Vic Robinson (center) stars as Emilio Jacinto in Tanghalang Pilipino's original musical 'Pingkian.' Photo by Creative Sense 

In 1898, Emilio Jacinto (Vic Robinson) led his troop of revolutionary fighters on a mission in Majayjay, Laguna. They were ambushed by Spanish troops, and Emilio was severely injured in his right leg. He was captured and held prisoner by Spanish soldiers (led by Jonathan Tadioan). A sympathetic doctor (Marco Viana) was called in to treat his injuries. A young Katipunan scout Isyo (Joshua Cadelina) found him, but he was too weak to escape.

As Emilio's life lay precariously on the balance, he had bleak nightmares about dark moments in his past, and rosy dreams about the bright future ahead. He had fever-induced visions about his best friend Andres Bonifacio (Paw Castillo), his fellow revolutionary Dr. Pio Valenzuela (Almond Bolante), his mother Josefa Dizon (Bituin Escalante), his wife Catalina de Jesus (Gab Pangilinan) and his hero Dr. Jose Rizal (Kakki Teodoro).

In a time where the jukebox musical seems to be the easier formula to success for a new musical production, featuring songs by known acts, like Aegis and the Eraserheads previously -- three more of the same are premiering this year, featuring songs by Ben & Ben, Parokya ni Edgar and Jose Mari Chan -- it is always a more formidable challenge to compose an all-original song score, so this one is a winner for me, even for that fact alone.

Many songs were powerful anthems, like "Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban," "Nasa Loob ang Himagsikan' and "Pangarap Ko'y Kalayaan" in Act 1, and "Liwanag at Dilim," "Katapusan" and "Kalayaan" in Act 2. The highlights of Act 1 were Jacinto's masterpiece, "Ang Kartilya" ingeniously set into a rapping rhythm, "Hamilton"-style; and "Pahayag," showing the initiation rites of Katipunan members. "Ikaw ang Liwanag," a love duet between Emilio and Catalina, was a refreshing breath of fresh air in Act 2.

Vic Robinson and Gab Pangilinan in Tanghalang Pilipino's original musical 'Pingkian.' Photo by Creative Sense

The choreography by Jomelle Era brought these songs into vibrant motion, ending in dramatic tableaux. These songs, with catchy tunes and stirring lyrics, have been released on Spotify, and we will be ready to play them on repeat by then.

Emilio Jacinto was onstage practically for the entire 2-hour length of the show, a most exhausting role for Vic Robinson. I do not remember seeing him tackle such a big important role before, and with such impressive conviction and passion. With every song, Robinson aced various genres, from the punishing belts of "Ang Kasalanan ni Cain" to the rapid-fire rapping of "Kartilya." As early as now, he seems to be a lock for the Best Actor in a Musical award next year.

Gab Pangilinan played two very different characters -- the Judas Iscariot-type traitor Florencio Reyes and the ever-smiling better half Catalina de Jesus. Bituin Escalante only came out in Act 2, and still she owned the stage with her singular presence and rich vocals.

I do not know why they chose to cast a female actor Kakki Teodoro as Dr. Jose Rizal (and I'm not sure I'm totally on board), but, as always, she rocked the role, especially in her featured song "Ang Ating Pinaglalaban." But then again, Apolinario Mabini had been played by a female actor in multiple runs of "Mabining Madirigma," so gender-swapping icons is not new to Tanghalang Pilipino.

Almond Bolante looked totally manly here as a Pio Valenzuela with a rockstar vibe, totally different from the very gay Didi with a soaring counter-tenor in "ZsaZsa Zaturrnah the Musical" (2023). As Bonifacio, Paw Castillo had a strong singing voice that was perfect for inspiring nationalistic fervor. As the idealistic aspiring lawyer Isyo, Joshua Cadelina got to lead the ensemble in two songs -- "1898" and "Liwanag sa Dilim (Reprise)."

Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio in Tanghalang Pilipino's original musical 'Pingkian.' Photo by Creative Sense 

Roby Malubay, VJ Orejotse, and Chan Rabutazo played three priests clad in black. You may think they were Gomburza, but they were actually Frs. Agapito Echegoyen, Domingo Cadenas and Antonio Piernavieja, who were executed for being whistle-blowers against the clergy. Jude Hinumdum had a solo spot number "Narito Na Ba ang Liwanag," as a townsperson named Cirilo Javier. Jam Binay played Emilio and Catalina's daughter Laya, who sang with her parents in "Ikaw ang Liwanag (Reprise)."

The rest of the ensemble include: EJ Pepito, Paula Paguio, Roxy Aldiosa, Laui Guico, and Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company members Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, Erick Alcontado and Llorvie Nuevo-Tadioan. Anchored by the solid bass-baritone voice of Roby Malubay, the impressive choral singing by the ensemble provided an ethereal musical curtain that enveloped the action onstage, immersing the audience in what felt like a religious experience.

It is only March 2024 now, but I believe I just watched the musical which will sweep all the theater awards to be given out next year. It is a shoo-in for nominations and, very likely, wins in Outstanding Musical, Book of a Musical (Juan Ekis), Stage Direction (Jenny Jamora), Musical Direction (Ejay Yatco), and all its outstanding technicals (sets by Carlo Pagunaling, sound by TJ Ramos, lighting by D Cortezano, and projections design by GA Fallarme).

Most of us only knew Emilio Jacinto as the Brains of the Katipunan, and nothing much more beyond that moniker. This musical allowed us to enter the mind of this young man who loved his country, who used his talent in writing to inspire people to do the same.

His codename "Pingkian" referred to a small stone which can produce a spark when struck to create a fire. That was exactly what his patriotic writing did to the hearts and spirits of his fellow Katipuneros. It was very sad to know that he only lived 23 short years, yet he was able to bequeath a valuable legacy in his writings.

Thankfully, we now have this musical to highlights and celebrate that legacy.

"Pingkian: Isang Musikal" runs until March 24 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex.

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."