Filipin-Oz

“Her Son, Jose Rizal” Reunites Mother and Son

October 21st, 2012 · No Comments

At the lobby of Woy Woy’s Peninsula Theatre, a small group had gathered awaiting the doors to open for the play, “Her Son, Jose Rizal”.  A petite, bespectacled, middle-aged woman made her to the ticket counter.   She leans forward asking about tickets that had been arranged to be left at the counter for her.  As the staff rummages around, she adds “I’m the mother of Rizal” and heads turn around to see who the claimant to Doña Teodora was.

She was Rosa Maria Bayona Mondragon, none other than Angelo Refuerzo’s mother who came all the way from Queensland to see her son play the part of Dr. Jose Rizal.  The play couldn’t have been a better place for a mother and son reunion.   They had not seen each other in almost two years.  She had remained in Queensland while Angelo had moved to Sydney for better employment opportunities.

Angelo Refuerzo was no stranger to the Leonor Orosa Goquingco’s theatre masterpiece.  From the first time director RC Reyes introduced the play to Filipinos in Sydney in 2010, Refuerzo had been a part of the ensemble. He has transitioned three directors but has remained true to the role as written.   He played Paciano first, then moved to playing the main role of Rizal for the staging at Campbelltown and stepped into the role of Rizal the second time around with even more gusto for the Woy Woy screening.

He hails from Leyte and was the voice of Radio Tacloban, lending his voice as well for commercials.  While his mother migrated to Australia in 1986, Angelo followed in 1989 to allow him to finish his university studies in the Philippines. 

Angelo now works as a claims consultant for an insurance company.  He also teaches English with the Berlitz International School which has taken him to distant lands like Morocco, Prague, Rabat and Istanbul. 

In between work,  he devotes his time nurturing his passion for the performing arts.  With a talent for singing as well he is awaiting that break into the entertainment scene.

And in the final scene of the play, when Rizal bids his mother farewell in a touching emotional reunion, it perhaps may been a little too close for comfort for the Refuerzos.

And as Angelo says, “I am not afraid, mother.”

 

Photo credit:  Jade Cadelina

Tags: Features