Astounding Jesse Lucas in FULL RANGE Part 3

Posted on September 15, 2015

The U.E. Silanganan Dance Troupe & Phil. Ballet Theater excerpt DARANGEN NI BANTUGEN choreographed by Gener Caringal. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series The composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Music is one of the pervasive elements in nearly every field of entertainment if not art forms. Its not just the performers who gathered to celebrate the career and achievements of Jesse Lucas but also the writers, librettists, film and theater directors. This made Jesse Lucas in FULL RANGE concert last August 20, 2015 a truly special night at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino in CCP.

Jesse Lucas is one of the most prolific and talented composers of our time. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series The composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Sheila Francisco is an accomplished theater performer having had her own TRIPLE THREAT series in 2014. Michael Williams and Bituin Escalante were the two other artists that year. She was the only Filipina to perform at the Royal National Theater in London for SOUTH PACIFIC which also ran at Resort’s World Manila this August. In 2002 Sheila performed in PAGPATAY KAY LUNA for Tanghalang Pilipino. That was where she first performed music by Jesse Lucas. She describes Lucas’ music, “They’re quite profound, very deep. The music itself tells the story. It’s so not difficult to get into it. I haven’t done that number in how many years. But the minute you hear those notes its like magic because it’s so deep and I so relate to it.”

Sheila Francisco; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

She also shares her insights on the TRIPLE THREAT series at the CCP, “You know how wonderful it is now we have the composers in. In a sense they are triple threats. In theater language triple threat is dancing, singing and acting. It’s so wonderful we can take it further, deeper and expand the meaning of triple threat. Maybe next time it will be quadruple threat? It’s wonderful television, film and theater, its just amazing.”

from left: Jesse Lucas, Sheila Francisco, Franco Laurel & Sweet Plantado. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

She talks about the original casting and her own favorite songs from FULL RANGE, “The part of Franco (Laurel) was by Roy Rolloda who is now in Hong Kong. But he used to be very active in theater dito. And then yung kay Sweet (Plantado), that particular song was sung by 3 ladies, Kalila (Aguilos) was one of them. Lani Mabilangan was one of them and I used to play the third color of the flag. Favorite ko yung kay Ayen, MULING MAGMAMAHAL, NASAAN KA with Tex Ordoñez that beautiful suite with Bodjie Pascua TATAWIRIN NG PAG IBIG. Oh my God that was my favorite.”

Ayen Munji Laurel; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ayen Munji Laurel gave a riveting performance of MULING MAGAMAHAL from the musical DAAN NG KRUS. For Jesse, the musical was one of the early breaks given to him by librettist Jose Jeffrey Camañag and director Andre Tiangco.

Tex Ordoñez; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Veteran of stage and television Bodjie Pascua gave an inspiring rendition of TATAWIRIN NG PAG IBIG from the musical SANDOSENANG SAPATOS. It was another memorable collaboration of Jesse Lucas with librettist Jose Jeffrey Camañag and director Andre Tiangco.

PEPE RIZAL, SA ISIP SALITA AT SA GAWA was a much-heralded musical in 2011. Written and directed by Floy Quintos, Jesse Lucas seemed like the most natural choice for music. The in demand concert and TV, theater director Floy Quintos has in turn graciously directed FULL RANGE. In the song A MI RETIRO (from PEPE RIZAL…), three of the top operatic voices were assembled: Rica Nepomuceno, Al Gatmaitan and Camille Lopez-Molina.

from right: Banaue Miclat Janssen, Camile Lopez Molina, Al Gatmaitan and Rica Nepomuceno. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Jed Balsamo is the resident Musical Director for Ballet Philippines and countless productions in PETA and Tanghalang Pilipino. His experience as a member of the National Committee on Music at the National Commission of Culture and the Arts also gives him insight on the importance of the TRIPLE THREAT series especially for composers, “It’s a good thing CCP considered the composers na i-feature for Triple Threats. Kasi there’s is a dearth of relevant Filipino music. Contemporary Philippine music whether it’s in theater, film, dance even. Kaya through this Triple threats nagkaroon ng avenue composers na marecognize, for the public also na ma realize na ‘ay si ano pala gumawa noon’. Kadalasan na papansin lang the dancer or the singer or the actor.”

