Manual To Lyf: ART IS A BANG: A Fire In The Soul

DLSU restages A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata

History has indeed told us the best stories in the world. Stories of war and death might make us think that its all black and blue. But here is a story that will tell you a deeper meaning of love, commitment, and fidelity.

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata tells the story of a crucial event in the history of the Lasallian mission in Southeast Asia. On February 12, 1945, as American forces bombarded the City of Manila, a group of Japanese soldiers entered the De La Salle College campus on Taft Avenue and attacked the people who were living there. Twenty-four men, women, and children, and 16 La Salle brothers died in the massacre. War turns human beings into monsters. It also forges heroes out of its flames. We tell this story to honor their memory, their service to humanity, and to remember them eternally.

Created by Gabby Fernandez and directed by Peque Gallaga, the Cantata is one of the highlights of the yearlong centennial celebration of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines. Vicente Garcia Groyon wrote the libretto and Von de Guzman composed the music.

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata will have two performances only: February 26 (Sunday - Matinee) at 3pm and February 27 (Monday - Gala Night) at 8pm. Both shows will be held at Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium at the 7th Floor of Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall of DLSU. The cast includes Michael de Mesa (Br. Egbert), Franco Laurel (Br. Antonius), Al Gatmaitan (Br. Mutwald), Jonel Mojica (Br. Friedbert), Miguel Castro (Br. Arkadius), Floyd Tena (Br. Athanasius), and Naomi Sison (Alma Mater). Also, joining them are Onyl Torres (Japanese Captain), Nazer Salcedo (Japanese Soldier 1), Gary Fabricante (Japanese Soldier 2), and John Gilbert Arceo (Japanese Soldier 3).

Narrators are Jaime Fabregas, Ricky Gallaga, Conchita Castillo, Dado Jose, Tanya Lopez, and Louie Zabaljauregi. Featured in this production are the different La Salle singing groups, namely: De La Salle Inner Soul, De La Salle-Zobel Chorale, La Salle Centennial Orchestra, La Salle Centennial Chorus. Some kids of La Salle-Greenhills are also part of the show. Joining the Production and the Artistic Team are Mio Infante (Production Design), Dong Calingacion (Technical and Lighting Director), GA Fallarme (Projection Design), Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC (Executive Producer), and Lore Reyes (Line Producer). For the matinee performance on February 26, 2012 (3pm), regular tickets are at P200, while student rates are at P100. For the gala show on February 27, 2012 (8pm), orchestra seats are priced at P500 (regular)/ P250 (students) and balcony seats at P250 (regular)/ P200 (students). For more information, please call the DLSU Centennial Office at (632) 524-4611 local 290 or email perla.garcia@dlsu.edu.ph.