Ranaw: Isang Alamat (the Musical)

Hail! A hero Arrives

I watched another IPAG production entitled Ranaw: Isang Alamat (the musical) last September 25, 2008 at the MSU-IIT Mini theatre. The Integrated Performing Arts Guild or IPAG is the resident theatre company of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. I have seen their performances in Tales From Mindanao and other shows during my undergrad years. I also watched their non-verbal play entitled Uwahig (read as Wa-ig) and a play drama entitled MingMing when I was already working.

Ranaw is one of the highlights of the Ruby Celebration of MSU-IIT. It was also produced by an endowment from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). It is good to note that Ranaw was a winner in the 1985 CCP Playwriting Contest. Ranaw started in 1986 and I am glad that I had the chance to see it 22 years later.

The synopsis of Ranaw:

Unjustly accused by his foster parents, Bato escapes to Ranaw. His journey is eventful and dangerous but his 4 enchanted weapons help him overcome the hazards. He saves Kamayungan, princess of a rival tribe, and an old couple who in gratitude adopts him as a son. He saves the couple’s village from a terrible scourge and the constant harrassments of a war-lord Baringigan. The people crown him Datu (ruler) and offer him a local lass for his wife. He is instead intrigued by the mysterious Kamayungan who is Baringigan’s bethrothed bride. Kamayungan and Bato fall in love and Baringigan vows vengeance. The conflict among Baringigan’s, Kamayungan’s, and Bato’s tribes heightens with the news that “white men” have plundered their coasts even as Bato tries to unify the people.

5 Things I liked about Ranaw

1. I had free passes from my co-teachers. It’s not my first time though because I received a complimentary ticket before for MingMing from one of the actors of the play.
2. Bato Lakungan, the hero of the play, has a very good singing voice. I was quiet disappointed at first because I really thought that he would grow up. Michael Lagura, the actor that played Bato, looks very young on stage and I was expecting a more mature hero.
3. Kamayungan, portrayed by Juvy Pelos, was very lovely. She is the love interest of Bato. I think the “kilig” component of the play heightened with the high school students as the major spectators. Jetaime Yamut, alternating as Kamayungan, was also a good actress according to my friend who watched earlier.
4. The musical has everything on it- dances, songs and dialogs. The story is beautifully knitted with the cultural backgrounds of the Maguidanaon, Maranao, Higa-unon and Iliganon.
5. IPAG continues to enthrall me with their repertoire. I am really privileged to witness world-class performances from just a few steps from my office.