Delphine IS Mabining Mandirigma

Posted on February 18, 2016

Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini); TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

JV Ibesate (Pedro Paterno): Inubos na namin ang lahat para makabuo ng isang demokratikong konstitusyon na maipagmamalaki natin sa alin mang bansa. Tulad ng mga Konstitusyon sa Amerika at Europa, meron itong pantay pantay na sangay ng pamahalaan. Delphine Buencamino (Mabini): Pero yon nga po ang problema sa Konstitusyong ito. Dapat sana’y pantay ang tatlong sangay. Pero inaangkin ng Kongreso ang pinaka malaking bahagi ng poder de estado para sa kanyang sarili. Paterno: Natural lamang sapagkat ang dapat manaig ay ang oligarkiya ng karunungan. Hindi ang oligarkiya ng mga walang alam at mga ignoranteng walang pinag-aralan.

from left: Jonathan Tadioan (Felipe Buencamino) & Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mabini: Malinaw rin na ang kongresong ito ay boses lamang ng mga ilustrado at mayaman at di ng karaniwang mamayan. Hindi kaya dapat ipagpaliban natin ang paggawa ng Konstitusyon hangga’t walang Kongresong talagang na halal? Jonathan Tadioan (Felipe Buencamino): Ang Presidente na mismo ang nagsabi na kinakailangan ng Konstitusyon ng isang Kongreso. Sinabi niya sa nakaraang talumpati. Mabini: Talumpating kayo po ang awtor Señor!

Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini) inside a rare Toym Imao designed carosa. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tanghalang Pilipino’s MAGINING MANDIRIGMA is currently running at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino from February 19 to March 13, 2016. The Musical’s second run however, has now been recast with Liesl Batucan in the role of Mabini, replacing Delphine Buencamino. Arman Ferrer alternates the Emilio Aguinaldo role with David Ezra. Delphine is now a part of DULAANG U.P.’s TISOY BROWN: HARI NG WALA.

Liesl Batucan (Apolinario Mabini) performed an excerpt from MABINING MANDIRIGMA last February 7, 2016. It was for the PASINAYA OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Theater, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

TP Board of Trustee Chairman Tony Boy Cojuangco. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tanghalang Pilipino is the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and has produced MABINING MANDIRIGMA with the support of the National Commission for the Culture and Arts. 2014 was the sesquicentennial birth of Apolinario Mabini (born July 23, 1864), the conceptual heart of the second phase of the Philippine Revolution.

foreground: Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini) & Aldo Vencilao (Pepe), background in Colorful hair is Merry Mia Sinaguinan as Mark Twain. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

The theme of the production design is Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs. It was inspired by 19th Century industrial steam-powered machinery, provides a fitting backdrop to an already action-packed musical. Award winning designer and artist Toym Imao was tapped for the unique production design.

Costume Design: James Reyes, Production Design: Toym Imao, Lighting Design: Katsch Catoy, Video Projection: GA Fallarme and Sound Design/Co Arranger, Recording & Mixing Engineer: TJ Ramos. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Arman Ferrer as Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo; TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Original Musical

Director Chris Millado’s strategy of casting Liesl Batucan in the male title role is pure genius. NOT only did Delphine’s vocals standout in a cacophony of male voices, but also highlighted the fact that Mabini was one of the earliest proponents of gender equality in the Philippines. Because of the ingenious casting, the unique steam punk concept with the enigmatic figure of Mabini it is easily THE BEST original musical I’ve seen in years.

Carol Bello as Dionisia / Inang Bayan; TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Librettist Dr. Nicanor Tiongson was kind enough to point out that Mabini (as a man) was the first Feminist in government. For me film, music, art and definitely theater fulfill its potential when it gives meaning beyond entertainment. MABINING MANDIRIGMA by Tanghalang Pilipino certainly falls into this elite category.

from left: Librettist Dr Nick Tiongson, Production Designer Toym Imao, friend & Dramaturg Manny Pambid. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Audiences learn far more than the ‘sublime paralytic’ moniker that we have come to know from our textbook impression of Mabini. The casting forces us to think about Mabini the person, beyond his physical disability, beyond his gender. Although theater followers have seen and known Delphine’s body of work from IBALONG and countless others no other role has truly challenged her as singer and actress than this one. This lead role is, in a way, the perfect coming out party to showcase everything she is capable of as a performer.

from left: Arman Ferrer (Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo) & Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Liesl Batucan on the other hand, displayed her incredible vocals as well as brilliant acting. We have come to know and love her vocals through her many productions with Repertory Philippines. The dance sequences are particularly challenging for Delphine and Liesl as they have to simulate a cripple struggling to move in a dream scene.

from right: Liesl Batucan (Apolinario Mabini), Carol Bello (Dionisia), David Ezra (Emilio Aguinaldo) and JV Ibesate (Pedro Paterno) performed an excerpt from MABINING MANDIRIGMA last February 7, 2016. It was for the PASINAYA OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Theater, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Delphine is the daughter of theater stalwarts Shamaine and Nonie Buencamino. They were a source of valuable information; “My parents are very supportive especially for this role because there was a time I didn’t want to do it. I wanted to do something else more on dance. I couldn’t do both at the same time. They said go for it. The rehearsals were only one month, we hardly had any time and its so complicated. A lot of it had to go to choreography, set changes. There’s hardly any time to discover acting. That’s why it really helped my parents were there. I asked them to go to rehearsals. They dropped by to give me notes. Even during the show marami pa rin akong notes. That’s where I got my really detailed acting notes na nakaka baliw pero mas masarap gumawa ng bagong show pag meron ka pang concrete na iimprove.”

ilustrados

Ilustrados and Political Dynasties

Dialogue can be long and complex but even this is used as an advantage. Sometimes when a debate ensues between the ilustrado congressmen and officers of the revolution there’s a sharp exchange much like a modern rap battle. Jonathan Tadioan as Felipe Buencamino belabors the rap like length. He almost has a battle of words and wits with CK Español in the role of Trias.

left: Richardson Yadao (Caviteño officer) assassinates Kristofer Kliatchko (Gen. Antonio Luna). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

The group of ilustrados are portrayed as conniving villains: Tadioan is joined by Marco Viana (Calderon), JV Ibesate (Paterno) and Karl Jinco (Gregorio Araneta). They are the landed and educated class who think only of themselves and their self-interests, not unlike the trapos of today. They can also be the modern day politicians who have dynasties such as the Binays.

from left: Jonathan Tadioan (Felipe Buencamino) spits on Kristofer Kliatchko (Gen. Antonio Luna’s dead body) after being killed by right: Richardson Yadao (Caviteño officer), while Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini) narrates their treachery. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

As much as Jejomar Binay wants to identify with the poor, his family is the classic case of a political dynasty. His son Junjun Binay was the Mayor of Makati before he was kicked out due to corruption cases. His daughter Nancy is a senator and other daughter Abigail Binay is a member of congress. Not to mention his wife Dr. Elenita Binay was a former Mayor of Makati as well. While Jejomar’s roots may have been humble, his immediate family has deeply entrenched themselves in political power. Which is worse than the ilustrado because they were more a class of supposedly educated and learned people not one singular family.

Ronelson Yadao (Dancer) as the Statue Of Liberty; TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

The ilustrados of Mabini’s time, the Political Dynasties of today have one thing in common: they both prioritize their self-interest while espousing nationalism and service to the poor. This very clear message HAS TO BE taken into account especially with the upcoming presidential and senatorial elections. We have to identify the many more political families who have entrenched themselves in power, locally or nationally and make sure to not vote for them.

San Mazinger Z by Toym Imao (2014-2015), Fiberglass, galvanized iron, 133 x 93 x 48 inches. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

There’s also a strong connection between Apolinario Mabini and Gen. Antonio Luna. People can see and appreciate it more in this musical than the popular and award winning film HENERAL LUNA. Although they are totally different both were deemed ‘radicals’ by the ilustrado. This is for the simple reason that the two had the best interest of the country in mind and heart. The ilustrado only sought to enrich themselves, control the Kongreso and manipulate Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo himself all of which they were able to achieve.

Pepe

Aldo Vencilao as Pepe

IF there is one role in MABINING MANDIRIGMA that represents the common man its Pepe played by the talented Aldo Vencilao. Pepe is the personal assistant that although poor and uneducated has a strong desire to learn and improve himself. Pepe values what he learns from Mabini more than his salary. He insisted on working long after Mabini was able to afford his services.

Aldo Vencilao (Pepe); TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Steampunk & Hiphop

The combination of steam punk as a production design and hip-hop is very surprising and engaging. One doesn’t expect the combination especially in a historical themed musical but it works. The fast pace entails incredible coordination between choreography, set design and music. Performers have to be able to get themselves in character in vastly different situations, emotional states within minutes or even seconds.

from left: Jojo Mamangun (Dancer), Richardson Yadao (Dancer) and Ronelson Yadao (Dancer). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

Costumes by James Reyes immediately distinguish groups of characters. The garish, metallic accessories are the illustrados while the common people are dressed simply. Mabini stands out in plain white camiso de chino. In an interview Reyes shared, “We did sketches, it evolved. And then it went back to the first sketch. I was incorporating the Baro’t Saya with boots. Production designer Toym Imao is another fun person to work with. He’s another fan of the 80s with elements of Star Wars and Voltes Five in his works!”

IF there is one message that Apolinario Mabini could give our people today that is to choose our leaders wisely. We shouldn’t waste the sacrifices they’ve made for our country. With our votes, our democratic process we should choose the leaders who are not part of a political dynasty and who are not repressive.

from left: Carol Bello (Dionisia), Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini) & Marco Viaña (Pule). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Cast takes usie with Natl Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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EJ Pepito as U.S. Pres. William Howard Taft; TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

left: Lhorvie Nuevo (Aling Sima) in black veil and Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Marco Viaña (Pule) & Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Richardson Yadao (Dancer), Jojo Mamangun (Dancer) and Ronelson Yadao (Dancer). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Pinoy Cinema Icon Kidlat Tahimik & Antonette Go (Koro). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini) & Aldo Vencilao (Pepe). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Antonette Go (Koro); TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Lhorvie Nuevo (Aling Sima) & Phi Palmos (Noriel). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Writers row from left: Amadis Ma. Guerrero, Danny Vibas and TV5 Creative Consultant & Playwright Elmer Gatchalian. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Aldo Vencilao (Pepe), Delphine Buencamino (Apolinario Mabini) & Ck Español (Padre Valerio Malabanan / Trias). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA is running from February 19 to March 13, 2016 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP with shows at 3pm and 8 pm. Photo by Jude Bautista

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