I was smiling from start to finish. Watching Philippine Opera Company’s Ang Bagong Harana ignites my love for the country and appreciates the beauty and richness of the Filipino culture. Sadly it was only running for three days and the last day will be at October 1, 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza in Makati City. But I am hoping that there will be more presentation of Ang Bagong Harana in the future here in Metro Manila and even in the regions where it promotes nationalism and culture to its viewers. It was brilliantly directed by Floy Quinto and choreographed by Raul Nepomuceno Jr.
Before seeing the musical, I thought it was just a pure presentation of different versions of kundiman or harana depending on the milieu and region. But when I saw the presentation of the Philippine Opera Company it was more than that instead it tackles different forms of love. They show love for the special someone, for mothers who nurtured each one of us with love as we grew and love for country and freedom. They also present different regional songs, traditions and rituals that shows how colorful and rich is our culture. They did traditional Cordillera and Maranao chants that used as part of the planting and harvesting rituals. From the beautiful songs that were arranged by Jessie Lasaten, Paulo Zarate and Von de Guzman, I also enjoyed the medley of the contemporary Filipino songs created by Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco and Willy Cruz.
Aside from the songs, dance performance was also a highlight of the musical where the actors joined the dancers as they sing their songs. Lastly, the production designs especially the costumes designed by Zenaida Guttierez compliments very well on the big and serious is the production of the Philippine Opera Company.
Performers of the Philippine Opera Company’s Ang Bagong Harana include Karla Gutierrez, Aizel Prietos, Charley Magalit, Janine Santos, Marian Santiago, Lawrence Jatayna, Jack Salud, Nazer Salcedo, Marvin Gayramon, Al Gatmaitan, Jurgen Unterberg and Floyd Tena.
Their performance will be until October 1 (matinee at 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm). For ticket sales please call Philippine Opera Company at 881-7168 or 0917-5272880 or TicketWorld at 891-9999 or log on to www.philippineoperacompany.com.
