Naga City stands at the threshold of a theatrical renaissance as it eagerly anticipates the arrival of “Higit sa Pag-Ibig, The Musical.” This collaborative masterpiece, born from the creative minds of The Dawani Project and Sining Banwa, has already enraptured audiences in Legazpi, and is now setting the stage for a grand spectacle in Naga City. Taking place at the esteemed Unibersidad De Sta Isabel Auditorium from February 23-25, 2024, this musical not only promises an enchanting narrative but also seeks to redefine the theatrical landscape of Bicol.
Transporting its audience to the fictional Barangay Eskwala, the musical delves into the profound struggles faced by everyday Filipinos. Themes of family, social issues, and climate change are intricately woven into a narrative that inspires patriotism, community spirit, and hope.
With an all-Bikolano cast, supported by a dynamic production team headed by Director Sari Saysay, a seasoned maestro with over two decades of experience in the theatrical field, and an impressive score featuring 18 original compositions by rising Bikolano artists, HSP stands poised as a symphony of emotions, amplifying the power of its storytelling, and reflecting the resurgence of a dynamic and once again thriving theater scene in the region.
Bichara Cinema’s rebirth
In the backdrop of this theatrical renaissance lies the historical Bichara Cinema, a cinematic treasure with a legacy spanning 101 years. A dialogue between Siklab Lingkod Bicol Founding Chairperson Ronald Rodriguez and Jun Bichara, the current owner and descendant of the original proprietors, Emily and Victor Bichara, led to a key resolution—Bichara Cinema will not be sold, but rather transformed into a distinguished tourist destination and a new home for local performances.
Aligning with that of Naga City’s vision for a heritage district, this preservation initiative emphasizes the city’s commitment to advancing cultural preservation, art, and tourism. Councilor Jose Perez also revealed that there are already plans in place meant to involve local playwrights, writers, and artists in creating a robust cultural and theatrical scene, ensuring that Bichara Cinema becomes an integral cornerstone of Naga City’s rich artistic landscape.
Beyond the limelight
Noting that the HSP’s influence extends beyond the limelight, Isabel Marian Borja, Artistic Director of Sangre de Naga—the first and only community-based theater group in Naga City—sheds light on the broader potential she hopes the production will have on the community and academics. She aspires for this production to not only set a benchmark but also to significantly impact the curriculum and educational methodologies in theater disciplines across Camarines Sur public schools and universities.
So far, while the tangible impact is yet to be quantified, Borja expresses optimism that the musical will inspire students to showcase their talents, prompting educational institutions to offer more opportunities for the youth to develop their skills in the performing arts.
Anticipation surrounds a multitude of potential collaborations and partnerships between HSP and educational institutions within the province, contributing to the benchmark status of the musical in the field of academic theater. This synergy aims to contribute to the broader educational landscape and foster a renewed appreciation for the performing arts within the region’s academic realm.
Breaking through the theatrical glass ceiling
Let’s face it, HSP has emerged as a rather progressive force—one that, I guess it’s safe to say, is propelling the local theater scene through the theatrical glass ceiling, redefining the boundaries of what’s possible on, and before getting on, the stage.
Victor Nierva, Board of Directors President of the Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition, acknowledges that the Bikol theater scene has always been active, deeply rooted in cultural productions across communities, localities, and schools, but then emphasizes that it is an undeniable fact that HSP has stirred theater communities in the region to reach for greater heights—underscoring how HSP have gone beyond the boundaries of traditional productions, exploring more complex modes of expression, and expanding marketability for sustainability.
Nierva then credited the genius of Sari Saysay for setting a higher bar for production, considering not just dramatics but also sustainability and community engagement—he noted that HSP has challenged traditional norms, weaving complex themes seamlessly and casting the community not as mere audiences but as a character that is part of the narrative.
HSP looms large as a beacon of change in Bicol’s theater landscape, marking a chapter where innovation, inclusivity, and ambition converge. As its echoes for its upcoming run in Naga continue to reverberate, the local theater scene finds itself at a pivotal juncture, poised for a dynamic and transformative shift ignited by that of the groundbreaking strides of this exceptional musical. I Kian Kirby Florano