Cover Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ stage work honours a revolutionary woman (Photo: Paul Islanan)
Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ stage work honours a revolutionary woman (Photo: Paul Islanan)
1 / 1
Tanghalang Pilipino musical ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ honours Gregoria de Jesús with an all-female cast and concert atmosphere. We review the stage work that makes history accessible to a new generation
Theatre proves a powerful lens for reanimating history, a fact shown globally by productions like Hamilton and Six. The Philippines contributes its own historical stage works, from Mabining Mandirigma to Pingkian, alongside films like Heneral Luna, Goyo and Quezon. While books mainly form the basis of learning, these adaptations place historical figures directly before the masses. A P-pop musical has particular appeal for younger generations. This spirit defines Tanghalang Pilipino’s Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical, a highlight of their 39th season.
The musical centres on Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesús, a key figure in the Katipunan, where she served as secretary of the women’s corps and keeper of the organisation’s papers and seal. She was also Andres Bonifacio’s wife. Tanghalang Pilipino’s focus on de Jesús aligns with the increasing demand to showcase women in cultural narratives. The production opened during the month dedicated to her memory, as well as Bonifacio’s.
The show revisits well-known chapters of de Jesús’s life: her family’s opposition to Bonifacio, her plea to the gobernadorcillo, the Katipunan wedding, the Tejeros Convention, the conflict with Agapito Bonzon, Bonifacio’s arrest and execution and her subsequent relationship with Julio Nakpil. The stage version introduces imagined first encounters, a brief appearance by her son, Juan Nakpil and concludes with a meeting with Emilio Aguinaldo. These scenes urge audiences to revisit historical lessons often recalled only as school assignments.
More from Tatler: PETA’s ‘Kumprontasyon’ showcases three political conversations throughout history
Above A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
1 / 1
Above A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
1 / 1
The all-female cast provides the show’s most arresting component. Their collective energy generates an atmosphere closer to a P-pop concert than a typical historical musical. Marynor Madamesila, as de Jesús, leads the production with striking clarity and firm command. Her singing possesses a true strength. The ensemble (Anya Evangelista, Heart Puyong, Sofia Sacaguing, Sarah Monay, Ynna Rafa and Murline Uddin) plays a multitude of historical figures. Their work propels the story, yet the scenes seldom create a deeply textured world around Madamesila. The outcome is a sequence of episodes where the central figure stands out, while the surrounding history feels sketched rather than fully lived-in.
Marco Viaña’s costumes give the characters definition without distracting from the action. Filipiniana silhouettes blend with street punk and Western touches, forming a playful visual language. Accessories allow swift shifts between roles, and hat colours distinguish the Magdiwang and Magdalo factions. The choices are clear and facilitate easy movement.
More from Tatler: Tatler Review: Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Pingkian’, a musical based on Emilio Jacinto’s writings
Above Marynor Madamesila as Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesús (Photo: Paul Islanan)
Marynor Madamesila as Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesús (Photo: Paul Islanan)
1 / 1
Above A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
1 / 1
The libretto is by Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc, with music by Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang, arranged by Flip Music Productions. Delphine Buencamino directs and co-choreographs with Jan Matthew Almodovar. Mark Lorenz designed the set, Earvin Estioco the lighting, JM Jimenez the projections, Arvy Dimaculangan the sound and Sabrina Basilio served as dramaturg.
The production clearly signals its purpose: to make Gregoria de Jesús’s story accessible to a younger audience. It seeks to highlight aspects of her life beyond councils and conflict, yet the show’s pace prevents these themes from fully resonating. Scenes depicting her domestic duties and her involvement in the movement appear side by side, though the staging seldom gives either the depth they deserve. At times, the musical gestures toward a parallel between caring for a family and fighting for a cause, but the comparison feels abrupt, as the groundwork for it is minimal.
Related: Pop, politics and steampunk: Tanghalang Pilipino ignites a revolutionary path for its 39th season
Above A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
A look at Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ (Photo: Paul Islanan)
1 / 1
What the production delivers is a lively doorway into de Jesús’s history. Viewers hoping for a closer, steadier portrait may find that the material reaches its finish before the character herself can fully form. With its pace, sound and visual style, the musical functions best as an introduction for students and younger theatregoers who want a clear outline of her place in the Philippine Revolution against Spain.
Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical runs from November 14 to December 14, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater) in the CCP Complex.
NOW READ
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ comes to Manila this May 2026
Rare form: a look into Wynn Wynn Ong’s retrospective exhibition at the Yuchengco Museum
Topics
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
