Cover Carlo Mañalac as Padre Salvi, Jeffrey Hidalgo as Elias, Piolo Pascual as Ibarra, Roby Malubay as Tenyente Guevara
Carlo Mañalac as Padre Salvi, Jeffrey Hidalgo as Elias, Piolo Pascual as Ibarra, Roby Malubay as Tenyente Guevara
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Witness the latest musical iteration of Jomar Fleras’ acclaimed work ‘Kanser’
Presented by Tanghalang Una Obra, Ibarra takes Jomar Fleras’ award-winning play, Kanser, based on Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and puts another musical spin on it. A story of love, oppression, and revolution, Ibarra promises a performance that captivates.
Also read: Ballet Philippines’ ‘Diyosa’: a magical collision of many artistic forms
This year’s staging, featuring television and film actor Piolo Pascual in the titular role, celebrates the 125th year of the Philippines’ independence from the Spanish colonisers. It is a musical salute to the heroes who fought for our freedom.
More from Tatler: Everything you need to know about the Yamato drummers ahead of their Philippine tour this year
Above Maria Clara and Ibarra
Maria Clara and Ibarra
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The musical focuses on the love story between Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara while detailing their inner conflicts.
Born into privilege, Ibarra thought he could reform the Philippines from the inside out, working with the friars and officials to bring change without a revolution. The colonisers, however, saw him as a heretical subversive. Imprisoned, Ibarra was convinced by his friend, Elias, that an armed struggle was the only path to freedom and which led him to become a revolutionary.
Maria Clara, on the other hand, has a scandalous lineage as the illegitimate daughter of Padre Damaso. However, this is hidden from public view due to her high social status.
Ibarra’s heroism closely mirrors Rizal, with all events culminating in the Philippine Revolution.
Read also: Anton Juan shares stories behind the award-winning play ‘Bayan-Bayanan: Letters from Home’
Above Piolo Pascual as Crisostomo Ibarra
Above Myramae Meneses as Maria Clara
Piolo Pascual as Crisostomo Ibarra
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With the direction of Frannie Zamora, the intricate production design of Mio Infante, the awe-inspiring music of Joed Balsamo, and the brilliant choreography of Paul Morales, Ibarra is set to leave audiences spellbound much how the creative team behind it did before with Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s Kanser: The Musical.
Some of the biggest names in the Philippine classical music scene will also be gracing the stage, such as Myramae Meneses as Maria Clara, Jeffrey Hidalgo as Elias, Floyd Tena as Padre Damaso, Carlo Mañalac as Padre Salvi, Nicole Laurel Asencio as Sisa, JD Tena as Basilio, Elian Santos as Crispin, Jon Joven Uy as Pilosopong Tasyo, Roby Malubay as Tenyente Guevara, and Carla Guevara Laforteza as Doña Victorina.
Read also: Meet Zig Dulay, the mind behind ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ television series
Above Carlo Mañalac as Padre Salvi
Above Roby Malubay as Tenyente Guevara
Carlo Mañalac as Padre Salvi
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Ibarra runs from June 8 to 18 at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City. Tickets are now available at ticketworld.com.ph
Proceeds from the play will help support the Rise Against Hunger Philippines’ school feeding program.
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Credits
Photography: Tanghalang Una Obra
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
