Ego Sum (An Pasyon ni Kristo 2015 Production Book) by Richard Gavina Castor

EGO SUM AN PASYON NI KRISTO 2015 Production Book

EGO SUM An Pasyon ni Kristo Production Book

Published by: RICHNLOVE PUBLISHING San Francisco, Calabanga, Camarines Sur 4405 Philippines

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the creator except where permitted by law.

ISBN 978-621-95629-1-1

EDITORIAL BOARD Authors Richard G. Castor Jerome B. Ordovez Manilyn B. Pron Sheila M. Seprioto Editorial Consultant Rosa C. Ubano-Cid Rev. Fr. Danilo V. Arnante Rev. Fr. Jessie S. Edaugal Rev. Fr. Antonio Rex M. Palaya Lay Out/Graphic Artist Ella A. Basuel Photographers Adonis B. Aguilar III – Zoda Photo Studio Alrafdi C. Pelonio Altroi Blair B. Aguilar Joseph Edward E. Rodriguez

PREFACE EGO SUM, an hanap nindo IYO AKO. Many people search God. Many people are longing for a true God. Since I was a child, I always knew that God exist. There was always a quality in my heart that desired Him, that "knew" He was there, that he was out there somewhere. I can't explain it. It was something I was born with. I needed God. I knew that I wouldn't be complete unless I was with Him and loving Him. I'm glad I've found Him, or should I say, I'm glad he found me. Life, when the four of us talked about our years in An Pasyon ni Kristo (APK), seems like a very long journey of devotion. We were amazed to look back on the many and different roles we have taken every year in APK. Richard started as Angel Gabriel in 1999 and from there has acted as John, Inn Keeper, and recently King Herod. Jerome has been consistent in portraying Angel Gabriel until he focused as production staff. Sheila moved from being Proclen, to Magdalene, as Herod's dancer and as Mary, the mother of Christ. Manilyn has mastered every role as she consistently served the production as stage manager alongside being Maria Salome, Herod's dancer and Proclen. All three were introduced to APK in 2006. In this journey as in any theatre production there is no small part, only big heart. This may seem like an overwhelming story, yet there are far more larger than life stories other than ours that this book does not intend to cover. As this is a production book for APK 2015, you are about to experience through the pages that will follow what this year is all about.

n 2010, Richard was chairman-president and consequently production manager of APK. Together with the Artistic Director, we planned to publish the year's production book basically for three reasons. First, we wish to effectively document the process – the making of APK. It was the 17th year street play production back then and process documentation which could potentially address academic interest is latent. Second, we believe that in order to fully give back to our donors and sponsors, a material where we can perpetually engrave their names would merit not just continuous support but transparency in the flow of financial and material resources coming from our generous benefactors. Lastly, and more importantly such a book will allow us to evaluate our production and become future ready. He admits that this was an ambitious project. Conscious of the bulk of work in the play itself add to it the amount of time that must be devoted for writing and finding resources, said production book was not made possible until now. The book resulted from an action-oriented process with nuances of ethnography as contents of this piece were drawn from observation, interviews, field notes and collaboration among artists who toiled for this book. This piece in your midst is love materialized and manifested. An Pasyon ni Kristo stood 22 years with love in and with it. Every year since 1993, hundreds of people behind APK share Jesus Christ's life, passion and death. Being an advocate of sustainable development, Richard wish to forward here the idea of culture and arts sustainability by looking at individual and group sharing their talents, their assets, for community development and passing on a legacy to this generation and the next.

