Kabesera Inc., a heritage, culture, and history group, launched on Monday, September 15, a musical play honoring the life and heroism of Gen. Gregorio “Goyo” del Pilar. The event was part of the culminating activities of the weeklong Sining Kalinangan ng Bulacan (Singkaban) Festival and coincides with the hero's 150th birth anniversary on November 14.
The production, titled “Goyo@150: Para sa Bayan, Dulang Musikal ng Kabayanihan” (For the Country, A Musical Play of Heroism), will have its gala premiere on November 8 at the Hiyas Pavilion in Malolos City. Additional shows are set for November 24 and 25 at Assumpta Academy in Bulakan.
Modern Retelling of a Centennial Classic
The 70-minute musical is a remake of “Goyo@100” and dramatizes Del Pilar’s gallantry alongside his men. Vicente Enriquez, Dangal ng Lipi ng Bulacan awardee, serves as the overall director, with the original script penned by Noli Garcia. Enriquez said the new version features modifications to make the story resonate with today’s audiences.
“This presentation seeks to highlight the importance of our heritage and history, particularly the heroism of Del Pilar, to keep the flame of patriotism alive among the youth,” Enriquez explained.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Kabesera president Gemma Santos emphasized the group’s mission to make Del Pilar’s legacy relevant to modern times. “It is our desire that the heroism of Del Pilar remains alive and becomes a legacy for generations to come. Through these presentations, we wish to inspire the youth to follow his patriotism,” she said.
Proceeds from the play will fund the printing of “Bulacan ‘Yan,” a book that compiles the stories, photographs, and memories of Bulakan town.
