John Michael Odtohan

A retelling of freedom: “Bonifacio: Ang Supremo” reignites the meaning of heroism and revolution

As the nation reflects on the enduring legacy of Andres Bonifacio, the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), the national mobile theater company, brings his story back to the spotlight through its newest musical “Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.”

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764419780812591103094_858992270285810_4682148188183255073_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Scene from &#x27;Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.&#x27; <em>Adamson University Cultural Affairs Office/Facebook</em></span></span></span></div><p>As the nation reflects on the enduring legacy of Andres Bonifacio, the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF brings our hero&#x27;s story back to the spotlight through its newest musical “Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.”</p><p>Staged at the Adamson University Theater, in collaboration with the Adamson University Cultural Affairs Office, the latest run of the musical was held from November 27 to 28, offering free admission to students and alumni. As one of the several stagings of the production, the two-day event delivered more than just a play as it showcased a dynamic musical retelling of heroism, profound sacrifice, and ultimate love for the Philippines of the revolutionary Andres Bonifacio.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Spreading Bonifacio’s message</strong></div><p>Written and directed by PSF founder Atty. Vincent Tañada, with music by Pipo Cifra, the musical chronicles Bonifacio&#x27;s transformation from a self-educated laborer to the resolute founder of the Katipunan.</p><p>Transported back during the pivotal era of the Philippine revolution, the audience witnesses Bonifacio’s relentless battle against tyranny. Yet, the vibrant staging did not shy away from the darker side of history, laying bare the dirty politics and the role it played in fracturing the fledgling nation&#x27;s unity.</p><p>Tañada, who played the role of Bonifacio, said the play&#x27;s core message was to inspire a new generation with the spirit of the Supremo.</p><p>“Considering that this is our 25th year, I said that we need to go back to the basics, not only in musical theater, but the basics of heroism, the love for country, nationalism and patriotism, which Andres Bonifacio imbibed,” he said.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764419809972590667946_858991890285848_8995140262018054476_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Scene from &#x27;Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.&#x27; <em>Adamson University Cultural Affairs Office/Facebook</em></span></span></span></div><p>The play draws a striking parallel between Bonifacio&#x27;s era and the present day.</p><p>“I want to reiterate, most especially to young people, that what happened during the time of Bonifacio is still happening now. It also happened in the past, it was only Bonifacio who challenged the system. So, I guess we need more heroes now. We need more Bonifacio now, more than ever,” he added. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Injecting art with humor</strong></div><p>Recognizing the challenge of engaging young audiences with history, the production incorporated humor as one of the key elements. This injection of wit and comedy ensured that the heavy themes of revolution and sacrifice were interspersed with light, memorable moments, making the historical narrative more interesting for students and general audiences.</p><p>The production balanced historical reverence with modern theatrical engagement that resonated with today’s generation.</p><p>“What we&#x27;re trying to do now is we are using the arts, singing, dancing, and theater, musical theater, to educate our young people about history,” Tañada explained. “What we need is a place such as this one based on our history, based on our culture and the richness of our tradition, as well as our national identity, in order for the youth of today to learn from the past and from musical theater as well.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764419838729589949798_858992003619170_7598561356466649915_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Scene from &#x27;Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.&#x27; <em>Adamson University Cultural Affairs Office/Facebook</em></span></span></span></div><p>Tañada collaborated with historians, who served as resource people in balancing historical accuracy and artistic interpretation</p><p>“I have resource people here, Professor Xiao Chua and Ambeth Ocampo. We have books such as Bones of Contention and Memoirs of Emilio Aguinaldo,” he said. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Spectacular casts and staging details</strong></div><p>The play featured PSF president and marketing director Johnrey Rivas, who portrayed the young revolutionary Emilio Jacinto alongside Ken Intano, who also took on the role. Dave Pajanustan also played Bonifacio, while Fidel Redado, Joseph Tañada, and Lance Cabradilla brought Emilio Aguinaldo to life. Chin Ortega and Carl Rasco portrayed Macario Sakay.</p><p>The female leads included Vean Olmedo, Kanishia Santos, and Ella Cristofani as Hilaria Aguinaldo; and Yvonne Ensomo and Abbey Romero as Gregoria de Jesús. Adelle Ibarrientos-Lim, Sarah Javier, and Daffodil Abear took on the role of Tandang Sora, among many others.</p><p>More than 50 talents from the Philstagers Ensemble also contributed to bringing the story to life.</p><p>This production continues a long-standing partnership between PSF and Adamson University, dating back to 2005. PSF has consistently delivered original and socially relevant works, including a previous production highlighting the legacy of the Adamson patron saint, &quot;San Vicente: Isang Sarsuwela.&quot;</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764419870612591071555_858991726952531_2720029207936324511_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Scene from &#x27;Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.&#x27; <em>Adamson University Cultural Affairs Office/Facebook</em></span></span></span></div><p>&quot;Bonifacio: Ang Supremo&quot; premiered on August 2, 2025 at the St. Scholastica College, and eventually toured various stages in the country.</p><p>Philippine Stagers Foundation will be staging a special grand gala presentation of “Bonifacio: Ang Supremo” on Sunday, November 30, at Adamson University Theater.</p>

<p>As the nation reflects on the enduring legacy of Andres Bonifacio, the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) brings our hero's story back to the spotlight through its newest musical “Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.”</p>

As the nation reflects on the enduring legacy of Andres Bonifacio, the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) brings our hero's story back to the spotlight through its newest musical “Bonifacio: Ang Supremo.”

'Bonifacio: Ang Supremo' musical rekindles the fire of revolution

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'Bonifacio: Ang Supremo' musical rekindles the fire of revolution

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Jhaymielle Lacasandile,

Lenard Panizares,

Paolo Raphael De Guzman

Published Nov 30, 2025 10:31 AM PHT

Read More:

Andres Bonifacio

Musical

Supremo

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Phiippine Stagers Foundation

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