Legend of Mayon Volcano brought to life in Daragang Magayon

February 8, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

The Mayon Volcano in Bicol, Albay is undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks and tourist destinations in the Philippines. But behind the volcano’s perfect cone shape, there’s a legendary tale of love between Magayon and Ulap that most people outside of Bicol do not know. And now, the legend will be told through dance as the E-Dance Theater, the Provincial Government of Albay, Bicol University in cooperation with Goodwill Bookstore and Ballet Manila, present Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon to be held this February 8, 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). This dance presentation will have two performances: a 3:00 PM matinee and the Gala happening at 8:00 PM.

The myth of Daragang Mayon tells the story of the beautiful maiden Magayon who is the only daughter of chieftain Makusog. Ulap, the son of a chieftain from another region falls in love with Magayon and they become engaged. A jealous suitor, Pagtuga tries to foil the lovers’ plan to marry by kidnapping Makusog and threatening to kill him. I think that it’s best to watch the show to see the story unfold and find out how the Mayon Volcano figure in all of this. One of the innovations of this production is the use of multimedia like animation and film alongside the dancing on stage.

Victor Maguad and Ea Torrado

Starring in Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon are E-Dance Theater’s Ea Torrado as Magayon, Victor Maguad as Ulap, Francis Cascano as Pagtuga, Pamela Josef as Usa, Marcus Tolentino as Makusog and Roduardo Ma and Earvin Guillermo alternating as Linog.  The show is highlighted by the special participation of Ronnie Lazaro as Gugurang, Pontri Bernardo as the Aswang, soprano Stephanie Quintin, tenor Jay-El Viteno, Bass Jonak Del Fierro, and performing groups E-Dance Theater, UP Rondalla and Novo Concertante.

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon features the direction and choreography by E-Dance Theater’s artistic director Gerald Mercado, the music of Gawad CCP para sa Sining awardee Ramon P. Santos and the poetry of National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma). Albay poet laureate Abdon Balde Jr. serves as the dramaturg for the production. Aimee Escasa and Boni Ilagan did the storyline and script, while Leo Abaya and John Batalla did the set and lighting designs respectively.  Filmmakers Chuck Escasa, Niko Salazar and Henry Posadas worked on the filmic elements of the production that included animation making Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon a unique production fusing different art forms and media.

Abdon Balde Jr. Gerald Mercado, Victor Maguad, Gov. Joey Salceda, Ea Torrada
and Ramon Santos

This production of Daragang Magayon: Ang Istorya ni Mayon is supported by the Bicol Provincial government led by Governor Joey Salceda as part of its efforts to revitalize the tourist development program, highlighting Albay’s rich cultural heritage.

Ticket prices:

3:00 PM Matinee

P400 Orchestra Center

P300 Orchestra Side

P200 Balcony I

P100 Balcony II

8:00 PM Gala

P800 Orchestra Center

P600 Orchestra Side

P400 Balcony I

P300 Balcony II

For inquiries:

425-0509, (0920)926-6387, 832-1125 local 1116

For tickets:

829-3591, (0906) 273-5400, (0922) 847-7639, (0933) 437-2744

TicketWorld 891-9999