John Geramy J. Rivera Readings in Philippine History
BSChE 1-1 11/14/24
REACTION PAPER: JUAN LUNA? WON LUNA!
“Sa sining ako nakalaan!~”
The stage play Juan Luna - Isang Sarsuela, written by Vince Tañada and performed on
November 10, 2024, captivated me entirely, leaving me singing their tunes long after. Centered on the
life and friendships of Juan Luna, this production was a powerful experience, stirring a mix of
emotions that had me tapping my feet, shaking with excitement, and smiling throughout. The
dedication and effort poured into every detail of this play were palpable. From the masterfully crafted
stage design, pitch-perfect songs, and seamless audio mixing, to the lighting and meticulously
designed costumes, everything aligned beautifully with the historical theme and atmosphere of the
sarsuela.
My expectations were already high after seeing the promotional materials, but the
performance exceeded them a thousandfold! What I truly appreciated was the balance of historical
accuracy with humor and engagement, a quality that kept the audience, myself included, thoroughly
entertained. I had a blast pointing out little historical references about Juan Luna, although I’m fairly
certain my seatmate got a little weary of my enthusiastic commentary. The gradual unveiling of Juan
Luna’s alter ego was executed brilliantly, keeping even some of my friends guessing as to why there
were two Lunas on stage.
This play was a gem of a musical and a profound exploration of our heritage, shedding light
on ideas about society that resonate deeply. I realized that to effect change, some level of privilege is
often necessary; as seen in historical figures like Jose Rizal, Marcelo Del Pilar, Juan Luna, and
Antonio Luna, who leveraged their access to education for the cause of nationalism. I also came to
reflect on the idea that sometimes, the enemies of the Filipino people have come from within. This
revelation hit home during the scene with Felipe Buencamino, whose betrayal ultimately led to
General Luna’s death.
In summary, Juan Luna - Isang Sarsuela was a vibrant and meaningful production. I
wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the rich tapestry of Philippine history and
culture. This wasn’t just any Juan Luna play, it was the play that truly Won Luna!
