Around 20 million people speak Cebuano (also known as Bisaya) across the Philippines, yet it’s rare to hear music or watch anything being performed in languages other than Tagalog and English.
But on on Sunday, Nov. 26, Gugmang Giatay, an original Bisaya “jukebox” musical will open at the Maybank Performing Arts Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The title is difficult to translate literally into English, but it roughly means “damned love.”
The story revolves around the love problems of Inday, a house helper at the Montesclaros boarding house.
The lead character, played by Cebuano singer-songwriter Lourdes Maglinte, makes a call to radio talk show host Papa Joe to talk about her love problems. The story then follows the love lives of the young professionals who stay in the boarding house.
While the play has been around for two years, it will be the first time the cast will perform in a major theater in Manila.
“There are many Bisaya-speaking people here in Luzon that don’t always get to go home to Cebu,” musical director and award-winning songwriter Jude Gitamondoc told Coconuts Manila. “We wanted to bring it here to give them a chance to not only watch the musical but hear these Bisaya classics, as well as the newer local hits performed live,” he said. “And we hope even non-Bisaya speaking people will be able to enjoy it as well.”
The musical features iconic Bisaya songs by Max Surban, Cattski Espina, Insoy Niñal, Junior Kilat, as well as songs written by Gitamondoc himself.
He also co-wrote this musical with social media star Rowell Ucat aka Medyo Maldito.
Also in the cast are other well-known Visayan performers Von Saw, Dion Cecilio, Shiella Pestaño-Gemperoa, Shane Reseroni, Joer Gallur, Paola Pia San Diego, Jeyve Daño, Jan Echevarria, Davelyn Cuenco, Heidi Pogoy, and Alem Garcia, among others.
Showtimes
Sunday, Nov. 26, 4pm
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 8pm
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 8pm
Thursday, Nov. 30, 8pm
Tickets can be purchased online at ticketworld.com.ph or at Ticketworld outlets.
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