'Pingkian: Isang Musikal' showcases true meaning of revolution through Emilio Jacinto's writings

“Mabubuo ang daigdig ng malaya. Hanggat mayroon pang hininga, hindi pa tapos ang laban.”

These words were just among the many notable lines and scenes from the Tanghalang Pilipino's "Pingkian: Isang Musikal," which brought life to the unyielding, patriotic spirit of Emilio Jacinto and his fight for freedom, showcasing his writings and life story.

With Jacinto's series of flashbacks to his past, the musical tells the story of how the young Katipunero became a revolutionary hero. Through his dreams and hallucinations, he falls into a state of delirium, seeing friends, loved ones, and comrades, including the founder of Katipunan, "Supremo" Andres Bonifacio, and Dr. Jose Rizal.

Jacinto's brief life of only 23 years was tragic, but the legacy he left behind through his writings is timeless.

Pingkian, the Tagalog term for a rock that ignites a spark when rubbed, was an alias used by Jacinto. He is the well-known "Utak ng Katipunan," who served as an eloquent and brave writer and established the Katipunan's newsletter "Ang Kalayaan."

The infamous Kartilya ng Katipunan was also written by Jacinto, and it served as the movement's guidebook emphasizing brotherhood, liberty, and equality. He became the youngest leader of Katipunan by being a general at 17.

"Pingkian" celebrates and honors the young Katipunero's legacy, which was made possible by the brilliant minds of Palanca Award-winning playwright Juan Ekis and Gawad Buhay-winning composer Ejay Yatco.

"Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban," "Nasa Loob ang Himagsikan," "Pangarap Ko'y Kalayaan," and "Kalayaan" were just among the powerful songs in the musical.

Another song that impacted me was "Sapat Ba Ang Mga Salita," in which he questions whether his words or writings will ever be enough to influence and open someone else's eyes to witness injustice.  

The two-hour musical was performed by Vic Robinson as Emilio Jacinto and Gab Pangilinan, who played a dual role as Pingkian's wife Catalina de Jesus and as a spy named Florencio Reyes.

The cast also includes Bituin Escalante as Josefa Dizon, Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal, Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio, Almond Bolante as Pio Valenzuela, Joshua Cadeliña as Lucio/Isyo, and Marco Viaña as Duktor.

Also featured are Chan Rabutazo, VJ Cortel, Roby Malubay, Jude Hinumdum, Paula Paguio, Roxy Aldiosa, Jam Binay, Laui Guico, EJ Pepito, Jonathan Tadioan, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, and Edrick Alcontado as members of the ensemble.

From the cast, production, music, and storytelling, "Pingkian" made it its purpose to ignite a spark in its audience. It showed how Jacinto dreamt of a country of freedom, a reason why we cannot let it be taken away today, and not even in the coming years.

Apart from this, the musical teaches us that a more valuable cause of revolution is not death but the desire to live long and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

"Ang daming mapupulot sa kwento ni Jacinto. Siya 'yung pinagsamang Andres Bonifacio at Jose Rizal," said Vic.  

"'Pingkian' reminds us that hindi kailangang may dumarak ng dugo para makamit ang kalayaan. Hindi kailangang may mamatay o pumatay para maging malaya," he added.

The final show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, was held on Sunday, March 24.

When the cast hit the last note, there was nothing but smiles and teary-eyed faces inside the theater.

I clapped till my hands hurt, which I think all of us did, but this is nothing compared to an incredible performance presented by such talented individuals.

"Pingkian" is indeed a story that tells us to never forget where we've been, where we are now, and where we will be.

"Pingkian" is the voice in our head, singing, "Hindi pa tapos ang laban." —JCB, GMA Integrated News