Around 700 Screens ng Commercial Theaters, Inilaan para sa Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino

“In FDCP, we want to be inclusive in our projects and those that they benefit. Along with providing continuous support to our Filipino filmmakers in many of our programs, we are also coming up with ways to create a culture of support and viewership from among our audience,” ani FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño nang inilunsad ang proyekto noong ika-26 ng Abril sa Salu Restaurant.

Ang Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay ang latest na proyekto ng FDCP. Ito ay naglalayong bigyang espasyo ang mga dekalidad na pelikulang Pilipino sa commercial theaters sa buong bansa. Itinaon talaga ito sa Buwan ng Wika bilang pagkilala sa mga natatanging pelikula mula sa iba’t ibang genres.

Ang film festival na ito ay bukas sa lahat ng Filipino filmmakers na gustong magsumite ng kanilang mga natapos na pelikula on or before June 15, 2017. Sampu (10) hanggang labindalawang (12) pelikula ang pipiliin ng Selection Committee na bukod sa FDCP Chairperson ay kabilang sina Jose Javier Reyes, Erik Matti, Ricky Lee, at ang batikang editor na si Manet Dayrit ng Roadrunner Network.

Ang mga pelikulang balak isali ay dapat hindi nagkaroon ng commercial run sa Pilipinas. Maaring sumali pa rin ang mga naging parte ng indie film festivals gaya ng Cinemalaya at Cinema One Originals basta nga walang mainstream release. Maging ang mga pelikulang Pilipino na nanalo sa mga patimpalak abroad ay maaaring isali. Ang kinakailangan lang ay natapos ito not earlier than one year prior.

“We are grateful for the support and partnership of the National Cinema Association of the Philippines and SM Lifestyle Entertainment who have graciously dedicated over seven hundred (700) of their screens for the Pista,” masayang dagdag ni Liza. Ang Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay magaganap sa August 16-22, 2017. Walang awarding ceremonies bagaman mamimili ang panelists ng pagbibigyan ng Audience Choice Award. S akasulukuyan ay pinag-uusapan pa kung may cash prize o wala.

Bukod sa screenings, magkakaroon din ng caravans, audience surveys, at forums para i-maximiza ang pakikilahok ng film stakeholders, at para na rin maging mas interesante sa dumaraming film audience and movie enthusiasts.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kumpletong listahan ng requirements, maaaring mag-email sa FDCP sa chairliza@fdcp.ph o pwede ring bisitahin ang official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FDCP.ph

GODSPELL SOARS ANEW!

Due to popular demand, Godspell, by multi awarded Steven Schwartz (from the same creators of Wicked) returns to Manila on May 6-7, 12-14 & 19-21 at the RCBC Plaza.

Godspell is a powerful retelling of the parables of Jesus Christ through music, movement, fun and theatrical poetry, delivered by a powerhouse cast led by Jef Flores as Jesus,

Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Topper Fabregas, Caisa Borromeo, Poppert Bernadas, Abi Sulit, Maronne Cruz, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo and Gab Pangilinan. Joining the cast are Myke Salomon of Peta’s Rak of Aegis and Lorenz Martinez who played the engineer in Miss Saigon in Netherlands.

This staging reaches out to audiences in a timely message of peace, love and hope.

Presented by MUSICARTES Inc, Godspell is directed by Dr. Anton Juan with musical direction by Ejay Yatco, lights design by John Batalla, production design by Otto Hernandez and choreography by Dexter Santos.


Godspell is supported by RGV Real Estate Center & SJG Mirror Theatre Studio, with

media partners Philippine Star, Click the City, Travel Life, Art Plus, What’s

Happening.com and Crossover.

This production is with special permission from Samuel French Ltd. and Music Theatre

International.


Call Musicartes at 8958098 /5771046 / 09175378313 to buy your tickets now. Tickets

are also available at Ticketworld at 8919999 or ticketworld.com.ph

Gawad Buhay 2016 nominations out, Peta’s Francis M. musical ‘3 Stars and a Sun’ leads with 13 nods

PETA's 3 Stars and a Sun; Photo by Trixie Dauz

The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s “3 Stars and a Sun,” an original Filipino musical that featured the music of the late rap artist Francis Magalona in a story about youthful hope and rebellion in a dystopian Philippine setting, grabbed 13 nods to lead the 2016 nominations for Gawad Buhay, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts.

Following closely with 12 nominations is Ballet Philippines’ “Firebird and Other Ballets,” with new choreography by George Birkadze for the Act 1 “Firebird” section, and a suite of modern works by several Filipino choreographers in Act 2. Another BP production, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko,” which employed the music of the ‘70s band VST & Co in a hybrid dance-musical show, garnered 11 nominations.

