A Martial Law kind of love story

Bloody protests, statesmen placed behind bars and a dictator ruling for more than a decade – these are just some of the jarring images Martial Law is remembered for. But Bing Pimentel, wife of Sen. Nene Pimentel, hopes to bring across a more inspirational message by showing how this period in history strengthened her family via her latest musical, Pag-ibig sa Bayan.

The play, directed by Nestor Torre and based on Sen. Pimentel’s soon-to-be-released book Martial Law: My Story, features more than 15 of Mrs. Pimentel’s compositions. Marco Sison and theater actress Jane Diaz play Sen. Nene and Bing.

Asked which songs are closest to her heart, Bing singles out Pag-ibig sa Bayan, first recorded by Freddie Aguilar, the throbbing Wag Kang Umiyak, Mahal Ko, the wedding song Sa Harap ng Diyos and the 46-year-old Hinahanap Kita.

Recalling the suffering their family had to endure, Bing admits she cried when she was writing some of the songs for the play, especially Wag Kang Umiyak, Mahal Ko. "The song will be used in the scene where Nene was being arrested," she explains. "He only asked me for one thing: Wag daw akong iiyak."

Sen. Pimentel adds that the play gives the audience a glimpse of how he drew strength from his family during those trying times. "Here, you will not just see me as a politician but as a husband and a father."

Extremely proud of his wife’s talent, Sen. Pimentel tells how good Bing is as a composer. "She has no formal training in music," he shares. "But, she does things from her heart. I’m very proud of her. In fact, Pag-ibig sa Bayan is already Bing’s fifth musical."

Undeniably, Bing’s work in the musical is an inspired one. She even admits that she spent sleepless nights because the inspiration kept on flowing and she had no choice but to oblige.

"The melody soars and the lyrics are so poetic," Marco says, referring to the musical. Pag-ibig sa Bayan is Marco’s third time to work with Nestor Torre after Katy and Etiquette for Mistresses.

Marco adds it’s an honor and a dream come true for him to play his idol, Nene, onstage. "I admire him for fighting for what he believes in. I just hope our younger politicians will follow Sen. Pimentel’s example."

After reaping critical acclaim in last year’s religious musical Mapaghimalang Birhen ng Casaysay, also megged by Torre, Jane admits her role in the play is a big challenge for it requires her to exhibit a wide range of emotions. "It’s not every day that an actress gets a chance to dabble in acting, dancing and singing with a material that is powerful, relevant and touching," she says. "I am thankful I was given this chance."

Before actual rehearsals, Marco and Jane interviewed Sen. Nene and Bing. Then, all actors rehearsed almost every day for about two months. As Marco puts it, "this musical practically took over my life."

Says Sen. Pimentel, "The message of the play is simple: Love conquers all. Our family has survived Martial Law because of that unconditional love we have for our country and family."

(Pag-ibig sa Bayan goes on stage on Jan. 21, 28 and Feb. 4 at the Meralco Theater.)