Organizers: Sugat-Kabanhawan 2019 more than just an Easter Sunday stage play

Archangel Michael’s glow lighted up the sky as he arrived on earth to fight evil forces./Zena Magto

CEBU CITY, Philippines – At least 200 angels waited for the risen Christ.

Fireworks lit the stage as Jesus Christ ascended into heaven.

These were just among the new attractions in this year’s Sugat-Kabanhawan festival that was staged at the Minglanilla Central School oval earlier today, Easter Sunday.

“Every year, mag huna-huna gyud ta og mga unsay bag-o, pero di sad ta pwede mag buot-buot nga bag-o kay this is a religious activity (Every year we brainstorm and look for something new but we are always careful with what we do because this is a religious activity),” said Marvey Caño, the event’s creative director.

The dawn reenactment of the annual Sugat-Kabanhawan amazed and entertained hundreds of spectators who crowded the event venue as early as 1 a.m. or two hours ahead of the play’s actual start.

The hour-long reenactment started with a fight scene between the good and bad angels. People applauded the appearance of Archangel Michael who arrived on earth on a harness.  Pyrotechnics that were hidden on his wings were lighted as an added attraction.

It was followed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his meeting with his mother, Mary.

At least four angels on harness started to fly to greet the risen Christ while four LED screens that where mounted on the stage for visuals played scenes from an already empty grave to make Jesus’ disciplines mourning on the sudden disappearance of his body look real.

The play also showed scenes from Mary’s assumption into heaven. It later on ended with Christ’s ascension into heaven.

Fireworks filled the sky while angels danced to rejoice Christ’ resurrection and ascension into heaven while others who were on harness started to fly on air.

Caño said that around 500 people, of which 200 were dressed as angels joined this year’s production.

Now on his fourth year of directing the annual play, Caño said this year’s performance was one the best and the most memorable reenactments that he has directed so far because town officials gave him the creative freedom in the execution of some scenes.

Dancers in white costume performed for the audience to formally open this year’s Sugat-Kabanhawan play. /Zena Magto

“Gi highlight pod namo ang pag banhaw. Kay sometimes, i-take for granted nalang, mag focus ra sa fight scenes (We gave emphasis to the resurrection scene. Sometimes this is taken for granted because more emphasis is given on the fight scenes),” said Caño

Kean Vasquez, 20, played the role of Archangel Michael, whose character faced off with a dark angel. Both engaged in a fight scene while on a harness.

“Siya (Archangel Michael) ang defender sa other angels. So kon ako i-relate sa ako life, i-protect nako ang ako family from harm, not just my family but kinsa pa nang part sa ako’ng life (Archangel Michael is a defender of other angels. If I were to relate his role to my life, I am also the protector of my family and others who are part of my life),” Vasquez said.

This was already Vasquez’s third and last time to play the role of the chief angle because he wanted to give others a chance to also play the part of Archangel Michael.

Caño said they wanted this year’s play to leave a mark on spectators hearts and not just be treated as any ordinary play.

“This is not (a) show nga ang tawo, mo shagit, mo pakpak. Ang atake man gud namo ani is kanang goosebumps, kanang kuot sa kasing-kasing (This is not an ordinary show that will make people cheer and applaud. Our attack here is to give spectators goosebumps and touch their hearts),” said Caño, who saw some of the spectators get emotional while watching the play.

The municipal government of Minglanilla allocated more than P5 million for this year’s celebration. /dcb