Bembol Roco returns to theater with Noli at Fili Dekada 2000

During the dress rehearsal of the play Noli at Fili Dekada 2000 (Dos Mil), PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) was able to talk with veteran actor Bembol Roco regarding his portrayal of Bishop Damaso, a character that is based on the friar Padre Damaso in the novels of Jose Rizal. Noli at Fili formally opens the 41st theater season of the Philippine Educational Theater Association. This two-and-a-half hour play will be staged at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City starting this Friday, July 18. The first act deals with the interpertation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere while the second act deals with the El Filibusterismo. According to Dr. Tiongson, he based this play on interviews with residents of Infanta, Quezon, who survived the flash flood caused by illegal logging in their area. How did Bembol get involved with this project? "I was invited by Soxie Topacio [the director of the play]. I've done several plays for PETA already, but not in the longest time," he told PEP last July 14 during the dress rehearsal of Noli at Fili. "The last time I did a play for PETA must have been more than twenty years ago; I think it was Mga Ama, Mga Anak with Lino Brocka." He has been rehearsing for his role as Bishop Damaso for over a month and he will appear in half of the total shows since he alternates with Bodjie Pascua of Batibot fame. What attracted him to the play? "I love stage! I am a stage man. I've missed this very much. In fact, sabi ko nga kay Soxie Topacio, 'bakit ngayon n'yo lang ako niyaya dito?'" The modern-day version of the play, written by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, features rebels called the National Liberation Army and plenty of gunfights between the military and the rebels. Does he think the play is too radical? "Radical? I think that is what we need. Mas radical, mas mabuti na siguro ngayon kasi maitim na buto ng Pilipino, e, whether we like it or not. I'm part of that, but we should start moving now kasi kelan pa, di ba?" Although many would remember Bembol for his appearances in movies and television shows, ranging from the late Lino Brocka's opus, Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag to his most recent television shows: Kapitan Boom, Asian Treasures, and Maging Sino Ka Man, only a few would know that the actor was once a stage performer. The challenge for Bembol was to be able to interpret the role of Bishop Damaso, the modern-day character of Rizal's vicious friar, Padre Damaso. And since the actor had a very vague understanding of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, he relied on his own personal interpretation of the character. By recalling his past experiences with the Jesuit priests at the Ateneo de Manila and his other recollections dealing with pastors and bishops, Bembol was able to give a new twist to the character of Bishop Damaso. Aside from his role, Bembol finds significance in the message of the play. He says, "Noli at Fili is a remarkable play that deals with issues that are important to us now." Because of the modern-day plot that allows the story to evolve around vital issues that are essential in our society today, Bembol feels that the play will raise the consciousness of the viewing public—and raise some eyebrows. Noli at Fili Dekada 2000 (Dos Mil) opens July 18 at the PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center. The play runs until August 24, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with performances at 10 am and 3 pm. For inquiries and reservations, please call PETA Marketing at 410-0821 or email petampro@yahoo.com. Schedules may change without prior notice. Performance dates: July 18-20, August 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 2008 Friday to Sunday 10 am and 3 pm Venue: PETA Theater Center, 5 Eymard Drive (formerly Sunnyside Drive), Brgy. Kristong Hari, New Manila, Quezon City - Philippine Entertainment Portal