MEDIARTRIX – UST will be staging an original Filipino theater production entitled “Sierra Madre: Isang Musikal,” written by Joshua Peter Tolentino, Hannah Karylle Espiritu, and Rio Celine Zafra, directed by Jearianna Maerizze Burgos and Lourdes Angel Gonzales, and managed by Enrico Byron Sacramento and Ana Katrina Gomez. The musical has a duration of 2 hours, featuring 14 original songs and instrumental compositions inspired by the mythical tale of Sierra Madre and the relevant societal issues that surround the mountain range today.
The story follows Sierra, a warrior destined for leadership, as she faces the challenge between duty and heart to become hara. Lusong stands by her side with a quiet fire of bravery and compassion, revealing more than what meets the eye. Above them, Bugsong Hangin, a tempestuous wind god, stirs storms and calamity, shaping the world with his chaotic symphony. As a result, mortals, deities, forests, and floods clash together, creating a world caught between order and destruction.
Sierra Madre: A Mythic Tale of Sacrifice, Resistance, and Protection
Sierra Madre is a mythic tale of gods and mortals, forests and deluges. It portrays sacrifice, resistance, and love that transforms the earth. This interpretation traces the land’s heartbeat through time, from its mystical origins to its steady role in our nation. The island’s spine quietly witnesses love and loss. Although the mountain does not speak, it remembers.
Director Lourdes Angel Gonzales shared the impact she wanted to evoke through the musical production. “I want to evoke empathy from the audience. As Sierra Madre continuously protects us, I hope that we protect it as well. This story does not only exude the vision of our creativity, but our freedom to express our clamor for Sierra Madre’s safety and equality for everyone living there.”
Gonzales emphasizes the importance of discussing the events surrounding Sierra Madre, its present-day significance, and how people can contribute to raising awareness and safeguarding this long-standing protector.
“Not because you haven’t felt the weight of the burden, does not mean that you are exempted from it,” Gonzales added.
Through this, the production ignites a deeper understanding of the urgent need for strong and lasting environmental consciousness among everyone. The Sierra Madre, often called the Philippines’ natural shield, stands as a silent guardian, protecting countless communities from devastating impacts. Since ancestral times, it cradles the lives and culture of those who live and thrive within its sanctuary and natural beauty.
Sierra Madre Musical: Schedule, Venue, and Tickets
The production will premiere on April 28 (11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM), April 30 (10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM), and on May 3 (1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM) at the UST Albertus Magnus Building, 4th Floor Auditorium. The show is open to all Thomasian and non-Thomasian audiences. In addition, tickets range from P350 for Regulars, P300 for UST Alumni, and P900 for a special trio bundle package. This production was made possible by the event’s Co-Presenter, Sole Flight.
By bringing the mountain to life through tale and music, the production revisits the legendary origins of Sierra Madre, where gods, mortals, and nature once intertwined. However, beyond the folklore lies a pressing truth: threats continue to endanger the Sierra Madre’s survival and natural integrity today. The musical becomes a vessel for storytelling, stirring reflection, and encouraging immediate action from those who witness its powerful message. Furthermore, it invites the audience to see the mountain not as a distant backdrop but as a living, breathing presence. The mountain continues to protect people, even as it cries out for awareness, respect, and urgent protection in return.
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