The endless legacy of Badong Bernal

MANILA, Philippines - An admirable trifecta between the grand master, his accomplished protégé, and promising students will take center stage in Manila, as the timeless wisdom of old, infused with wise advice of the present, and the hopeful aspirations of the future all blend together in Badong: Salvador Bernal Designs the Stage.

This is the sterling link between Badong Bernal, National Artist for Theater and Design, with Eric Pineda, his gifted disciple, who now heads an AB Production Design class at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA). Pineda, who was once the apprentice, is now at the helm of a class with wide-eyed pupils who aim to make a mark in the theater production scene.

Dubbed as a feast for the eyes, and a nuzzle for the soul, the itinerant show, opened yesterday, Sept. 29 at the SDA Campus Gallery, highlights the genius’ creative output in ballet, opera, theater and film, from the ’70s until before he passed on in 2011.

Featured are scale models, costumes and digital images of Bernal’s several projects, notably those he created for Ballet Philippines and Tanghalang Pilipino — which includes his collaboration with dance legends Alice and Denisa Reyes and theater icon the late Rolando Tinio — when he was then resident designer of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

As a creative response to the expertise of Bernal, infused with the distinctive personal style of Pineda, the trainees will likewise feature their earnest selection of lavish attires and grandiose ensembles.

Themes covered by the eye-catching compendium span Egyptian, Renaissance, Edwardian, Fantasy, Rococo and Elizabethan.

The choice selection includes Amneris by Chelsea Boncodin, Cardinal by Charlene Andrea Samson Catindig, Helena by Jasmine Sadsad, Hippolyta by Nica Santos, Lady Fidget by Kylie Nadine Agero, Mary Start by Candy Leviste and Oberon by Sang Hoon Lee.

“The inclusion of our students’ works is conclusive proof of Bernal’s everlasting heritage,” architect Gerry Torres, Center for Campus Art director and co-curator of the exhibit, explains. “Their teacher-mentor Eric Pineda — once under Bernal — in turn molded our undergraduates. He is one of the best in the industry, and has been an instrument to shape minds in Benilde for nearly 15 years.”

The show will likewise be guest curated by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson and Gino Gonzales, who were both close collaborators of the maestro.

The exhibit, open daily except Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., will end on Dec. 17. The SDA Gallery is located at the 12th Floor of SDA Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.