The San Dionisio sa America (SDA), whose members trace their roots to Barangay San Dionisio in Paranaque City, will hold Celebra 2008 on Saturday, October 11, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. Celebra is how the natives of said barangay refer to the feast of St. Dionysius.

To lead the celebration is the Llamas Family, this year's Hermano Mayor, They will welcome their kababayans and guests, foremost of which is Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon from the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles. 

Fr. Leo Ortega, a Filipino who made his sacerdotal vows last May 31 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, will be the main Mass celebrant. After lunch there will be a short procession of the images of St. Dionysius and St. Joseph,  patron saints of the barangay.

Editor’s Note: The SDA is mentioned prominently in this article,

The “Moro-Moro” (AKA EDSA-type of a Revolt) Again Is the National Pastime of the Philippines

"Esperanza at Caridad," a Moro-Moro or komedya (spelled also as "comedia") will highlight the affair and will serve as the special treat for guests and kababayans.

Capping the celebration is the drawing of the raffle, the proceeds of which go to the funds for SDA's projects: the scholarship program and annual Christmas food baskets.

SDA stages "Esperanza at Caridad"

The komedya, "Esperanza at Caridad," will be presented by the San Dionisio sa America (SDA) and this year's Hermano Mayor, the Llamas Family, on October 11, 2008, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre.

More-than-a-century-old cultural play, komedya or Moro-Moro used to be staged in many barrios in the Philippines during fiesta celebrations. Today it can only be seen in less than ten barangays. One of them is San Dionisio, Paranaque City, which also takes pride in having the best komedya, according to some playwrights and critics. It has always been the main attraction during the barrio fiesta in honor of St. Dionyisus and St. Josepn, also known as Tata Dune and Tata Hosep to their devotees.

The Komedya usually centers on the conflict between the Christians and the Muslims headed by their king and sultan respectively. Originally called La Comedia de Capa y Espada, in reference to the capes worn and swords used by many characters, the play is characterized by poetic lines, beautiful marches, colorful costumes and interesting swordplays. Like the Passion play of Oberammergau, Germany and the Kabuki of Japan, its presentation speaks volumes about the richness of the people's culture and reflects much of their interests and sentiments.

Penned by Mike Llamas, "Esperanza at Caridad" is a beautiful story of love and hatred, betrayal and forgiveness. Olive Enriquez and Ann Bautista-Beverly, both seasoned thespians, will play the roles of half-sisters vying for the love and attention of their parents. R.J. Salvador, the director, and Alexis Tarrosa will  portray the half-sisters' love interests. Music, an integral part of the play and without which the komedya would not even be half as entertaining, will be handled by the ever dependable and brilliant maestro, Rick San Agustin.

For the past 12 years, practices are held at the residence of Maria Herpacio, Inang Maria to most everyone, every Sunday from June to until before the fiesta day. Both devotees of Tata Dune and Tata Hosep and komedya aficionados themselves, she and Trinidad Raymundo, or Inang Trining of menudo fame, watch all the rehearsals and are given the best seats on the day of the play in gratitude for their big support.

All komedya lovers and enthusiats hailing from the different parts of the Philippines will be most welcome to watch and enjoy the presentation of "Esperanza at Caridad." For more details, please call: Elvie (626-643-4118); Bolet (323-868-9356); or Domeng (323-384-4537). # # #