arrating and staging the life of our Lord is one of the easiest ways to evangelize His passion, death, and resurrection which is also known as God's Paschal Mystery. In 22 years of staging APK, Manilyn's 10 years of being part of this evangelization brought her an immense honor and privilege to be God's instrument to spread what He did to save us from our sins. Ten years ago, she was fascinated with the announcement that she will be part on the commemoration of Jesus sacrifices by playing APK before the audience. In a perception of a 16-year-old teenager it will simply be an ordinary performance, setting aside the most important purpose of the play—Evangelization. As years went by, deeper understanding was inculcated in her mind that APK is not just a play for an audience to watch for but it's a message for every Christian to reflect that we were saved not only for our sins but Jesus gave His life because He loves us more than we do. Sharing one's talent is one way of sharing God's blessings. The APK production is not a simple production that is planned overnight but a production made by a iv

group of people with different prayer requests and intentions yet having one goal which is to evangelize. The artistic and production management are important structures that should be considered to materialize the APK. As our way of sharing our blessings, we organized an APK production book not only for record and reference but to impart our knowledge to others on how to manage a production. Being part of the production she considers this as a form of devotion. This is her way to return the blessings all for the Glory of God.

oles and responsibilities in APK are challenging and polarizing. Sheila has played different roles in her 10 years in the passion play. During the first time she joined the play, she merely want it for experience, just to try it because it is one of the activities of SAMBIT during Lenten season. Sheila got the chance to know Him more, and with this she became closer to God. “With these different roles that was given to me, I am very thankful to God for letting me portray these in different years, because I believe that it is His will for me as He wants me to realize and teach me something. These realizations have changed my life, and I considered it as God's miracle.” This year is special too because it is her first time to be involved in the production staff being the chair of Secretariat Committee. She believes that this book is not to impress readers but to show them what is in “An Pasyon ni Kristo” – artistic side and the making of this Play. It is to inspire people who will read this book how God suffered just to save us from our sins and to teach us life lessons that we can use in our daily life. This book also serves as a legacy of this year's Production. This is a legacy that the future generations will always look into for their guidance. May this book show you how deep the Love of our Lord God for You is and May it bring a miracle into your life.

nspiring people, inspiring hearts, this production, as Jerome has confidence in, remains and will always be for the evangelization of the Word of God, to spread the Good News of Salvation in order to bring back hearts that turned back to him. Now, more than ever, despite social media proliferation, we are given avenues to evangelize and to share our practices through this book so that we and others may learn from it. Chapter 1 narrates through selected images of all the scenes in APK 2015. Lines of characters in the script and a prayer complement photographs of each scene. The same chapter introduce cast of characters. The second chapter highlights the work behind APK. One might ask, how and who are behind the realization of the street play (?), then this chapter might just come handy. A special section is dedicated to sponsors and donors as we thank them for their blessings shared towards APK. Chapter 3 looks back to 21 years of APK in retrospect. Thus completes EGO SUM – I am. EGO SUM is piece of evangelization, love manifesting and of living gratitude. This is an epiphany of enormous blessings that we in APK production are thankful for. This is a testament of our enduring faith and devotion to Christ's passion, death and resurrection hence this production book is our way of giving back. We are thankful that we are able to hurdle our 22nd year of production. It goes without saying that the lifeblood of our street play swells in every gift and talent we commonly and generously share. For all these, we are extremely grateful. May this book be an inspiration to all, that with GOD, all things will be possible.

WHAT’S INSIDE An Pasyon Ni Kristo 2015 ............................................................................................................ ii Preface ......................................................................................................................................... iv What’s Inside ............................................................................................................................... vii Message Archbishop - Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD .............................................. x Message Parish Priest - Rev. Fr. Danilo V. Arnante......................................................................... xii Message PPC - (Ret.) Judge Corazon A. Tordilla xiv Message LGU - Hon. Eduardo A. Severo xvi Message CBSUA-Calabanga - Dr. Helen L. Madela xviii Message APK Chairman - Mr. Felix Joseph R. Ygrubay xix Message and Profile of Jesus Christ - Rev. Fr. Antonio Rex M. Palaya xxi Director’s Note xxiii Profile of the Artistic Director xxvi CHAPTER 1 - INRI ACT 1 Scene 1 Magdalene - Anointing Jesus ACT 1 Scene 2 A Son’s Farewell ACT 1 Scene 3 Last Supper ACT 1 Scene 4 Agony in the Garden and Jesus’ Arrest ACT 1 Scene 5 Peter denies Jesus ACT 1 Scene 6 Jesus amid the High Priests ACT 1 Scene 6 Judas Escariot ACT 2 Scene 1 Jesus before Pontius Pilate ACT 2 Scene 2 Jesus before King Herod ACT 2 Scene 3 Jesus was Condemned to Death ACT 2 Scene 4 Jesus carries the Cross and His First Fall ACT 2 Scene 5 Jesus Meets Mary, His Blessed Mother ACT 2 Scene 6 Simon of Cyrene Aids Christ in Bearing the Cross ACT 2 Scene 7 Veronica Wipes the Face of Christ ACT 2 Scene 8 Jesus’ Second Fall ACT 2 Scene 9 Christ Meets the Women of Jerusalem ACT 2 Scene 10 Jesus’ Third Fall ACT 2 Scene 11 Christ is Stripped Off His Garments and Crucified ACT 2 Scene 12 Jesus Died Upon the Cross His Body is Taken Down and Is Laid in the Tomb ACT 3 Scene 1 Resurrection ACT 3 Scene 2 Longinu’s Contrition ACT 3 Scene 3 Mary Magdalene APK Cast and Production Staff

