Photo / Tanghalang Pilipino
We knew Pingkian: Isang Musikal would be different when Andres Bonifacio started rapping.
In Tanghalang Pilipino’s interpretation of our country’s history, the father of the Philippine Revolution drops truth bombs and bars, and everyone in the Katipunan has breathtaking vocals. And what a spectacular interpretation of a pivotal moment in history it is.
Pingkian tells the story of Emilio Jacinto during the tail end of the Philippine revolution up to the start of the Philippine-American war. While wounded, he navigates the complexities of war, the Katipunan’s conscience, and his definition of freedom.
The story, set in the 1890s, is transported to the modern day with a beautiful score by Ejay Yatco. Besides the swagger of Bonifacio in “Ang Kartilya,” the soundtrack is filled with pop-rock bops that shift from electrifying (“Nasa Loob Ang Himagsikan“) to tender (“Ikaw Ang Liwanag“). All the songs are guaranteed earworms, and it’s next to impossible not to get hyped when the cast sings “Pangarap Ko’y Kalayaan.”
The cast brings the music to life with their vocal and acting chops. Vic Robinson’s distinct vocals effortlessly soar, a challenging feat when much of his choreography involves being lifted and dragged around. In terms of acting, he quickly transforms from general to lover boy to his wife, Catalina de Jesus. He can charge armies with “Ang Kartilya” and make you feel like the most beautiful woman with “Ikaw Ang Liwanag.” Robinson’s charm is matinee idol material.
Photo / Tanghalang Pilipino
Bituin Escalante is a marvel as Jacinto’s mother, Josefa Dizon. She may have had limited stage time, but as the Gen Z would say it, she mothered the role. It’s excellence, as usual, for one of the country’s most talented singers. Another scene-stealer is Paw Castillo, who plays Bonifacio. Besides his rapping (which we’re obsessed with), Castillo brings the grit, courage, and confidence needed for the Father of the Philippine Revolution.
Another way that Tanghalang Pilipino brings Pingkian to the modern day is the gender-blind casting of two roles.
Gab Pangilinan plays Jacinto’s wife de Jesus and Katipunan comrade Florencio Reyes. Pangilinan is powerful as Reyes, especially during the revelation at the end of Act I. Then, she does a 180 with her role as de Jesus. A highlight from the show is her duet with Robinson of the sweet “Ikaw Ang Liwanag.” Her range is *chef’s kiss*.
Kakki Teodoro, meanwhile, plays Jose Rizal. The tension between Jacinto and Rizal as they laid out their ideologies was magnetic. The actress was outstanding, especially in “Ang Ating Ipinaglalaban.”
Photo / Tanghalang Pilipino
Almond Bolante, Joshua Cadeliña, and Marco Viaña also deserve their flowers as Pio Valenzuela, Lucio/Isyo, and the Duktor, respectively. The ensemble, composed of Chan Rabutazo, VJ Cortel, Roby Malubay, Jude Hinumdum, Paula Paguio, Roxy Aldiosa, Jam Binay, Laui Guico, EJ Pepito, Jonathan Tadioan, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, and Edrick Alcontado, were incredible on their own and while supporting the leads.
Pingkian is a product of intensive research by the playwright Juan Ekis, with the valuable guidance of National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario. The music is by Ejay Yatco, with direction by Jenny Jamora.
The artistic team is completed by Jomelle Era as the choreographer, Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling as the production designer, D Cortezano as the lighting designer, GA Fallarme as the projection designer, TJ Ramos as the sound designer and engineer, Kat Batara as the dramaturg, Kiefer Sison as the technical director, and Toni Go-Yadao as the assistant director.
Tickets are available at TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, and Klook.
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