Tanghalang Pilipino retells the important stories of our heroes
Like many in my generation, I grew up memorizing the names and accomplishments of our national heroes for history class. We used flashcards with their pictures, committing to memory their stories and contributions to the nation’s development.
It saddens me to see how many young people today, as reflected on social media and in mainstream media, seem disconnected from their heroes and unaware of their history.
Remember the MAJOHA incident, where a participant on a reality TV show gave this answer when asked what the acronym was for the three Filipino priest-martyrs?
It has become emblematic of a broader concern: the alarming gaps in historical knowledge among some Filipino youth. What made this even more concerning was that it wasn’t an isolated case.
Around the same time, another contestant asked, “Bakit laging nakaupo yung actor ng Mabini sa show?”—a reference to the Philippine hero Apolinario Mabini, who, due to polio, was paralyzed and used a wheelchair.
These viral moments quickly became the subject of memes and online commentaries. But beyond the laughter, they sparked necessary conversations about our educational system, particularly in teaching Philippine history. Why are such crucial historical facts being forgotten or misunderstood?
Critics argue that these are symptoms of a curriculum that emphasizes rote memorization over deep understanding. Others point to the lack of engaging, contextualized history teaching in schools, compounded by digital distractions and limited access to enriched learning materials.
But instead of simply mocking these moments, they should be seen as opportunities to reassess how we tell our stories, teach our heroes, and value our national identity. These viral blunders reveal a deeper truth—that our national memory is fragile, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture it.
I find Tanghalang Pilipino’s decision to feature national heroes in their 39th theater season a commendable and timely move. At a time when public understanding of our history and historical figures seems to be declining, bringing these stories to life onstage is not just artistic—it is educational and socially relevant. Theater has the power to humanize our heroes, contextualize their struggles, and spark much-needed conversations, especially among younger audiences.
Tanghalang Pilipino’s 39th season aims to reignite national pride by bringing heroes to life onstage.
“Through compelling productions and outreach programs, we sustain the flame lit by Emilio Jacinto, Gregoria de Jesus, and Apolinario Mabini,” the group said.
Pingkian: Isang Musikal returns after a sold-out run and a Best Musical win at the 2024 Aliw Awards. Written by Juan Ekis and directed by Jenny Jamora, the show follows Emilio Jacinto’s leadership during the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.
Vic Robinson leads the cast. It runs from Sept. 12 to Oct. 12, Fridays to Sundays, with matinees on weekends, at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox).
Gregoria Lakambini, A Pinay Pop Musical reimagines the story of Gregoria de Jesus through the sound of a P-Pop girl group. Marynor Madamesila plays the Lakambini of the Katipunan in this production co-written by Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc, with music by Nica Del Rosario and Matthew Chang. It runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14 at the CCP Blackbox Theater.
Mabining Mandirigma returns for its 10th anniversary with a bolder, more intimate staging. Written by Nicanor Tiongson and directed by Chris Millado, the steampunk musical stars Shaira Opsimar as Apolinario Mabini. Catch it from March 6 to 29, 2026, at the CCP Blackbox.
