Dazzling RAMAHARI

Foreground from left: Ejay Arisola (Rama), Katrene San Miguel (Sita), (Partially covered) Renzen Arboleda (King Sagreeva), Monica Gana (Towns people) and Erl Sorilla (Lakshmana). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and Photographed

By Jude Bautista

The modern design and interiors of the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater at Ayala Malls Circuit was the perfect backdrop for the dazzling spectacle that is RAMAHARI. The mythical love story has now become a classic in Filipinos hearts. Currently starring Karylle and Arman Ferrer in the lead roles of Rama and Sita. It opened there Friday, September 22, 2023 but has shows through the weekend. But also had play dates at the Manila Metropolitan Theater the week before.

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Ballet kick from (left): Karylle (Sita) and Katrene San Miguel (Sita). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Jaime Zobel Sr. Hall became an unofficial place for a reunion of the original cast in 1980. Sofia Zobel Elizalde played Soorpanakha in that original cast. She has since, established one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the country: STEPS DANCE STUDIO.

STEPS DANCE STUDIO Reunion: Monica Gana (Sita) and Sofia Zobel Elizalde (Soorpanakha); ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Monica Gana and Renzen Arboleda

Sofia was filled with pride seeing Monica Gana and Renzen Arboleda who are both graduates of STEPS. Monica is in the lead role of Sita (as dancer). There are two sets of performers for the cast, one for singers the other dancers.

Ronelson Yadao (Rama) and Monica Gana (Sita). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, September 14, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Renzen Arboleda is in the role of Lakshmana / King Sagreeva. The opening in Ayala Malls Circuit had Katrene San Miguel as Sita, while Monica was Sita in the Metropolitan Theater, September 15.

From left: Renzen Arboleda (Lakshmana), Ejay Arisola (Rama) and Erl Sorilla (King Sagreeva). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Perry Sevidal, a cast mate of Sofia, thought the current cast was more athletic. The choreography has since evolved to have even more complex movements. National Artist for dance Alice Reyes has added even more difficulty for the dancers but has resulted in a more impressive show. Perry is now a renowned ballet instructor, splitting her time between Pangasinan and Manila.

From left: Bangkok Bank Adviser to the President Claude Heberer, CCP Chief of Sponsorships and Market Dev. Becca Jose, CCP Dept. Mgr for Administrative Services Tess Rances, Conrad Manila Art Program Head Nestor Jardin and Ballet Instructor Perry Sevidal (original RAMAHARI cast). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

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1980 cast members who gave their full support that night (Sept. 22) included:

Lead dancers Nonoy Froilan (Rama), Alice Reyes (Sita), and singers Leo Valdez (Rama), Butch Esperanza (Lakshmana) and Monette Victoria (King Sagreeva). Leo shared the role of Rama with Basil Valdez across Kuh Ledesma as Sita.

Original Ramahari Cast From left: Butch Esperanza (Lakshmana), Noy Froilan (Rama), Monette Victoria (King Sagreeva), Leo Valdez (Ravana), Edna Vida Froilan (Kaikeyi), Ronelson Yadao (Rama) and Gina Caparas. ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Two Filled Venues

I was fortunate enough to watch the 2012 version (also with Karylle) and Christian Bautista. This time the singers seemed to have a greater role in the choreography than before.

Both the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater and the Manila Metropolitan Theater are not as wide as the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. It only makes sense to integrate the space of the singers and dancers. The CCP is currently under renovation.

From left: Dan Dayo (Hanuman), Jon Abella (Hanuman) and Ejay Arisola (Rama). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Almost providential that SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater and the newly completed MET are able to be used for these groundbreaking performances. That would otherwise be held in CCP.

In spite of the threat of smog and vog which had classes suspended, the SPAT was filled to capacity with eager crowds. Even the Technical Dress Rehearsals were a hot ticket in both venues.

From left: Lara Maigue, National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes and Gian Magdangal. Gian and Lara will have a November 10 concert entitled THE GREATEST DUETS GOES BROADWAY at Teatrino Promenade. ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

ARDP’s First Anniversary

The Alice Reyes Dance Philippines was established in the midst of the pandemic along with the Professional Artist Support Program. Both organizations have a strong emphasis on education and artist development. ARDP, however ‘focuses on showcasing an intangible heritage that every Filipino can be proud of’, From the official program.

