Minda Mora (Zarzuela in Three Acts)

          The conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Philippines, specifically in Mindanao, had sparked way back 15th century, the time when Spaniards colonized the country. As these colonizers try to introduce Christianity, they do anomalous deeds such as confiscating their land and resettlements. Muslims, known for being brave and courageous, fought for their freedom. This is the start of the crack in the relationship between Moros and Christians.

          Even though, Spaniards had already left the country after they were defeated by the Americans during the Philippine War, Muslims’ outrage against Spaniards and their Christian belief had not dissipated but in fact, is still evident up to these days. Armed insurgencies in the side of the Muslims while discrimination and discretion among Christians, the turf war between the two sects had been a suffocating poison that disrupts the peace not only inside our country, it is a global trend.

          Today, poverty, poor governance, injustice, and exploitation to the rights of the cultural groups in the ancestral communities of Mindanao are the main causes of the conflict as seen by certain researches. Terrorism arose from their religion, promulgating war- torn areas at its greatest extent.

          Many had already been wounded and disabled; many had already lost their lives. The war that had scarred our history had drawn a thick demarcation line between Christians and Muslims. The line that separates the country into puzzle pieces, making us scattered, the reason why we can never be whole as a nation.

          Minda Mora is a Zarzuela featuring the breach existing between the two tribes. But apart from showing the differences between them, the play much aims to bridge the gap and reconcile the conflict that had been torn hundreds of years ago.  This is not just an ordinary Moro- Moro traditional entertainment where Muslims were always defeated by Christians because they are evil. Now they were both given the equal limelight. There is equality among differences.

The Creators of Minda Mora

Message of Teodoro (Ka Doroy) Valencia, Chairman of Zarzuela Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.

Message of Herminio Velarde, Jr., Project Director, Pacifica Productions

The Production Organization of Minda Mora

The Cast and Performers of Minda Mora

Articles about Minda Mora

The Cast

The Dayang- dayang Dance Troupe

The Pacifica Choral Ensemble

The Manila Symphony Orchestra

Before and After:

Minda Mora circa 1904

Minda Mora circa 1975