Press Notices and Comments on “Walang Sugat”

Prof. Antonio Molina, known as the “dean of Filipino composers,” was born in Quiapo, Manila, on Dec. 26, 1894. He wrote over 500 musical compositions, including “Hatinggabi” and “Awit ni Maria Clara,” and taught some of the country’s musical icons like Lucresia Kasilag and Felipe de Leon, both are considered national artists in music.

He said, “ Walang Sugat, the most famous Zarzuela of a whole generation was greeted with a thunderous applause on gala night—it was a superb presentation—it was Philippine theater in its true meaning and complete significance.”

Julie Yap Daza,  a Filipina journalist, editor-in-chief, columnist, book author, and an award-winning television talk show host for Tell the People and Jullie. She became a popular author because her two books - Etiquette for Mistresses: And What Wives Can Learn From Them and Manners For Moving Up - dealt with the controversial topics of mistresses and social climbing, respectively.

She said, “ Walang Sugat – pure, sweet—the secret of its success is to be found in the Filipino basic character—it is to please the old to remember and for the young to imagine it won’t hurt to see it a second or a third time.”

Justice Jose Bengzon served in both the executive department and the judiciary. He was a former Secretary of Justice, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

He said, “ I have enjoyed immensely and have seen Walang Sugat more than once.”

Jose L. Guevarra, also known as Joe Guevarra, was an unequaled master of this type of column writing in the Philippines. In short, punchy, staccato paragraphs, he scourged. Yet, even those he took to task can only respect and admire him.In honor of his contributions to Journalism, the National Press Club of the Philippines held an impressive rite in 1990, which it appropriately called “A Tribute to Jose L. Guevara.” A lifetime member of the NPC, he had always espoused laudable causes involving freedom of the press. The Manila Overseas Press Club had likewise accorded him this lifetime membership privilege.

Guevara had received numerous awards. Among these were: First Prize, Best in Humor, Catholic Mass Media Award (1983); Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (1991); Outstanding Son of Batangas (1979); and Outstanding Son of Manila (1983).

 He said, “ Don’t miss the wonderful show—people have been packing the Cultural Center for this phenomenon--  29 solid performance is indeed a record, -- you should see 70 yr. old couples with bayongs from provincial buses fight for tickets at the box office—the first5 lady saw it more than twice”.

Renato Constantino was an influential Filipino historian. He was a member of the leftist tradition of Philippine historiography. Apart from being a historian, Constantino was also engaged in foreign service, working for the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He said, “There is no doubt that it is excellent—its success reveals that Filipinos can appreciate artforms which though belonging to a previous era still touch the national sentiment.”

Teodoro Valencia was one of the most influential journalists in the Philippines. For 35 years he wrote a daily newspaper column called ''Over a Cup of Coffee'' that was considered must reading by friends and foes alike. He was a staunch supporter of former President Ferdinand Marcos, and many readers considered Valencia's column a reflection of official policy. Valencia also was a philanthropist who raised money for charity.

He said, “Don’t miss Walang Sugat, this is amust… I hope the Philippines will be known through the Zarzuela and not the tinikling.”

Leonor Orosa Goquingco, was a Filipino national artist in creative dance. She could play the piano, draw, design scenery and costumes, sculpt, act, direct, dance and choreograph. Her pen name was Cristina Luna and she was known as Trailblazer, Mother of Philippine Theater Dance and Dean of Filipino Performing Arts Critics. She died on July 15, 2005 of "cardiac arrest secondary to cerebro-vascular accident" at the age of 87.

She said, “Walang Sugat—a shining fait accompli (a French term which means -- an accomplished fact)”.

Lina Flor- Trinidad, a radio talent, publicist, columnist and short story writer at the age of 21, Lina Flor’s drive seemed to know no bounds. She ventured into numerous areas from 1943 to 1976, writing in several genres for years at a time. Fictionist, radio and television scriptwriter, society columnist, essayist, biographer and even poet, this prolific and indefatigable writer reached millions of readers as well as radio and television audiences throughout the years.

She said, “ An old zarzuela for the new generation.”