Cenaculo 2023 directed by Danny Mandia tweaks tradition and innovates the “bible story” with a live rendition of the last supper.  Hesus is portrayed by “Hari ng Pilipinas” Jerson Mendez, the former board member Juan “John” Fernandez plays Pilate alongside with incumbent provincial legislator Dindin Opis-Mercado as Claudia. Antonio “Tres” Mangcucang gives a memorable performance as Herodes and the counter-hero Hudas is played-well by Gwynn Jason Arevalo, the eye doctor.

The opening performance was done during Holy Wednesday on April 5 and encore slated by April 6 Maundy Thursday and April 8 Finale by Black Saturday at Moryon Arena. The 50 million multi-purpose venue also hosted the PBA Legends and Marinduque Morions during Biyernes de Dolores prior to the annual Semana Santa.

Marinduque State College Culture and Arts unit provided the backbone for the Provincial Government of Marinduque live performance after three years of the pandemic. The MSC Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education (BCAED) auditioned, rehearsed and gave it all from January to April to come up with a praise-worthy theater piece.

Marinduque Governor Presby Velasco provided the context of this year’s Cenakulo with recorded messages by the lone district representative Lord Allan Velasco and Provincial Administrator Mike Vincent Velasco. Vice Governor Lyn Angeles also gave some remarks and dedicated the performance to the visitors especially the regional director of the Tourism Department Zeny Pallugna. Finally, before the start of Cenakulo, Director Danny Mandia dedicated Cenakulo to Dr. Daniel “Boying” De La Paz Jr, his brother in-law with some caveats of the materials for better appreciation and in comparison to the previous reiterations of the Lenten drama.