• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
With the aim of retelling Philippine folktales through artistry, the third-year communication students of the University of Saint La Salle Bacolod staged a three-day run of “Ang Tatlong Perlas: Isang Musikal” at the Gallaga Theatre on October 22 to 24.
The play attempts to revive and promote the rich folklore of the Philippines through theatrical storytelling that depicts the adventures of five legendary guardians, each representing the distinct cultural identities of the three islands in the Philippines.
These characters include Urduja and Lam-Ang from Luzon, Kanlaon and the Babaylan from the Visayas, and Sulayman and Minda from Mindanao. Each figure embodies the unique traditions and stories of their respective regions, serving as cultural ambassadors within the narrative.
The storyline revolves around their collective quest to retrieve the “Tatlong Perlas,” or “Three Pearls”—symbolic treasures that represent the identity and heritage of each island they represented.
The guardians’ mission takes them across the archipelago, embarking on an epic journey to recover the stolen pearls from the clutches of the sinister Mangkukulam and her crew of dark forces. If they fail, the Bakunawa will swallow the seventh moon, plunging the land into eternal darkness and chaos.
The play highlighted how these cultural treasures connect the Filipino people and serve as a reminder of their collective heritage. Through vibrant voices and narratives, the play immersed audiences in a world filled with various stories.
Directed by third-year student Mark Andrei Castronuevo, the production exemplifies youthful enthusiasm and a deep sense of cultural advocacy.
In an interview, Castronuevo emphasized that the play was designed not only for entertainment but also as an educational tool to foster national pride and cultural awareness among Filipinos, especially the youth.
“In one of our subjects last year, there was research that shows that there are little to no more children or students that are willing to learn more about Philippine literature. So we put our hearts into this play to share the culture and the literature of the Philippines,” he expressed.
The musical score and the songs were composed by several of the actors, which they said was a product of in-depth research and their cultural backgrounds.
The stage play is an annual tradition of the Communication Society as part of their theater subject under Tanya Lopez, a Negrense icon in the field of cultural studies and theater.*