1 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

CHAPTER 2 - DEI DONUM (APK Behind the Scenes)

APK 2015 Organizational Structure ............................................................................................................ 54 Organizational Structure and Roles 55 ........................................................................................................................................ Executive Production Staff 56 ............................................................................................................................... Production Staff Meeting .................................. 57 Artistic Management 58 Public Mobile Announcement 59 Artistic and Production Management 60 Dynamics among Cast, Production Staff and Audience 61 Artistic and Production Management 62 APK and LGU of Calabanga 63 Production Management 64 Manual of Operation SDPC 65 APK Production Schedule 67 Training and Rehearsal 69 Production Works 70 Documentation and Publication 71 Media Interviews and Promotion 72 Characterization Workshop and Lenten Recollection 73 Pabasa 74 APK in Siruma 75 Restoration and Retrieval of Costumes and Props 77 Evaluation 78 Issues and Challenges 79 Photos of Cast 80 Donors and Sponsors 81 CHAPTER 3 - RESPECTUS (Looking Back)

Donors and Sponsors: A Look Back 94 ............................................................................................................ Messages PPC - Mrs. Zenaida T. Bonete 95 ........................................................................................................................................ Message CBSUA............................................................................................................................... Calabanga - Dr. Alden S. Bonot 95 Message LGU Calabanga - Hon. Evelyn S. Yu .................................. 96 Message Parish Priest - Rev. Fr. Antonio P. De Los Santos 97 Message Archbishop - Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D. 97 Postscript 98 About the Authors 99

ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP Pilgrim City of Naga, Philippines

MESSAGE It is my joy to express my congratulations to the Calabanga Network for Talent and Arts Development and Advocacy for the 22nd year of staging An Pasyon ni Kristo. In this year, the artistry of promoting devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ has reached a new level of professionalism and a wider reach of audience. This is a manifestation of the growth of excellence in the field of arts as well as of growth of the sense of mission of our faithful to stage the important event in the life of Jesus so as to make the Passion alive in the experience of our people. This play as a form of sacred art should aim its particular vocation: evoking and glorifying, in faith and adoration, the transcendent mystery of God - the surpassing invisible beauty of truth and love visible in Christ, who “reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature,” in whom “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (Heb. 1:3, Col. 2:9, CCC 2505). Thus our artists in this project realize the Christian mission to our society to bring the narrative of God’s endearment to us through the life of His Son, Jesus, in his Passion, Death and Resurrection. This further calls us to a challenge that as we engage more in this field of art, the more we must be drawn closer to the life of God and greater participation in the life of the Church. I commend the excellence of the artists and organizers of this event and I give my fatherly blessings to all those who take part in this noble project.

+ ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, OCD, DD Archbishop of Caceres * Archbishop’s Residence, P.O. Box 6085 Elias Angeles St., Naga City, 4400 Philippines ( +63 (54) 473-2800 8 abpcaceres@gmail.com x

Archdiocese of Caceres PARROQUIA DÉ NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA PORTERIA San Francisco, Calabanga, Camarines Sur

MESSAGE My heartfelt gratitude goes to the leaders and members of the Calabanga Network for Talent and Arts Development and Advocacy Group for your dedication in unfailingly evangelizing not only the Bicolanos but even the non Bicolano pilgrims. I am likewise grateful for the passion, commitment and artistry of SAMBIT thru Rosa C. Ubano-Cid, their artistic director and to the men and women behind this book namely Jerome B. Ordovez, Sheila M. Seprioto, Manilyn B. Pron and Richard G. Castor. Truly, the Holy Spirit works in a very special way through you. This coffee table book is a unique splendor of your passion to serve for His greater glory and honor. I must say “a million thank you” for making EGO SUM possible. “An Pasyon ni Kristo” is composed of more than a hundred cast with age ranging from 9 to 70 if I am not mistaken. They are the generation of the youth who chose to commit their time in a very noble way. In a world with so much disruption, destruction and disturbance – drugs, violence, social media, cybersex, anything and everything that leads us away from God, there is hope. The cast of “An Pasyon ni Kristo” is a living proof that diverting the attention of our youth to something positive is possible and therefore the challenge to do better is never impossible. EGO SUM a Latin word for I AM talks about the person who is the way the truth and the life (via, veritas et vita) and remains to be the Alpha and the Omega no matter where the future will lead us. I hope that this book will reach all the ends of the earth. To the casts, keep the faith. I am one with you in prayers.

REV. FR. DANILO V. ARNANTE Parish Priest xii

MESSAGE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL My sincere congratulations to the leaders and members of the Calabanga Network for Talent and Arts Development and Advocacy Group for producing once again “AN PASYON NI KRISTO 2015”! For many years, I have watched your group grow from amateurs to professional performers. Presently, you have given it a new name and a legal personality. You have not only improved in your acting abilities but have also acquired finesse in managing the operation of your group. In particular, I commend you for your transparency. I have noticed that you submit a liquidation report of your incomes and disbursements after every seasonal presentation. This has given you the aura of respectability and credibility. This means that more funds are forthcoming in the succeeding years of production. The Parish of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria is grateful to your group for putting Calabanga in the limelight with your production of “AN PASYON NI KRISTO”, specially this year that our Rev. Fr. Antonio Rex M. Palaya has volunteered to take the role of Christ in the play. 'Balikbayans' and tourists from everywhere flock to our town to watch “AN PASYON NI KRISTO”. On our part, we Calabanguenos should show them our brand of hospitality, courtesy, and religiosity. In this way, we become witnesses of Christ as a Community. “AN PASYON NI KRISTO” is a novel form of evangelization in action. You evangelize not only the audience but the members of the cast as well. I have heard the testimony of a pedicab driver who said he started as part of the crowd at first, then he was promoted to the role of a disciple of Christ and he enjoyed his participation immensely. Brothers and Sisters, you are on the right track to Heaven. God Bless you all!

JUDGE CORAZON A. TORDILLA (RET.) Chairperson, Parish Pastoral Council

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Republic of the Philippines Province of Camarines Sur Municipality of Calabanga

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

MESSAGE Calabanga is undeniably one vibrant town and community blessed with natural resources, green and clean environment, productive citizens, and with rich culture, heritage, arts and ardent devotion. It is no wonder that visitors flocked in the town to pay homage, for example a pilgrimage to the historical site at the old Quipayo Church and the Amang Hinulid Shrine. Semana Santa or Holy Week is one of the busiest times in our municipality. The annual passion play spearheaded by the Calabanga Network for Talent and Arts Development and Advocacy (CaNTADA) Group, An Pasyon ni Kristo since its foundation in 1993 has added to the effervescent character of the town and depths in meaning in the observance of Christ Passion and Death. This has led to a prayerful community as locals and guests witness first-hand a reenactment of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. Our role in the local government unit is to provide utmost support in terms of facilities, financial assistance and voluntary offering of services of the women and men in various offices as needed by the CaNTADA Group and the parish. More importantly, our support is a testament to our indispensable relationship and ties with the major societal institutions – the family, community, religion, academia, business, and media. Our partnerships with the CaNTADA Group together with the Parish of Our Lady of La Porteria and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) – Calabanga through the Sentro ng Artistikong Manlilikha na Bumubuo ng Identidad at Talento and with its long list of donors and sponsors here and abroad is one which we shall continue to uphold as we advance our commitment to be of service to Calabangueños. This year's production book hopes to authenticate the richness of our culture, arts and religiosity in Calabanga. We hope that the narratives here will inspire everyone and will be able to provide fortitudes to our devotion to An Pasyon ni Kristo. Dios Mabalos!

