Bo Cerrudo returns to ‘Sabel’

ACTRESS Iza Calzado, who plays the titular muse, posed for artist BenCab in March. ALANAH TORRALBA

It’s always such a delight to hang out with my “Vodka Buddy,” Bo Cerrudo. He is such a free spirit, yet he’s got depth.

A few months ago, Bo left for the United States and contemplated relocating there. I’m glad he changed his mind because the industry needs true-blue artists like him. Besides, it would be tough for me to get by without a friend like him who is my kakampi and “ka-kampai.”

Bo is back doing what he does best—singing—in the original Filipino musical “Sabel: Love and Passion.” The acclaimed musical is inspired by the life of National Artist for Visual Arts, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera’s longtime muse, the crazy dancing lady named Sabel. She was a homeless woman whom BenCab would see from the window of his house when he was young. Sabel eventually became an inspiration for most of his paintings. Due to insistent public demand, “Sabel: Love and Passion” will have a repeat on Aug. 11 and 12 at the Music Museum (tickets: 0922-8208292 or 7216726).

This is the brainchild of BBC anchor and art collector Rico Hizon. Actress Iza Calzado makes her theater debut as Sabel. The rave reviews of the musical should entice everyone to watch it. If a picture paints a thousand words, then let “Sabel” say the rest.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Bo:

Why should we watch Sabel?

It is worth watching because of the artistic components that are interwoven to create a story that can rival any teleserye, compressed in an hour and a half. Aside from being an original Filipino musical, “Sabel” is a heartwarming and touching experience since it deals with the love between a father and daughter, and a mother and son. Add to that, you cannot help feeling captivated by the beautiful songs composed by Louie Ocampo and direk Freddie Santos.

How do we get to know more about BenCab?

BenCab painted a version of Sabel for every significant event in his life. In seeing these paintings, which incidentally are used as stage backdrop for the musical, we are somehow given a glimpse of the national artist’s 50-year journey.

THE SINGER-ACTOR will take over an absent castmate’s character this month.

Do artists need to have a muse like Sabel?

Without a doubt, the greatest of them have had “ghosts”…

Characters who float in and out of their minds and hearts, like sudden gusts of wind that can upset your life in an instant. Some artists use practically anything to inspire them.

What did you learn about Iza Calzado while working with her?

Iza is very professional. Also, she exudes a bright aura in both rehearsals and shows. She’s intelligent, articulate and even more striking onstage. I actually forgot to say my last few lines because I was particularly moved by her acting.

What does the local theater scene need to improve on?

I think the local theater scene can improve with dynamic ideas from fresh minds. Set changes can be more fluid so they can rival those of Broadway shows.

What’s ailing the local theater scene?

The local theater scene has improved by leaps and bounds through the decades. I just have to note though that foreign musicals get more attention from the sponsors because of their high-end impression, compared to locally produced ones. Cheaper-priced tickets for locally produced shows is possible if these are supported as well.

How can we lure more audience members to local plays?

The local theater scene stands to gain significantly through more promotion by the media, particularly television. Another key attraction would be subject matter. The Pinoy is always interested in the “what” more than the “how.” It would help if artistic minds create more original Filipino musicals [that are] supported by the best composers of our time. So far some Pinoy musicals have been successful in this. And more outreach programs can help in offering our kababayan another option for entertainment—we have more than enough actors in our midst.

Tell us about your role in “Sabel.”

In the first three shows of “Sabel,” I played the politician-lover of Sabel. I “sing” the role. This time, I shall take on the father role since Audie Gemora won’t be able to do the shows this month. The Philippine Ballet Theater dances to, and “acts” the music.

Tell us about your muse.

I walk at night around our village listening to either spiritual audio books or classical music. They never fail to de-stress me and inspire a very refreshing sleep.

If your life would be made into a play, what would the title be?

“Mga Ginintuang Lihim ng El Bimbo.”

Heroines in Japan

Hero TV (HTV), on its 10th year, sent its Hero Faceoff 2015 winners to the recent World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Nagoya, Japan. Sarah Jane “SJ” de Ocampo and Jennifer Ong, dubbed Team XO, were the Philippines’ first WCS participants.

It took years before the country was granted a spot in the summit. HTV’s efforts for cosplayers did not go unnoticed by the WCS organizers, who welcomed the Philippines’ participation.

Jennifer, a prominent cosplayer in Davao, teamed up with SJ, a nurse-turned-costume-maker. The Philippines was among 28 participant-nations.

Ready, set, cosplay!