Theater & Arts
MORE THAN a decade since its debut, the musical Mula sa Buwan continues to capture hearts with its poignant narration of young, unrequited love and self-discovery amid a time of war. The story follows Cyrano (Myke Salomon), a long-nosed cadet leader who yearns for his beloved Roxane (Gab Pangilinan). However, his feelings are overshadowed by the arrival of her new suitor, the charming Christian (MC Dela Cruz). Despite being rivals in love, Cyrano and Christian form an unlikely friendship in their humorously poetic yet tear-jerking attempts to win over Roxane’s heart.
In its 2024 run, the production returns with its original cast that featured a couple of Atenean alumni. Audiences get to witness the talents of Gab Pangilinan (AB COM ‘13) as the breathtaking female lead Roxane, and newcomer Brian Sy (BFA TA ‘13, BS CTM ‘13), who plays the influential Reserve Officers’ Training Corps lieutenant, Maximo Kalaw.
For Pangilinan and Sy, love—beyond the romantic sense—is an ever-familiar experience when it comes to acting. Having dabbled in theater in their undergraduate days, their onstage endeavors trace back to their involvement with Ateneo Blue Repertory (blueREP) and Tanghalang Ateneo (TA), respectively. Partaking in these student-led companies has greatly cultivated their passion and steadfast love for the craft.
Their journey to the moon
When asked about his theatrical beginnings, Sy recalls his days in TA. In his role as Imam in the original cast of Sintang Dalisay, he performed across different countries under the tutelage of the late Ricardo G. Abad, PhD.
Sy credits his directors’ guidance during this time for his enduring dedication to acting. “Those teachings were and are invaluable to the pursuit that I have right now of honing my craft and telling stories that are meaningful, relevant, and entertaining. Yes–even that,” he adds.
Likewise, Gab Pangilinan regards her time with blueREP as crucial for nurturing her creativity and passion for theater. Although she initially did not consider acting as a career, blueREP allowed her to connect with professionals who later became her esteemed mentors.
This mentorship gave her the encouragement and hope she needed to believe in her potential, even when she doubted herself. Her experience highlights the importance of a supportive community in fostering personal growth and self-discovery, empowering students to explore and pursue their passions.
Both Sy and Pangilinan credit their Ateneo experiences as pivotal in their artistic journeys. Their stories demonstrate the importance of collegiate theater organizations in shaping the future of Philippine theater. However, exposure is not the sole driving force for their growth, with the lessons they picked up off-stage contributing to the depth of their characters.
Magis sa Buwan
Central to this growth is the Atenean concept of magis, a principle that resonates deeply with both Pangilinan and Sy, though their interpretations of it diverge in compelling ways.
For Pangilinan, she emphasizes the value of magis in approaching her work. This drive for excellence instilled during her undergraduate days continues to guide her theatrical career, while also building her confidence as a performer. In a pivotal magis moment, Pangilinan recounts a time when renowned musical director Rony Fortich encouraged a then-sophomore Gab to take theater to greater heights.
This faith, coupled with the values of excellence and perseverance, carried Pangilinan as she made her way through the industry. She continues to draw on these lessons as she takes on challenging roles like Roxane, embodying both the character and the Atenean ideals that have shaped her journey.
On the other hand, Sy challenges the notion of setting Ateneans apart from everyone else. For him, no difference should exist between an “individual” and an “Atenean.” “Ang mahalaga ay ang tao ay tao. Ano pa man ang kaniyang educational background, kung nahahanap mo ang sarili mong nais magkuwento — eh di, magkuwento ka. Ikaw ay [isang] storyteller,” he muses.
(What matters is one’s humanity. Regardless of their educational background, if you find yourself inclined to tell stories – tell them. You are a storyteller.)
In addition to the close guidance he received from his mentors, Sy takes pride in the ability to reflect on why he continues performing. While his reasons may change with time, his motivations are all tied together with a common theme of understanding and empathy, which are the core of an actor’s pursuit.
Despite differing perspectives on magis and excellence, Pangilinan and Sy are propelled forward by a shared commitment to their craft. While the former draws on a personal drive for excellence, the latter emphasizes a broader, more inclusive approach to storytelling. Together, these perspectives reflect the artistic nuances of theater, where both individual ambition and collective empathy play crucial roles in their ongoing journeys.
Lessons from Mula sa Buwan
Pangilinan and Sy view Mula sa Buwan as a powerful exploration of identity, community, and purpose. In particular, Pangilinan emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s values and the significance of community. As such, she urges Ateneans to acknowledge the meaningful impact they can have on others.
Sy echoes this sentiment, adding that, “Kung mayroon kang katiting na ideya kung sino ka at kung ano ang ‘yong pinaglalaban, panindigan mo ito. ” (If you have even a sliver of an idea as to who you are and what you want to fight for, commit to it.)
As Pangilinan and Sy shoot for the moon in their artistic journeys, they invite audiences to do the same in recognizing their own significance and fighting for their beliefs. Furthermore, they encourage Ateneans to harness their potential to create lasting change, stressing that everyone has a meaningful role to play in the world regardless of their background.
