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Derrick Monasterio on the challenges of portraying Crisostomo Ibarra in 'Ibarra…Ngayon'
Derrick Monasterio on the challenges of portraying Crisostomo Ibarra in 'Ibarra…Ngayon'
Several years after making his theater debut in "The Rak of Aegis" in 2019, Derrick Monasterio is returning to theater, stepping into one of Philippine literature’s most iconic roles as Crisostomo Ibarra in the restaging of the 2023 musical play "Ibarra…Ngayon."
In fact, it was through portraying the character that he became more aware of the social and political issues affecting the country — topics he admitted he used to avoid to keep himself from getting stressed.
“Ako kasi as Derrick, parang mawala yung stress sa sarili ko, hindi ko na masyadong nilalagay yung sarili ko sa mga nangyayari sa lipunan natin ngayon,” he said.
Derrick explained that, unlike him, Ibarra is deeply involved in society and the struggles of the people, which made the role emotionally challenging for him.
“Pero si Ibarra kasi, opposite talaga. Super involved siya sa mga nangyayari. So, feeling ko, yun din yung isa sa pinakamahirap internally,” he added.
Aside from understanding Ibarra’s beliefs and patriotism, Derrick also struggled with the character’s physicality and posture.
“Siguro sa physicality, yung tindig ni Ibarra, nahihirapan ako dun kasi ako as Derrick, I have a lazy posture. Lagi akong naka-slouch, kaya every time, after rehearsal, laging masakit likod ko,” he shared.
The actor also opened up about his frustrations with the country’s current political climate, saying recent events in the Senate and society have left him feeling hopeless.
“As a civilian ng Pilipinas, medyo nawawalan na rin ako ng pag-asa, sa totoo lang. Dito sa mundo natin… tagal na nitong problema, e. Si Rizal nga, nalaman na niya, ang tagal na nito… tapos hanggang ngayon, ganito pa rin tayo,” he said.
Because of these frustrations, Derrick revealed that he is considering leaving the country for the sake of his future family and children.
“Parang iniisip ko, kung hindi pa rin ito magbabago anytime soon, ako na lang ang mag-a-adjust. Ako na lang ang lalayo. Lilipat na lang ako ng ibang bansa. Kasi nakakawala ng hope. Personal lang yun, ha?”
Despite his personal views, Derrick acknowledged the irony of portraying a character like Ibarra, whose ideals and patriotism differ greatly from his own perspective.
“Actually, sobrang ironic na ganito ang napi-feel ko. Tapos, ganito yung napi-feel ni Ibarra. Kasi magkaibang-magkaiba talaga kami ng pananaw. Pero… well, as actors, kailangan naming gawin, kailangan kong ibigay, kailangan kong mahalin ang bayan kahit mahirap.”
"Ibarra…Ngayon" is directed by Frannie Zamora, with musical direction, composition, and arrangement by Joed Balsamo.
The musical will take the stage on June 18 at the GSIS Financial Theater along J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City.