MLQ: Ang Buhay ni Manuel Luis Quezon, Isang Dula to be Re-Staged!

The Quezon City Government and the QC Diamond Committee, present MLQ: Ang Buhay ni Manuel Luis Quezon, Isang Dula.

First presented in 2009, during the 70th anniversary of the founding of Quezon City, the production had PETA Theater as its performance venue. MLQ celebrates the life and legacy of the late, great President Manuel L. Quezon as the play highlighted his historical and his heroic contributions to the establishment of an independent Philippines This year, as the premiere city celebrates its 75th founding anniversary, to commemorate the 137th birth anniversary of the Present Quezon, the much loved play is being re-staged. This re-staging is in adherence to the City Government’s priority to education by providing an option on alternative learning through theater arts production.

With MLQ, the power of theater is being utilized to inform, educate and entertain people to accommodate a greater number of audiences, primarily students. This play hopes to be a catalyst for people to have a better awareness and appreciation of the sacrifices and patriotism of the Statesman.

Full House Asia Production Studios Inc, the production partner of QC Government and and the QC Diamond Committee, assembles world class performers and production people to bring life to “MLQ: Ang Buhay ni Manuel Luis Quezon, Isang Dula”. Says director and playwright George de Jesus. “MLQ, Ang Buhay ni Manuel Luis Quezon has an offbeat take in presenting the life of the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth and the acknowledged “Father of the Philippine National Language”. Instead of a chronological account of his life, the play explores how he came to be a “Statesman and Patriot, Lover of Freedom, Advocate of Social Justice, Beloved of the People” as written on his epitaph at the QC Memorial Circle.

The significant moments that gave him these attributes are shown from the point of view of three college students working on a research paper about MLQ. Using this narrative device coupled with kundiman music, multi-media graphics and contemporary theatrical devices allows the audience, particularly students to see MLQ from a different perspective.This is all geared towards a better appreciation, not only of his achievements and contribution to the Philippines, but of his humanity as gleaned from his actual words and speeches.

Alternately portraying the role of Manuel L Quezon are Arnold Reyes and Gian Magdangal; Chinie Concepcion (Aurora Quezon); Jun Ofrasio, (Lucio Quezon / Andres Bonifacio); Stella Canete/ Dolly De Leon (Maria Molina), Christian Velarde. Jeol Saracho (Father Teodoro Fernandez /Gov. Paras / Felipe Agoncillo / Claro M. Recto); Randy Villarama (Mascardo / Gobernador / Osmeña; Richard Cunanan (Frayle / Judge Linebarger / Colonel Harbord / MacArthur); Topper Fabregas (Cabo de Guardia Civil / Francis Berry / Willian Atkins Jones); Ron Ryan Alfonso (Aguinaldo) with Ross Pesigan (Manny), Joshua Deocareza (Louie) and Martjha Comia (Quiel). Assisting director De Jesus realize MLQ on stage are Dong Calingacion (Technical / Light Director); Otto Fernandez (Production Designer); Erwin Flores (Choreographer); Joiee Mejias (Multi-Media Projections Designer); Samantha G. Valenciano (Graphic Designer); Roy Del Valle (Finale Song Composer), Producer, Alvin I. Trono; and Executive Producers, Gina T. Godinez and Maricel T. Santos.

Performances of MLQ: Ang Buhay ni Manuel Luis Quezon, Isang Dula. are slated on August 19, 2015, (7pm – Press Preview / Opening Show) and on August 20,21,26,27,28, (10am & 3pm respectively) at the KIA Theater, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.