In the realm of art and revolution, Bernardo “Kadyo” Villalon radiates as a human rights defender, artist, and playwright of and for the people. At 70, Kadyo succumbed to acute respiratory failure, yet his contributions to art and activism remain alive in the hearts of those he touched and inspired.
On November 27, a year after his passing, his comrades, youth groups, and fellow artists gathered to honor his memory through a cultural night. They celebrated the life of a revolutionary artist who remained steadfast in his love for the masses.
The playwright of the masses
Kadyo is known as the founding pillar of the Kapisanan ng mga Mandudula sa Marikina (KMM), an alliance and theater group for the youth of Marikina. Under his leadership, KMM flourished as a space where young Marikenyos honed their talents in theater and used art as a medium for social change.
Kadyo wrote numerous original scripts, full-length plays, monologues, and songs that have become part of KMM’s rich repertoire. His works often revolved around themes of resistance against foreign domination, particularly US imperialism, the collective resistance of Filipinos striving to rise from poverty, alongside the tributes to Filipino heroes.
Kadyo became a mentor to young artists and enthusiasts, bridging generations to inspire them to realize art as a powerful tool to attain genuine freedom.
Remembering Kadyo
Kadyo was a staunch defender of human rights ever since from the time of Martial Law until his last breath.
Despite his age, Kadyo was quick on his feet, having been able to walk from Liwasang Bonifacio to Mendiola with ease. Sometimes, his comrades would find him right in the middle of the police and the ranks of activists as if he was the one orchestrating it all. He was also known for his thoughtfulness, never letting anyone go hungry and often showing up with pancakes and juice to share.
Kadyo is also known for his straightforwardness—sometimes being described with a “thug life” humor.
One comrade shared a memory while in Marikina where they would often visit Kadyo’s favorite spots to eat, introduce them to those he had helped organize including those in the local politics to the very children of those he worked with, or simply reminisce about the times he casually smoked on the streets—true to his ‘thug life’ spirit. Kadyo truly had an unparalleled ability to organize, connect and integrate with people of generations.
Once can also recall his diligence in ensuring safety and security. In Manila Today, Kadyo also made contributions which tackled contemporary issues and the rise of technology. While not tech-savvy himself, Kadyo made sure to send group messages—often filled with questions designed to challenge his peers, like how to explain the difference between art and culture in terms the masses could understand. Whether through his witty banter, thoughtful advice, or impromptu lectures on the intersectionality of art and culture, for Kadyo, these were not just intellectual exercises but ways to deepen his understanding of how art could serve the people.
Kadyo’s legacy as a mentor, organizer, and artist is regarded that lives on in the many generations of cultural workers and revolutionaries and the cultural organizations he nurtured.
As Sining Bugkos, a cultural collective where he was affiliated with, wrote:
“Life and chains may break, but art is eternal and will continue.”
