SNS Operettas on Parade

SAMAR HIGH SCHOOL

Operettas on Parade

Author's: Princess Anna Mae Mañas 

Marielle Talagon 

Choral singing, dramatics, and socials are very much emphasized in the Samar High School's program of activities because they play an essential part in developing the cultural phase of the students personality and in enhancing the spirit of camaraderie and in promoting good public relations which are important in community-centered schools.

In the early twenties, Shakespearean plays such as "The Merchant of Venice," "Macbeth," etc. were very popular in the Samar High School. That was also the time when the musical and dramatic talent of the students was intensified with the organization of the Samar High School Orchestra, the Glee Club, and the Dramatic Club. The present trend, however, is towards one-act plays, verse choirs, choral songs and dances, pageantry, and operettas. The operetta stands foremost in the field of entertainment in the Samar High School.

"The Toreadors"

The first operetta presented by the Samar High School was "The Toreadors," on February 22, 1930 in connection with the SHS Day. The operetta was directed by Mr. Eleuterio Tabuno, assisted by Mr. Augusto Franco. The setting was old Spain. The music, tuneful. The principal characters of the cast consisted of Hilario Seludo, Ana Pascual, Victoria Japzon, Corazon Sabarre, Simeona Figueroa, Fausto Peralta, Sixto Dasmariñas, Vicente Seludo, and Pedro Meriño.

The success of the "The Toreadors" led to the showing of another operetta entitled "Polished Pebblesin" 1932. As usual, the operetta was directed by Messrs. Tabuno and Franco. This time, "Polished Pebbles" was shown as a benefit performance for the Samar High School. "Polished Pebbles," with an American setting, was not so well received by the public as "The Toreadors."

"The Daughters of Mohamed"

During the Samar High School Week in February, 1933, a beautiful operetta entitled "The Daughters of Mohamed" was staged with Mr. Eulogio Gomez as the director. King Mohamed was portrayed by Andres Orzal, and the three beautiful princesses (Zayda, Zorayda, and Zorahayda) were impersonated by Natividad Villarin, Carolina Rosales, and Luz Jazmines, respectively. Gerarda de Leon acted as Kadigan Garduce as Hussein Baba In February, 1934, "Lo Pipera of Hawaii," which was dbited Mr. Eleuterio Tabuno, Segundino Gelera and Corethika Due cero played the principales wila Gerarda de Leon and Ferro Lucero acted some of the minor roles. "Bits o' Blarney" was shown during the SHS Week in 1934. Again it was directed by Mr. Tabuno. The setting was Ireland. The stellar roles were played by Fernando Lucero and Conchita Lucero.

"Isle of Chance"

With the transfer of Mr. Tabuno, Miss Angeles S. Esguerra took over the direction of subsequent operettas. The first she directed was "Isle of Chance" which was shown during the SHS Week on February 27, 1936. The principal cast were: Victor Geli as the King of Chance, Carolina Rosales as the Lady, Antonio Muñoz as the Captain, Ethelinda Gonzales as Simpelita, Gerardo Monfort as Lord-What's-the-Use, Primitiva Alcazar, Esperanza Sua- rez, and Maria Alde as the principal Follies, and Juan C. Miel, Juanito Jazmines, and Rodrigo Perez as sailors Who-Cares, Few-Cares, and NoCares, respectively. The success of the Isle inspired Miss Esguerra to show another the following year.

"Barbarosa of Barbary"

In March, 1937, "Barbarosa of Barbary" was presented. Penjamin Japzon took the role of Barb Algerian pirate king; Leon as Althea, the princess; Silverst les as Isabela: Jose Perez nand; Segundino Gelera a dore Decatur; and Diosdado Ceno as Tinggad. Prudencio C. Miel stole the show in his comedy role as jim Crow, the nigger valet of Commodore Decatur.

"The Princess of Moroland"

The last pre-war SHS operetta was "The Princess of Moroland," also directed by Miss Esguerra. The setting was Mindanao. The principal role was played by Clotilde Baluyot as Kadjila, the Moro princess, while the principal male role was played by Diosdado Casurao. Peregrino Yboa fitted into the role of the Chinese suitor. Mindanella Deles made a hit with her graceful Moro dancing.

"In Grand Old Switzerland"

After the second World War, the first post-libertion operetta shown in Catbalogan was "In Grand Old Switzerland" sponsored by the Samar High School. Its showing on November 22-23, 1946 made a great hit among the entertainment-hungry audience, and its tuneful melodies were whistled and hummed by the public for some time. This time, Mr. Juan C. Miel directed the operetta. The scenery as well as the costumes were colorful with the snow-capped Alps, chalets, verdant meadows, and apple trees in bloom in the background. Clotilde Baluy Trudi and Eriberto Nacional Juli played the stellar roles. Igenidio Delgado fitted into the comedy role as Herr Bolliger. Eugenio Lim impersonated Herr Nops; Raul Espinol John; Purificacion Panican - Donna; Vicenta Rosales - Hedwig; Laureano Vicenta Rosales Hedwig; Laureano Cinco Fritz; Josefa Japzon stole the show in her role as Mrs. Miller. The operetta which was a benefit for the school was successful. It netted more than a thousand pesos.

"South In Sonora"

On March 2830, 1947, of the same school year, another operetta, "South In Sonora," was presented. It was jointly directed by Mr. Juan C. Miel and Mrs. Angeles E. Figueroa. This marked the beginning of the Figueroa-Miel partnership in lavish and colorful operetta presentations. The setting of "Sonora" was Mexico. The costume which were predominantly Spanish were lavishly elegant and colorful as well as the scenery which include with real water. The setting was superbly lighted.

In conclusion and our opinion 

Samar High School's emphasis on choral singing, dramatics, and socials is a vital aspect of their well-rounded education approach. By integrating these activities, students develop essential skills like creativity, teamwork, and public speaking, while fostering cultural awareness and community engagement.  By incorporating these activities, students like myself develop invaluable skills such as creativity, teamwork, and public speaking.

This passage gives a detailed look at the evolution of cultural activities, especially theater and music, at Samar High School from the 1920s to the late 1940s. The school emphasized activities like singing, acting, and social events because they helped students grow culturally, build friendships, and improve their social skills, all of which were important in creating a strong, community-focused school environment.

Reference: SAMAR NATIONAL SCHOOL GOLDEN JUBILEE 1917- 1967 (SNS Library)