Filipina Empowerment in ARDP’s ENCANTADA

Whiplike action of the hair is one of the unique moves highlighting femininity by choreographer Agnes Locsin. ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Long hair has always been a symbol of femininity. Leave it to National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin, to use it as a means to convey energy, vibrance. There’s a whiplike action of the female dancer’s hair, as means to show their becoming. When a dozen women do it in unison, one after another, it can be both liberating and fearsome. As well as a thing of beauty. The group of dancers aptly named Kababaihan.

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The Kababaihan in ENCANTADA has the bulk of movement and athleticism. Equaled only by their rival group, the all-male Guardias Civil.

Guardias Civil overwhelm Kababaihan; ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Encantada a metaphor for the Filipina empowerment. Using the mythic figure of the Encantada. And then the struggle for freedom, religious repression, throughout our history.

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Georgette Sanchez-Vargas (Encantada); ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

In later chapters, the female dancers tied up their hair as a symbol of restraint. Hence the battle scenes and the ‘rape’ and attacks on their personhood.

Kris-Belle P. Mamangon (Babaylan) falls to the Guardia Civil; ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Many Themes

The real genius of the creative team between Agnes Locsin, Librettist Al Santos, Composer Joey Ayala and even the late Salvador Bernal (National Artist for Theater Design) is that their work touches on many interpretations and themes. Including history, the environment and yes, the struggle of women, the struggle of the Filipino indigenous people. Entertaining and endlessly thought provoking at the same time.

From left: Librettist Al Santos, Natl Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin and Composer Joey Ayala. ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

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ENCANTADA drew a raucous ovation at the opening in the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater in Ayala Malls Circuit last April 14, 2023. And will have a much anticipated run at the Metropolitan Theater (in Manila) this weekend, April 22 and 23. With an afternoon showing as well. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this historic production that was originally successfully run in 1992.

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The main lobby overlooks the Makati Skyline and features the artwork of Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala. The Jaime Zobel Sr. Hall may be booked for functions or accompanying events of currently playing productions.

The event is organized by the ARDP (Alice Reyes Dance Philippines), PASP (Professional Artist Support Program) with support from The Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Metropolitan Theater and The Carmen D. Locsin Foundation.

Top: Georgette Sanchez-Vargas (Encantada); ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Davao Connection

Davaoeños are in touch with nature and the indigenous culture. In a way, that is perhaps more than Manileños and other parts of the country. Choreographer Agnes Locsin, Composer and musician Joey Ayala and Librettist Al Santos all hail from the ‘Crown Jewel of Mindanao’. Mount Apo looms over the city which may have been an inspiration. The imposing Mountain set designed by Salvador Bernal and restaged by his long time collaborator Eric Cruz.

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Al Santos in an interview said there’s a chance to bring the show to other parts of the country, “There are plans. People consider this now a classic. In terms of dance, in terms of music. And bringing together other indigenous elements, local folklore and local dance.” For now, the run at the MET has people excited, “Yes, The Metropolitan Theater is very accessible and we expect a lot of people to be there as well.”

From left: Vocalist and Percussionist Tapati (Ang Bagong Lumad), Kris-Belle P. Mamangon (Babaylan), Librettist and Lyricist Al Santos and Composer Joey Ayala. ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Santos’ favorite portion of ENCANTADA is the last act, “It’s always the last part. The revival summarizes the message of the performance. No matter how much suffering we’ve been through, we always recover. That’s the Filipino spirit.”

Center: Georgette Sanchez-Vargas (Encantada) and Kris-Belle P. Mamangon (Babaylan) in black. ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Bayang Barrios; ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bayang Barrios

Before the curtain is raised there are the drums, the rhythms. Then the gongs of our ancestors, all live. Performed by composer Joey Ayala and long-time band: ANG BAGONG LUMAD.

Top: Richardson Yadao (Fraile), bottom (Guardias Civil): John Ababon, Renzen Arboleda, Erl Sorilla, Ejay Arisola, Dan Dayo, Lester Reguindin and Ricmar Bayoneta. ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then a familiar but haunting voice. The voice of mother nature, both ancient and youthful, soulful. The reason why her voice is so stirring especially for ENCANTADA is her genuine Lumad roots. Lumad is translated from Visayan as “born from the earth” and refers to a wide range of tribes and indigenous peoples of Mindanao. Bayang is part of the Manobo tribe and was born in Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur.

From left: Kris-Belle P. Mamangon (Babaylan), Librettist and Lyricist Al Santos, Natl Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin, ARDP Artistic Director Ronelson Yadao (Estranghero), Composer Joey Ayala, Georgette Sanchez-Vargas (Encantada) and Vocalist Bayang Barrios. ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

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“She is the face of Filipino indigenous musicians…Bayang grew up with the river-dwelling Manobos whom she recalls were fisherfolk, hunters, and nipa weavers. In a Kalinaw Kultura interview, she also recalls witnessing their ancestral domains taken away by newcomers who traded land rights for food, among other offerings, which resulted in the Manobos pushed to more remote areas of Agusan” From Good News Pilipinas:

https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/meet-bayang-barrios-lumad-woman-warrior-artist-for-indigenous-peoples/

From left: Georgette Sanchez-Vargas (Encantada), Vocalist Bayang Barrios and Ronelson Yadao (Fraile). ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

That’s why when you see the Kababaihan do battle with the Guardias Civil in ENCANTADA, Bayang’s voice lends it authenticity. It’s a voice of the people who experienced repression, historically and even today. You can feel the pain in her voice. Bayang in 2019, very courageously spoke out in behalf of Lumad schools. This was after Pres. Duterte suggested bombing Lumad schools because they were hotbeds of communist rebels without providing evidence. Bayang also worked as a teacher specifically with the Manobos, prior to becoming a professional musician.

Bayang Barrios in Manobo textile; ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From right: Katrene San Miguel, Kris-Belle P. Mamangon (Babaylan), Michaella Carreon, Karla Santos, Monica Gana, Janine Arisola, Ma. Cel Dofitas and Carissa Adea. ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Illonggo and Davao Dancers

The Davao connection is not just with the Creative team but also among the dancers: Kris Belle Mamangun (Babaylan), John Ababon and Sarah Alejandro. Kris Belle Mamangun’s cut physique came in great use with the extremely athletic and difficult moves. That may be identified with gymnastics and cheer dance than ballet. Kris Belle pulled them off easily as she was part of Cirque Du Soleil’s ZAIA in 2008 and is a certified Pilates instructor.

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Apart from Davao, there’s a strong Illonggo contingent within the cast including title role Georgette Sanchez Vargas, ARDP mainstays Erl Sorilla, Ejay Arisola, Janine Arisola and Ma. Cel Dofitas.

Foreground: Georgette Sanchez-Vargas (Encantada) and Richardson Yadao (Fraile); ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista

Georgette was also part of the 1992 version. Although she says that was in a different role, as part of Kababaihan. Among the young dancers she is most proud of kababayan Ma. Cel Dofitas whom she watched in her youth. And now Macel is an alternate for the title role as well in Ecantada. If audiences watch the afternoon shows, they may see Macel as Encantada.

Center: Ma Celina Dofitas (Encantada); ENCANTADA opening night was at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, April 14, 2023. There will be a run at the Metropolitan Theater this weekend – April 22 and 23. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)

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