1995 - 1996 NEW MARA UNDUK HAD 30 PERFORMANCES!
After watching a performance at Travelmart (SM Manila), of Iloilo’s Dagyaw” and a dance-drama performed by the Leyte Dance Company group of Jess de Paz, Obligacion and Mariposque agreed that it was not impossible at all for Balangaw to come up with a similar winner
“Mara Unduk” could be presented with fresh ideas so that the group was ready with a material it could bring anywhere outside Marinduque, right?
It was evident, however, that the group could not take any chance with another “hoy, tama na ‘yan!” novelty.
The verbal exchange that eventually happened was between the founder of Balangaw and Mandia this time. The latter strongly opposed the idea of staging a new Mara Unduk though he was preoccupied with work in Manila and couldn't do it..
After a long, heated discussion that lasted from night till morning it was setttled. They were long-time friends yet the standing rule must now be upheld: “Nobody is indispensable in theater”.
“Who is going to direct it? Who is going to choreograph it?”, Mandia asked.
“I am in charge. They will be found!”
A Mara Unduk performance at Boac Town Plaza
Roni Abario of Or. Mindoro, a stage actor who also worked as dubbing supervisor at ABS-CBN like Mandia was welcomed by Eli and Rudi to the Balangaw home.
“Tinanong ako ni Danny kung paano ko gagawin ang mga sayaw ng Mara Unduk. Nakita ko ang video nung ginawa niya na hindi ko maintindihan. Ang sabi ko lang, ‘basta mas maganda diyan’!” Roni said.
"MARA UNDUK” became Balangaw’s biggest winner in those days. This collaborative work among Abario, Mariposque and Obligacion was good for over 30 performances in Boac and Gasan. Within one year, invitational performances at Nayong Pilipino, Museong Pambata Finally, Raha Sulaiman Theater for the Philippine Educational Theater Association's National Youth Theater Festival became the happiest performances of
