On the Media launch today October 12, 2021 in regard to the upcoming virtual event on The Metropolitan Theater this October 24, 2021 6:00pm Entitled: Lapu Lapu Ang Datu ng Mactan, musical play and it’s the first time MET performances after decades but now it’s open and restored.
The significant opening of MET through restoration walk is a collaborative effort of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Museum, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Association of the Architect of the Philippines and cultural groups.
The MET has almost been restored at its original look aside from the sitting arrangement and capacity of 1,000 it has been lessen. The surround sound system is by Dolby. The MET now is the 2nd biggest venue next only to Marina bay, Singapore and biggest with Dolby Audio System in the whole Philippines.
As a backgrounder MET was built in 1929 and open in 1931. Atty Nick Pichay is the writer of musical play Lapulapu ang Datu ng Mactan with the team of courage, unity aiming to be an instrument of unification amidst the pandemic.
According to NCCA Chairperson Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso he has plans to bring abroad the Musical play specifically in Dubai this February. Unfortunately the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) did not allow a face to face Premiere on MET on October 24, 2021 6:00PM.
MJ Olvina Balaguer of DZMJ Online, Makabuluhang Jornalismo your happiness channel, +639053611058, maryjaneolvina@gmail.com
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October 12, 2021
NCCA stages ‘Lapulapu’ musical at Newly-Conserved Metropolitan Theater Play is its first theatrical production after 25 years of closure
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is streaming the musical Lapulapu, ang Datu ng Mactan on October 24, 2021, at the newly-conserved Metropolitan Theater (MET).
Lapulapu, Ang Datu ng Mactan, the first theatrical production at the MET since it closed its doors in 1996. The public presentation will be part of the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, the Year of Filipino Pre-Colonial Ancestors, and the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month.
NCCA Chairperson and Cultural Center of the Philippines president Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso spearheaded the project as Artistic Director.
Aside from Lizaso, gracing the press conference were Marichu G. Tellano, NCCA OIC-Executive Director; and Dr. Rene R. Escalante, Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and concurrent Vice-Chairperson of the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC).
With a libretto written by award-winning poet and lawyer Nicolas B. Pichay and set to music by Krina Cayabyab, Lapulapu, ang Datu ng Mactan is directed by UP ProfessorDexter M. Santos, who is known fordirecting many plays such as the musical Ang Huling El Bimbo and the classic Orosman at Zafira, with choreography by Stephen Viñas and Kenneth Torres.
The play unpacks the many events commemorated this year, which includes the Victory at Mactan in 1521, as told from the point of view of the mysterious Lapulapu, symbol of Philippine resistance to all forms of oppression; the circumnavigation of the world, as told from the point of view of the trip’s chronicler Juan Sebastian Elcano; and the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, as seen from the lens of Reyna Juana. This meta tale explores how history—and what people choose to be the lessons from it—contribute to the cultural identity and to the strength of any nation.
Santos described this task as daunting, but he expressed that, “the overflowing generosity and commitment of the whole company will make this journey possible.”
Leading cast is popular tenor and theater actor Arman Ferrer, who plays the main protagonist Lapulapu. Other cast members include Andre Tiangco, who essays the role of Ferdinand Magellan; Red Nuestroas Rajah Humabon; Cara Barredo as Reyna Juana; Natasha Cabrera as Babaylan; Paw Castillo as Enrique de Malacca;Robert Barbers as Juan Sebastian de Elcano;Al Gatmaitan as Antonio Pigafetta; and Ivan Niccolo Nery as Papa Alexander XI and Padre Pedro de Valderrama.
NCCA Arts Ambassador and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, as well as public historian Xiao Chua, is also participating in the production, which was led by Aaron Veloso as acting theater director, Adriana Agcaoili as creative director, Gino Gonzales as production designer, Dennis Marasigan as lighting director, and GA Fallarme as video designer.
Lapulapu, Ang Datu ng Mactan will be streamed on the Facebook page of The Metropolitan Theater, and will be cross-posted on the pages of the NCCA, Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO),the NHCP,the NQC, and other partner institutions’ official Facebook pages on October 24, 2021, Sunday at 6PM.///NCCA
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October 21, 2021
The Met Bows Anew with “Lapulapu, Ang Datu ng Mactan”
The Metropolitan Theater’s maiden production, the musical “Lapulapu, ang Datu ng Mactan” is already grand with its scope and what it stands for, including the re-inauguration of the MET. The said production also boasts of the most exciting stage performers in the country, headed by foremost tenor and musical theater lead, Arman Ferrer, in the title role.
However, if there is one thing that will make “Lapulapu, ang Datu ng Mactan” worthy of being the maiden production of the revered Metropolitan Theater, it will be the collaboration among the members of the production and creative team, led by director Dexter Santos, who helmed the theater blockbusters “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and various Dulaang UP productions, with Nicolas Pichay as “Lapulapu” Librettist.
“I am glad to be asked to direct the production that will open the new chapter of MET,” says Dexter. “The task is more meaningful since this means the chance to collaborate with hardworking and passionate artists during the pandemic.”
“Lapulapu, ang Datu ng Mactan” also features the remarkable work of musical director Krina Cayabyab.
Aside from original songs written by Nicolas Pichay and composed by Krina Cayabyab, “Lapulapu, Ang Datu ng Mactan” will also feature products of PhilPop Bootcamp 2019, in partnership with the National Quincentennial Committee, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
These songs include “Kahayag” (Music and Lyrics by CJ Kaamiño); “Mactan” (Music and Lyrics by Kian Dionisio); “Baka Bukas” (Music and Lyrics by Thyro Alfaro, Yumi Lacsamana, Lara Maigue, Davey Langit, Marlon Barnuevo); and “Bagani “ (Music and Lyrics by Roel Rostata).
The production will also be a feast for the senses as it features the works of the industry’s best – Set and Costume Supplier Gino Gonzales, Lighting Director Dennis Marasigan, Sound Engineer Rards Corpus, Video Designer GA Fallarme and Choreographers Stephen Viñas and Kenneth Torres. Stage management is by Ed Murillo.
You can watch this spectacle of a production this October 24 at the official Facebook page of the Metropolitan Theater (http://facebook.com/metphofficial).