BONA: Lino BrockaÂ's Film Gets Stage Adaptation, Now thru 9/23

By Jude Cartalaba

Manila, Philippines, August 13, 2012 - A past entry to both Metro Manila Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival, "Bona," a critically-acclaimed work of Catalino Ortiz Brocka aka Lino Brocka (1939-1991) that gave the "superstar in Philippine entertainment industry," Nora Aunor, her Best Actress trophy at the Gawad Urian in 1980, will soon come alive through a stage adaptation by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) starting today, August 24 until Sunday, September 23 at PETA Theater Center. The stage production stars multi-award-winning theater, movie, and television actress Eugene Domingo.

"It has a different take," according to Layeta Bucoy, the stage version's writer.

"She's [Bona] older [more mature] and financially independent; she's supporting her sister, who takes care of five children from five different fathers. But Bona falls for a younger guy, a contestant in a talent search, unlike the film's Bona who willingly turned herself into a personal assistant or an alalay, and eventually became the producer of rising star Gardo." 

"Domingo's Bona is a call center agent and an avid fan of Gino Sanchez, a contestant in the talent search 'Star of Tomorrow.'  Blinded by her obsession on Gino, Bona turns her back on everything she values and gives up nearly everything she has. Caught in a quicksand of worship, passion, and pity, Bona proves how obsession may overpower love, and may even lead to a person's demise," says the production notes.

Gardo, who was portrayed in the film by Philip Salvador, has a different name now - Gino, who will be played by Cinemalaya Best Actor Edgar Allan Guzman. There is another stark difference between the two characters - Gardo in the film was an aging gigolo; Gino in the stage play is a young lad. This time around, the production explores more of a May-December romance between a fan and an up-and-coming male talent.

"Bona's" original essence is not lost in this modern-day take, but Bucoy is excited to say, "Watch for the twist in the end."

Joining the cast are Phil Noble, Joey Paras, Jeff Henson-Dee, She Maala, Olive Nieto, Dudz Teraña, Junevir Tabor, Juliene Mendoza, Raffy Tejada, Jason Barcial, BJ Forbes, Anna Luna, and Gabs Santos.

The stage play is directed by theater stalwart Soxie Topacio.

For more information, call (632) 725-6244, 891-9999 or visit www.petatheater.com.

Purchase tickets on www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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