A Play Review

“Lam-Ang: An Ethno-Epic Musical”

Gemuel Santos

Witness the rebirth of the Ilocano epic "Ang Biag ni Lam-Ang" as our hero Lam-Ang
embarks on a perilous yet exciting journey on the Tanghalang Pilipino stage!

Lam-Ang: An Ethno-Epic Musical is a stage adaptation of Jen Darlene Torres and Eljay
Castro Deldoc’s version of the epic, published by Isabelo Delos Reyes. It is a different retelling
of the epic, many of us may have encountered in our school books or perhaps, seen in one of the
local bookstores around.

It tells the tale of Lam-Ang (JC Santos), a powerful, almost god-like warrior who was born
with the ability to speak. After his father warrior disappears during one battle, he decides to
embark on a search for his long-lost father. His violence outraged, fighting tribesmen who dared
to challenge his supremacy. He kills a sacred crocodile, defeats a once-loyal brother-figure,
conquers other tribes, and is told of another land to conquer with a beautiful female leader he
could marry. Kannoyan (Anna Luna), a high-born woman who disguises herself as a commoner,
runs into Lam-Ang on the street and challenges him to a street brawl. Lam-Ang soon discovers
that the feisty girl he met on the street is the woman he intends to marry, he then agrees to her
sole condition of bringing back the most valuable thing from his tribe to win her favor.

In each and every scene, JC Santos gives us a remarkable performance as Lam-Ang, while
Anna Luna’s depiction of the hardheaded, strong, and feisty Kannoyan adds much flavor to the
play. Meanwhile, the other casts of the theatre play: Tex Ordonez-de Leon who takes over the
role of Baglan/narrator, Ybes Bagadiong as Tangguob, Lance Reblando as Taraok, Jonathan
Tadioan as Gibuan, Alvin Maghanoy as Batang Lam-ang, Hazel Maranan as Namongan, Remus
Villanueva as Lokan, Raflesia Bravo as Saridandan, Joshua Cabiladas as Gumakas, Paw Castillo
as Sumarang, and Karenina Ng as Unnayan and the people joining them in the ensemble; Francis
Gatmaytan, Rapah Manalo, VJ Cortel, Gabo Tolentino, Gry Gimena, Miah Canton, Alys
Serdenia, JV Ibesate, Lhorvie Nuevo, and Antonette Go also gives us an outstanding
performance that can make everyone shiver in astonishment.

The music, singing, and chanting scenes are very admirable. It keeps the influence of the
Ilocanos’ culture but the presence of pop elements are also there. Thanks to Jen Darlene Torres
for writing such wonderful music and also for the musical direction and sound design of TJ
Ramos. On the other hand, the lighting of the play is very commendable. It gives us shadow
effects and makes it much easier for the audience to identify who is speaking and to highlight
important scenes.

The Tanghalang Pilipino did excellent research as well. They based the costumes, stage
design, and props not just on the epic itself, but also on Fay-Cooper Cole's study of the
Tingguian and Itneg people, which was published in "The Tinguian: Social, Religious, and
Economic Life of a Philippine Tribe." They also went to Ifugao, where they met chanters who
told them stories that inspired the cultural and old look tribe of stage play's design. It also
showcases the tribe’s traditional colorful woven cloths and handicrafts. Marco Viaña (Direction,
Set and Props Design), Jen Darlene Torres (Music and Lyrics), Eljay Castro Deldoc (New Book,
Lyrics and Dramaturgy), and Fitz Edward Bitana (Direction, Music, and Lyrics) really did a
superb work, producing an utterly brilliant stage play.

Overall, Tanghalang Pilipino's "Lam-Ang: An Ethno-Epic Musical" resurrects an old

Filipino epic with youthful and slightly modern vibes to capture the public's attention and remind
us of the beauty, richness, and importance of our very own culture. This stage production is
deserving of a much larger audience!