EDUARDO A. SEVERO Municipal Mayor

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CENTRAL BICOL STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE CALABANGA CAMPUS Calabanga, Camarines Sur

MESSAGE The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture is committed to fashioning and building knowledge and technologies in order to meet the evergrowing demands for countryside development. Knowledge and expertise that this University possess enable communities being served to align with the core programs for sustainable development. Our Calabanga Campus takes pride in being one of the Campuses of the University with robust, established and nationally renowned culture and arts group supporting not just the school but the community at large. Every year, since 1995 the Roman Catholic tradition and prayerful observance of Lent in Calabanga has been aided by our faculty members and students through SAMBIT as they actively partake in the annual street play named An Pasyon ni Kristo. This year is no different. As in the past, our faculty, non-teaching staff, alumni and current students encompassed both major and minor roles in the production from the playwright-director to the main cast and production staff. This means that our role as an education institution providing higher learning has leveled up so as to extend our strengths, our social capital for the betterment of the community. We are humbled to share our knowledge, technologies and expertise. The publication of a book which narrates the process and management of a street play production is a big leap towards educating the youth and practically all members of the society of the challenges and on how to survive one of the toughest tests in life. We in the University appreciate everyone in the production for recognizing and relying in the talents, creativity and leadership innovations of our educational community. May this production book be a timeless piece of reminder of the countless blessings we received from our Heavenly Father. With all these, we express our steadfast support to CaNTADA Group and to the Parish of Our Lady of La Porteria towards the success of the annual passion play. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

HELEN L. MADELA, Ed. D. Campus Administration

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CALABANGA NETWORK FOR TALENT AND ARTS DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY (CaNTADA) Group

MESSAGE In 1997, I joined An Pasyon ni Kristo as Angel Gabriel in the scene “Agony in the Garden. This was through my involvement with the theater arts group in CNSAT (now CBSUA-Calabanga) known as SamBIT and with the help of Maam Rose. In all, it has been my 17th year in the production. Never did it come to my mind to regret my participation in the street play production. This is quite fulfilling because from a small role, I currently hold one of the biggest parts in Passion play – as chairman of An Pasyon ni Kristo 2014 and 2015. I see my affiliation here as a family affair. I am inspired by my family – my wife and my children. They are my strength in order to survive all the challenges in the annual street play. This is also my way of saying thank you to God. Everything I do here is a dedication to my family. CaNTADA and everyone here in APK are family and they inspire me to let myself and others be closer to God. I thank my family for continuously supporting the APK. This is the 22nd year and the community has seen numerous developments. More importantly, we see to it that our activities in passion play is a form of communing with God and being one with Him in His sacrifice for mankind. I am happy because as Chairman I get to meet many people along the way. You are able to help and be helped in return. On behalf of my fellow cast and production staff in An Pasyon ni Kristo 2015, I wholeheartedly extend the profound gratitude of every member of CaNTADA Group to all the sponsors, donors, partners and members of the growing community and avid followers of this two decade tradition of reliving God's love. May your support and trust be ever like the flowing river of bounteous blessings as we pray for your family to unite with us and with our Almighty God.

