Gaano ba mahalaga ang isang obra?
Isang obrang pinaghihirapan na magiging larawan ng magagandang buhay sa mundo?
Isang obra na ipinagpakita ang galing ng mga Pilipino?
Those are the questions that were dared to be asked by Nick Joaquin's masterwork "A Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino", its film adaptation, "Ang Larawan", and this showcase concert at the Metropolitan Theater which was held last May 6th, 2023.
The premise and story of this is simple: It's 1941 in Manila. The threat of war was becoming more and more prevalent as the Allies fought the Nazis and Japan prepared its moves. The glitz and glamor of vaudeville or bobadil and Hollywood movies captivated the imaginations many Filipinos. In the midst of it all is an artistic family who has kept guard what could become the greatest masterpiece of the Philippines. Isang maestro obra na pinagtiytiyagaan at matagal nang pinagtatrabhuan. Ito ay maglalarawan ng kakayahan ng mga Pilipino noong araw.
Its portrayal of the beauty and colors of life had gained the attention of some of the most discerning art connoisseurs in Europe and America. They wanted to grab hold of the masterwork from a fine Filipino craftsman, but for the creator of the work, it was a work of importance to himself and his family. He protected it as if the painting was his child. Because he believed that he had the Philippines' finest art piece. With the looming Pacific War, can he be able to make his mastery remembered, even if it meant so much to him as a person??
This showcase effortlessly took us back to the heart of pre-war Manila and the family's struggles through National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and his majestic orchestral score. The way the score flows into every moment of this presentation takes you back to the glory of 1930s culture. The songs of this show add a layer of drama that showcases how much of a struggle the family faced especially the question of what the piece means to them. The grandeur of the music and lyrics can make you think if that piece is special to the family despite the international attention has thrown at them.
And with this being an "All-Star Concert", of course it brought together some of the brightest luminaries of film, television, music, and the stage. The stars were the glue that held this presentation together and made it a wholesome experience. Recording legend Celeste Legaspi was such a beauty in this show. It was her voice that was the highlight of the all star presentation. She sang every piece wholeheartedly as if this was her own story and it portrayed her own artistic journey while she portrayed the Filipino's never-ending quest for greatness. Kapuso beauty Bea Alonzo along with rising theater star Karylle Tatlonghari, radio DJ and actor Markki Stroem, 80s OPM star Rachel Alejandro, and stage luminaries Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Milkki Bradshaw-Volante were also amazing in their portrayals here, as they dress up to become the high society of the pre-war age, every costume is a picture that can speak a thousand words about the exquisite way of life in the era. They had such a way of bringing the good times and elegant tastes of the pre-war times closer to modern audiences. When all these are placed together, they all add up to an experience that is very immersive. It's as if you were invited to their grand party to wine, dine, and celebrate the wonders of the pre-war culture.
While the music and costumes of this concert were some of its biggest key points, it is only the tip of the iceberg. The show ends when the war begins, and it comes with a quite emotional and thought-provoking closing number. It is a remembrance of the artists who have gave their lives to showcase the beauty of Filipino artistry, as well as how despite how much of our beloved culture was destroyed as a result of war, the memories remain strong through the power of the arts, music, paintings, literature, and film. For me it gave off the same ring as "The Story of Tonight" from Hamilton, as it is about how the remains of the past that were preserved continue to spark the imaginations of generation after generation.
The finale number shows us that the arts, along with the dreams and aspirations of FIlipinos that it carried, will never ever be diminished. The memories that are preserved of those before us will stay fresh in our hearts in the form of paintings, music, books, and other art forms. The power of the arts will help us remember our ancestors, and it cannot be taken away from us, whether it be destroyed by Japanese bombers, corrupt governments, or a virus that became a silent killer and infected humanity. Those themes are very relevant now especially as we come out of the hardship of the COVID pandemic and how the arts served as our refuge in the midst of the lockdowns.
Ang sinig at kultura natin ay susi sa pagaalaala sa ating kasaysayan.
At kahit mawasak ang ating buhay, ang sinig ay nagiging pinagmulan ng pag-asa at mga alaala ng matamis na buhay noong araw.
Mahalaga ang mga obra bara mabigyan ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng opportunidad na makikita ang masasayang buhay noong araw at mai-preserve din ang mga bagay na masaya sa ating kasalukuyang buhay at ang mga adhikain na pinagtindigan natin para sa mga tao sa kinabukasan.
Ito ang mensahe ng All-Star Concert ng Ang Larawan.
