Cover A scene from the original staging of ‘Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?’, set to be performed in Intramuros on July 19 (Photo: Kiko Cabuena)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Intramuros Administration highlight history and heritage this July, bringing back its beloved series of live theatrical performances within the famed walled city

With its well-received revival last 2023, where Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela and a Tagalised production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro were staged at the Baluarte de San Diego, Intramuros Evenings returns this time with an original Filipino production.

Written by Jose Victor Torres and directed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) artistic director Dennis Marasigan, Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?  is set to be performed at Centro de Turismo on July 19 at 6.30pm. Truly a bold theatrical work, which hails from the CCP Out-of-The-Box series, this devised theatre piece draws inspiration from the works of three National Artists: Alejandro Roces (We the Filipinos are Mild Drinkers), F Sionil Jose (Po-on) and Eddie Romero (Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?).

Read more: CCP Out-of-the-Box Series for 2024 shines a light on National Artists Eddie Romero, Alejandro Roces, and F Sionil Jose

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Above Poster for the return of Intramuros Evenings this 2025, kicking off with a restaging of ‘Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?’

Featuring the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, the story is set in the 1950s and follows Kulas, an ageing farmer detained on suspicion of leading the Huk. He finds himself entangled in questions of identity, memory and change. 

Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon? features stellar performances by Arjhay Babon, Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Anya Evangelista and Rey Correjado.

Ohm David takes charge of the set design, with Meliton Roxas, Jr for lighting, TJ Ramos for sound, Winter David for video graphics, Daniel Gregorio for costumes and Rommel Serrano for overall styling.

Tatler Asia
Above A scene from the original staging of ‘Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?’ (Photo: Kiko Cabuena)

As the Intramuros Administration (IA) celebrates its 46th year of stewardship, preservation, and vibrant promotion of the country’s famous walled city, its revival of Intramuros Evenings with the CCP not only enriches the cultural landscape of Intramuros, but also strengthens the long-standing partnership between the two institutions who have always championed the enduring legacy of Philippine arts and culture. 

“Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon? is an appropriate opening for the revival of Intramuros Evenings as it looks back at history to provide insight into our past,” says Marasigan.

Read more: Where to go in Intramuros and why does it matter to preserve this gem?

Tatler Asia
Above A scene from the original staging of ‘Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?’ (Photo: Kiko Cabuena)

First held in 1996, Intramuros Evenings share a long history with the CCP as it used to feature performances from CCP resident companies, including the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), Ballet Philippines and Tanghalang Pilipino. Intramuros Evening: Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon? is free and open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Franz Sorilla IV
Arts and Culture Editor, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.