FELIX JOSEPH R. YGRUBAY Chairman, An Pasyon ni Kristo 2015

MESSAGE & PROFILE OF JESUS CHRIST

Antonio Rex M. Palaya is soloist of The Singing Priest of Caceres since 2005 and a member of the Schola Cantorum from 1997 to 2004. His baptism of fire on stage acting was when he played the role of the first Filipino-Bicolano Bishop, Jorge Barlin for a stage play production in 1997. Father Rex, then a seminarian, was stage manager of the play but had to replace the main actor who took leave due to an unexpected incident. He is the first priest of the Parish of Black Nazarene in Binanuaanan Pequeño, Calabanga. He was assigned in the parish since 29 August 2009. Before this, he was Fr. Jovensie Balang's assistant at the Divine Mercy Parish for about three months and in preparation for his assignment as Black Nazarene's first parish priest. He was formerly assistant parish priest of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sangay (2005-2007) and of Saint John the Evangelist – Cathedral, Naga City (2007-2009). During his deaconate year in 2004, he was assigned at the Parish of Our Lady of La Porteria, Calabanga.

Why did I play the role as “Jesus Christ” in “An Pasyon ni Kristo”? Priest as I am, it is very clear to me what the Church means by saying that the priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, acts in persona Christi Capitis – that is, in the person of Christ, the Head (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1548). It is through with this inspiration that I voluntarily joined and willingly accepted the challenge with the brotherly advice and support of my fellow priests in the Vicariate of Our Lady of La Porteria. And so it successfully happened and we made it to the end with vigor and with grace of God. Still many were asking. Why me? I said to anyone. I am simply inspired by Jesus, the Black Nazarene. As I preach, I may not reach the people's hearts with my words. But in action, how I wish to touch their lives. It has no big deal anyway in my role as “Christ”. What is important is that, I did my best for God's greater glory and I enjoyed the company, with my newly found friends. One for Gold! One for GOD! May the joint efforts of the Calabanga Network for Talent and Arts Development and Advocacy Group lead to more prayerful reflections of the Paschal Mysteries of Christ (Suffering, Death, and Resurrection) and serve as an effective means towards a new evangelization. My gratitude therefore to Our Almighty God who gave me extra strength and willing spirit for allowing me to share His Words through my voice and for letting me experience His Passion. Let this be the start of my own and new way of spreading His Good News to the poor.

REV. FR. ANTONIO REX M. PALAYA Parish Priest, Black Nazarene Parish Calabanga, Camarines Sur

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DIRECTOR'S NOTES

Rehearsals' attendance is one of the challenges in directing the play as Holy Week is usually slated last week of March and early if not mid of April. In most cases, the schedule of rehearsal is affected due to exams, closing and graduation programs of students, parents and teachers who are cast and staff of APK. To address this problem, I scheduled evening rehearsals by act and by scene. Likewise, since APK is produced through solicitations and donations, it is not also easy for me to demand quality costumes, sound, set designs and lights. But by God's grace and blessings, APK continues to give inspiration to its cast, production staff, viewers, sponsors and to the community as a whole. Of course I could not deny the fact that along the way, problems and disagreement among the members of the group arises due to different views in life and different interpretations and strategies on how to face the challenges in the making of APK. However, I still can say that we are one in the willingness to sacrifice and we are all determined to showcase APK at its best.

I started working with the prime mover of Calabanga Passion Play 20 years ago. Former members of the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) of Nuestra Señora de La Porteria Parish, Mr. Rodel Perez and Mr. Achilles Rodriguez requested my assistance to improve the direction of the street play. It was 1993 when the PYM through Rev. Fr. Rey Rellora led the presentation of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday in Calabanga. Using their previous script, Pasion Bicol and the Bible including their story on how they performed their previous reenactment of the Passion of Christ as my guide, I wrote and used my first script entitled “AN PASYON NI KRISTO” (APK) in 1995. The script evolved from one-act play to a full-length play which is now being performed every Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Directing APK is relatively different from other stage plays I directed. It is composed of hundreds of cast members with diverse personality. These cast members represent almost all walks of life – out-of-school youths, students, young professionals, farmers, fishermen, pedicab drivers, vendors, even children and senior citizens. Most of them are driven by their deep devotion to Virgen Mary and Jesus Christ. xxiv

