A Sarimanok Experience (Reaction Blog)

As I watched the stunning performance of the international theatre company of our very own Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) last November 29, 2013, at exactly 7 in the evening, I was really amazed with the production with its pleasing and awesome wardrobes and its setting. The said event is proudly brought us by Steven Patrick C. Fernandez, entitled the SARIMANOK: One bird’s dream tears a tradition.

Upon watching the show, I just caught up myself stunned and speechless, saying “WOW!” to my mind. “No wonder that IPAG has its title internationally.”, my other half added. I should admit it how the said show made me realized that there are things in life that we can not pleased even how much we wanted it to have or how we wanted things to happen accordingly. The story marked well my entire being of what really Sarimanok is all about.

As it was entitled “Sarimanok”, the legendary bird that has become an ubiquitous symbol of Maranao art. It is depicted as a fowl with colorful wings and feathered tail, holding a fish on its beak or talons. The head is profusely decorated with scroll, leaf, and spiral motifs. It is said to be a symbol of good fortune. The Sarimanok is a legendary bird of the Maranao people who originate from Mindanao, a major island in the Philippines. It comes from the words "sari" and "manok.". "Sari" means cloth or garment, which is generally of assorted colors. “Manòk” is a Philippine word for chicken.

It was very obvious how talented the people who portray roles in the story. The way they act, sing, dance and deliver their lines. I can say it because singing while dancing while acting while delivering your lines is very difficult to attain without any determination and perseverance. Each character in the story were very brilliant and brave on how to face hundreds of audiences with fierce. The people who portrayed roles in the story were selected. Well, it was undeniably obvious with the talent they had showcased.

The overall performance was very delightful and extravagant except for some technical problems. The lapel of the main character, Sarimanok. Her words delivering her lines were too vague because of not having a lapel that has a good quality. She supposed to have the best lapel since she’s the main character of the story. There are words and lines that have to be more emphasized for us to be able to understand more the story. But after all, that never changed how I perceived the total performance of the show. I can say that it could be a waste of not watching the said event. Congratulations to our own Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG)!