‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal’ even more relevant in today’s society, actors say

History has a way of echoing into the present — and in Tanghalang Pilipino’s "Pingkian: Isang Musikal," the story of Emilio Jacinto feels less like a tale from the 1890s and more like a mirror to today’s struggles. 

The production, which swept the 2024 Aliw Awards and now returns for the company’s 39th season, explores the ideals of the young revolutionary known as the “Brains of the Katipunan” and asks what it means to keep fighting for freedom.

For actor Vic Robinson, who once again steps into the role of Jacinto, this rerun could not have come at a better time.

“I believe this is the perfect time to bring 'Pingkian' back,” Robinson said in an interview with GMA News Online. 

“'Yung mga nangyayari noon, nangyayari pa rin ngayon. Sana kapulutan ng aral ng mga manonood na huwag manahimik sa injustices na nakikita sa paligid natin.”

(What happened back then is still happening today. I hope audiences will learn not to stay silent about the injustices happening around us.)

He added that Jacinto’s spark should inspire action among today’s youth.

“The goal of the show is to ignite a spark within Filipinos, lalo na sa mga batang Pilipino, para kumilos at hindi tayo matalo sa himagsikan. Kasi ngayon, 'yung himagsikan hindi na dayuhan ang kalaban kundi kapwa nating kababayan na nang-aabuso at nagnanakaw.”

(The goal of the show is to ignite a spark within Filipinos, especially the youth, to take action so we don’t lose the revolution. Today, our enemy is no longer the foreign colonizer — it’s our fellow countrymen who exploit and steal from others.)

Relevance in the present

Gab Pangilinan, who plays Catalina de Jesus and Florencio Reyes, echoed this sense of timeliness.

“I think 'Pingkian,' mas relevant siya more than ever,” Pangilinan said. 

“Kung noong 2024 ginawa namin 'yung 'Pingkian' na nagluluksa because of the 2022 elections, ngayon 2025 parang mas nagri-ring 'yung hindi pa tapos ang laban. Sana magka-energy ang lahat ng tao para lumaban ulit.”

(I think "Pingkian" is more relevant now than ever. In 2024, we staged it in mourning after the 2022 elections, but now in 2025, the message that the fight isn’t over rings louder. Hopefully, people will find the energy to fight again.)

For her, the musical’s message is not limited to politics, but to a broader sense of solidarity.

“Parang now more than ever, mas kailangan natin magsama-sama at mas kailangan palakasin ang ating mga boses. At mas mamulat.”

(Now more than ever, we need to come together, strengthen our voices, and become more aware.)

Keeping the fire alive

As "Pingkian" takes the stage once more, its cast hopes the story of a young revolutionary will do more than educate. They hope it will ignite.

In Jacinto’s time, the call was for freedom from colonial rule. Today, the battles may have changed, but the struggle against injustice and complacency remains. And through music, performance, and story, "Pingkian: Isang Musikal" asks: how much of Jacinto’s fire still burns in us?

Written by Palanca Award-winner Juan Ekis, with music by Gawad Buhay-recognized composer Ejay Yatco and directed by theater stalwart Jenny Jamora, "Pingkian" delivers a riveting portrayal of Jacinto’s passion, ideals, and ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of Filipino freedom. The musical explores the complexities of youth, leadership, and nationhood in the final years of the Philippine Revolution and the early stages of the Philippine-American War.

Joining Robinson and Pangilinan is a stellar ensemble: Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Josefa Dizon, Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal, and Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio, with Almond Bolante, Joshua Cadeliña, and Marco Viaña rounding out the principal cast. 

The musical will run until October 12 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News