Before, I thought that joining the APK has only two different purposes: devotion and interest in the arts. But as APK grows, I realize that it is not only about devotion and art but it is a way of returning back and sharing the gift that GOD gave us. Yes, life is a gift from GOD adorned with abilities and talents that would be instruments in inspiring others and being one in fulfilling HIS will. Re-enacting the life of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection made a remarkable impact to the spiritual and economic lives of APK members, viewers and community in terms of intensifying its culture, history, customs and tradition. The yearly making of APK is a learning process for me. This year the presence of Rev. Fr. Antonio Rex M. Palaya who portrayed the role of Jesus Christ helped me a lot in giving deeper interpretation of APK story, hence there were some modifications made in the script as to the order of scenes and some dialogues of Jesus Christ. With all these experiences that I have had in my 20 years in APK as its director and playwright, I am very much grateful for all the people who have continuously given their support for the realization of this yearly activity. The ever supportive sponsors of APK, namely LGU-Calabanga and CBSUA-Calabanga, as well as former and current Parish Priests of La Porteria, Rev. Fr. Danilo V. Arnante, and my very cooperative members, cast and staff, and pioneer of APK, have helped me enough by sharing their gifts… and by serving as instruments to share also my gift and give it back to our Creator. To HIM, my endless thanks and my continuous offering of all that I have for HIS greater GLORY.

ROSA C. UBANO-CID Playwright & Artistic Director An Pasyon ni Kristo xxv

PROFILE OF THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR She is working as a teacher in Central Bicol State University of Agriculture Calabanga Campus. She is a graduate of Doctor in Philosophy in University of Saint Anthony last 2013. She is a loving wife and a mother to his only son. She is also a multi-talented actress and a Director in many stage plays and productions in school, different parishes, and the community. She believes that talents and skills are special GIFT from God. With her talent in writing and directing, and with her deep love, hope, and faith to God and to people, she wrote the script of “An Pasyon ni Kristo”. As a teacher she hopes that this is a way to teach and spread God's message directly or indirectly to all readers and all who watches Passion Play every Lenten season. The Holy Bible and the “Pasyon Bikol” is her guide to write the story of our Lord Jesus Christ in her own understanding. This is a great inspiration that will give realizations and hope to her students and those people that she had taught in theater that she had directed. A small knowledge in theater for her is an enormous Gift from God. Using and sharing this knowledge is her way to payback to God for what blessings she is receiving and do it for His greater Glory. Doing this Play is her way to share the Words and teachings of our Lord. This is also her way to help in the evangelization.

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CHAPTER 1

INRI IĒSUS NAZARĒNUS, RĒX IŪDAEŌRUM (JESUS THE NAZARENE, KING OF THE JEWS) Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we saw His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. ~ Matthew 2:2

The first chapter of this book is a snapshot of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ. Photos are taken from all the scenes of An Pasyon ni Kristo 2015 and the presentation is based from the script written by Dr. Rosa C. Ubano-Cid. The script of An Pasyon ni Kristo is composed of three acts and 22 scenes. As a street play, performances are separated accordingly: ACT 1 – Last Supper during the evening of Maundy Thursday; ACT 2 – Crucifixion and Death of Christ during Good Friday; and ACT 3 – Resurrection during early morning of Easter Sunday. Every year there are minor and major changes contributing to the over-all development of APK. Through the years, the script saw additional scenes and characters. For instance, this year the sequence of some scenes was rearranged to follow the Stations of the Cross observed by the Roman Catholic Church. Consequently, an additional scene was introduced this year – Jesus is laid in the tomb. Photographs are complemented with carefully selected lines of characters in the Bikol script of APK. Each scene invites everyone to a solemn prayer. Chapter one closes with a presentation of cast members of APK 2015. One feature which made this year's production extra special is the voluntary act of offering of Rev. Fr. Antonio Rex M. Palaya to portray the role of Jesus Christ. It is a first in the history of APK to have a priest portraying the lead role. Previously though, Rev. Fr. Abenson C. Martinez joined the production and acted as Pontius Pilate for two consecutive years. Indeed, every year is an assemblage of unique set of cast members coming from all walks of life - youth (out-of-school and in-school), children, women, young professionals, senior citizen, pedicab drivers, teachers, farmers, fishermen – name it, we have it. Although these present complexity in the management, say in terms of schedule of rehearsal, APK 2015 value diversity as an asset in all aspects of spiritual growth. We look forward for other members of the laity to join this annual devotion and take part in APK towards a prayerful Lenten observance.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

