is not merely a personal love story from the past; it is also a tale of timeless love for country—of daring to go against the tide of conservatism and blind obedience. In other words, it is a celebration of the virtue of critical thinking.
O, Pag-ibig na Makapangyarihan may sound grim and grievous, but this Tag-ani production is actually a lighthearted and naughty modernist rendering of a romance in colonial times that got embroiled in the crucible of a nascent revolution.
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Why the play
When a culture of impunity reigns, critical thinking is suppressed, thus perpetuating elitist rule, political dynasties, false narratives, brazen corruption, and more.
Suppression of critical thinking shuts the door of opportunities for the masses to achieve for themselves the realization of their full human potential.
In these times when dissent is equated with ill will, the play underscores the need to restore critical thinking, especially among the youth, to break the oppressive social cycle and empower them to think for themselves and to act accordingly.
It is, too, our spear and armor against the ogre of historical falsification, and the onslaught of bigotry, obscurantism, and corruption that now pervade the land.
O, Pag-ibig na Makapangyarihan poses a challenge for everyone to probe deep into the significance, validity, and continuing relevance of our revolutionary heritage to achieve genuine social transformation.
Tag-ani the Producer
Tag-ani Performing Arts Society is a people’s theater company which was founded in 2003 by Marili Fernandez-Ilagan and has since chalked up more than 250 performances, projects, and training programs.
It has also formed partnerships with various mass organizations and institutions, schools, communities, local and international artists’ groups, international development agencies, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Cultural Center of the Philippines.
It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and accredited by the NCCA.
The Southern Tagalog tour is hosted by the UPLB Office of Initiatives for Culture and Arts.
The Cast
Leading the cast are veteran theater, film, and television actors Pau Benitez as Oryang, Johnny Maglinao as Andres, and Angellie Sanoy as the storyteller Remigia.
Joining them are Greg de Leon as Tatay Nicolas; Sheryl Leynes as Nanay Baltazara; Jocelyn Salvania as Comadre; Jerson Guiwa and Ian Lomongo alternating as Compadre; Ahmed Maulana as Remigia’s sidekick Igme.
Meanwhile Ace Hernandez plays Ladislao Diwa; Edward Allen Solon as Teodoro Plata; Joseph Briez as the gobernadorcillo’s assistant; Francel Katrin Go, Faith Paala as Katipuneras; Chester Curso as Guardia Civil…
Ashe Reposo, Ayesha Domingo, Hiedi Veronica Cortejo, Mayvelyn Laugo, Joshua “Kang” Orbasido, Cynthia Reyes and members of Umalohokan as Makabagong Katipuneros.
The people behind the scenes
Chickoy Pura sings Andres Bonifacio’s immortal “Pag-Ibig Sa Tinubuang Lupa.” Dania Reyes renders the theme song “O, Pag-Ibig Na Makapangyarihan.”
Bonifacio P. Ilagan is the playwright and director; Ohm David, set designer; Geraldine Corpus, lighting designer; Joshua “Kang” Orbasido, choreographer; Brian Arda, associate director.
Artistic and technical team
- Jigger Sementilla, technical director
- Mark Estandarte, sound engineer
- Carlo Bernardino, music and sound designer
- Clem David Jumawan, technical associate
- Axel Limjoco, technical associate
- Sheryl Leynes, props and wardrobe master
- Cha Reyes, hair and make-up
- Ding Llaver, photographer
Production management team
- Angge Santos, production manager
- Chester Curso, production manager
- Patricia David, production manager
- Arjay Catapang Rosales, production manager
- Evangeline Hernandez, production assistant
Stage management team
- Ashé Reposo
- Ayesha Domingo
- Hiedi Veronica Cortejo
- Mayvelyn Laugo
- Mikkaella Masakayan
Marketing and promotions team
- Patricia David
- Karen Tausing
- Austin Bulda
- Jillian Maria Estrada
- Mika Jaictin
- Iyazelle Ilagan