MANILA, Philippines?Dec. 8, 2007, was a red-letter day for the cast of the hit religious musical, ?Mapaghimalang Birhen ng Caysasay,? because they were invited to perform in Taal, Batangas, for the beautiful heritage town?s annual fiesta. What made the occasion even more meaningful to the show?s singer-actors was the fact that the Caysasay image?s storied miraculous intercessions took place right in Taal itself.

Being this year?s fiesta?s Hermano Mayor (along with Ernesto F. Villavicencio), noted glass sculptor and ?Caysasay? producer Ramon Orlina did everything to make sure that the celebration would be truly memorable.

Lead players

Not only did he invite the musical?s lead players?Cocoy Laurel, Andy Bais, Shiela Asuncion and Mica and Roychelle Torre?to perform songs from the musical, but he also staged a modern-day tertulia by the banks of the river where the Birhen ng Caysasay?s statue was found more than four centuries ago.

Best of all, by the time Cocoy performed, the raft carrying the Virgin?s image passed by the Orlina clan?s old house, where both locals and out-of-towners were gathered for the significant and sumptuous celebration.

The Virgin?s arrival and Cocoy?s beautiful musical tribute to her were perfectly timed, and the symbolic convergence brought tears to viewers? eyes. The event being recalled happened centuries ago, but the Virgin?s presence and influence in Taaleños? lives continue to be cherished to this day.

Moving moment

Before heading back for Manila, we thanked Ramon and his wife, Lay Ann, for making it possible for us to experience that beautiful sight and moving moment. And they really made our day when they revealed that ?Birhen ng Caysasay? will finally be performed in Taal on March 28, with Ogie Alcasid going out of his way to make time in his super-busy schedule to star in two performances of the now well-loved musical for his beloved fellow-Taaleños.

?Get your tickets early, folks, because the show, combined with a tour of Taal?s heritage streets and houses, promises to be a truly special twin treat!

Best of all, Ramon intimated that he and other Taal boosters are finalizing plans that will encourage both local and foreign tourists to make a visit to the historical Batangas town a ?must? on their exciting journey through the beauties and cultural bounties of the Philippines.

The project is so promising and beneficial that we urge Gov. Vilma Santos and other Batangas boosters to contact Ramon Orlina (tel. 749-6438) so they can combine their efforts to make the exciting endeavor an even greater success!