REACTION PAPER

Title: Sugidanon- Bayluhay

Where: West Visayas State University

When: February 13, 2017

Director: Jose Pomoy Sebastian

The theatre play portrays about the historic landing of the Bornean Datus in
Panay Island. It commemorates the barter of the island that ultimately lead
to the inhabitation of the Malays in the entire Philippine archipelago. It is said
that the Bornean Datus fled Borneo in search for a new life. When they
landed they bartered their gold and jewelries with the local Aeta chieftain
Marikudo and his wife Maniwangtiwang in exchange for water, crops and
other food products in plains, lowlands and valleys of Aninipay island, where
the Malays called Madya-as or paradise. It also showcases the various
ancient customs and traditions that the residents inherited from their
ancestors. The performance also includes the portrayal of everyday life
during the ancient times like music, singing, chanting, drumming and many
more. The Malay tradition affected us because their traditions are still visible
up to this day. I find the play very entertaining and educational. The play has
a sense of humour so it is easy to understand even if their sound system is
not quite nice. They really nailed the play and executed it well. Although
there are some scenes I cannot understand because they were speaking in
kinaray-a. At some points I may have seen some dull scenes. But all in all I
was astounded because of their amazing performance and musicals.