Gab Pangilinan backs Biñan theater movement
Fresh from portraying Mary Magdalene in 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' the award-winning actress joins YPC Stage's maiden production to help bridge Manila and regional theater.
All photos by YPC.
Daily TribuneFresh from portraying Mary Magdalene in 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' the award-winning actress joins YPC Stage's maiden production to help bridge Manila and regional theater.
All photos by YPC.
With Euden Moje in ''Ilihan at Kalingaw.'
Gab Pangilinan with Ross Pesigan, Kokoy de Santos, and Phi Phalmos.
After taking on the iconic role of Mary Magdalene in the Manila run of Jesus Christ Superstar, Gab Pangilinan is returning to a more intimate stage production, this time lending her talent to Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet, the maiden production of YPC Stage, the professional touring arm of the Biñan Youth Performance Council (YPC).
Known for acclaimed performances in Mula sa Buwan, Ang Huling El Bimbo, The Last Five Years, Pingkian: Isang Musikal, We Aren't Kids Anymore and, most recently, Jesus Christ Superstar in Solaire, Pangilinan said accepting Mapanakit! was about supporting a community that shares her passion for theater.
"For me, it wasn't an easy decision because, based on everybody's stories, I'm sure narinig at nakita ninyo, whenever I choose a show or a production to be part of, the first thing I look at is the people involved," Pangilinan said during the production's press conference.
"What's important to me is the love within the production, their love for the arts and their love for theater."
That conviction ultimately led her to YPC Stage, whose roots in Biñan's community theater scene impressed the actress.
"From what I've seen, Biñan has such a deep appreciation for arts and culture, and for how its people love their home," she said. "They're so proud of it. For me, that's something I really wanted to be part of."
Written by Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by BJ Borja, Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet is composed of three one-act plays exploring love, longing, heartbreak and hope: Ang Liknayan ng Ating mga Katawan, Ilihan at Kalingaw: Ang Lihim na Istorya ng mga Buringkantada, and Ganito ang Pinangarap Kong Kasal.
Pangilinan portrays Inihan in Ilihan at Kalingaw: Ang Lihim na Istorya ng mga Buringkantada. She admitted that unlike roles she immediately connects with, this one took time to sink in.
"I'm the type of person who needs a script to be a slow burn. I have to read it again and again before I fall in love with it, before I fall in love with the character," the 34-year-old actress said.
"The more I immersed myself in the story of Inihan at Kalingaw, the more I appreciated it. Grabe ang mga salita ni Eljay Castro. Mapanakit talaga siya. Pero sabi nga ng asawa ko kanina, mapang-akit din,'" she laughed.
For Pangilinan, the production also represents something bigger than a single theatrical run. She believes it demonstrates that meaningful theater thrives well beyond Metro Manila.
"It wasn't the easiest decision for me to be part of Mapanakit because it hasn't been done before," she said. "Manila is huge and filled with so many talented artists and capable theater practitioners. But you don't realize how many more theater practitioners there are outside Manila."
She added that helping connect those communities is an opportunity she deeply values.
"Just having the opportunity to bridge that gap for a community like YPC and the people of Biñan, who are willing to invest in something like this, means a lot," she said. "Hindi naman mura ang mag-produce ng isang production. It takes so many people, so much manpower, and so much money just to bring something like this to life."
Pangilinan also hopes more collaborations between Manila artists and regional theater groups will follow.
"Manila can become an echo chamber because tayo-tayo lang din ang nagkikita at nagtatrabaho," she said. "Being able to work with people outside Manila is such a privilege, and I'm just very grateful to be part of it."
Joining Pangilinan in Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet are Phi Palmos, Kokoy de Santos, Ross Pesigan, Jury Sanchez, Euden Moje and Loudette Barias. The production features three one-act plays: Ang Liknayan ng Ating mga Katawan, Ilihan at Kalingaw: Ang Lihim na Istorya ng mga Buringkantada, and Ganito ang Pinangarap Kong Kasal.
Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet will be staged at the KAL-IBG Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, on 25–26 July, 1–2 August, and 7–9 August, with performances at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.