from left: Ibarra Mateo, Jed Balsamo, Caisa Borromeo (Windang Woman) & Chesko Rodriguez (Popoy Pusakal) from Dalanghita productions’ KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY. Photo By Jude Bautista

Balsamo has his own insights on each of the featured artists of TRIPLE THREAT, “Si Jesse Lucas naman siya yung tipo na di nagpapasikat. Eto lang ako this is me subtle pero effective pa rin. Pagdating kay Vince unorthodox, unpredictable, baliw. Si Rony with his Broadway background we can expect to hear magical things from him. Iba iba maganda rin ang combination ng Triple threats ngayon. They have their own strengths sigurado ako yan ang papakita nila sa series nila.”

Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and Jed Balsamo. Photo by Jude Bautista

Lucas’ composition for Philippine Ballet Theater’s DARANGEN NI BANTUGEN resulted in a rousing collaboration between two prestigious dance companies. The Phil Ballet Theater was joined by the U.E. Silanganan Dance Troupe choreographed by no less than Gener Caringal.

Tex Ordoñez; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

The librettists are a list of who’s who in the theatrical and entertainment world: Dennis Marasigan, Ricky Gallardo and even Cinemalaya Pres. Chris Millado, who wrote NASAAN KA for Ballet Philippines production of Darna. Tex Ordoñez performed NASAAN KA.

(in black) Cinemalaya Pres. Chris Millado enjoyed Jesse Lucas’ FULL RANGE at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Lobreza Pimentel and Peter San Juan of Phil Ballet Theater and perform AWIT NI BUGAN from CHANTED JOURNEYS choreographed by Gener Caringal. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series The composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Perhaps one of the most touching inspirations for Jesse Lucas is his composition TAWAG based on a poem by the late Maningning Miclat. Lucas was inspired to write compositions of music after reading the book of poetry by Maningning, TAWAG is just one of them. Maningning’s sister Banaue Miclat-Janssen provides the vocals for this song. Banaue is herself an accomplished performer as actress and singer. She has performed for TP and Dulaang Pilipino. Abroad she has been part of productions in Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center in Manhattan, FRINGE NY and off-broadway productions.

Banaue Miclat Janssen; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Being able to watch the FULL RANGE concert was true privilege. Celebrating the art, music of Jesse Lucas. I suspect Lucas will still be able to produce more of his memorable work in the years to come.

PROFILES from official FULL RANGE PROGRAM:

Gener Caringal

Choreographer

Gener Caringal is currently the Director of the University of the East Office of Cultural Affairs. He is also the Artistic Director of the U.E. Silangan Dance Troupe. He is founding member of the Cultural Offices of the Philippines Educational Institution. In 2008, he received the Gawad Gatpuno of Manila’s Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan. He is the immediate past head of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Committee on Dance. He sits on the Board of the Philippine Ballet Theater.

U.E. SILANGANAN DANCE TROUPE

The resident dance company of the University of the East, the UE Silanganan Dance Troupe renders visually engaging perfromances for various university programs in joint presentations with UE’s other cultural groups or in their own full-length programs. Their repertoire includes indigenous, regional and national Philippine dances.

Camille Lopez-Molina performs AWIT NI BUGAN from CHANTED JOURNEYS choreographed by Gener Caringal. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series The composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Camille Lopez-Molina

Camille is a 3 time ALIW Awardee: 2009, 2010 and 2011, for Best Female Classical Performer. She has sung in opera, operetta, oratorio, music, theater, zarzuela, concerts and recitals. She is a frequent guest artist of major orchestras in the Philippines: the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Manila Symphony Orchestra and the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra. She is also one of the most sought after voice teachers in the country today. At present she is a member of the voice faculties of St. Scholastica’s College of Music and the University of the Philippines College of Music.

