The Road to Edinburgh. A diary reflection. 

Entry by: Aye Mary Tondo

Sister Marianita

Oftentimes, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary privilege it has been to play Sister Marianita. From the moment I was offered the role by Direk (Ramon Tenoso), I was deeply honoured. But nothing quite prepared me for the emotional weight of the story itself.

Some of the scenes have been truly shocking—not simply because of what happens, but because of the emotional truth behind them. They are moving, haunting, and at times emotionally draining. Yet that’s exactly what makes this story feel timeless. I think of it as a classic because its themes transcend any one culture or generation. It speaks to the human experience: faith, conviction, sacrifice, and the things we choose to give our lives to. We’ve all believed in something deeply. We’ve all held onto passions that demanded a lot from us. That’s what makes the story so universally relatable.

One question I was asked was how difficult it was to bring Sister Marianita from the page to the stage—to take a character who exists only in words and give her flesh, heart, and soul. It’s a fascinating process because that’s the craft of acting. You begin by studying the script, listening closely to what the director-playwright has given you, and imagining what is happening beneath every line. What is she thinking? What is she feeling? What is driving her spirit?

There is certainly a method to that work. You analyse, you prepare, and you make deliberate choices. But technique alone is never enough. At some point, you must surrender to the character and offer your very self. It requires complete attention, honesty, and a willingness to connect with your own deepest emotions. Only then can you hope to create a genuine connection with an audience.

If there’s any secret to acting, perhaps that’s it. The performance must come from the heart. You bring your own soul to the role, and in doing so, you invite the audience to see a living, breathing human being rather than simply a character on a page.