Mabining Mandirigma: A Steampunk Musical

After the success of the movie Heneral Luna, it became apparent

that most of the young population didn't know Apolinario Mabini
was disabled due to polio. In fact, very little is generally known
about him. Tanghalang Pilipino's Mabining Mandirigma, a
contemporary musical about the heroism of Mabini, was first
staged in July 2015
- Mabining Mandirigma dramatizes the setting, sound, and
story of Mabini’s patriotism in over-the-top steampunk fashion.
Director Millado knew that connecting with a new generation
would be difficult without a visual feast. His answer was a full-
fledged steampunk aesthetic, which is not only eye-catching, but
implies a telling marriage of the old and new.
- The story follows the life of Apolinario Mabini from 1898,
where Mabini acts as Adviser, Cabinet President, and first
Foreign Minister to President Aguinaldo. It is the first production in
the company’s 33rd season line-up that shares the theme,
“Makidigma.”
- According to Artistic Director Nanding Josef, “ [Ang
produksyon] ay tungkol sa pakikidigma laban sa mga
mananakop.”.
- Director Chris Millado says that the script and libretto (by
Nicanor Tiongson), which use Brechtian style, have been updated
with current political and social issues.

Did you know?

The show casts an actress as Mabini. The nontraditional choice

highlights the hero’s voice above the low tones of a male-
dominated roster.

The reason for this, director Chris Millado shares, is to emphasize

Mabini being othered—for his condition, his status, and eventually
his ideas. Not only does his voice need to rise above the rest of
the characters, a woman would also best represent the idea of
being othered, sharing the same experience of exclusion during
that time period.

When?

First staged in July 2015, has already 4 successful runs. The

latest run was staged from August 16 to September 1, 2019 which
served as Tanghalang Pilipino’s 33RD Season opener and CCP
50th Anniversary offering.

Where?

Tangalang Aurelio Tolentino (Litter Theater), Cultural Center of

the Philippines (CCP) Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

How?

According to Jeeves de Veyra, “Mabining Mandirigma” transforms

the Little Theater into a time machine. As the lights go out, the set
comes alive as gears whir, steam comes out from all over the
place, and flashbacks showing significant moments in Philippine
history were shown.

Who?

Written by author and film critic Nicanor Tiongson, PhD

Director - Chris Millado

Artistic Director - Nanding Josef

Music - Joed Balsamo

Set Design – Toym Imao

Cast:

Monique Wilson as Apolinario Mabini

Paw Castillo (Pepe) Phi Palmos (Pule/Mark Twain), Mia Bolaños

(Dionesia), Jonathan Tadioan (Felipe Buencamino), JV Ibesate
(Pedro Paterno), Lian Silverio (Felipe Calderon/Padre
Malabanan), Meynard Peñalosa (Benito Legarda/Mark Twain),
Anthony Peralta (Gregorio Araneta), Ian Hermogenes (Del
Pilar/Ensemble), Juancho Gabriel (Noriel/Ensemble), Joshua
Tayco (Ricarte/Sandiko/Ensemble), Jasper Cabra
(Trias/Ensemble), Kristofer Kilatchko (Antonio Luna/Ensemble),
Sigrid Balbas (General Bell/Ensemble), Roxy Aldiosa (Ensemble),
Maia Dapul (General MacArthur/Ensemble), Mikee Baskiñas
(Ensemble), Eunice Pacia (General Taft/Ensemble), Lhorvie
Nuevo (Ensemble), Blanche Buhia (Ensemble), Remus
Villanueva (Pedro Janolino/Dancer), Kul Dela Torre (Paco
Roman/Dancer), and Joel Eugenio (Eduardo Rusca/Dancer).

Creative Team:

Chino David (Co-arranger), Emerzon Texon (Co-arranger), TJ

Ramos (Sound Designer, Co-Arranger, and Sound and Mixing
Engineer), Ejay Yatco (Music Director), Krystal Kane (Assistant
Music Director), Manny Pambid (Dramaturg), Denisa Reyes
(Choreographer), Katsch Catoy (Lighting Designer), Barbara Tan-
Tiongco (Set Consultant), and GA Fallarme (Video Projection
Designer).

Sources:

https://vantage.theguidon.com/tanghalang-pilipinos-mabining-
mandirigma-spectacle-sentiment/

http://theaterfansmanila.com/watch-mabining-mandirigma-2019-
cast-starring-monique-wilson-performs-excerpts-from-the-show/

https://nolisoli.ph/66732/mabining-mandirigma-pmiranda-
20190829/

https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/08/23/19/theater-review-mabining-
mandirigma-is-back-and-more-relevant-than-ever

https://agimat.net/monique-wilson-is-the-new-mabining-
mandirigma/