Ibalong The 2nd Run Gala Night

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ibalong returned to the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) stage, giving more people the chance to experience for themselves this epic musical which was the company’s hit from their previous season. I was also able to experience again this musical adapted by Rody Vera from a Bicolano epic fragment. Read my thoughts from the previous run here.

Remus Villanueva

Seeing Ibalong for the second time made me notice things that I wasn’t able to take note during my first time seeing it. First of all, it was nice to be able to see Remus Villanueva in the role of Handyong this time around. He brought a different take to the role with his physically imposing presence and a singing voice that also acted the part. I anticipated very much the emotional highlight for his character at the second act wherein he sings a cappella. As always, it delighted me to see the alternate actor whenever I get another chance to see a play or musical since it gives me a new insight and perspective to the character.

Cheeno Macaraig

Cheeno Macaraig, who portrayed the young Handyong displayed once again why he is one of the best movers/dancers in the whole cast. I couldn’t help but think that the adult Handyong somehow tightened up as he got older since Cheeno was full of spring, very flexible and nimble in his role. And Remus and Myke Salomon weren’t able to match the physical prowess of Cheeno.

Trixie Esteban

I also noticed that the fight scene between Cheeno and Jenine Desiderio’s Oryol was now smoother and fluid, and less telegraphed. Before, Oryol was already in the defense even before Handyong was ready to strike but there was almost none of that in this run. Again, Jenine was sultry and seductive as the half-snake Oryol. She was able to establish herself clearly as the seasoned and experienced creature next to a much younger Handyong in Remus. Also, May Bayot was finally in her element this time and didn’t struggle at all in her songs that required her to do those tricky shifts in registers. I remember noticing that she was not in her best form during the first time that I saw this musical.

Nicolo Magno

Lastly, I was able to pick out the subtle changes in the arrangement of the music of the Ibalong main theme. During the musical’s first half, the arrangement used a lot more ethnic instruments and the sound was more tribal, organic and explosive. During the second half’s reprise of this main theme, the arrangement now was more electronic, polished, urban and catering more to popular and mainstream tastes. I felt as if the music composed by Carol Bello also reflected the loss of wilderness as the land became more tamed and civilized.

Red Nuestro

It was also interesting to see the new faces of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company in this production as part of the ensemble. Probably my only regret in this run of Ibalong was that I wasn't able to see Delphine Buencamino as Oryol. It would've been very interesting to see how her take on that role would be.

Tangahalang Pilipino Actors Company

Before going back to the CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino had Ibalong on tour and they were able to stage it in Legazpi during the city’s Ibalong festival. TP’s artistic director Nanding Josef was proud to say that it was received warmly. It would not surprise me at all if Ibalong will be brought on tour once again and be one of the staples in Tanghalang Pilipino’s repertoire.