script, music  direction STEVEN P.C. FERNANDEZ     choreography SONNY PEROCHO, LOVE JOY ORBE, ARCHIBALD PACANA, NOLLY CEBALLOS     designs DENNIS ORELLANA

narrates in dance, music, and drama the epic exploits of folk hero Bato Lakungan

Unjustly accused by his foster parents, Bato escapes to Ranaw. His journey is eventful and dangerous but his 4 enchanted weapons help him overcome the hazards. He saves Kamayungan, princess of a rival tribe, and an old couple who in gratitude adopts him as a son. He saves the couple's village from a terrible scourge and the constant harrassments of a war-lord Baringigan. The people crown him Datu (ruler) and offer him a local lass for his wife. He is instead intrigued by the mysterious Kamayungan who is Baringigan's bethrothed bride. Kamayungan and Bato fall in love and Baringigan vows vengeance. The conflict among Baringigan's, Kamayungan's, and Bato's tribes heightens with the news that "white men" have plundered their coasts even as Bato tries to unify the people.

The play was a winner in the 1985 CCP Playwriting Contest and a 1987 and 1988 Grantee of the CCP. It has been extensively performed around the country.

"...a major work in contemporary Philippine Theater..." NICANOR TIONGSON, Ph.D Theater historian and Former Artistic Director, CCP

"...a splendid performance..." ALBERT FAUROT, NSC News Supplement

"...superb combination ...excellent ... a very, very enjoyable performance!" JAMES A. PALMORE, Silliman University

"...beautiful... skillfully directed, absolutely entertaining." NORA RAVELLO, Silliman University

"...a paean to the artistic sensibilities of Filipinos....entertaining, well researched - and Filipino." LUDENDORFFO DECENTE CEO, Theater Director and Designer