K-ABRA-D

by Sem. Derrick Lumaang and Aron Cantil 

​“KABRAD” from Saint Joseph Seminary productions which ran on October 25, 26 and 27 at the Fr. Carmelo Gonzales Wellness Center will leave theatre-goers with an existential question, “Sino ba talaga ang tunay na taga-Abra?”

The play focuses on the very life, culture, and traditions of Abrenians in the past. It is not a mere history lesson, but it is presented in a way that everyone young and old will have fun and interest in watching the play all through out.

The 3-day theatre play was a blast. It could not have been possible if not for the efforts of the different committees which were operated by the seminarians themselves. They were also trained and assisted by talented and acclaimed producers from Manila. They were Sir Jerson Guiwa, the outstanding director; Mr. Allen Diansuy, the talented set director; Mrs. Paola Marie Muñoz-Diansuy, the acting coach, and Sir Ivan Nicolo Neri, the brilliant musical director, He is a classical tenor opera singer who top-billed the production of “Noli Me Tangere” where he played Crisostomo Ibarra.

The story is divided into four vignettes. The first vignette focuses on the pre-Catholic life of Abrenians. The second vignette portrays the life of the Katipuneros from Abra during the time of the Spaniards, and how they revolutionized the province and liberated Abra from the abusive Spaniard colonizers. The third vignette talks about the history of St. Joseph Seminary and the fourth vignette talks about the future; it was about dreams of what Abra could become in the next 100 years.

The play became the talk of the town, many came from different schools and parishes. This was made possible through the efforts of the marketing committee who went to publicize the K-ABRA-D. The production people are also acknowledged who tirelessly worked behind the scenes. Even with the struggles and challenges they went through for months of preparation, with the efforts and hard work they were able to produce a magnificent stage play. The bright and wonderful stage made by the production team who would be useless without its actors onstage.

The play was an overall success, and it made an impact not only within the seminary, but it extended throughout the province. The play “KABRAD” raised the bars high on how production plays should be in the province, it reignited the importance of arts and culture in our province through theatre plays, and most of all it renewed patriotism among abrenos for Abra.