Sharing 10 nominations each are Red Turnip Theater’s production of Nina Raine’s “Tribes,” a play about a young deaf man and his unconventional family; and Full House Theater Company’s production of the Broadway musical “Annie.” (Full House is the resident theater company of Resorts World Manila.)

The nominations, chosen by an independent jury, were announced via a Facebook Live session this Friday evening, hosted by Philstage president Audie Gemora and VP Maribel Legarda (also the Peta artistic director). The awarding ceremonies will be on May 10, Wednesday, 7 p.m., at CCP's Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater).

(See complete list of nominations below.)

Now on its ninth year, Gawad Buhay is the first-ever industry awards exclusively for the performing arts.

It is juried by an independent panel of critics, scholars, artists and theater enthusiasts. Outstanding individual and group achievements in various artistic and technical aspects of play, musical and dance productions and performances are honored based on quarterly citations deliberated by the members of the jury, who are required to watch all productions of Philstage member-companies for the entire year.

From the four quarterly citations (the first and second quarters are merged into the midyear citations), the jury selects the final nominees qualified to win the awards by the end of the performance season.

Philstage is the only alliance of professional performing arts organizations in the Philippines. Its members include 9 Works Theatrical, Actor’s Actors Inc., Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines, Full House Theater Company (Resorts World Manila), Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Peta, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Philippine Opera Company, Repertory Philippines, Red Turnip Theater, Stages, Tanghalang Pilipino and Trumpets.

[Visit Facebook.com/gawadbuhay]

TP's Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw; Photo by Trixie Dauz

 

 COMPLETE LIST OF 2016 NOMINATIONS IN VARIOUS CATEGORIES:

Outstanding Original Script

No nomination

Outstanding Original Libretto

Mixkaela Villalon and Rody Vera, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Outstanding Translation or Adaptation

Rolando Tinio, “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Musical Direction

Myke Salomon, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Daniel Bartolome and Onyl Torres, “American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

Gerard Salonga, “Rebel” (Ballet Manila)

Rodel Colmenar, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Jed Balsamo, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Outstanding Original Musical Composition

Malek Lopez, “Opera” (Ballet Philippines)

Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production

Redha, “Opera” (Ballet Philippines)

George Birkadze, “Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Carlo Pacis, “Weighted Whispers”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

James Laforteza, PJ Rebullida, Carissa Adea, Paul Alexander Morales and Gia Gequinto, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Outstanding Choreography for a Play or Musical

PJ Rebullida, “American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

Rose Borromeo, “Stepping Out” (Repertory Philippines)

Nancy Crowe, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Dexter Santos, “A Little Princess” (Repertory Philippines)

PJ Rebullida and Yek Barlongay, “A Christmas Carol” (9 Works Theatrical)

9works Theatrical's A Christmas Carol; Photo by Trixie Dauz

Outstanding Costume Design

Gino Gonzales, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Mickey Hirai, “American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

Mark Higgins, “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Gino Gonzales, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Marsha Roddy, “The Tempest Reimagined” (Peta)

Outstanding Lighting Design

John Batalla, “Constellations” (Red Turnip Theater)

John Batalla, “Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

Ian Torqueza, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

John Batalla, “Opera” (Ballet Philippines)

Tsuguo Izumi, “The Tempest Reimagined” (Peta)

Outstanding Sound Design

Teresa Barrozo, “Constellations” (Red Turnip Theater)

Teresa Barrozo, “3 Stars and a Sun” (PETA)

Teresa Barrozo, “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Rards Corpus, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Rards Corpus and Jaime Godinez, “A Christmas Carol” (9 Works Theatrical)

Outstanding Set Design

Coco Anne and Baby Imperial, “Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

Gino Gonzales, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Mio Infante, “American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

Ed Lacson Jr., “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Marsha Roddy, “The Tempest Reimagined” (Peta)

Female Lead Performance in a Play

Cris Villonco, “Constellations” (Red Turnip Theater)

Natalie Everett, “Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

Caisa Borromeo, “Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

Blanche Buhia, “The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra Go!” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Liesl Batucan, “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Male Lead Performance in a Play

JC Santos, “Constellations” (Red Turnip Theater)

Reb Atadero, “Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

Jamie Wilson, “Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

Kalil Almonte, “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Aldo Vencilao, “The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra Go!” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Repertory Philippines' The Game's Afoot; Photo by Trixie Dauz

 

Female Featured Performance in a Play

Pinky Amador, “The Game’s Afoot” (Repertory Philippines)

