LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 03 (PNA) -– Three major Filipino artists led a pool of film-makers, writers, poets, musicians, stage performers, animators and dancers in recreating the undying legend of Albay, the “Daragang Magayon,” with scenes, colors and fresh outlook.

The poetry of National Artist Virgilio Almario, the music of Dr. Ramon Pagayon Santos and the creative resources of Albayano writer and researcher Abdon Balde Jr.; were pooled to present a fresh yet enchanting version of "Daragang Magayon."

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the 2013 production of the legend, the mythical tale of Mount Mayon that will be presented at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on Feb. 8. "It is a master work of art with higher level of creativity," he enthused.

The production was inspired by the common aspiration for creating a masterpiece out of the talents of different Filipino artists, and their unique approach to their art.

As composer, Santos’ works have been elaborated from concepts and aesthetic frameworks of Philippine and Southeast Asian traditions and have been featured in major festivals in America, in Europe and in Asia.

Salceda has acknowledged his familiarity with the tale to smoothly carve out hidden emotions from new scenes on the subject.

Almario, who has been known by his pen name, “Rio Alma,” blends the magic of his poetry with the lyrics of Santos’ music.

Aside from being a critic, he is engaged in translating and editing. Among his most important works include Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” that were deemed the best translations by the Manila Critics Circle.

Much of the magical realism of the legend, involving ancient rituals and mythological characters, is a product of the research and stories woven by Balde, a multi-awarded Bikolano writer who specializes in mythopoeia and the folk stories of Bikol.

Balde, a civil engineer who was born in Barangay Busac in Oas, Albay, concentrated on writing creative short stories, poems and novels after his retirement as a construction engineer. He received his first literary award in 2003.

Daragang Magayon’s choreography and stage direction were entrusted to spouses Gerald Mercado and Katrina Santos-Mercado. Gerald is the director of e-Dance Theater while Katrina is a homegrown ballerina whose professional dancing career spans over 15 years.

Film-maker Chuck Escasa and animators Benjie Marasigan and Niko Salazar contributed their expertise to the film and visual arts aspect of the production.

The Daragang Magayon myth is basically a love-against-all-odds story between Magayon (beautiful) and Ulap (cloud). Their tragic death in the hands of an envious suitor, Pagtuga (eruption), earned for them favor from gods to make their love last forever and part no more by turning the lovers’ grave to mountain and the sky.

e-Dance Theater expands the love story in movements and colors to evoke a rich character of the Filipino myth while Escasa, Marasigan and Salazar worked together in making use of two-dimensional film technology to ensure a vibrant, lively account of the lovers’ affair and the legend of the beautiful Mayon Volcano.

Salceda said it is by e-Dance Theater’s commitment to creating dances and movements that is uniquely Filipino, both in techniques and aesthetics, and by the genius of Mercado, plus Santos’ original score making use of ethnic Filipino instruments, “that Daragang Magayon will strike viewers as an original presentation.”

The provincial government’s rejuvenation of Daragang Magayon is part of a revitalized tourism development program aimed at giving guests chances to take a fresher look into the province’s enthralling mythical past, its culture, people, teeming natural beauty, and its magic and mystery.

The province‘s rich cultural heritage is contained in its year-round celebration of some 18 festivals, presenting the varied faces of Albay’s gaiety and celebrations.

Salceda’s on-going historical, cultural and arts-related projects include visual art exhibits conducted whole year round at the atrium of the provincial capitol and sculptures of local historical figures.(PNA)