One of the most popular characters in Philippine mythology, Maria Making has been translated into diverse media—from literature to television.
From the pages of elementary and high books, the legend of Maria Makiling, the popular immortal maiden inhabiting Mount Makiling, children and adults alike are enamored with her despite fictitious descriptions of the lady.
Its fictional delineation makes for a memorable mark of the character that has outlived many legends the Filipino arts and culture has produced.
GMA Network has just recently ended its afternoon TV series that adapted the story of Maria Makiling, however situated in a domestic drama.
And now that musical theaters have mushroomed in all parts of the country, the Maria Makiling narrative is still a refreshing piece of storytelling.
From publicist Toots Tolentino, he said that a new stage version of the tale is forthcoming.
Here’s Tolentino’s account on "Maria Makiling," the musical:
“Kids Acts Philippines is opening its 19th Season of Musical Theatre with a famous Philippine Mythology written by our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal entitled “MARIA MAKILING”, which will run from October 2024 until April 2025.
“This musical adaptation is under the artistic collaboration of two award-winning Filipino directors, Luigi Nacario and Eugene Belbis who are also named the Fathers of Philippine Children’s Theatre because of pioneering the children’s musicals for kids, and by the kids and advocating training and augmenting the interests of the children in performing arts.
“KAPIs stage version of the beautiful young maiden of Mount Makiling will highlight the true and enchanting love story of Maria and the fine-looking farmer, who lived at the foot of Mount Makiling, named Juan.
“Everyone will be transported to the magical forest of enchantments through the colorful sets and costumes, and the beautiful songs and music originally composed by the award-winning musical director, Eugene Belbis with lyrics by the award-winning stage director Luigi Nacario, and directed on stage by Meldrig Costuna.
“This Philippine legend will come to life on stage by integrating every child’s interest in learning and appreciating theater as another effective tool for learning.
“In the story, everyone discovers how maiden Maria came to Mount Makiling as a fairy, lived as a human, disappeared, came back, and stayed as spirit guard of Makiling while lying down on the summit of the mountain showing the power of prominence and grace.
“This adaptation centers on the tale of true love, honesty, and respect that every human being must fulfill and persevere to show kindness to all types of creation living on earth.
“Find out how the legend of Maria Makiling will inspire everyone to love and be loved featuring Hya Leonado, Kris Robles, and Mirriam Reyes as Maria Makiling, Jared Balling as Juan, Zeus Bunyi and Allen Orolfo as Bathala, Michelle Castro as Nanay Pasing, Emai Bansil and Elinor Acorda as Dalisay, Jerome Ferguson and Roel Robles as Tenyente, Anica Encenares as Little Maria, Shanaine Lopez and Chelsea Sangco as Dancing Maria, and Miguel Tan as Child, Understudies for Nanay Pasing - Angelica Venus and Ji Corpus, Ensemble–JJ Nagase and Risah Salazar.
“The artistic and production team of Maria Makiling is composed of Luigi Nacario (Writer, Choreographer, and Costume Designer); Eugene Belbis (Music & Orchestration); Joven Estremera (Poster & Set Design), Jontue Rosetes (Lights Design), and Meldrig Costuna (Stage Director and Choreographer).
“Kids Acts Philippines is the Children’s Theatre component of the Education Committee of the Philippine Centre of the UNESCO-Earthsavers International Theatre Institute (ITI).”
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