February 17, 2009

Nativity scene with pigs

The story of "Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit" (The First Pig in Heaven) is a derivation of the messiah story. Ponyang, a pregnant pig and resident of Babuyan Island, is told by an angel in the form of a rabbit that she would give birth to only one piglet, the pig of prophecy who will save the other pigs of the island from certain destruction. The corrupt head pig, who wants everyone to sell their farmlands to a mining concern because he's getting a large cut, is threatened when he hears rumors of Ponyang's unusual pregnancy. Pig and wife run away from their town. They arrive at another town just as Ponyang is about to give birth and they have to ask several households before a kind family gives them shelter. Ponyang gives birth to Butsiki, who is soon visited by three friends who had been looking for her: a dog, a cat and a mouse.

the birth of Butsiki, the first pig in heaven, in Entablado's play

31 comments:

abc said...

From the storyline you can sense the socio-political connotations, like you mentioned in yesterday's post. Looks like a funny lot on that stage.

Martin MY said...

Looks lke great fun for the actors. I like the in depth commentry alongside the photographs it opens up a new view each time.

Olivier said...

encore une superbe lumiere sur cette scène. Une vision surprenante de la nativité
still a great light on that scene. An amazing vision of the Nativity

Jim Klenke said...

I like the socks on the hands.

Not house shopping, but the house I posted is up for auction. I would love to be able to afford it.

Anonymous said...

This is the most interesting nativity scene I have ever seen and your story fits perfectly.

Abraham Lincoln
Backyard Birds

Dottie Jo said...

Thanks for visiting my blog, Hilda! I've had a blog for my family for awhile, and have been following some CDP blogs. I decided What the Heck, might as well start my own blog! I'm haveing a great time, and really enjoy seeing everyones photos from around the world.
I love this story about the pigs!

hadv said...

Hehehehe..what a funny story.

Jilly said...

What an interesting story told through pigs. And a charming photo too.

Halcyon said...

An interesting twist on an old story. And a lovely photo to boot!

Lois said...

What a great story! I love the costumes in this picture.

VP said...

Funny story, nice photo, great post.

Judy said...

I had never heard of that story! The costumes are so cute.

Virginia said...

Well that's a new twist for sure! Cute costumes!
V

Laurie Allee said...

WHat a cool shot, Hilda.

George said...

The play sounds like a very interesting adaptation of the Nativity story. You've gotten a great shot of the actors and costumes.

escape said...

wow! that's so unique. the people behind this deserves an applause.

Buck said...

I have tears in my eyes and I can;t tel if it's from the photo or from the description... Wow.

Debbie Courson Smith said...

That is so funny!

Lowell said...

What a great story. Why pigs, though? Is the pig a special animal in Manila?

Reena said...

cute! is this still on?

Unknown said...

How interesting! Great shot too, Hilda!

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

Hilda, what a photo. this is so unusual. i am speechless.

Saretta said...

Did you enjoy the play? Did the parody work for you?

Anonymous said...

Ah you didn't let me down - I was sure you'd have a picture of the actors! :)

Neva said...

I have not heard of this before...very nice....

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

The city daily photo blogs teach us so much about the world around us. Your posts the last two days have been so informative. I sent a link to the director of our local children's theater! Thank you for sharing.

Jan
Greensboro Daily Photo

Lenola Daily Photo said...

the lights seems to work very well...especially in the previous post.
Interesting plot with a lot of potential.

Hilda said...

Jacob:
No, the pig's nothing really special in Manila. The author probably just chose it because of its reputation as being a very unhygienic creature.

Reena:
Sorry, no. I hope they restage it though.

Saretta:
Yes, I did and it did!

angela said...

I'm reading these in the wrong order...I've been reading about the issues in Madagascar so your post about this story seem especially relevant.
This is a lovely photo, Hilda. The colours are nicely muted so often photos of a performance can be too bright.

Anonymous said...

That's an original twist on the story!

Anonymous said...

Oh c'mon, you're talking about Jews here. They wouldn't have PIGS in their story, even 2000 years ago; their religion forbids it ;-)