MAGDALENE~ANOINTING OF JESUS ACT 1 Scene 1

“Maestro, ako sarong parakasala, dai maninigo na magpahiling asin magduta miski sa saimong gubing. Alagad uya ako dara an dakulang pagtubod asin pagkamoot sa saimo. Akoa ako sakuyang Maestro asin patawada…. Akoa an sakuyang dulot asin bayaan mong serbihan ko ika. Maestro, linigan mo an sakuyang pusong panong kasalan asin maraot na boot.”

Lord, touch and soften our hearts so that like You may we wholeheartedly and unconditionally forgive our brothers and sisters. Like Mary Magdalene, give us the courage and strength to depart from our sinful ways. Bless us with the grace that will enable us to forego enticements of this world. Help us to conquer our human frailty, and make us fully aware that our frequent faults are acts of defiance and disrespect to your magnificence and throne. May we genuinely fight temptations and strengthen our love for You and others, Amen. 5

A SON'S FAREWELL ACT 1 Scene 2

“Aki ko sa saimong tataramon, an paghale mo ngonian, dai nang sibogan. Ano an magiginibo ko ngonian? Ako sarong inang napupungaw. Alagad huli ta ini an pagboot nin kalangitan mayo akong magiginibo… dawa masakit titioson ko. Ngonian Aki ko, an sakuyang tugon, huli ta padaba ko ika, o sakong Aking bugtong… sa pagsuwayan na ini likayan mo an saimong sadiri… Saen ka daw hahanapon kan ina mong sa saimo pirming nagroromdom?”

Dearest Mother, you are our way, our guide and stronghold towards your son, Jesus. Help us to grow with faithful and loving heart so that we may imitate your graciousness. Teach us to endure sacrifices, to carry our cross and to have openness of heart to accept wholeheartedly life's challenges.

Guide us to be good parents to our children in the way you and Joseph have done, and inspire us too, to be good children to our parents.

THE LAST SUPPER ACT 1 Scene 3

“Ini an Sakuyang dugo nin Tipan, an Dugong mabulos huli sa kadaklan. Sinasabi Ko sa saindo, dai na Ako mainom nin arak hali sa ubas sagkod sa aldaw na inumon Ko an bagong arak sa Kahadean nin Dios.” -Matthew 26:27-29

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your body and blood for through, by and with it, mankind is saved. May Your gracious offering of self inspire us to share blessings to others especially to those in need. We will forever treasure in our heart Your sacrifices and Your love and we will live according to Your teachings, Amen.

AGONY IN THE GARDEN AND JESUS' ARREST ACT 1 Scene 4

“Ama, Sakuyang Ama… kun mahihimo sa boot mo… palihisa man an kalis na ini… alagad kun sukat Ama Kong Diyos, bako an kabutan Ko an masunod kundi an Saimong kabutan iyo an makuyog.”

Jesus, we thank You for showing to us a clear example on how we pray unceasingly to Our Father. But sometimes in our life we refuse to look upon our brothers and sisters who suffered a lot from different trials. Let this event in Your life teach us to wholeheartedly accept sacrifices for our family, friends and strangers. Grant also that as we pray to Our Father, we pray that we also gain strength in times of trials as the angel done unto You. Amen.

PETER DENIES JESUS ACT 1 Scene 5

A, Ano ining nagibo ko? Maestro... sakuyang Maestro. Dai, dai ko dapat ginibo ini!

God our Savior, accept our praise for Your name because You are our God of love with which we hold dearly. Our Father, we are sinners, have mercy on us. You know how many times we have denied and turned our backs to You by doing wrong to others. Like Peter, may You forgive and help us to avoid temptation of sins. Teach us to be brave and to stand for what is right according to Your teachings. We offer our immense gratitude to You dear Lord, for the goodness and blessings in life that you continuously give us despite our faults and failures. Thank You for continuously providing the sail, our stronghold in the ruffled ocean of life.