San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical (THE REVIEW)

GERALD SANTOS: A GREAT THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE AS SAN PEDRO CALUNGSOD

In a time of Pokemons, Dotas, and other hi-tech viral technology, and the youths of today going totally addicted to them- it's so nice to see a stage play that brought you back to the most enduring aspects of a young man's life and the simplicity of life all over again. To cherish anew the hidden "goals and missions" of one youth's search for a greater and deeper existence of HUMANITY. That, of goodness, love for family and an unbreakable faith to God.

Finally being able to watch the play San Pedro Calungsod, The Musical after almost two years of its seasonal performances all over the country (especially in Davao and Cebu in the previous years), is, indeed, a dream come true. Not because we so badly wanted to be 'holy' again, but because we knew, it would make us feel that "a deeper spirituality and renewed faith to holy saints" could connect us anew to the true essence of Christianity.

And we were not wrong. San Pedro Calungsod's life did send us a message. That we all live for a REASON, sent forth with great passion to do and fulfill tasks - through the guidance of God.

The director and writer of the play- Antonino Cocoy Ramilo, who also wrote the libretto of the very powerful songs and music performed in this play- didn't only entertained the audience, but also touched their hearts. Through his music, he imparted a feeling of youthful candor and excitement, servitude and overwhelming fire of a young man's love- to God & Christ, to his mother and his father, to his friends and to the person that caused his death- San Vitores (the Spanish priest who was killed side by side with Pedro).

The theatrical presentation was so genuine and sincere by heart. It focused on the life of a simple boy who simply wanted to serve God and help others. And his great martyrdom proved his sincerity, thus, he became a Saint. The second Filipino Saint.

Gerald Santos as San Pedro Calungsod brought one blogger to further heights of holiness and love. He was so nice to look at- acting as a young Saint, hearing his angelic voice of supernatural powers, and, embracing his HEART. No other actor could very well portray best the role that gladly suited him right from the very start. With Gerald's very clean image as an actor and as a singer- the role of Pedro fully justified the means.

There's depth, candor and freshness with the way Gerald acted out the role. There's sweetness, too, that's so magnifying on stage. The high-pitched songs he sang didn't hinder his emotions and softness. What a remarkable performance.

This version of San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical play was staged last August 27 at St. Scholastica's Auditorium. And mostly, young students were at the audience area. In their eyes, you could see that they all started dreaming again to be HOLY and NICE. By watching the play, you would see life again in such a clean way, dream anew and love God the most.

The mini-screen at the backdrop of the stage provided clear shots and moods of every variety of tranquility. It provided the proper settings for the many different locations and time that was set in the life of the Saint. The ensemble cast were jolly to look at- and all acted well and fine, especially Jude Matthew Sevilla as one of the young missionaries and friend of San Pedro.

How we wish, before Gerald invades a "greater land and horizon", more performances of San Pedro Calungsod be presented in schools and provinces. A greater devotion to the second Filipino Saint must be further spread, embraced and loved.

San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical

is,

one play to be cherished....

FOREVER.

(words by robert manuguid silverio)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GERALD SANTOS' FB PAGE