Angela Padilla, “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Dolly de Leon, “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Thea Yrastorza, “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Antonette Go, “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Male Featured Performance in a Play

Teroy Guzman, “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Jonathan Tadioan, “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Marco Viana, “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Bodjie Pascua, “The Tempest Reimagined” (Peta)

Norbs Portales, “The Tempest Reimagined” (Peta)

Female Lead Performance in a Musical

Angela Padilla, “Stepping Out” (Repertory Philippines)

Krystal Brimner, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Isabeli Elizalde, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Male Lead Performance in a Musical

Nicco Manalo, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Nel Gomez, “American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

Jef Flores, “Tick, Tick…Boom” (9 Works Theatrical)

Miguel Faustmann, “A Christmas Carol” (9 Works Theatrical)

Female Featured Performance in a Musical

Carla Guevara-Laforteza, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Joy Virata, “Stepping Out” (Repertory Philippines)

Ela Lisondra, “American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Tanya Manalang, “Tick, Tick…Boom” (9 Works Theatrical)

Male Featured Performance in a Musical

Nar Cabico, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Bodjie Pascua, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Ariel Reonal, “Tick, Tick…Boom” (9 Works Theatrical)

Jef Flores, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Sandino Martin, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Rita Winderr in BP's Awitin mo at Isasayaw Ko (Press Launch); Photo by Trixie Dauz

Female Lead Performance in Modern Dance

Rita Winder, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Male Lead Performance in Modern Dance

JM Cordero, “Simoun” (Ballet Philippines)

JM Cordero, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Garry Corpuz, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Female Featured Performance in Modern Dance

Denise Parungao, “Opera” (Ballet Philippines)

Gia Gequinto, “Simoun” (Ballet Philippines)

Denise Parungao, “Simoun” (Ballet Philippines)

Rita Winder, “Simoun” (Ballet Philippines)

Edna Vida, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Male Featured Performance in Modern Dance

Erl Sorilla, “Simoun” (Ballet Philippines)

Nonoy Froilan, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Female Lead Performance in Classical Dance

Rita Winder, “Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Irene Kim Abrojena, “The Great Classics” (Philippine Ballet Theatre)

Regina Magbitang, “The Great Classics” (Philippine Ballet Theatre)

Dawna Mangahas, “Cinderella” (Ballet Manila)

Abigail Oliveiro “The Swan, The Fairy, and the Princess” (Ballet Manila)

Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance

Garry Corpuz, “Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Jimmy Lumba, “The Great Classics” (Philippine Ballet Theater)

Rudy de Dios, “Cinderella” (Ballet Manila)

Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance

Monica Gana, “Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Denise Parungao, “Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Tiffany Chan, “Cinderella” (Ballet Manila)

Violet Hong, “Cinderella” (Ballet Manila)

Cyril Fallar and Victor Maguad alternated as the villain from Ballet Philippines' Firebird; Photo by Trixie Dauz

Male Featured Performance in Classical Dance

Cyril Fallar, “Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Victor Maguad, “Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Outstanding Modern Dance Production

“Weighted Whispers”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

“Simoun” (Ballet Philippines)

“Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Outstanding Classical Dance Production

“Firebird”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play

Rem Zamora, “Constellations” (Red Turnip Theater)

Bart Guingona, “Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

Topper Fabregas, “Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

Ralph Peña, “The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra Go!” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical

Nor Domingo, “3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Robbie Guevara, “American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

Michael Williams, “Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

Robbie Guevara, “Tick, Tick…Boom” (9 Works Theatrical)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Play

“Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

“Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

“The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra Go!” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

“The Tempest Reimagined” (Peta)

9works Theatrical's American Idiot; Photo by Trixie Dauz

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical

“3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

“American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

“Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

“Tick, Tick…Boom” (9 Works Theatrical)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Modern Dance

“Weighted Whispers”/from “Firebird and Other Ballets” (Ballet Philippines)

“Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” (Ballet Philippines)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Classical Dance

No nomination

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play

“Constellations” (Red Turnip Theater)

“Almost, Maine” (Repertory Philippines)

“Tribes” (Red Turnip Theater)

“The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra Go!” (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical

“American Idiot” (9 Works Theatrical)

“Annie” (Full House Theater Company)

“Tick, Tick…Boom” (9 Works Theatrical)

Outstanding Play—Original or Translation/Adaptation

No nomination

Outstanding Musical—Original or Translation/Adaptation

“3 Stars and a Sun” (Peta)

Repertory Philippines' Almost, Maine; Photo by Trixie Dauz

Four Monologues for a Night: BRAVE (Bolder Reaction Against Violence to Empower)

