Peta’s ‘Bona’ takes a bow, for now

STARS of “Bona” then and now (from left): Phillip Salvador, Edgar Allan Guzman, Nora Aunor, Eugene Domingo, Joey Paras, Gabs Santos and Nanding Josef photo:Grig Montegrande

It was supposed to be Bona’s last tango with her hunk.

As expected, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta) Theater in Quezon City was packed on the night of the farewell performance of the play “Bona” on Sept. 23.

At the audience were the original stars of the Lino Brocka film “Bona”: Nora Aunor and Phillip Salvador.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Nanding Josef, who was also in the film’s cast, attended as well.

All three networks were duly represented by celebrities who were spotted in the gallery—couple Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo, Iza Calzado, Agot Isidro, Rowell Santiago, Rita Avila, Mylene Dizon, LJ Reyes, JC de Vera, Victor Basa, Boy Abunda, Shalala, Mr. Fu, Tippy Dos Santos, Amy Perez, Ricky Lee, IC Mendoza, Arnold Reyes, Jojit Lorenzo, directors Adolfo Alix Jr., Ruel Bayani, Emmanuel Quindo Palo and Erick Reyes, the “Artista Academy” finalists, among others.

Aunor and Salvador cheered as the play’s stars, Eugene Domingo and Edgar Allan Guzman, took their final bows onstage.

After the curtain call, National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera and Virgilio Almario presented special citations to Aunor, Salvador, Domingo and Guzman.

The message on Aunor’s T-shirt said it all: “Support Pinoy Artists.”

Aunor bought the shirt at the Peta kiosk and wore it during the entire performance. Inspired, she said that she would gladly sponsor a “return engagement” for the play.

Aunor’s wish was fulfilled because “Bona” was extended for one more weekend.

Directed by Soxie Topacio, “Bona” will go onstage Friday (8 p.m.), Saturday (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) and on Sunday (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.).

All five performances, however, have already found buyers, according to Guzman’s manager Noel Ferrer, who was also in charge of the farewell show.

Perhaps Aunor should wait for another restaging so that she could sponsor a show.

Calling Peta.

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