The Integrated Performing Arts Guild stages Sita: The Ramayana Revisited in celebration of Women’s Month, reimagining the epic Ramayana to highlight the strength and resilience of women. (Photo: ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — The Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) staged Sita: The Ramayana Revisited, a reimagined version of the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, highlighting the strength and resilience of women.
“The point here is how we present women in the manner that societies, communities, nations, and history have regarded them ever since, and represent this to contemporary audiences. In the final segment, you have Sita getting into the fire, and we leave it up to the audience to connect and find its meaning,” said Steven Patrick Fernandez, IPAG’s founding artistic director.
The Ramayana tells the story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his battle against Ravana to rescue her. Traditionally centered on Rama, IPAG’s adaptation focuses on Sita, portraying her as a symbol of women’s empowerment and loyalty.
This adaptation has gained global recognition, being the most-performed Philippine version in countries where the Ramayana is part of the cultural heritage, including India, Singapore, and Thailand.
Fernandez sees this achievement as significant for Iligan City’s bid for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2025. He said Iligan’s focus on crafts, folk arts, and performing arts aligns with IPAG’s mission to strengthen cultural development at national and international levels.
IPAG has represented the Philippines in over 100 festivals worldwide, continuing to showcase Filipino artistry on the international stage.
Fernandez expressed hope for stronger support for the arts to foster long-term cultural development.
Jeanie Darantinao, who portrayed Sita, highlighted her character’s representation of feminism and women’s resilience. “Sita is a type of woman who is very loyal. She is very dedicated and passionate when it comes to someone she loves. Sita symbolizes feminism, how women should be treated, and how they should fight for their own. Despite everything, Sita stands on her devotion that she will always be loyal no matter what,” she said.
Restinil Kim Indino, who portrayed Prince Rama, encouraged the youth to appreciate their cultural heritage before seeking foreign influences.
“I think that we will be able to appreciate more of what is outside if we are able to look at what is inside. So, you will be able to appreciate more of what is shown to you—understand who you are, your identity, and your cultural heritage,” he said.
Attended by over 2,000 students, the Sita: The Ramayana Revisited production was held at St. Peter’s College (SPC), featuring two performances.
Dianne Therese Marie Bahala, dean of Student Affairs and Services at SPC, emphasized the importance of the event in their cultural engagement initiatives.
“HEIs are mandated to provide activities for cultural and arts appreciation, including Philippine arts. That is why there are always activities like these for our students to be exposed to such kinds of experiences,” she said. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