Writer: Mark Anthony Cabrera
Last Monday, April 17,2017, me and couple of my friends were able to witness an awesome performance from volunteers of courageous women and members of the LGBT at Alek Café in Makati. The first monologue entitled Suffragette (by Jose Victor Torres) features a woman and her husband having a conversation about a woman’s right to vote as it was set in such a time that women were not yet allowed to put people into position. A woman enters frame with some baking utensils preparing an apple pie for her husband who was tired from work. I find it simply perfect as the woman (being a wife ) was able to juggle baking and having a conversation with her better half. Her last line was memorable, “Women should be allowed to vote, it doesn’t mean we can’t be wise voters and wives at the same time. The second one entitled Kiriring ( a portion of Kiriring, Aida, at Macaraig) features Kathy Arguelles, a Pinay who dreamt of greener pastures, got married to an American Husband who she did know was a sex addict who only married her to take her to America and have her work as a prostitute. Many people thought she hit the jackpot marrying an American but people didn’t realize what she has been through in the hands of her American husband. With the help of the Philippine Embassy, she was able to come back to Manila albeit not rich, she was lucky enough that she was still alive. She tried reconnecting to old friends but no one seemed to care for her anymore. Drunken nights followed until she confided to her best friend that she has AIDS.

The third performance was entitled This is My Life .It was a riveting tale of a tranny who is at the wee hours of her days as a performer. It was a really sad portrayal as it echoes the way other people treat the LGBTQIA community. It mellows on the song by Shirley Bassey with the same title of the monologue. The last one by actress Mosang in Petunia was my favorite of all.It talks about fun and that though there comes a time when we reach that age when we would just watch movies and enjoy coffee, it’s best to still enjoy life to the fullest. That our love for dancing and anything mundane must still be there.Mosang’s comedic timing never lost its spark. The adlibs were spot on and it was perfectly enjoyable.

BRAVE NIGHTS are held on announced Schedules at Alek Café. Alek Café is located at Builders Center Ground floor 170 Legazpi St. Makati City.It’s just a few blocks away from Makati Medical Center.Ticket is Php500.00 inclusive of snacks. Part of the proceeds will be donated for causes that involved battered women and the LGBT Community.

Resorts World Manila Stages A Night of Platinum Hits From Morissette, Tanya and Ogie

Text and Visuals by Gus Cabredo

Morissette and Tanya Manalang, two of today's brightest female stars onstage, are set to stage their first major concert together entitled Platinum: World's Favorite Hit Songs Live! at Resorts World Manila's (RWM) Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) on May 6, 8:00pm.

Both young, beautiful and blessed with voices that have awed audiences from around the globe, Morrisette and Tanya have accomplished so much in their young careers than most artists today.

Morissette first made waves after winning TV5's Star Factor in 2012. With her vocal range that covers Wicked's Defying Gravity' to Disney's "Let It Go" to Heart's "What About Love", Morissette rises up to her title as one truly exceptional star.

Born and raised in Cebu, Morissette has reaped awards from the PMPC Star Awards, the M.O.R. Pinoy Music Awards, the National Consumer Affairs Foundation's Seal of Excellence Awards, the Wish 1007.5 Music Awards, and has performed in sold out concerts nationwide.

Her cover of Little Mix's "Secret Love Songs" registered over 35 million views on Youtube sealing her reputation as a true star with a wide following.

This time around, Morissette expands her repertoire as she shares the stage with another headliner, Tanya Manalang.

Tanya's role of Kim in Cameron McKintosh's 2014 revival of Miss Saigon at the West End polished her craft as an actress and marked her as one of the royalties of Philippines theater.

To broaden her acting prowess, Tanya was given a scholarship by Sir Cameron Mackintosh at the Arts Educational School in London while she was into the grueling auditions for the musical.

Starting at an early age,  Tanya has performed in such musical productions as Godspell, Whistle Down The Wind Footloose, In the Heights, KAOS, The Sound of Music, and The King And I prior to landing an alternate role as Kim in Miss Saigon.

Last year, Tanya landed the lead female roles in acclaimed local musicals Rak of Aegis and Tick, Tick...Boom!, and shared the stage with rocker/thespian Mig Ayesa in RWM's twinbill offering Curtains Up!, which awed audiences with repertoire of hit songs from Broadway and West End musicals.

Joining the two ladies as special guest is OPM president, singer, songwriter and actor Mr. Ogie Alcasid who has 12 gold, three platinum, and another three double-platinum records to his name.

Platinum: World's Favorite Hit Songs Live! promises a nigh of chart toppers from Tagalog ballads to London hits and Hollywood theme songs courtesy of Morissette, Tanya and Ogie together with the rythym ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar and over-all direction by Freddie Santos.

