Sarswela features love in time of conflict

In celebration of Far Eastern University’s 98th Founding Anniversary, the FEU Center for the Arts (FCA) staged the historic Filipino sarswela (or zarzuela) "Walang Sugat" last Feb. 4 at the FEU Auditorium, drawing students, alumni, faculty, and guests into an evening of music, heritage, and powerful storytelling.

Originally written by Severino Reyes with music by Fulgencio Tolentino, "Walang Sugat" is a more than century-old sarswela—"a traditional Philippine musical theater form combining spoken prose with singing and dancing to depict Filipino romance, social issues, and political themes”—that remains one of the most beloved works.

Additional music was provided by Constancio de Guzman and Prof. Josefino Toledo, an FEU Outstanding Alumnus (FEU Boys High School, 1975). For this production, arrangements were also created by Norberto Cads for the FEU Bamboo Band and Koowie Relevo (Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance, 2017) for the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps.

The production was directed by Alegria O. Ferrer of the University of the Philippines College of Music, while musical direction was led by Roijin Suarez, Artistic Director of the FEU Chorale.

The performance also commemorated the anniversary of the first shot that sparked the Philippine-American War, grounding the evening in historical reflection and artistic celebration.

At the heart of the sarswela is the poignant love story of Tenyong and Julia, set against the backdrop of revolution.

Portraying Julia was Melenne Hokase, a second-year International Studies student and an active member of the FEU Theater Guild. She was last seen onstage in the FEU Theater Guild's production of “Niyebe, Isang Musikal.” Miguel Bartolome, a fourth-year Medical Biology student and president of the FEU Chorale, took on the role of Tenyong. Known primarily for his choral performances, this production marked Bartolome’s stage debut in a sarswela, making his portrayal a significant personal milestone.

The production highlighted the strength of FEU’s artistic community, featuring students, alumni, and faculty from the FEU Chorale, FEU Theater Guild, FEU Bamboo Band, FEU Dance Company, FEU Theater Guild, FEU Drum and Bugle Corps, and FEU Drummers, elevating the staging into a full cultural showcase.

A strong and dynamic supporting cast included: Miko Coroza as Lucas, whose previous experience included portraying the child Pabling in a 2010 staging of "Walang Sugat" by Tanghalang Ateneo (BA Communication, Class of 2019); Heleina Li as Monica – FEU Theater Guild, (BA Communication, Class of 2026); Andrea Medina as Doña Juana – FEU Chorale, (BS Information Technology, Class of 2028); Angelo Esperanzate as Tadeo – FEU Chorale (BA Mass Communication, Class of 2008), FEU Theater Guild (MA in Communication); Jacob Diolanda as Miguel – FEU Chorale, BS Biology, (Class of 2025); and Dr. Wilfredo Quijencio as the Priest – faculty, (Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing).

The production received positive feedback from audiences and theater enthusiasts alike. In a Facebook post, The Only Game in Town described the staging as “a crowd pleaser by the FCA,” adding, “So far this was the best version I've seen of the beloved zarzuela!”

More than a theatrical presentation, the staging stood as a celebration of artistic excellence and a reaffirmation of FEU’s commitment to preserving Filipino cultural heritage.

"[This] showed that university-wide productions can be done, are fun, and have as much if not more impact on the performers and audience. Also, there are talented members of the FEU community who are not necessarily affiliated with the cultural groups, so it was wonderful to tap them too. This was a good test of our capabilities and of our audience as we prepare for FEU@100 in 2028," said Martin Lopez, Senior Director of FCA.