By Marilyn Manibusan
For The Pacific Voice

Longtime performing arts director Benjie Diola is back on Guam and is directing Academy's "ENCORE!" stage production.

Benjie Diola, a master of theatrical direction on Guam, has returned from his hometown in Cebu, Philippines and is directing the 2010 Spring Production, entitled “ENCORE!” for Academy of Our Lady of Guam March 25-27.

Diola is a three-time recipient of the Governor’s Arts Awards for Performing Arts. He was named Director and Outstanding Citizen in the Field of Performing Arts (1973 and 1966) and awarded the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

Late last month, Diola completed a popular musical, “Oliver Twist” (Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!”) for Liceo de Cagayan University in Cagayan de Oro City, which celebrated its 55th  Foundation Day.  This was right after directing a comedy, “Thirteen Daughters” for the Sacred Heart School (Hijas de Jesus) in his hometown, Cebu City.

Diola believes the whole world is his stage. So goes his life and career!  Four productions in Cebu, two productions in Guam; one production elsewhere in the Philippines; and then another year passes and the cycle begins again for this tireless, renown and acclaimed director.

Diola has been directing numerous musicals in Guam, and for many years for the Academy of Our Lady of Guam.  His productions and musicals include: The King and I, Finian’s Rainbow, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, West Side Story, Veronica’s Room, Oliver, A, Moda Ochenta Y Dos, They’re Playing Our Song, Cinderella, Fiddler on the Roof, H.M.S. Pinafore, Through the Years, The Telephone, Thirteen Daughters, Ama’t Anak, Women of Broadway, Lovers of Broadway, Oklahoma, The Wiz”  The Music Man, City Hearts, 3-in-One, My Fair Lady, Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!, Once Upon A Mattress, Some Enchanted Evening, Nunsense I, and Nunsense II, Side by Side by Sondheim, Hollywood One, Sleeping Beauty, Color Me Broadway, Handod for Sining Kayumanggi, I Lihenden Duendes, Hiasso for the University of Guam, The Birdman Rally for Guam Airport Authority, and many others.

Diola has also directed stadium events like the Micronesian Games and the South Pacific Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

He has also worked with the Guam Symphony Orchestra showcasing Trial by Jury, The Impressario, Merry Wives of Windsor, The Medium, Gianni Schicci and The Telephone.

Devoted to nourishing the arts to the island community, Diola has done numerous community projects for The Federation of Chamorro Women, International Women’s Club, Alee Shelter, Pacific Star Hotel, Civic Center of Guam Foundation.

Diola had his stage debut when he was two months old, as Baby Jesus in a play called Violane produced in Cebu.  Hooked into theatre, the young Cebuano took up ballet at the Ballet Center under Madame Fe Villarica “to tone my body and instill discipline.” “As a director”,  the theatre icon said, “I like to work with children.  They have such talent and energy and drive.  They can act and sing and dance all at the same time.  All I need to do is provide discipline.”

Diola emphasized that “theatre is discipline – the secret of success! And probably even in life?”

His vibrant personality, sophistication and true professionalism make him Guam’s most sought-after director, although he is also known to be a costume and set designer, lighting designer, and much more.

Opening night for “ENCORE!” is Thursday, March 25. It starts 5:30 p.m. with curtain call at 7 p.m.