Evelio’s Heroism Comes Alive in EJ

The Residents of the Fraternal Order of Utopia held a special screening of Tanghalang Pilipino’s “EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson” last 2 March 2008. The rock musical was a stellar production written by Palanca awardee Ed Maranan under the direction of Calvin Millado. Utopians from all generations trooped to the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay to watch multi-awarded actor Ricky Davao portray the National Hero and classic Utopian Evelio Javier to the music of legendary rock band The Dawn. The Dawn’s front man Jett Pangan played Edgar Jopson, another Atenean who was also martyred by the Marcos dictatorship.

Evelio Javier joined the fraternity in 1965 and graduated in 1968 together with former BIR Commissioner Brod Jojo Buñag and Brod Jack Jimenez, who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in that year’s bar examinations. Beloy, as he was fondly called by his constituents, became the youngest Governor of the Philippines when he won the gubernatorial race in Antique in 1972 at the age of 29. Evelio was brutally murdered by Marcos cronies in 1986 during the canvassing of votes from the Aquino-Marcos snap elections. Cory Aquino tapped Evelio as her elections supervisor in Antique. Just five days after Evelio’s death, the EDSA people power revolution began. Another three days later and the Filipinos regained their freedom. To this day, he is fondly remembered by the people of Antique as their beloved governor and by his countrymen as the Filipino whose death sparked the fall of the Marcos regime.

“EJ” was an enthralling production that featured inspired acting by some of the country’s most dedicated thespians. Evelio’s life could not have been played out better than through the music of the Dawn. While a powerful script kept the story gripping, it was The Dawn’s music, particularly the cast’s hair-raising rendition of “Iisang Bangka” and “Salamat” that captivated the audience with the real story of two truly heroic Filipinos.

The Board of Trustees was represented by Vice-Chairman Ric Blancaflor, President Tony Bernardo, and trustees Wong Bacareza and Derrick Lu. Chairman Justice Rene Corona had to beg off at the last minute but threw his all out support behind the event. Also present was Evelio’s brother incumbent Antique Representative Brod Exequiel Javier who watched with his children, among them Brod Franco Javier.

The audience was composed mostly of Utopians and their families but there were also a considerable showing by students from various colleges in the university belt. Merchandise Head Jamie Flores produced some eye-catching Evelio shirts while Internals VP Chadd Concepcion pulled out all the stops in the event’s organization and directed the pre-show program at the last minute. Brod Chadd also produced neat event souvenirs entitled “Beyond the Heights,” that featured articles on resident activities and the fraternity’s 2008 calendar of events. The show marked the introduction of the Utopia Scholarship Trust, which will be the resident’s primary fund-raising vehicle this 2008. Beyond the Heights also had an acknowledgement page that listed all the alumni who have been unwavering in their support to resident activities for the past two years. Special mention went out to Timmy Limcaoco of Old Swiss Inn, Derrick Lu, Wong Bacareza, Jon Fernando and Court of Appeals Justices Deng Villon, Andy Reyes and Vicente Veloso.

This event was made possible through the partnership with Tanghalang Pilipino, particularly through the efforts of Ms. Yvette Macayan and the accommodation of Mr. Dennis Marasigan. Generous ticket purchases were made by Brod Tomas Tuason of the Riskmetrics Group, Brod Dindo de los Angeles of Romulo Law Office, Brod Tony Bernardo of Bernardo Placido Law Office, Brod Bobby Chan of Kainan Kay Aling Nating, and Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Corporation.
​
EJ ran until March 20 but Tanghalang Pilipino is currently organizing a relaunch scheduled for June. The Fraternity president says that they are reconsidering partnering up with TP again but an official announcement has yet to be made.

By: RDR