6 Unforgettable Theater Dads From Original Pinoy Productions
Dear Paping from Bar Boys, yes, we’re still crying!
If you think your family dinners are dramatic, you haven’t seen these theater dads in action yet. Over the past few years, Philippine productions have introduced us to a myriad of complex fathers—from papas trying their best to be strong while dealing with their own grief to tatays who will do anything for their child’s dream. Of course, we’ve also met not-so-ideal dads, ones who embody traditional “macho” Filipino ideals.
Below, we take a look at the unforgettable theater dads, tatays, and papas that have made lasting impressions.
1. Paping from Bar Boys: The Musical
Previously played by: Juliene Mendoza, Lorenz Martinez
L-R: Juliene Mendoza (Paping), Benedix Ramos (Erik); Photo from Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Facebook Page
In Bar Boys, Erik is the underprivileged member of the show’s central law school barkada, which also includes Chris, Torran, and Josh. Erik’s proud father Paping, who works as a security guard, supports his son to no end! Paping is also an endearing father figure to the rest of Erik’s friends, and is a character who believes in speaking up when he witnesses injustice. It’s simply impossible not to love Erik’s devoted, hardworking father.
2. Jack and Jers from 3 Upuan
Previously played by: JC Santos and Cris Pasturan (Jack), Jojit Lorenzo and Paolo O’Hara (Jers)
L-R: Jojit Lorenzo, JC Santos, Martha Comia; Photo Credit: Jules Ballaran
Guelan Varela-Luarca’s deeply moving, unforgettable play centers on three siblings who are navigating the loss of their dad to cancer. Each sibling deals with grief in their own ways, and two of the siblings, Jers and Jack, are fathers themselves. The audience witnesses Jack’s grief and defeatism as a struggling artist and a father to his daughter. Philosophy professor kuya Jers also delivers one of the play’s moving climaxes as he talks about a rare, vulnerable moment with his children.
3. Don Tadeo from Walang Aray
Previously played by: Gie Onida, Csairus Habla
Gie Onida and Jolina Magdangal; Photo Credit: PETA Theater
Although he initially seems like the villain, Don Tadeo is one of the show’s most lovable characters. Walang Aray chronicles the story of star-crossed lovers Julia and Tenyong. Rich, powerful Don Tadeo becomes an obstacle for the couple as he plans to marry off his son Miguel to sarswela star Julia, even conspiring with her mother Doña Juana. The hilarious plot twist: he ends up having his own cute little love affair in the show!
4. Fred and Bert from The Reconciliation Dinner
Previously played by: Jojo Cayabyab (Fred), Randy Villarama (Bert)
L-R: Frances Makil-Ignacio, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Randy Villarama, Jojo Cayabyab; Photo Credit: Jaypee Maristaza
In the Floy Quintos creation, best friends Susan Valderama and Dina Medina show the audience exactly why “the political is personal”. Their respective families represent opposite sides of the coin when it comes to their beliefs and political leanings: Susan, husband Fred, and their son Norby are “pink”, while Dina, Bert, and daughter Mica are “red”. Although he isn’t perfect and has his petty moments, Fred is a supportive father to fabulous drag queen Norby, while Bert will forever be remembered as the hot-headed, gun-loving, alpha male character who brings out the worst in his child.
5. Julian Bartolome Sr. from Dekada ’70 the Musical
Previously played by: Juliene Mendoza
L-R: Juliene Mendoza, Esteban Fulay, Iggi Siasoco, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Abe Autea, Vien King, Jon Abella; Photo Credit: Vlad Gonzales
I think everyone can agree that you certainly won’t love Julian at first. The musical adaptation of Lualhati Bautista’s novel tells the story of Amanda Bartolome, her husband Julian, and their five sons as Martial Law tears their family apart. Julian is the embodiment of the old-school, prideful family patriarch who believes women should “know their place” and that his children should follow the paths he set out for them. As the show progresses and their lives are upended, Julian goes through a series of painful awakenings and even has one of the most emotional solo numbers in the show—“Minsan May Tahanan”.
6. Tatay in Sandosenang Sapatos
Previously played by: Jonathan Tadioan, Floyd Tena, John-Joven Uy
Floyd Tena and Felicity Kyle Napuli; Photo Credit: Ronald Concepcion
Based on the children’s book by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, the musical features a shoemaker known simply as “Tatay.” His dream is to craft the most beautiful pair of ballet shoes for his daughter, Susie. When Susie is born without lower limbs and has to use a wheelchair her whole life, of course he doesn’t love her any less. Sandosenang Sapatos’ Tatay, along with Susie’s older sister and Nanay, show how unconditional love binds a family despite hardships.
Which theater dad made you feel all the feels? Let us know in the comments!
P.S. To my very own Tatay—thank you for being my biggest (literary) fan! Happy Father’s Day.
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