Daragang Magayon. An Albay farmer watches Mayon Volcano
fumes after it spewed lava and ash during its last eruption in 2009
HARNESSING arts, culture and romance for economic development may sound
novel to many Filipinos but if Albay’s attempt proves successful, it can have
tremendous implications and ramifications on Philippine development as a whole.
February 2013 takes on a new significance and dimension with the
pre-Valentine presentation in ballet form of Daragang Magayon, the legend of
Mayon Volcano and Albay on Feb 8 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main
Theatre.
Daragang Magayon is produced by the Albay provincial government as part
of a revitalized tourism development program that would offer guests an
opportunity to take a fresher look into Albay’s mesmerising mythical past,
magic and mystery.
Those familiar with the Daragang Magayon saga are up for some pleasant
surprises.
They will find many new things in the rather worn out tale of love and
sacrifice in the ballet presentation
Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon,
Choreographer Gerald Mercado of eDance created new dance movements that
are uniquely Filipino, both in technique and aesthetics, and the use of ethnic
Filipino instruments will give the production an original aura.
The E-dance’s version of Daragang Magayon smoothly elicits and provokes
new expressions from out of the latent emotions in both old and new complexes
of the legend.
Film-maker Chuck Escasa and animator Benjie Marasigan contribute their
expertise to the project by infusing it with film and visual elements, especially
the use of
two-dimensional film technology to ensure a vibrant, lively account
of the lovers’ affair in the mythical legend.
The stage project also brings together for the first time three
contemporary Filipino artists who fuse their talents to produce a refreshed
rendition of the Magayon love story.
National Artist Virgilio Almario penned the libretto while composer
Ramon Pagayon Santos crafted the musical score.
Albay poet laureate Abdon Balde Jr
also introduced new elements and enhanced old Bicol rituals including
the fight scenes between the just and mighty god Gugurang and the evil Aswang.
– Manila Standard Today
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