Lenten ‘zarzuela’ grandmas’ vow

STA. RITA, Pampanga—In a bastion of Roman Catholicism like Pampanga province, Holy Week sees penitents carrying heavy wooden crosses for 100 or so kilometers with their backs bloodied by glass shards and bamboo whips, or volunteering to be crucified with steel nails hammered into their hands and feet.

Other penitents shun violence, preferring to sing or listen to the Pasyon, recite the rosary, visit churches, fast or retreat into meditative silence.

But 20 grandmothers and five priests express their “panata” (religious pledge) by retelling the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ, His miracles and parables, His suffering, death and resurrection through the Lenten “zarzuela” “Tulauk (Rooster’s Crow).”

First since 1900

“Tulauk” is regarded as the first of its kind in 114 years since Teatro Sabina staged Mariano Proceso Pabalan’s “Ing Managpi (The Patcher)” in 1900, the first zarzuela in any Philippine language, in Bacolor town, the former capital of Pampanga.

“Tulauk,” with its 25 scenes and 17 original songs performed and sung in the vernacular Kapampangan, is in its second year. It was presented at Holy Rosary Church in Angeles City on April 5 and at St. Augustine Church in Lubao town on April 12.

Before returning for a finale on Sunday, it will be staged in an open-air arena here at FVR Megadike, a 56-km structure that traps volcanic sediments from Mt. Pinatubo, a reminder of a disaster that almost erased Pampanga from the map.

“This musical has become my personal apostolate to try and spread the word of God, His love and forgiveness for His people and how we can respond to him,” said Corito Rose Ocampo-Tayag, 65.

Since her four children have settled down and given her and husband Abong 14 grandchildren, Tayag has joined the theater troupe Ima at Arti to display her artistic talents.

“I am happy to note that sometimes, somehow, it touches the hearts of viewers and conversion occurs,” she said. She performs as a narrator in one of humankind’s greatest stories.

Script

Andy Alviz and Fr. Deo Galang wrote the script based on the Kapampangan translation by the late Fr. Venancio Samson of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, John and Luke.

The writing coach of Alviz and Galang is Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.

“I’m doing ‘Tulauk’ for the glory of God, as a way of thanksgiving for all the blessings,” said Teresa Laus, 62, who finds time to act in the play in between her food and car-dealership businesses.

“A yearly panata” is how 62-year-old dentist Victoria Segundo considers the show.

“It’s a mission during Lent,” said Divina Tulio, 64.

Recollection

Bondee Mercado-Dinio, 60, regards the musical as a “recollection with the Lord” when she reprises the role of one of the 12 apostles.

Doren Tayag, 64, said she would not get tired performing in “Tulauk” because it was a “new way of evangelization.”

Agnes Macam-Romero, 59, said she would act in “Tulauk” “for as long as there is life.”

Jopine Guevarra, Leonor Pineda, Siobe Co, Vina Tayag, Jopine Gozun, Beth Masangcay and Meng McTavish have remained in the cast because the play is like a spiritual retreat to them, according to Alviz.

“These women actors have been successful in their careers, homes and relationships. What is beautiful is that they find time for this cause. I thought ‘Tulauk’ was just a one-time play but here we are now in our second year,” Alviz said.

Rosette Aquino, a homegrown artist, said doing the role of the Virgin Mary was tough and demanding but the devotion of the women in the cast kept her going and giving her best.

Life-changing

Fr. Enrique Luzung said playing the role of Jesus Christ was life-changing. “It helps me appreciate more the faith I have,” said the 38-year-old priest.

Fr. Ted Valencia agreed to play the part of St. Peter because he considered theatrical arts a “very effective tool for evangelization.”

The other priests in the cast—Aris Maniago, Homer Policarpio and Jonathan Bartolome—found acting a big challenge, but they said they endured so they could spread the Good News that is God’s love.

The members of the audience take part in the play by performing as people of Jerusalem who bring bread, candles and palm fronds.

“Tulauk” earned praised from John Robertson, producer of “Miss Saigon,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Mama Mia” and scores of musicals in London.

After watching the first run in 2013, Robertson told the Inquirer: “Doing outdoor performance is extremely difficult. The cast carried it. It was beautiful. The story is immortal and everlasting. It was well performed.”