Al Gatmaitan; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Al Gatmaitan

Al Gatmaitan is a much sought after theater, film and television actor. He is a crossover artist who excels in all musical genres such as pop, musical theater and classical. He began his training at the U.P. College of Music majoring in Voice Perfromance. He continued further studies in Italy for 3 years joining Spazio Teatro and Teatro Calabria. It was there that he worked with renowned masters Italian Soprano Maria Francavilla. He won second place with distinction at the Filipino European Pop Song festival in Reggio, Calabria, Italy. 2014 Al attended the Music and Performing Arts profession summer program at the New York University Steinhardt School of Music. He came under the mentorship of Michael Ricciardone while continuing to work with Juliard trained mezzo soprano Clarissa Ocampo.

from left: Alma Cruz Miclat, Roeder Camañag, Junjun Quintana and Sandino Martin. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Rica Nepomuceno; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Rica Nepomuceno

Rica Nempomuceno graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Music with a Bachelor of Music major in Voice. A scholarship grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy gave her the opportunity to study at the Conservatory of Music G.B Martini in Bologna, Italy. This is where she receives her Artist’s Diploma and later her Master’s Degree in Opera Performance with honors. She has sung roles in opera, operettas and musicals. She was a member of the U.P. Kasarinlan, the U.P. Concert Chorus and AUIT Vocal Chamber Ensemble. She was soloist in concerts of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bologna Cello Project. She has performed as soloist in concerts in the Philippines the United States and Europe.

from left: Bodjie Pascua, Sheila Francisco, Liesl Batucan, Irma Adlawan, Jesse Lucas, Ayen Munji Laurel, Franco Laurel, Sweet Plantado & Roeder Camañag. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series The composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , /

from left: Ricky Gallardo, Sandino Martin, Jun Jun Quintana and Nasser Lubay. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Irma Adlawan sings SA KANYANG PILING w lyrics by hubby Dennis Marasigan. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista / Irma Adlawan stars in Kanakan Balintagos’ MGA BUHAY NA APOY directed by Auraeus Solito opening this Friday, October 2, 2015 at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino.

fb fan page:–25

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135

from left: Chrome Cosio, Che Ramos Cosio, Roseder Camañag and Ayen Munji Laurel. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Tex Ordoñez, Bodjie Pascua and Ayen Munji Laurel. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

tumblr:

http://judebautista.tumblr.com/

Jesse Lucas, Roeder Camañag w Liesl Batucan and family. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

flickr:

Irma Adlawan stars in Kanakan Balintagos’ MGA BUHAY NA APOY directed by Auraeus Solito opening this Friday, October 2, 2015 at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino.

http://judebautista.tumblr.com/

from left: Mars Callo & Sheila Francisco; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , /

Jed Balsamo and Caisa Borromeo whoop it up after KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY at the PETA Theater Center last May 7, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

—35

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135

Banaue Miclat Janssen; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Jesse Lucas and CMKC aka Christine Carbonell; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , /

Talented Artists came out to celebrate Jesse Lucas’ work. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Al Gatmaitan; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

fb fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135

VCCPA from left: Jhaezel Karla Madronio, Ira Ruzz Renomeron and Kate Urrutia. Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series The composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

tumblr:

http://judebautista.tumblr.com/

Ayen Munji Laurel; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

flickr:

from left: Adrian Lontoc & Junjun Quintana; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

—45

http://judebautista.tumblr.com/

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , /

Bodjie Pascua; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135

Al Gatmaitan; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Banaue Miclat Janssen; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ , http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ , /

from left: Jesse Lucas and Bodjie Pascua; Jesse Lucas FULL RANGE is part of the TRIPLE THREATS series-the composers at CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last August 20, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

fb fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Text-and-Photos-by-Jude-Bautista/146371575384135