ONE of the most well-known works of Philippine literature is Larawan: Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by Nick Joaquin. Written in the 1950s, its story of two spinster sisters and how they find themselves and their lifestyle altered by the things happening around them is still relevant today.
Back in the 1990s, Larawan was adapted into a musical. Spearheaded by talent manager Girlie Rodis and singer Celeste Legaspi, the musical was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was one of the most talked-about musicals at the time, and why not? The late National Artist Rolando Tinio was behind the libretto with music by (soon-to-be National Artist) Ryan Cayabyab. Oh, the words of Tinio was resonant, and Cayabayab’s music was truly powerful. And the performances! Oh, it was magical to see Celeste Legaspi and Zsa Zsa Padilla together.
Now the acclaimed musical based on the esteemed play set in pre-World War II Intramuros in Manila has been turned into a movie. The movers behind it are still Girlie and Celeste, which means the adaptation is surely in good hands. But I heard that a lot of people chipped in to see this project into fruition: such as Regal Films’s Mother Lily Monteverde, executives from Star Cinema and Emmy Cayabyab (Ryan’s wife), and all this makes the adaptation one of the most exciting developments in the entertainment industry.
A star-studded cast also devoted their time and effort into this, including Rachel Alejandro, Jaime Fabregas, Ogie Alcasid, Rayver Cruz, Paulo Avelino and Miss Saigon alum Joanna Ampil.
Joanna, who started doing theater in 1992 when she starred in Miss Saigon, says that doing the movie adaptation is a memorable experience for her. “We’ve worked so hard in everything, from the rehearsals, blocking and the shoot. There were times we would shoot the same scene over and over again until we got it right,” Joanna revealed in an intimate news conference sponsored by the film’s distributor, Star Cinema. “Despite this, it was a pleasure doing Larawan. I’ve learned so much from this experience.”
So inspired is Joanna by her film experience that she likes the idea of doing other things in mainstream entertainment. She says this is part of being an artist, not being pigeonholed in one type of medium or art. “I want to do more movies. And even television, like a teleserye. I want to try them all. I just love the idea of learning and enhancing,” she said.
But before that, Joanna will go back to her first love, which is theater. She is part of the worldwide tour of the musical Cats. While she has been doing theater for 20 years, Joanna still finds the experience rewarding and claims it’s her passion, and what she does remains as fresh as when she was just starting out. “It’s the passion and the love for performing that drive me to keep doing it,” Joanna said.
Joanna will be back in the country on Christmas Day, after a prebooked concert in Europe. Hopefully, it would be her time for some R&R, but if ever Larawan makes it to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, Joanna knows she would be busy doing promotions for the movie.
“I wouldn’t mind. That’s part of work, and I love all the aspects of my job,” Joanna said.
Maybe this is why Joanna’s blessed. Besides doing the thing she loves, she does it with such gusto that simply doesn’t let up.
Go, Joanna!