City pays tribute via ‘Simon’s Way’

NAGA CITY—A major theatrical event is ongoing here as the countdown for the tercentenary celebration of the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia draws to a close.

With a star-studded cast and a P700,000 set, “Simon’s Way”—a combined theatrical and cinematic performance inspired by the life of French friar Simon Vela and his quest for the image of the Virgin Mary in Salamanca, Spain—was performed last night at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel Auditorium here. It will be restaged tonight and tomorrow.

Created by internationally acclaimed composer-director Ferdinand Dimadura, “Simon’s Way” stars Cocoy Laurel, Jenine Desiderio, Cris Villonco, Jon Joven and Nicole Asencio; priest-musicians Fr. Lou An Jarcia and Fr. Fidel Bagayaua; Naga City’s Jelyn Oliva and Raymond Roldan; and the University of Northeastern Philippines Chorale.

Ballet

The cast is accompanied by 20 ballet dancers from the Gigi Felix Velarde School of Ballet, ACAT dancers of Universidad de Sta. Isabel, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

The cinema part of “Simon’s Way” focuses on the unconventional love between a seminarian-composer, Simon (Joven), and a hip and rebellious socialite, Eliza (Asencio). A common interest, music, brings them together on a journey of faith and hope set in historic and religious landmarks in Bicol.

Dimadura said the musical—which he also composed, arranged and directed—is about the adventures and frustrations of Vela that lead to his unearthing the image of the Virgin.

Inspiration

Dimadura said the inspiration for the “cinemusical” came to him after he composed “The Wind Is Blowing Home,” which he intended for the original script of “Simon’s Way.”

“The first draft for ‘Simon’s Way’ was about a down-and-out filmmaker who is asked to do a movie about ‘Ina,’” said Dimadura. “But when I finished ‘The Wind Is Blowing Home,’ I suddenly visualized an old priest playing the piano. I don’t know who that priest is, but he is the reason for the story we have now.”

Dimadura confessed that mounting the project was not been easy for him and everyone else in the crew.

“It was all a true journey of faith,” Dimadura said.

Proceeds from “Simon’s Way” will go to poor parishes under the Archdiocese of Caceres in far-flung areas of Camarines Sur.

Performances have also been set at the University of Northeastern Philippines on March 28, Resorts World Manila on April 14 and Legazpi City on May 14. Tickets may be purchased at SM City Naga and E-Mall.

“Simon’s Way” is a project of the Archdiocese of Caceres with the participation of Our Lady of Fatima Association.