Renaissance men Dennis Marasigan and Mario O'Hara in a scene from Tatlog Maria

(I wrote this last January and it’s even more significant now. Dennis Marasigan’s film title for Cinemalaya was changed from Siya ang Mayor ko to Vox Populi.)

Text and photos

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

In a press conference at the CCP, Cinemalaya President Nestor Jardin announced a new category for veteran directors in this year’s film fest called “Directors Showcase”. Among them are Joel Lamangan, Gil Portes, Mark Meily, Jay Altarejos and Mario O’Hara. A raucous applause followed each of their names particularly O’Hara who wrote what is now considered as a Filipino classic “Insiang” directed by the late Lino Brocka.

Angeli Bayani was also cast in Pink Halo halo by Jay Altarejos in this year's Cinemalaya

The main full length feature category from previous years will be renamed “New Breed.” In his second time to participate as filmmaker, Dennis Marasigan is one of the competitors for his film “Siya ang Mayor Ko” in the New Breed category. Less than a few hours later both Mario O’ Hara and Dennis Marasigan meet a few floors down in a rehearsal studio. Both of them are cast members of Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Tatlong Maria”. The play is an adaptation by Rody Vera on the famous play “Three Sisters” by Anton Chekov. Not to be outdone director of the play Loy Arcenas is also the set designer of “Tatlong Maria.” It will run from February 19 to March 21.

These days multi tasking seems more common and the buzz word among artists. But to truly excel in more than one field of expertise is a feat never to be scoffed at. Finding one Renaissance man is impressive but to have two of them in one cast is a rare feat.

from left Dennis Marasigan and Mario O'Hara share the distinction of being an actor, writer and director

Mario O’Hara’s role of Doc Elpidio is equivalent to Chebutykin, which was the role chosen by Sir Lawrence Olivier. O’Hara may be an esteemed director and screen writer today but he started out as a voice talent for radio at age 17. He went on to act in early TV productions for channel 11 and 2. He made his first feature film “Mortal” in 1975. He has won every award from the realm of film making in the Philippines: Gawad Lino Brocka Award from Golden

O'Hara had cast mates "in stitches" making jokes during rehearsals

screen awards in 2006, Lifetime achievement from Cinemanila 2000 and several nominations from FAMAS and Urian awards. Perhaps one of the most important among these is the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema award in 2004. It is an international award that was presented by Aruna Vasudev one of the foremost experts in Asian and Middle Eastern Cinema based in India.

For someone who has done it all, Cinemalaya presents a more unique creative opportunity. According to O’Hara the kind of material he wants to work with can’t be dealt with in mainstream. He said, “I was encouraged to join by producer and Juror Robbie Tan. I want to do a historical piece because it helps focus our attention to the richness of our culture and past. If you look at Chinese cinema, ancient times are a recurring theme. That’s why the whole world is aware of their fascinating history.”

Incidentally a Chinese film fest at the Shangrila Plaza Cineplex will run from February 3 to 9. Entrance is absolutely free of charge.

O’Hara’s secret to success is simple a passion for work and a willingness to learn and experiment. “Mahal ko ganitong trabaho radio, actor director. Friends exposed me to what they do. Ano kaya kung ako magsulat? Di ako na tatakot magkamali. Nagtatanong ako, inaaral ko. Inaamin ko mali kung nagkakamali. One time isang buong script ko na reject. I’m always willing to learn. Yan ang weakness ng iba ayaw nilang mapuna na nagkakamali sila.”

Dennis Marasigan w Mailes Kanapi in Tatlong Maria

Dennis Marasigan also has that multitalented streak about him. He started out as a lighting designer for the Dulaang UP. Similar to O’Hara, he has run the gamut of experiences from actor writer and director. “Mulan”, “Circa” and “Anatomiya ng Korupsyon” are only a few of the plays he directed for Tanghalang Pilipino. His film directorial debut, “Sa North Diversion Road” was a finalist in the first Cinema One Originals and won Best adapted Screenplay in the 2006 Golden Screen Awards.

Mailes Kanapi plays Ibong Adarna in O'Hara's "Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio"

His second film “Tukso” was a finalist in Cinemalaya in 2007 and won Best Screenplay for which he also won a Palanca Award. Currently he is a faculty member of St. Scholastica’s College Department of Mass Communication and VP for the international Institute for Film and the Arts.

His theater background will be an advantage in producing “Siya Ang Mayor Ko” in this year’s Cinemalaya competition. “I am able to cast actors who are very talented and qualified for their roles. I have a big pool that I can get personally who can work for me. And my own experience will serve me well in terms of dealing with actors.”

A few of the cast members of “Tatlong Maria” have also acted in Cinemalaya projects: Che Ramos “Mangatyanan”, Mailes Canapi “My Fake American Accent”, Nonie Buencamino “Panggagahasa Kay Fe” and Paolo O’ Hara “Batad”.

Mario O'Hara w Angeli Bayani who was cast in Pink Halo Halo and Paolo Rodriguez is cast as the treacherous Pedro Giron in "Paglilitis..."