Igniting the Anthem
In its second run, award-winning “Pingkian: Isang Musikal” centers the “Brains of the Katipunan” as a symbol of resistance, love, and self-liberty.
Words Randolf Maala-Resueño
Photos courtesy of Tanghalang Pilipino
September 23, 2025
A ‘revolutionary' musical packed with Filipino talent keeps ‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal’ the recognition for theater arts in the country as fresh and relevant to its appreciators. And now, it’s back to our stages.
It follows a delirious Katipunan leader, Emilio Jacinto (portrayed by Gawad Buhay and Aliw Awards recipient Vic Robinson), wounded by an encounter at Maimpis in Magdalena, Laguna, as he recalls his upbringing within the resistance, his involvement in the publication of the Katipunan newspaper “Kalayaan,” and his dying wishes for the latter years of the Philippine Revolution.
Monikered “Pingkian,” which means ‘ignite’ or ‘spark’ in Tagalog, his encounters with fellow revolutionary Andres Bonifacio (Paw Castillo), his mother (Tex Ordoñez De Leon), national hero Jose Rizal (Kakki Teodoro), and wife Catalina De Jesus (Gab Pangilinan) forces doubt, contemplation, and an eventual healing to a wandering Pingkian.
Its main precept: that revolution starts within. Multi-awarded playwright Juan Ekis—whose real name is Christian Vallez—posits this throughout the musical, with the help of composer, musical director, and musical arranger Ejay Yatco, reeling the audience through Pingkian’s revolutionary quest under a rock-ballad-influenced original score.
In her notes, director Jenny Jamora also opened up about the challenges for Pingkian’s rerun, coming from a successful sold-out run and Best Musical Win at the 2024 ALIW Awards and 2025 GAWAD BUHAY Awards.
“Fortunately, returning to a story about one of our nation’s often-forgotten founding fathers has a built-in importance. But I myself need a constant push that there is a task larger than myself, and that staging Pingkian: Isang Musikal now must not just be an exercise in vanity,” Jamora noted.
A contemporary revolution
Many of the musical’s creative team members saw the Philippine Revolution’s timely relevance to contemporary turmoils of the country.
Pingkian’s dramaturg and assistant director, Kat Batara, begs the question, in her notes, “Why is there a need to restage Pingkian?” Her expertise also served as the production’s generational consultant to stage a musical closer to the youth’s sentiments.
“Take a look at the world we live in today, and you will find an abundance of reasons–a climate crisis, rising inflation, human rights injustices, the ongoing wars. May we find the courage to rediscover true light, remember what it means to be a good person, and not let their sacrifices and struggles be in vain,” she reminded.
In memory of these youthful revolutionaries, director Jamora also urged the audience to reflect on Jacinto’s writings–a beacon of light that bore a vision of free countrymen.
“They and the youth of today are our light. The flame is fragile and dim, yet it can still blaze anew. I owe it to them and to the land of my birth to seek a broader comfort: one that includes the freedom and dignity of all Filipinos,” she noted.
Explore the musical revolution through the eyes of Jacinto. Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s 39th season offering of ‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal’ at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex in Pasay City. Shows run until October 12 every Friday to Sunday.
