In partnership with the Philippine Italian Association, the Cultural Center of the Philippines proudly brings us Mabining Mandirigma — a steampunk musical whose themes of human integrity, love of country and intellectual heroism are embodied by its hero and historical figure, Apolinario Mabini.
The Filipino word mabini translates to genteel or gentle, while mandirigma is the word for warrior. It’s a curious combination — one that appears to be contradictory — but it communicates the kind of battle that Mabini and his fellow Filipinos fought to gain independence during this chapter of revolution in Philippine history.
Known as the Sublime Paralytic, Mabini, “through his life’s work, showed his countrymen how to go beyond class, region and tribe to think and act as Filipinos.”
Deemed a theatrical masterpiece, the production was immediately perceived as a groundbreaking work of art that earned 12 out of 13 awards at the Gawad Buhay Awards in 2015. It was conceptualized by Tanghalang Pilipino and was created to celebrate the 150th birthday of Apolinario Mabini himself.
Mabining Mandirigma is written by Nicanor Tiongson, directed by Chris Millado and interestingly, a woman will be playing the role of Mabini. You’ll just have to watch it to understand why.
More than a century has passed since these pivotal moments in Philippine history took place, but the values and principles from that time continue to ring true and shine brightly up to this day. As it was then, the biggest challenge given to all Filipinos to commit themselves to loving and serving others remains the same.
Mabining Mandirigma will show in the CCP Little Theater on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at 8 p.m.
This event is made possible by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation with the Philippine Italian Association (PIA) as presenter and in cooperation with China Bank, Trevi Foundations Inc., Philippine National Bank, Vinitaly Wine Trading and with Seda Hotel and Gourmet Garage as sponsors.
Tickets are available at P1,500 and P1,000. Interested parties may call PIA’s Secretariat at (02) 815 1310 or email philippineitalianassociation@gmail.com. You may also call the CCP Box Office at (02) 832 3704 or TicketWorld at (02) 891 9999.
