MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Teatro Kaugnay, the Philippines’ premier and only all-soldier theater group, once performs LIYAB, an original Filipino musical play at the Metropolitan Theater on August 13.
The production highlights pivotal chapters in the nation’s history, bringing to life the enduring legacy of Philippine national heroes through narratives rooted in valor, self-sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism.
Spearheaded by Teatro Kaugnay alongside KreativExpo Inc., the Metropolitan Theater, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), LIYAB serves as the country’s first major musical performed by active-duty soldiers from the Philippine Army.
Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz, Deputy Executive Director for Operations of the NCCA, opened the program alongside Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, who highlighted the significance of the play to the Filipinos.
Staged in celebration of Buwan ng Wika, Buwan ng Kasaysayan, and Araw ng mga Bayani, Liyab brought color to the realm of the military through its performances at the Met.
The one-act musical play showcased the struggles of early Filipinos in understanding nationalism during the Spanish colonization. Spanning a chronological timeline, the narrative unveils the foundation of early Philippine history, culture, and national identity while honoring the sacrifices of brave Filipinos who fought to build and protect the nation.
The performance kickstarted with Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, transitioned onto the timeline of Gabriela Silang, then back to historical events during the 1800s with Rizal and Andres Bonifacio as core figures leading the revolution. Among the highlights is Gen. Vicente Lim during the Philippine Commonwealth where the play creatively recounted his contribution in the military landscape while actively defending the nation against the American intruders.
The play exhibited a mix of literary storytelling, poems, kundiman, and rap-style music.
Liyab is a product of the artistic vision of Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte who champions fusion between arts and culture with military values. With the libretto of Captain Ralph Andy Ranario, the play ignites national consciousness and emphasizes the stronghold of fraternity towards building a stronger nation.
Following a successful Manila run, LIYAB will take the story on the road. A regional tour will visit schools and local communities nationwide to foster national unity, and a deeper appreciation for Filipino heritage.
Photos courtesy of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
