Monumento 1896 inspires to awaken the heroes in ordinary people by touching their hearts and minds

This production Inspires to awaken the heroes in ordinary people by touching their hearts and minds and asking them these questions: (1) What is the best thing one can do for the country? and (2) Is the youth still the hope of our future? Though stimulating and at times thought-provoking this play seeks to remind people especially the younger generation of patriotism and the values where our nation was built. It leaves no concern whether the answers to the questions stated above will measure up to the selfless acts of our heroes who sacrificed and gave everything for the freedom and betterment of our motherland. This play also reflects the torment that our country has been facing in the likes of poverty, crime, corruption, and indifference that our heroes thought should have ended as we are liberated in the past but still affect us to this day.                                 Director’s Note“MONUMENTO 1896” brings back the heroic quest of our national heroes and heroines depicting how they “think and feel” in the past. In contrast to how the present life circumstances shaped the mindset of the new generation and its impact on our culture which they fight hard to preserve. My inspiration in the adaptation of Ms. Jenny Simon’s play is to shine the spotlight on the great cause of peace won by the heart and heroism of our national heroes. Blending their supreme sacrifice and finest example of dedication with the daily problems of life faced by the free people in the present generation. Connecting the old wounds and grievances of our heroes in the past with the new generation’s lack of apparent love for our nation, forgetting our culture, having no clear vision of what peace should be, and to say the least failing to appreciate what we have today. Hoping that young people will gain a renewed sense of purpose and harness their power in making positive contributions to the betterment of our motherland. Keeping the balance between globalization and preservation of our genuine Filipino cultural identity. Generation Z are seen as increasingly apathetic, self-oriented and show an attitude of indifference towards the society, having a sense of entitlement and inflated view of themselves. After watching the play, I hope to awaken the sleeping heroes among us and sustain a continuing heroic tradition in our own humble way.  Rodel J. MercadoArtistic DirectorFrontline Production Inc.  MONUMENTO(1896)by Jenny SimonAdaptation & Directed by Rodel Mercado  SYNOPSIS Isang Kontempuraryo at Kumedyang Dula na hinaluan ng Sayaw at Musika. Si Chenes ay isang batang naligaw at napadpad sa National Heroes Park.Doon nakilala nya si Ada ang diwatang tagapagbantay ng mga rebulto, ang taga patnubay sa kapaligiran, at tahimik na nagmamasid sa mga kaganapan at pangyayari sa Pilipinas. Ang tagapag-alaga ng mga halaman, ibon, maliliit na hayop sa paligid laban sa mga taong nangangahas na sirain at paglaruan ang kalikasan at kasaysayan. Sa pamamagitan ni Ada nabuhay at nakilala ni Chenes ang mga magigiting na Bayani na sila Dr. JOSE RIZAL, ANDRES BONIFACIO, TANDANG SORA, GABRIELA SILANG, FRANCISCO BALAGTAS at LAPU-LAPU. Dito napag-usapan at nasaksihan nila ang mga pangyayari sa bagong henerasyon. Ang mga kaganapan sa bayan! Sa bayang ginigiliw ng mga Bayani.Ang bayang pinagbuwisan nila ng buhay.Paano nga ba gagamutin ang suliranin ng bayang Pilipinas?Natapos na ang panahon nila, naibigay na nila ang pagkakataon, ginawa na nila anglahat at nag buwis na rin sila ng buhay… Sa ilang oras na nakasama ni Chenes si Ada at ang mga Bayani, maraming napag tanto ang bata. Nag iwan ng mahalagang tanong ang mga bayani kay Chenes, “Mananatili na lang ba tayong sawi habang panahon?” Masasagot kaya ni Chenes ang tanong ng mga Bayani? Makukumbinsi kaya ni Chenes ang mga bayani na ang “Kabataan pa rin ang pag-asa ng bayan” ngayong panahon na ng makabagong teknolohiya. Mauunawaan kaya ng Henerasyon ng mga Mellenials at Gen Z na sa pagtingala nila ay hindi lamang bato o rebulto ang kanilang nakikita, kundi isang maliwanag na pagpapa-alala ng mga adhikaing iniwan ng mga bayani para sa bayan!?    “MONUMENTO 1896”Actors                                                                        CharacterCaleb Alvarez                                               as        Dr. Jose RizalRey Correjado                                              as        Andres BonifacioAsean Gabat                                                as        Lapu-lapuRachel Pullon                                               as        Melchora AquinoMitch Dayupay/Mai Dela Cruz                 as        Gabriela SilangCharles Dion Partido/ Rico Aguilera       as        Francisco BalagtasZhyra Villanueva/ Rian Aragon                 as        ChenesDyn Antiche / Leona Danque                   as        Ada (Diwata) ENSEMBLE:Karina Macaspac, Edmund Ong, Arjay Delos Reyes, Daven Noveno, Juwis Bautista, Kelly Capagngan, Joshua Pasimio, Carissa De Ocampo, Francheska Rosales, Erika Perez, Tonny  Abad, Rachell Baldomaro CREATIVE PRODUCTION TEAM:Director                                 :           Rodel J. MercadoStage Manager                    :           Jhelo LlenoraLights Designer                   :           Ninya BedruzCostume Designer              :           Felipe Ronnie MartinezDance Choreographer       :           Anthony CruzCasting Agency                   :           FLP Artist ManagementPublicist                                 :           Alwyn Ignacio FOR SHOW BUYERS & TICKETS THEY CAN CALL 0927-2422673