One week ahead of its premiere, “Higit sa Pag-ibig, The Musical” productions announced on Friday, February 16, that the play aims not only to tackle societal issues but also to uplift and highlight the talents of local theater artists and cultural workers in the Bicol region.
In a press briefing in Naga City, Director Sari Saysay underline the role of the production in addressing diverse concerns, from family dynamics to climate change, while serving as a platform to showcase and advocate Bicolanos’ prowess in theater arts.
“It is an advocacy. Aside from the content of the play, climate change, environmental issues, advocacy rin ito sa mga artists and cultural workers”
Saysay further emphasized the departure of this year’s theater play from strong political themes to collaboration with various institutions, like the academe. Additionally, the play also incorporates songs from Bicol-based singer-songwriters, which helps support other sectors like music.
Meanwhile, Ronald Rodriguez, Chairperson of Siklab Lingkod Bicol who is bringing the play to Naga City, underscored that encouraging people to engage with and support theater and theater groups can greatly boost regional tourism.
Moreover, Baby Ruby Laurente, principal at Leon Q. Mercado High School, Naga City, said that the musical’s educational value extends beyond the stage as it will be integrated into the DepEd curriculum.
“We also hope that this project will also spark, ito pong mga talents ng mga bata and kung paano po ginagawa ang theater arts productions para next time ang mga students namin naman ang bibida,” Laurente stated.
HSP: A musical play for a cause
The ‘Higit sa Pag-ibig, The Musical’ not only aims to entertain, boost cultural tourism, and support local artists but also serves a noble cause.
Rodriguez shared that Siklab Lingkod Bicol will donate a library-in-a-box to Leon Q. Mercado High School from the proceeds of HSP screening in Naga City. He adds that the Department of Science and Technology has also pledged to provide star book, a digital library worth 2.1 to 2.2 million each.
“Higit sa Pag-ibig, The Musical” is a musical drama play produced by The Dawani Project and Sining Banwa that will be staged at USI Auditorium, Naga City on February 23-25.| Melojane Guiriña