• ROGER D. BELTRAN
Last week, communities around the world entered into the solemnity of Holy Week, a time of reflection, remembrance, and reverence for Christians worldwide. Among the myriad ways in which this sacred time is observed, religious and theatrical presentations took center stage, offering heart-breaking retellings of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, one such production captivated audiences with its immersive portrayal of the Passion narrative. Set against the striking backdrop of the grounds of Sta. Maria Magdalena Parish Church and the rugged side of Campo Miner in Barangay Gargato, the roadshow presentation titled “Kalbaryo (Calvary)” unfolded in three compelling parts, spanning from Palm Sunday to Good Friday.
Led by Theatrum Tintinnabulum, a vibrant youth theater ministry of the parish, the production brought together over a hundred dedicated performers from various community groups including the parish itself, Madeleine Academy, and Bahaghari Performing Arts. Under the guidance of parish priest Rev. Fr. Alfredo Gamarcha and parochial vicars Rev. Fr. Jexon Davao and Rev. Fr. Gerardo Caro Jr., the cast and crew embarked on a theatrical journey through the most profound moments of Christian history.
At the heart of the spectacle are the central characters, portrayed with stirring authenticity by a dedicated ensemble. Jaswinder Singh and Cedric Labetoria took turns embodying the role of Jesus Christ.
The ensemble cast also included Rhiannah Atando, who played the role of Mary, the Mother of Jesus; Jemaicah Olarte was Mary Magdalene; Jayward Donasco, Pontius Pilate; Lloyd Tayson, King Herod; Dante Linas, Caiaphas; John Philip Torda, Annas; Juncarlo Baylon, Joseph of Arimathea; John Carlo Espinosa, Nicodemus; Roger Beltran, Gian Jacob Taton and Angelo Manong, high priests; Cris Dwyane Guarnes, Judas Iscariot; Chrismarc Casabuena, John; CJ Alexander Mocon, Peter; Thiennie Giodisico, Veronica; Marlo Regalado, Simon of Cyrene; and Precious Heart Mallillin as woman from Cana.
Supporting cast members were Bengie Marino, Chevy John Feliciano, Laurence Javier, Jerwin Tabernilla, Michael Lagunday, Louie Jay Dalen, RG Ysabelle Rull, Alyza Beth Mondragon, Jet Tabago, John Mark Morata, Nicole Sumagaysay, Aaliyah Dela Torre, Daniela Masabio, Ernestina Mae Elisan, Angelyn Manong, Rick Andrei Nequia, Zyane Baja, and Bein Marjon Parione.
Other cast members were Aaron Pagsibigan, Kyl Leslie Millevo, Joshua Nelson Villavicencio, RL Candolita, Zyane Baja, Harold Ken Lee Benedicto, Keith Acudo, Christian Bechayda, Nicolo Danoog, Carl Casabuena, Joseph Leyritana, Charles Matthew Mijares, Edrian Pineda, Jason Gabales, James Dumalo, Francis Anthony Braganza, Josh James Smith, Kert Justine Guillergan, Luis Braganza, Jan Angelou Lagtapon;
Neil John Marcelino, Jon Cristian Maalat, Lawrence Hock Vasquez, Philip Penaranda, AJ Anonas, Adrian Jardinico, Arcolas, Ryan, Jacob David, Ziam Evite, Jude Prado, Jason Jalando-on, John Laurence Paitvar, Eric Agarcio, Hanesly Mohametano, Cristel Marie Saril, Jasmhielle Ardonia, Jheause Tiffany Peres, Mary Cris Trabuco, Sophia Kae Japitana, Jessa Mae Berberio, Sheila Serdevella, Kyn Angela Resuma;
Maegan Leigh Macaraan, Khristine Gulmatico, Novem Tiangson, Tristan Marcial, Renel Candelinta, Alex Kuebly Genonca, Chris John Grande, Rundulph Jireh Gustilo, Rohan Harlata, Dan Keo Jastillana, Bob Llasos, Reyben Maningo, Julo Tabernilla, Jalexa Baybayon, Althea Lorraine Dela Cruz, Elena May Donesa, Arianna Jenn Judar, Jane Arris Lubao, Elnalyn Tilog, Norwen Marie Tison, Aliyah Solinap;
Earl John Magluyan, Mayomi Hong, Ana Beatriz Judar, Daisy Mae Lizades, Quesy Loraine Rodrigo, Mary June Garde, Princess Saron, Janelle Claire, Jhanea Joyce Garcia, Earl John Jovenes, Grace Magcumot, Wynzelle Mae Mongcal, Glaiza Mary Pescabol, Kean Patalino, Kyrie Hollero, Erich Khate Donesa, Aila Pesmonte, Princess Nicole Geronaga, Jocelyn Castro, Rigel Atria, Princess Nicole Espinosa;
Geuel Sumagaysay, Jillie Ann Servento, Angelo Laloy, Freyja Bernaldez, Carlisle Payumo, Katelyn Diaresco, Aniyah Katalbas, Gavynne Galang, Edgie Rusia, Laurenz Balo, Zabby Lisaca, AJ Belleza, Yael Batausa, Marc Gison, Rhodjard Fregidero, Den Kenneth Antolo, Rohan Dionner Harlata, Andrey Whane Arnaiz and Rene John Alida.
Behind the scenes, director Rodolfo “Bebot” Song orchestrated the production with precision and passion, supported by a dedicated team including Anne Catherine Sigueza, Glomar Aguilar, Glylia May Montevirgen, Maria Armee Lumauag, Marlo Regalado, Ruth Jopia, and Annabelle Nellas.
For the spectators who lined the streets, “Kalbaryo” was more than a theatrical production – it was a spiritual pilgrimage, a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the boundless grace of God.*