Tickets for the concert are now available at the RWM Box Office and all Ticketworld outlets. Visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline (632) 908-8833 for more details.

LEAN – A FILIPINO MUSICAL TO BE STAGED BY UP MANILA DRAMATISTA ON MAY 12 AND 13

27 year-old UP Diliman student and noted "iskolar ng bayan" named Leandro Alejandro was shot and killed in September 19, 1987. As the iconic student activist, Lean fought for national democracy in the university and in the nation. He is one of the unsung heroes who have sacrificed their lives during the turbulent days of the martial law. His life has defined an era of student activism and his work still inspires the youth today.

Students of the University of the Philippines, being a state-funded institution, are called “Iskolar ng Bayan” or People’s Scholars. The description gained political weight during the First Quarter Storm (FQS) in the 70s, a time of discontent by a generation of Baby Boomers. The description also carried with it the aphorism “Serve the people.”

Kenneth Mangurit as LEAN

Described as a Filipino left wing activist and nationalist, UP student leader Lean Alejandro actively fought the dictatorship in the 1980s. Lean became a member of the Youth for Nationalism and Democracy in 1980-81. In 1983, he was chosen as a President of its University Student Council (USC). After Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. – himself a fighter and hero and a great pride of the UP students– was assasinated, Lean left the University and went full time in the anti-Marcos struggle. In 1985, Lean was one of the founders of the left-wing umbrella organization BAYAN becoming it's Secretary-General. He was arrested and detained for two months and participated in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolt after he was released. Post-EDSA Revolution, Alejandro ran for a seat at the Philippine House of Representatives for the small district Navotas-Malabon losing to Teresa Aquino-Oreta, the sister-in-law of then president Corazon Aquino. in a controversial and disputed election.

After losing in the election, Lean returned to his previous activities as secretary-general of nationalist organization Bagong Alyansang Makabayan. Lean openly criticized the 1987 coup d’tat that killed and injured innocent civilians. On 19 September 1987, after the failed coup attempt led by Col. Gregorio Honasan, Alejandro announced plans for a major demonstration against the return to fascism. Returning by car to the headquarters of BAYAN, he was fired upon by a gunman instantly killing Alejandro. One suspected that the assassination had been in the angle of Marcos loyalists from the Philippine Army, but no one was arrested for the assassination. Up to this untimely death, Lean offered his life to people’s movement, speaking in mass demonstrations, writing articles and discussing social issues inside the campus and in urban poor communities.

Carmela Reyes as Bobby

Lean’s multi-roles as activist, politician, friend, husband, son and father will be recreated in the forthcoming LEAN - A FILIPINO MUSICAL produced by UP Manila Dramatista.

The playdates are: APRIL 28 - FRI. - 7 PM and APRIL 29 - SAT. - 4 PM / 7 PM.

Venue: ADAMSON UNIVERSITY THEATER located at 900 SAN MARCELINO ST., ERMITA MANILA.

   The cast are as follows: Kenneth Mangurit (Lean), Frances Mendoza (Lidy), Carlo Cabahug (Ka Tanny), Carmela Reyes (Bobby), Dean Lopez (Edward), Lalaine Quinan (Jojo(, Neil Suyat (Noli), Raffy Baybay (Chino) and Uriel Molina (Mr. Tim).

Don't fail to watch this musical about the turbulent 1980s written by Gary Granada, one of the Philippines' best composers of songs that evoke nationalism and pride in our country. In this musical play, Gary Granada remixed the tune of “UP Naming Mahal” in a contemporary rock version and gave it a new and more "nationalistic sounding" lyrics, reasserting the purpose of the Iskolar ng Bayan as a "Iskolar ng Sambayanan, Tagapaglingkod ng Taongbayan".

Neil Suyat as Noli

LEAN - A FILIPINO MUSICAL shall also feature powerful catchy songs that breathe new life to the many different characters and personas of the 1980s. Through song and dance, the musical not only tells the story of the influential student activist but also creatively re-imagines the loud cries of the masses.

The September 1997 original production of LEAN THE FILIPINO MUSICAL was produced by the Leándro L. Alejandro Foundation and the UP Student Council in cooperation with the UP Diliman Committee for Arts and Culture. The musical featured renowned artists like Chikoy Pura, Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua, and Noel Cabangon. 

   In 2013, it was restaged by the University of the Philippines Repertory Company (UP Rep) with youth activists Vencer Crisostomo of Anakbayan and Third Alub of the League of Filipino Students who both played the role of Lean.

For further details and tickets, please call 0906-427-3981 c/o Zoe Caballero.

Uriel Molina as Mr. Tim