REVIEW: Ang Unang Baboy Sa Langit

"Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit"
Play - Student Theater Group
Ateneo Entablado

Genre: Light Drama / Comedy
Director: Jerry C. Respeto
Writer: Christine Bellen (adapted from Rene Villanueva)
Starring: Ensemble Cast (composed of students, faculty and alumni)

Rating: 8 / 10

Imagine yourself immersed and bearing witness to the life and ordeals faced by the Messiah... in the perspective of pigs!

ENTABLADO (ENterteynment para sa TAo, Bayan, LAnsangan at DiyOs) culminates it 27th Season with the adaptation of one of beloved children storybook writer Rene Villanueva's original work's "Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit".

With a running time of almost two and a half hours, the story, as adapted and written by Filipino professor Christine Bellen, tells the tale of the birth of the "Takdang Baboy" (TB), who will be the one to save his fellow pigs from the ill effects of pollution, greed and animosity. Her birth was prophesied by the Rabbit Angel to an ordinary pig couple, Ponyang and Kardo. The chosen pic was asked to be baptized as "Butsiki".

However, when Ponyang was about to give birth, conflict arises when the Punong Baboy (acts like a governor) of the Babuyan Islands decices to acquire and buy the land of his constituents to use it as a mining site upon learning of the vast gold resources of the place. Kardo opposed this and he, together with his pregant wife, decided to move out to the next town. It is in there that Butsiki was born and she grew to be somewhat different from the rest of the pigs, physically and psychologically. She was born very clean, loves cleanliness and hates any sight or smell of dirt. She is also a peace-loving person and is ready to sacrifice anything for what she believe is right. This unique way of thinking of Butsiki will be the one spelling trouble for her.

Bellen's script is succesful in getting the message of Rene Villanueva's transmitted through the play's dialogues. The play served as a tribute to Villanueva, who passed away two years ago. The script followed the narrative of Jesus Christ's life and ministry, suffering and death, however told through the innocent eyes of cute little pigs. The songs written were apt for the message that the play wants on to pass on to the viewers. The comedic wit also balances out the sometimes melodramatic parts.

Direction was also fine as Respeto managed to extarct every possible creative juice from what was given to him. The stage was awesome and it was the first time that the venue (Rizal Mini Theater), did not have any dividers separating it in the entire history of the theater. As for the singing, we could not expect a lot from the actors since Entablado is not primarily a musical group, but still, the singing was commendable despite several flaws, most of them due to off-keys. But acting-wise, the viewes could be so sure that the ensemble gave their whole talents and effort in making their performances as impressing as possible. Special commendation must be given to Jethro Tenorio due to his over-the-top, yet still alluring portrayal of the loathed Punong Baboy.

One of the main reasons why this production was a success was because of the great costumes. The costumes were perfectly fit for all characters. The "animals" within the actors clearly stood out because of it. Great job on the make-up too.

Overall, "Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit" wasvery good and it never failed in getting its message delievered, precisely about how making our world cleaner and safer is directly associated in generating peace.


***sorry for the somewhat unorganized and hasty review. I was kinda sleepy already while I was doing this.***