Bayanihan: LVN’s 21st year offering

Bayanihan was LVN’s 21st anniversary offering in 1959, shown at Dalisay Theater July 24 to Aug. 1 and featuring the world-renowned Bayanihan Dance Troupe of the Philippine Women’s University.

In Glorious Eastman Color, Bayanihan starred Nestor de Villa, Carmencita Abad, Manding Claro, Bernard Bonnin and Liza Moreno. Directed by Manuel Conde, with music by F. Buencamino Jr.

As wanted by LVN matriarch Donya Sisang (Narcisa Buencamino vda. De Leon), Bayanihan had lots of dancing and singing, extolling life in the barrio, with the stars wearing native costumes.

While Conde was noted for costume (Genghis Khan) and satire (Juan Tamad) pictures, the director (and future National Artist) was also at home in musical comedies like Bayanihan, Ikaw Kasi, Casa Grande, Doon Po sa Amin, Pilipino Kostum, No Touch, Nabasag ang Banga, Bahala Na and Handang Matodas. — RKC