Juan Tamad reimagined

It looked like a protest: several individuals on the floor, with indiscriminate shouts from all corners of the hall. But upon closer look, I realized they were a bunch of energetic, enthusiastic school kids, participating in pre-program games. No one could stop them, as there were prizes on the line.

Part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Children’s Biennale, with the theme “Let’s Play!,” which encouraged active and hands-on participation of young ones, the CCP and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ (ARDP) rendered a memorable folktale, Mga Kwento ni Juan Tamad.

As the familiar sound of the CCP chimes rang, we noticed teachers immediately spurred into action with some last-minute reminders to listen very carefully and think about lessons they will learn from the performance. “I’ll get back to you for reflection,” one of them even teased.

The schoolchildren then marched into the main auditorium of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, two by two, some holding hands. It was definitely meant for the young, with friendly screening times of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And not only that, the sponsors were likewise hand-picked for the event, with popular local snacks at the forefront.

As the first notes of the Philippine National Anthem blared, we could not help but smile —the singing was the loudest we’ve heard in a long time! It reminded us of the first day of elementary school flag ceremony, filled with students eager to begin the school year.

This particular ARDP production introduced a twist to the classic tales of old Juan Tamad. Remember Manuel Conde’s depiction dressed in ostentatious garbs of old royalty? The story tells of him lazing about under a tree with his mouth open, waiting for a guava fruit to fall into it. But this time, the narrative has changed. Juan Tamad (Renzen Arboleda) remains a lazy boy, accompanied by his monkey best friend Matsing (Dan Dayo).

One lazy day — all have been nothing but lazy — the protagonist becomes completely smitten by Maria Masipag (Karla Santos). As expected, her parents (Lester Reguindin and Sarah Alejandro) disapprove and challenge Juan Tamad. And the only way to win her hand is to seek out the Gintong Niyog, stolen by the greedy Buwaya (Ejay Arisola).

Throughout the friendly duo’s adventures, they bump into other familiar characters in fables, such as the “Pagong at Kuneho” (John Ababon and Monica Gana) on a race, the “Gamu-gamu at Lampara” (Giana Hervas as the mother, Crizza Urmeneta as the child, and Francia Alejandro as the lamp), who fly too close to the light source, and even the “Buwaya at Paboreal” (Krislynne Buri), a tale of greed, ambition, and finally realization by the peacock.

During these journeys, the once-lethargic Juan Tamad transforms into a motivated quick-to-learn man who ultimately finds the Golden Niyog, with the help of his animal friends. The community rejoices and the couple lives happily ever after.

The main event’s wide set was rather contained, nothing too elaborate, but colorful and whimsical enough to light the audience’s imaginations ablaze. The entire program totally captivated the kids into a deep focus. There were no bathroom breaks needed. Unbelievable!

The book and choreography are by Erl Sorilla, while Toto Sorioso provided the music. Set and costume design were created by Loy Arcenas, while Barbara Tan-Tiongco worked on the lighting design.

National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, together with the cast and production crew, then took to the stage for a brief question-and-answer portion.

The hosts on the floor likewise asked attendees on their favorite characters and lessons learned. Hesitant and shy at first, once the emcees gave away prizes for answers, the auditorium suddenly buzzed with keen energy as the kids began lining up to share their own reflections on the theatrical dance performance.

Though fables have far gone outgrown most of us, these bright-eyed children embodied lessons they may carry on for the rest of their lives. And let’s just hope they do.

¡Viva!, Cultural Center of the Philippines! ¡Enhorabuena!, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines!