Following Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s centennial celebration last year, the creative team and cast had a challenge to produce “100: Ciento”, a musical play about Ateneo de Zamboanga University and the true essence of being an Atenean.
The musical, which is presented in the AdZU Brebeuf Gymnasium located in the main campus, uses a simple stage with only a white entrance post, white boxes and a small number of performers populating the stage to bring the different Atenean stories – some sad, others inspiring – to life.
The moment the show opened on February 22, 2013 when the cast wondered onto the stage in their colorful casual attire, the audience has been hooked. Each character is unique with a different story. Czarina Yecla portrays a freshman student from Ipil who unknowingly attends the first day of school in her complete uniform. Victor Covarrubias depicts a scholar’s tale of suffering experiences before being granted the opportunity to study in the only higher-education institution in Western Mindanao.
Since the Opening Night, the show has received positive feedback by word-of-mouth and on social media. Dorothy Lei Labrador, a faculty of AdZU, posted on Facebook: “Ciento is a must-watch play, Ateneans. J I was especially moved with the PPO story and the “flowing” blue cloth scene. The play made me feel blessed to be part of the AdZU Community. Congratulations Kuya Marco Alfino Kiko Miranda and Ciento cast! To God be the glory!”
Hashtags of Ciento were also made on twitter. Lara Miranda, a graduate of BS Mass Communication, tweeted: “Nakakamiss nga ang Ateneo! #ciento” while Justin Ryan Tan also commented: “Nasan na ang mga totoong Atenista?” Hmm. Something to think about…#Ciento”.
Archibald Siason, a graduate of AdZU who is now a university counsellor at De La Salle University, also tweeted: “sana mag perform din ang #ciento sa Manila for the alumni who are based here. Congratz to Kiko!”
The musical play, which has been presented for two nights now, will be having its closing night tonight, February 24, 2013. Students, faculty and staff, alumni and even non-Ateneans are invited to watch and join in the centennial celebration. Tickets will be available at the Brebeuf Gymnasium entrance.
