Wondering what to watch next? Here, we present another theatrical show called: Ding, Ang Bato! This is a production by De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde that tells the story of Darna from Ding’s perspective. Read more to learn about the story.

Make Way for Ding, Ang Bato!

Filipinos always admire heroes and heroines who are always there to save people from harm. We fantasize people doing heroic deeds for both young and old. When I was little, I hear various stories that allow me to imagine and recreate them as if they are still alive. I imagine the protagonists and antagonists to be embodied in real people. Whenever I do this, I always exercise my creative mind.

Why am I interested in stories like these?

Stories like these teach us various lessons that television shows or movies rarely do. It forgets to teach us about how heroes really are and what can people do to help others. Some tend to lose themselves along the way in pursuit of various things. We lose our ways to the dark side and just continue living without figuring out.

Then at some point, along with the story, we realize the mistakes and wrong decisions we did. Soon after, we make amends and think of ways on how to cope up with the mess we made. After which, we do everything in our power to restore the way things were. But in reality, it is hard to restore things the way they were. There are things that cannot be brought back and we just have to move on.

Now, how is this connected to this show?

As I mentioned, I have this unique love for theatrical shows. It gives me a recharging feeling that rejuvenates my mind, body, and soul. Well, I don’t know if the same happens to you but to me, it is. There is something unique about theatrical shows that always captivate me. A peculiar story entails a unique and unforgettable experience that will bring you to different heights.

This story brings people to new heights. It is a story that almost everyone knows about because it was always shared from the perspective of the protagonist. What’s more interesting is that it is being told from the perspective of a side character.

What is a side character?

It is a character who is not the main character/s but is someone who supports the main character/s. They may not have plenty of exposure but they make the story more interesting. Some consider them as supporting characters that show a different perspective to the main characters.

But now, I’m looking forward to this story. Let me share with you why.

Benilde Arts and Culture Cluster Stages “Ding, Ang Bato!”

The iconic Pinoy superhero takes flight once again!

The Benilde Arts and Culture Cluster (BACC) presents Ding, Ang Bato! A dance musical to be staged at the SDA Theater, School of Design and Arts, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde at 950 Pablo Ocampo St. Manila.

The production marks the return to the stage of Darna, the Filipina superhero and icon created by the brilliant mind of comic book legend Mars Ravelo.

Before, I’d usually just hear about Darna or Ding on television and movies. It is a rare occasion that I hear that it is portrayed in the theater. I think this is a very great opportunity for people my age to watch the iconic story on theater. It is time that millennials see and learn about the story of Darna, Valentina, and Ding on theater!

What to look forward to this show?

The musical is also a unique take on the Darna lore. Set in contemporary times, it is told from the perspective of Ding, Narda’s deaf brother. The beautiful language of the Deaf community is masterfully incorporated in movement, music, and dance.

Ding, Ang Bato! is a truly Pinoy musical production, as can only be envisioned and executed by the best of Philippine theater. The production is led by the visionary Director and Librettist Chris Millado, Vice President and Artistic Director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and renowned Theater Director and playwright. Joining him are luminaries of the stage including choreographers Denisa Reyes & Ernest Mandap and Music Composer Ejay Yatco. They will be leading the collaboration between professional and student musical theater performers, dance majors, singers, and multimedia practitioners of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts.

The production also features Benilde’s Dance Department Chair Christine Crame reprising the role of Darna, which originally first took ‘flight’ at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater in 2003, as well as Natasha Cabrera, a television and stage performer, taking on the role of Valentina.

When can we see it?

“Ding, Ang Bato!” will run from May 14 to 21, 2018. Tickets are available at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, School of Design and Arts.

For ticket inquiries and reservations please call:

• Micca at +63 955 182 7445
• Kim at +63 920 299 2573

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Are you ready to listen to Ding’s story? 😃