Cebuano talents tapped for INC stage play

A STAGE play showcasing Cebuano talent capped off the 99th anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the Cebu International Convention Center yesterday.

The play entitled “Pag-asa” showed the origins of the INC in the country and featured original INC music.

It is the first of a 12-part series that will tour around the country, said INC musical director Elso Montalbo.

“The 12th part of this musical concert will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan that is still under construction and will have a 55,000  seating capacity,” Montalbo said.

A photo gallery and a short-film that showed the INC history in the country were held in the CICC’s second floor.

For the first in the 12-part series, INC Minister Arvin Galang said they tapped Cebuano talent in making the play.

“It is not just about localizing stories for people to relate to but also develop the creative skills of Cebuanos,” he said.

He said the play would center on how INC members keep their faith in God.

Cast members were drawn from Cebu City’s north and south districts.  Galang said they finished the script last January.

After a screening, Galang said the 60 chosen Cebuano cast members underwent five months of rehearsals.

Among the performers were two mothers, Chloe Cardenas and Michelle Arnado.

The 39-year-old Cardenas, who plays the role of a strong and forgiving mother of two children, said it had been her passion since she was 10 years old to join stage plays.

A radio talent in DYMF during her high school and elementary student days, Cardenas was a best actress awardee.

“I love stage plays, it gives me happiness , and I enjoy every time I perform,” she said.

“We had sleepless nights but I remember that I love what I am doing. I don’t even feel tired,” she added.

A mother of four children, Cardenas lives in Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City and operates a junk shop with her husband in barangay Mambaling.

Arnado, a resident of Barangay Luz, Cebu City, plays the role of a mother who has a child stricken with brain tumor. She said she didn’t expect to land a role in the play.

“If you have the passion, age doesn’t matter and you will find ways to pursue what you are doing,” the 37-year-old Arnado said.

A mother of an eight-year-old son, Arnado works as a clerk in Cebu City Hall.

She said she identifies with the role she plays. “Like her, I’m a woman who has many problems but who stands strong in her faith in God,” Arnado said. Correspondents Apple Ta-as and Michelle Joy L. Padayhag