Tanghalang Pilipino‘s acclaimed musical, ‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal,’ is set for a return this September. This engagement is part of the company’s 39th season. The decision follows the musical’s sold-out premiere. It also received significant recognition at the 2024 Aliw Awards, earning the Best Musical honor. The show stages the narrative of Emilio Jacinto, historically known as the “Brains of the Katipunan.”
Performances for ‘Pingkian’ begin on September 12 and continue through October 12. All shows will be held at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. This venue is located within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City.
The Creative and Performing Ensemble
The musical’s script was written by Palanca Award-winner Juan Ekis, with music composed by Gawad Buhay-recognized Ejay Yatco. Direction is provided by theater veteran Jenny Jamora. The production aims to illustrate Jacinto’s dedication, principles, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for Philippine liberation, while exploring themes of youth, leadership, and national identity during the closing years of the Philippine Revolution and the nascent stages of the Philippine-American War.
Vic Robinson reprises his lead role as Emilio Jacinto. Within the narrative, Jacinto, also known by his nom de guerre “Pingkian”—a Tagalog term signifying a spark—navigates his journey through a series of vivid flashbacks and hallucinations. These sequences depict him confronting his past, his convictions, and interactions with pivotal figures in the nation’s history.
The cast includes Gab Pangilinan (as Catalina de Jesus and Florencio Reyes), Tex Ordoñez-De Leon (Josefa Dizon), Kakki Teodoro (Jose Rizal), and Paw Castillo (Andres Bonifacio). Almond Bolante, Joshua Cadeliña, and Marco Viaña also perform principal roles. Jomelle Era handles choreography for the ensemble’s vibrant performances.
An experienced design team leads the production’s visual and auditory components. This team includes Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling (Production Design), D Cortezano (Lighting), GA Fallarme and JM Jimenez (Projection), and TJ Ramos (Sound). Under Kiefer Sison’s technical leadership, their work ensures a cohesive presentation. This presentation marries historical storytelling with contemporary theatrical elements.
Enduring Relevance of ‘Pingkian’
Beyond its artistic merits, “Pingkian” holds profound cultural importance. It highlights Jacinto’s intellectual contributions, notably his authorship of the Kartilya ng Katipunan—the foundational manifesto of the Katipunan, which articulated principles of liberty, equality, and moral conduct. At just 17 years old, Jacinto rose to the rank of general, playing a crucial role in shaping the revolutionary movement’s philosophical core.
This revival aims to forge a stronger connection with contemporary audiences. It particularly targets younger generations. The musical emphasizes the sacrifices inherent in achieving freedom. It also highlights the transformative capacity of youth in shaping history. It serves as a timely acknowledgment of a hero. His brief yet impactful life continues to inspire patriotism and critical thought on Filipino identity.
Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Pingkian: Isang Musikal” offers more than a historical account; it urgently calls for reflection on the past, steadfastness in the present, and a forward-looking vision for the nation.
Tickets are available for purchase via TicketWorld and Ticket2Me.
Cover image credit: Jyllan Bitalac and Sherie Bolo
