Real-life lessons from ‘Mula Sa Buwan’

The relationships at the heart of "Mula Sa Buwan" may seem like a typical love triangle.

But Black Box Productions’ pioneering Filipino musical, co-written by Pat Valera and William Elvin Manzano, is more than just a standard romantic story.

"Mula Sa Buwan" is based on Cyrano de Bergerac, and transfers Edmond Rostand's classic play to Manila in 1941, during the war.

Brave cadet Cyrano (Nicco Manalo and Boo Gabunada alternated in the role) has a way with words and a huge, protruding nose. He is secretly in love with his childhood best friend, Roxanne (KL Dizon), who is infatuated with Christian (Fred Lo/Edward Benosa), a passionate newcomer with a pretty face but not much wit.

Valera revealed during the press preview that they didn't take a lot of time working on the book. Meanwhile, the cast members came from different theater houses to give theater-goers life lessons about bravery, honesty, happiness, and camaraderie through their characters.

Much like the story it is inspired by, the musical teaches that being a hero is not all about capes and muscles.

Its unusual hero is a poet who inspires his comrades with words of wisdom, and shows his affection for Roxanne through words rather than actions—even if Roxanne thinks the words are Christian's.

Roxanne, who admires Christian's physical attributes, soon realizes that reality is not as beautiful as it seems when she starts asking more from him than just his pretty face. She is also taught a lesson about finding true happiness. Her character  arc is about finding love and being happy.

Christian, too, learns about the importance of friendship. While he was able to use his physique to his advantage in battles, he also recognizes his flaws and welcomes Cyrano's help in getting his message across to the woman he admires.

Tato (Rhenz Gabalonzo/Gerhard Pagunsan) is Cyrano’s right hand and confidant, who was there with him during the war and who shows that a good leader is a good follower. Knowing his friend's true feelings for Roxanne, he urges him to profess his love. Honor is nothing if you are alone in the dark, says Tato.

'Mula sa Buwan' was performed in Ateneo last week. Photo: Mac Macapendeg

Though a supporting character, Rossana (Ronah Rostata) plays an essential role in Cyrano’s life. She is always there for him through happiness and heartache. She knows when Cyrano needs comfort and always acquiesces to his every request, while being secretly in love with him and knowing he didn’t feel the same for her.

"Mula Sa Buwan" showed that the old-fashioned way of storytelling is not a dead art form. The musical was told in zarzuela, harana, and kundiman for the new age.

According to Valera, “We chose zarzuela because zarzuela is our musical form… But of course we try to make it more relevant [and] not to say that the past was wrong. We try to continue this tradition.” — BM, GMA News

"Mula Sa Buwan" was perfomed from December 2 to December 4 at the Irwin Lee Theater in Ateneo de Manila University.