‘The Moon and the Bakunawa’ Explores Dementia Caregiving Through Filipino Folklore this April
Sining Maritimo, the theater arm of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS), is set to stage The Moon and the Bakunawa: A Dementia Carer Story this April. Written by Nitoy Chan Jr., the play will be presented at the Jayne Offemaria-Abuid Auditorium at AIMS Tower in Pasay City.
The play brings together themes of dementia caregiving and Philippine folklore through the story of Mamay, a mother living with dementia, and her son Benny, also known as Tonyong, who has served as her full-time caregiver for eight years. Through their daily interactions and repeated recollections of past memories, the play examines the challenges faced by families navigating dementia.
The narrative also incorporates elements of Philippine mythology, particularly the legend of the Bakunawa, a serpent believed in folklore to swallow the moon. Within the play, the myth serves as a metaphor for memory loss, reflecting how Mamay’s memories fade, return, and shift over time.
This staging was inspired by Arlene Abuid-Paderanga’s encounter with the play during its run in Australia. The work resonated with her personal experience caring for her mother who lived with dementia, prompting efforts to bring the story to Philippine audiences through Sining Maritimo.
Structured as a two-hander, the play focuses on the relationship between Mamay and her son Tonyong. Divina Cavestany and Arlene Abuid-Paderanga alternate in the role of Mamay, with Cavestany reprising the character after previously portraying her during the play’s run in Australia. Phil Panganiban and Remus Villanueva alternate as Tonyong.
The production is directed by Roobak Valle, with Julio Garcia as production designer, Roman Cruz as lighting designer, TJ Ramos as sound designer and engineer, and Sheik Completado as video designer/ technical director.
Performances are scheduled on April 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2026, with shows at 3 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are priced at P2,000 (VVIP), P1,500 (VIP), and P1,000 (Balcony). They are available for purchase via Ticket2Me.
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