Star Powerhouse

For someone who has seen #MabiningMandirigma on its gala show on its first run, to the second set a few months after...and even on its third run, it's quite inevitable not to have some memorable moments with this much acclaimed (and loved) steam punk musicale.

Armand Ferrer as Emilio Aguinaldo | (c) Kurt Copon Tanghalang Pilipino is on its 30th theatrical season and for its mid – season offering is the acclaimed and multi – awarded Mabining Mandirigma a steampunk musical from Dr. Nicanor Tiongson’s narrative entitled “Mabining Mandirigma (The Gentle Warrior)”.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Mabining Mandirigma,” a reappraisal in musical form of the heroism and legacy of Apolinario Mabini that featured the radical casting of a female actor in the role of the revolutionary patriot, took the lead in the 2015 nominations for the Gawad Buhay!, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts, with 13 nods in the performance and technical categories. Following “Mabining Mandirigma” is the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s “Arbol de Fuego,” which transposed Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” to the haciendas of Negros in the martial law era, with 12 nominations.

Some may say his destiny to become a thespian in Philippine theater was laid down even before he was born. After all, his mother is none other than the Original Diva, Ms. Dulce. But David Ezra has worked hard literally and figuratively to reach wherever he is right now. Born David Ezra Llamedo Cruz, David is not new in the theater scene. As a graduate of University of Santo Tomas (UST) Conservatory of Music with a degree in Music Education majoring in Voice, he has wide experience in musical theater. He takes pride in being honed through UST's musical revue of some of Broadway's biggest hits. He was even part of Repertory Philippines' Sweeney Todd and Seussical.

Mabining Mandirigma 2015 With the overwhelming success of its initial run last July 2015 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with the support of the National Commission for the Culture and Arts, brings back the hit musical play, Mabining Mandirigma to cap off its 29th theatre season. Written by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, this musical play foregrounds the legal and diplomatic heroism of Apolinario Mabini.

CALL FOR AUDITION!!! PRODUCTION: CCP Tanghalang Pilipino’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA, A Steampunk Musical A contemporary musical foregrounding the intellectual heroism of Apolinario Mabini, who in the second phase of Philippine revolution, displayed an uncommon vision, a warrior’s spirit, and a principled character, as he struggled against all odds to enjoin his countrymen to go beyond considerations of class, clan, economic gain, and personal ambition, so they could think and act as citizens of one nation.  DETAILS: OPEN AUDITION on December 11, 2015 at 6:00PM – 10:00PM at the CCP

Mabining Mandirigma About: It is a steampunk musical foregrounding the intellectual heroism of Apolinario Mabini, who in the second phase of Philippine revolution, displayed an uncommon vision, a warrior’s spirit, and a principled character, as he struggled against all odds to enjoin his countrymen to go beyond considerations of class, clan, economic gain and personal ambition, so they could think and act as citizens of one nation. In partnership with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) to close the year-long celebration of the 150th birthday of Apolinario Mabini.