“Ang Larawan” Captivates DC, Maryland Audiences

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The critically acclaimed Filipino musical film, “Ang Larawan” (The Portrait), received a favorable audience reception during a special screening event on 29 August 2018 at the Hoff Theater, University of Maryland College Park.

More than 200 guests, mostly from Maryland and metropolitan DC area, attended the screening.

Set in Intramuros, Manila during the pre-World War II period, “Ang Larawan” tells of the plight of sisters Candida and Paula Marasigan, daughters of high-profile painter Don Lorenzo Marasigan, whose last work – a self portrait of the artist – becomes the object of fascination, admiration, and greed among the characters.

“Ang Larawan” is the film adaptation of Larawan, The Musicalwhich is based on one of the most pedigreed literary works of the Philippines, the three-act play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipinoby National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin.

The libretto used in the film was by the late National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio while the music was composed by Ryan Cayabyab. “Ang Larawan” is the third full-length feature film to be directed by Loy Arcenas, a former Broadway production designer.

Sentro Rizal Washington DC hosted the special screening in partnership with the Filipino Cultural Association at the University of Maryland College Park.

“‘Ang Larawan’ is a celebration of Filipino talent and innovation across various art forms. The story of the Marasigans examines the value of family and heritage, against the backdrop of old, resplendent Manila. The Philippine Embassy in Washington, through the newly- established Sentro Rizal, is very proud to present this masterpiece to our audiences here, especially as we prepare to mark the centennial anniversary of Philippine cinema this coming September,” Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.

Filipino singer and actress Rachel Alejandro, who co-produced the film and played the character of Paula Marasigan, engaged the audience in a post-screening Q&A session.

The film had its world premiere at the 2017 Tokyo International Film Festival and a European premiere at the 20th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. Information on upcoming screenings may be found on www.anglarawan.com. ###

Rachel Alejandro, who plays Paula Marasigan in the Filipino musical film, “Ang Larawan”, poses with the members of the Filipino Cultural Association at the University of Maryland College Park and Darell Artates, Public Diplomacy Officer of the Philippine Embassy and Administrator of Sentro Rizal Washington DC, after the film’s special screening held on 29 August 2018 at Hoff Theater, University of Maryland College Park.

Rachel Alejandro fields questions from the audience after the special screening of “Ang Larawan” held on 29 August 2018 at Hoff Theater, University of Maryland College Park.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez welcomes Rachel Alejandro to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and congratulates her on the success of the Filipino musical film, “Ang Larawan” on 29 August 2018.

Audiences get ready for the start of the special screening of “Ang Larawan” held on 29 August 2018 at Hoff Theater, University of Maryland College Park.