Foreground from right: Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (Sita), Arman Ferrer (Rama) Midground: Monica Gana (Sita), Ronelson Yadao (Rama) and Matthew San Jose (Ravana). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, September 14, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

ARDP President Tats Manahan proudly said, “We celebrate our first anniversary with this stupendous production. It was 43 years ago that RAMAHARI burst on the scene in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was also the era when Original Pilipino Music or OPM was defined and highlighted on the music charts. Overall, it was a time when recognition of Filipino talent was at its high point. Not just in music but in all aspects of artistic endeavors.”

Conductor Toma Cayabyab and the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth. ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, September 14, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

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5 National Artists

RAMAHARI is significant because of 5 National artists involved. Manahan explained, “It was when 4 gentlemen and a lady banded together, that would create a theatrical epic. Little did these 5 people know. That 35 or so years later all of them would be honored as National Artists.”

Costumes and set by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal. ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Libretto: Bienvenido Lumbera (National Artist for Literature), English Translation: Roland Tinio (National Artist for Literature), Production Design: Salvador Bernal (National Artist for Theater Design), Music: Ryan Cayabyab (National Artist for Music) and Choreography: Alice Reyes (National Artist for Dance).

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes; ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Indian Myth

Manahan was able to expound on the historical Indian influence in the Philippines, “In this 5^th remounting of the piece, the question is what is Filipino about a reimagined Indian myth? The Ramayana which is originally Sanskrit. Indian influence is not widely known like the Chinese, Spanish or American cultures.”

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“Indian cultural influence came in the 10th Century, Pre-colonial Philippines. Apart from the 24 karat image of Agusan, the Laguna copper plate and inscription the garuda gold pendant found in the Tabon cave. The most prominent written cultural influence in early Filipino folk literature was the Maharadya Lawana. A localized Maranao version of the Indian epic, Ramayana. It may have arrived to the Philippines between the 17^th and 19^th centuries.”

(In black) Michaella Carreon (Soorpanakha) and Janine Arisola (Kaikeyi). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, September 14, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Alice Reyes’ Expanded Vision

The Indian culture, according to her, was an inspiration for Alice Reyes, “ So in her second decade of dancing. Intent to go beyond national themes, Alice expanded her vision to Asian sources. Gravitating toward the classic Indian epic. Interpreting it in dance. She adds props, shadow play and adapted specific Indian dance moves in her modern choreography.”

Costumes and set by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal, foreground: Renzen Arboleda (King Sagreeva). ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ryan’s OPM Inspired Work

The music, however, was more Filipino inspired, “While Salvador Bernal with his pristine white minimalist sets, which offset the richness of his Indian inspired costumes. Ryan’s music while he clarifies he did not use any Indian strings said he used Southeast Asian influences using a kulintang ensemble and other instruments. Instead of the usual gamalan making it more Balinese.”

ARDP President Tats Manahan and Poppert Barnadas (Ravana); ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

“Altogether his focus was to turnout an OPM inspired work. Which is really more pop than rock. Bievenido Lumbera’s work makes for elegantly crafted lyrics with a section of contemporary Tagalog or better known in the 80s as sward speak., “ said Manahan.

Arman Ferrer (Rama) and Karylle (Sita); ARDP’s RAMAHARI at the SAMSUNG Performing Arts Theater, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, September 22, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista (21)

Did you know?
The 150th Robinsons Supermarket is at ONE AYALA, (EDSA cor. Ayala ave.)
Lower Ground Level across PUV Terminal.
The Lower Ground Level has a terminal of PUV, aircon UV Express, going to Las Piñas, Cavite and other southbound destinations.
The main terminal has buses going to different parts of the metro and provincial destinations.
The level above that has access to the MRT station with trains heading northbound to Roosevelt Station and Southbound to TAFT Rotonda station (connecting to the LRT).
For schedules and fares Log on to:
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