Reasons why you need to watch CORY ng EDSA: A Filipino Musicale

Last weekend I had the opportunity to watch Atty. Vincent M. Tañada’s Cory ng Edsa, a 3-hour musicale about a reporter named Peter, telling the life of the late first female Philippine President, Corazon Aquino. 

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It was also my first time to watch a musicale held in a Cinema, SM North Edsa Cinema 9 to be exact. I feel really lucky to have watched it because after the 9 month run of the Cory ng Esda the Musicale, the show will soon come to an end for it will be staged off the Philippine shores and in a few weeks time will be shown abroad.

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 Peter, played by the director and writer himself, Atty. Vincent Tañada, covered the life of Cory Aquino through her struggles and success in life.

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 I met Direk Vince when I was 17 years old and I worked for him as one of the actresses in the play Enzo...Santo, his brainchild,  which he wrote and directed as well. I was very excited to see the play because the last time I’ve seen Direk Vince was probably 10 years ago and I am very impressed how, besides from being a litigation lawyer, he went after his passion for the Arts. Since the play was held in a cinema, I couldn't take photos so I took most of the photos from the internet.

Here are the reasons why you should watch Cory ng Edsa (please be informed that this post may contain spoilers):

·        Every actor, upon first appearance til the end of the musicale played their role well. Each small role was played as if it was the lead role. Until the ending of the show, I can see the actors are all emotional during their last act.

·        In a classic Vince Tañada Fashion, comic reliefs are provided at some selected scenes when it becomes too intense. It was very clever of Direk Vince to inject “Pinoy Pick Up lines” on certain acts.

·        The transition of the scenes and how the props move in rhythm are commendable. Stage props are well excuted, the lighting is well coordinated and even the multi-media used for added theatrical aesthetics is well organized.

·        The play is well-researched. If you have already seen it, you will know what I mean. Certain scenes are provided with useful captions that will assist the viewers in reminiscing the past and guiding the youth with history.

·        It’s actually my first time to shed some tears and not just once during the play. There are some scenes that are so intense. I invited a friend who was military doctor and she was moved to tears as well especially with one scene when a severly injured soldier insisted on giving Cory Aquino his last salute.

·        The child actor, who is named EDSA in the play, is also commendable. He’s more than good enough to join show business.

·        The family scene where Cory Aquino was on her death bed was carefully excuted. I heard some people at the back looking for Kris Aquino in the scene but her character was not disclosed. The story is about Cory and not Kris. There was no showbiz angle, just facts. And only Ballsy Aquino’s name was the one that is often mentioned, not even the current President. Although there was a scene via multi-media that shows PNoy formally releasing the family’s official statement about Cory's death.

·        Expect some political and gender identity undertone in the movie. There is a scene where a gay designer, helped by the late Cory Aquino to succeed in life, hugged his long lost nephew which he met duirng the Cory Aquino’s wake. He explained to the kid that just because he is gay, it does not mean that he is a bad person.

·        Since it’s a musical, all songs are written all original songs written for the play. The Cory ng Edsa Official Soundtrack is available at local record bars for Php200.00.

·        It’s a multi-awarded show and after watching it you will agree with me that it's all worth it! 

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And the most important reason why you should watch Cory ng Esda : A Filipino Musicale before their international tour starts?

Cory ng Edsa touches the hearts of every Filipino and makes us appreciate what we have now that was previously taken from us. It’s a good thing that this play is also shown to schools so that the youth today will be reminded and will able to appreciate the democracy we are fully enjoying today.

And to quote Direk Vince:

“Cory ng Edsa is about to end it's 9 months continuous run on March 17, Saturday at Tanghalang Pasigueno...I will forever remember this as the most successful play ever produced by Philippine Stagers Foundation...the provincial tours in more than 30 provinces in the entire nation, the Aliw Awards for Best Musical of the Year and my Best Actor Award, Broadway World Awards' Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Musical Director, Best Set Design, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design, Best Choreography Awards, the almost a hundred positive reviews from critics and theater play reviewers, the International Tour for the play which will start on June 13, 2012, I can go on and on, but the most important achievement is the inspiration it gave to the thousands who witnessed the play. Cory ng Edsa is life-changing both to the audience and to us, performers.”

This is how BIG the crowd is after the show

The day I watched the play was supposedly the closing (last show) of their 9-month run, but it’s a good thing they will be extending it for one more show on March 17 at Tanghalang Pasigueno.

Congratulations Director/Atty. Vincent M. Tañada and the Philippine Stagers Foundation!