In April 1993, the Balangaw group made its debut in the Boac riverside area on a makeshift stage built for the purpose (provincial authorities refused to allow the use of an existing concrete stage just meters away known as Palacio de Moriones, as it "might be destroyed by the children").
“MORYONAN: ISANG BALIK TANAW” the intended play to be presented only once, also written by Obligacion, and directed by Mandia, was an attempt to trace the evolution of the Moriones from pre-Hispanic rituals to contemporary times. The play was presented (after unsuccessful overtures from certain leaders and politically-inspired groups to prevent it from being shown, something that surprised us, the group). It was merely intended to revive an age-old tradition of staging a street-event at Lent’s culmination.
The play was to be preceded by a moryon mask-and-costume street-parade that the young people - some 500 youth participants and some volunteer old folks who later read excerpts from “Pabasa”. Prizes donated solely by Montenegro were to be given to winning costumes and groups. National papers and television took notice.
The play was to be preceded by a moryon mask-and-costume street-parade that the young people - some 500 youth participants and some volunteer old folks who later read excerpts from “Pabasa”. Prizes donated solely by Montenegro were to be given to winning costumes and groups. National papers and television took notice.
Balangaw constructed a makeshift stage nearby as if to make the message that no one has the right to prevent Teatro Balangaw from presenting a youth-oriented fun-play that promotes creativity and unity among participants. In the middle of the noonday heat was a mammoth crowd that came to watch. The Manila Times was there to make their own coverage of this event.
By July 1993 the group was ready with “LABANAN SA PAYE (A MUSICAL), written by Obligacion. The material was based on actual stories and events that revolved around the character of Teofilo Roque, the ‘Battle of Paye’ hero. Fifteen (15) songs were composed (both lyrics and music), by Obligacion in the kundiman, balitaw and contemporary style, with keyboard musical arrangements done by Dindo Asuncion. Performers were from the Marinduque National High School with guest young artists from the Immaculate Conception College. Directed by Mandia and was performed at the Boac Covered Court from 7.00 pm on the day of the battle.
It was to be tbe turning point. The cooperation of the Municipality of Boac was formally obtained but exclusive only to use of the public venues, without funds solicited. A souvenir program with a message from the Mayor was readied by Obligacion with Montenegro agreeing to sponsor its publication. It was to highlight the municipality’s role in spearheading the Battle of Paye celebration consisting of various activities, the play being only one of them.
In an effort to avoid any further misunderstanding with the municipal authorities, a final draft of the program was readied. The play’s director, who was in Manila where the program was to see print. However, last-minute alterations on the cover-page gave a terribly wrong impression that caused an uproar. It omitted the participation of the municipal government who spearheaded the activities.
Worse, the Balangaw production page was likewise altered that billed the director, as also the scriptwriter.
As a result, the municipality umderstandably did not distribute the hundreds of program copies arriving one day before the presentation. “Mali!”, was the only word they could come up with. Consequently, no one from the municipio came to watch the free show and with the exception of curious passers-by and a few supporters the actors performed in a practically empty hall.
It was the period of reflection and re-examination of conscience by all the Marinduque-based members of the group.
It was the period of reflection and re-examination of conscience by all the Marinduque-based members of the group.
(to be continued)
