NOLI ME TANGERE, THE OPERA Reveals Full Cast, Creative Team

Manila, Philippines--The Philippines' first full-length opera, National Artists Guillermo Tolentino and Felipe Padilla De Leon's most beloved 1957 opera, "Noli Me Tangere" (Huwag Mo Salangin/Touch Me Not) returns to the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) main theatre, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, from March 8-10, 2019.

In partnership with the CCP, in time for its 50th anniversary, with support from the Honorable Senator Loren Legarda, J&S Productions Inc., the producers behind the opera's acclaimed performances at the Kaye Playhouse in New York City (2013), The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. (2014), the Newport Performing Arts Theatre at Resorts World Manila (2014), and the CCP (2017), which commemorated the opera's 60th anniversary, fulfills its commitment anew to keep this masterpiece alive for the young Filipino audiences to experience and enjoy.

In this 2019 all-new production, about 200 actors-classical singers, classical musicians, and production crew are joining forces to stage this grand, "elegant affair" (The Washington Post, 2014). Leading the cast are Nerissa De Juan and Bianca Camille Lopez (Maria Clara); Ivan Niccolo Nery and Nomher Nival (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra); Allison Cervantes, Nicola Micaelle Peralejo, and Bernadette Mamauag (Sisa); Joseleo Logdat (Elias); Greg de Leon (Pilosopo Tasyo); Nils Flores and Ronnie Abarquez (Padre Damaso; Abarquez also plays Kapitan Tiyago at certain performances); Lawrence Roxas (Kapitan Tiyago); Noel Comia Jr. and Mari Yapjoco (Basilio), and Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin).

Also joining the cast are Mia Bolanos (Dona Victorina), Oliver Pineda (Tenyente Guevarra), Jose Mari Javato (Padre Salvi), Charina Balmores (Sinang), Micah Galang (Andeng), Ma. Krissan Tan (Tiya Isabel), Timothy Racho (Alferez), Ruzzel Clemeno (Don Filipo), Tomas Virtucio Jr. (Albino), and Rare Jireh Columna (Victoria).

The large ensemble includes Roxanne Abuel, Neomi Giron, Eden Dumlao, Sheila Gamo, Ma. Rovelyn Bautista, Criselda Go, Ma. Blanca Buesa, Charina Balmores, Katrine Sunga, Angelica Benipayo, Ma. Arielle Tuason, Erielle Fornes, Ma. Vicella Villasin, Ma. Pilar Ramos, Marifel Motilla, Jose Miguel Espiritu, Lorenz Sarrondo, Renz Cruz, Airo Saret, Francisco de Guzman Jr., Mark Morales, Kevin Jeremy, John del Rosario, and Joseph Billeza.

Co-directed by New York-based event stylist Jerry Sibal, who also does the set design, and veteran actor-director Jose Jeffrey Camanag, featuring the 53-piece NOLI Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, "Noli Me Tangere, The Opera," which is based on the National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal's 1887 classic novel of the same name, tells the timeless story about love, betrayal, and hope set against a repulsive backdrop of tyranny, torture, and murder.

The artistic and design team for this much-awaited production also includes Raul Sunico, project director; Albert Figueras, costume designer; Dennis Marasigan, lighting designer; Ronan Ferrer, chorus master; Dingdong Fiel, pianist and assistant musical director, and TJ Ramos, sound engineer.

Major sponsors and media partners include LumoXChange, Ilustrado Restaurant, Las Casas Filipinas De Azucar, Philippine Women's University, RiteMed, People's Journal, People's Tonight, Women's Journal. PTV, Chinoy TV, WhenInManila.com, SkedSearch, Fab Manila. 98.7 DZFE, Wazzup Pilipinas, and Mark Francis Parallag Photography.

Performances: March 8 (Fri.-Gala), 8 p.m., March 9 (Sat.-Matinee), 2 p.m., and March 10 (Sun.-Matinee), 2 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Gala: Orchestra Center - P3,500, Orchestra Side/Parterre - P2,800, Balcony 1 Center-P1,500, Balcony 1 Center - P1,500, Balcony I Side - P1,200, and Balcony II Center & Side - P1,000

Matinee: Orchestra Center - P2,800, Orchestra Side/Parterre - P2,300, Balcony I Center - P1,400, Balcony I Side - P1,200, and Balcony II Center & Side - P900

50% off for students, 20% discount for senior citizens, PWD, government and military personnel

Ticket Outlets: J&S Productions Inc. (63) 947 168 1714, (63) 915 819 3459, or (63) 2 998 2356, CCP Box Office (63) 2 832 3704/06, or TicketWorld (63) 2 891 9999, https://ticketworld.com.ph/

Photos: Mark Francis Parallag

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