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The Los Angeles Filipino Cursillos in Christianity will present a unique Lenten production entitled “Kalbaryo.” A brainchild of veteran entertainer, director and producer Ted Miranda (Alan Enriquez from Imus, Cavite in real life), the presentation will be in the form of, but not limited to, inspirational talks from priests and lay speakers, each reflecting on one “Last Word” of the Lord. Short vignettes will be used to emphasize salient points, to be performed by an “all-cursillista” cast. The fifth word, “I Thirst” will be presented in the form of a stage play “Ako’y Nauuhaw” based on a short story by Ted Miranda who also directs the whole production. Jesus delivers the Beatitudes at the “Sermon on the Mount” while selected scenes leading to the Crucifixion will also be dramatized.
All cast and crew belong to the Los Angeles Filipino Cursillo Movement, growing in number since 1990, with members hailing from all over California as far south as San Diego and north to the Bay Area. Miranda, a long time cursillista who is fondly referred to as “DIREK” (short for director) by his fellow troupers in the Philippines, combined elements from his vast experience in radio, television, vaudeville, screen, stage, the Las Vegas club circuit, and the roving musical/variety shows of decades gone past, added a few touches of Christian Revival events, and you have “Kalbaryo” – a meditation on the Seven Last Words of Christ. This event, the first of its kind, may very well be an annual fixture in the Filipino Community to celebrate Lent.
Speakers:
Rev. Nestor Rebong Rev. Rodel Balagtas
Sis. Chay Pascua, Bro. Buddy Luna, Bro. Dante Villena
Vocalist: Sis. Michelle Jacinto
Emcee: Bro. Ron Parcon
Cast:
Gerry Torres -
Jesus 
Riza
Evangelista - Virgin Mary/Riza 
Nida Enriquez
- Veronica/Nida 
Ray Ramirez -
Judas/Rey 
Alex Baello -
Alex 
Felina Garces
- Felina 
Maritess Tan -
Maritess 
Reynato Garces
- Centurion/Atong 
Eric Lascano -
Eric 
Buddy Luna -
Simon of Cyrene 
Ella Lagos -
Mary Magdalene 
Myrna Lagasca
- Mary, wife of Clophas 
Soldiers:
Carlos Lopena, Charles Barcelona, Leo Alcantara,
Efren Alabastro, Michael Vega, Larry Dungca
In The Beginning...
Gerry Torres as Jesus, delivering the "Sermon on the Mount"
Jesus is forced to carry a heavy cross along the streets of Jerusalem
Jesus is met by His grieving mother...
Fr. Nestor
Rebong expounded on the sixth and seventh last words as the
three Maries pray at the foot of the cross while Jesus gasped his
last breath.
Riza Evangelista (Virgin Mary) and Nida Enriquez (Veronica) with the "Miraculous Veil"
Scenes from "Ako'y Nauuhaw"
Alex
persuades his mother, Aling Felina, to pawn the small farm land
inherited from their late father in order to finance his medical
aspirations.
Felina in turn convinced her farmer son, Rey, to pawn their land
Alex,
full of promises, bids his provincial family farewell
to pursue a medical degree in Manila.
Aling
Felina's family learns of Alex's success after 10 years have
passed and
decides to have Nida, Riza and cousin Atong pay him a visit in
the big city.
They remembered all of Alex's promises to them, hopeful that they
would be able
to pay off their pawned farm land and finally be released from
poverty.
Alex, now a doctor, denies his relatives when they came to see him in Manila
Alex
even insulted his mother and older brother when they tried to
make
contact with him, still denying their sacrifices that led to his
success.
Tess,
Alex's rich doctor wife, apalled by Alex's rudeness to his own
family and
the deceptive ways he used to garner success and wealth, decides
to leave him.
Even houseboy Eric, an orphan, deserts Alex for what he did to his own family
Alex,
full of remorse, realized his misdeeds, how his success and
wealth
have blinded him, and asks God for forgiveness.
Felina,
heartbroken and dying, goes home and bids goodbye
to everybody while still hoping for son Alex to return.
Alex comes home and begs his older brother for forgiveness...
Alex also asks his youngest sister, Riza, to forgive him...
Alex finally asks for his mother's forgiveness, but he was too late...
"It's Showtime, Folks!"
Director
Ted Miranda getting last minute instructions from Cursillo Lay
Director
and master of ceremonies, Ron Parcon, also in charge of
production .
The Cast and Crew of "Kalbaryo"......
Curtain Call at St. Christopher's Parish April 5
Curtain Call at Immaculate Heart of Mary April 12
Director Ted Miranda: "Action!"
See You Next Year!
Show dates and venues are as follows:
April 5, 2003, 7:00 PM St. Christopher Parish Auditorium, Glendora Ave., West Covina
April 12, 2003, 7:00 PM Immaculate Heart of Mary School Auditorium, 4954 Santa Monica Blvd. cor Alexandria Ave., Los Angeles
Tickets available for a donation of $15.00 each. Tickets will not be sold at the door so contact the various Cursillo Ultreya Center coordinators for availability.
Los Angeles St. Columban Doming & Belle Miranda (323)664-5127
Immaculate Heart of Mary Ted Miranda (213)952-1510
Minda Cuadra (213)321-4481
Eagle Rock St. Bernard Ernie & Marie Obrero (323)257-0421
Lino & Lita Yong (323)662-7234
Baldwin Park St. John the Baptist Romy & Bessie Gabe (626)960-4504
Norwalk St. Linus Louie & Sion Ferrer (562)921-9521
Dorie Sablan (562)926-6481
San Fernando Valley Our Lady of the Valley Vic & Nel Frias (818)886-0302
Nanding & Ester Silva (818)708-6823
Simi Valley/Moorpark St. Peter Claver Dr. Willy Gedang (805)526-2038
Oxnard Mary Star of the Sea Mely Pierce (805)271-8896
Rick Copon, Jr. (805)482-7154
A souvenir program will also be available. Interested advertisers and well wishers can purchase spaces (Inside Front and Back already taken) for $100.00 full page, $60.00 half page, $35.00 quarter page and $25.00 business card size.
Filipino language cursillo classes are held 4 times each year at the Divine Word Center in Riverside. Classes for 2003 are scheduled alternately for March 13-16 (women), May 29-June 1 (men), a “Junior Cursillo” coed class for teens ages 15-17 years on July 18-20, August 7-10 for women and the last men’s class on Nov. 5-9. The group’s Spiritual Director is Rev. Nestor Rebong from St. Christopher’s in West Covina. Interested parties may contact the Ultreya Centers for application forms. Visit the Los Angeles Filipino Cursillos website for more information at: http://business.fortunecity.com/rowling/13/cursillo/alovalley.htm
