Lito Capina, left, and Tess Zarsoza, are charming in
the romantic comedy "Seven Years!"

The production, a pair of modern Filipino plays translated by Pascual and performed in English, continues this weekend.

Annette Estioko gives a richly shaded performance as the young wife in "The Tin Roof" ("Bubungang Lata"), Agapito Joaquin's award-wining study of poverty in Marcos-era Manila. Dwayne Dumlao, playing the generally unlikable proud husband, delivers his final line as a chilling statement of moral hopelessness that redefines the theme.

The mood switches from stark reality to hilarious romantic comedy with "Seven Years!" ("Pitong Taon"). Veteran actors Lito Capina and Olivier Jodloman are the initial comic sparkplugs in a beautifully delivered ensemble piece on love, marriage, and social mores. The cast does exceptionally well in making "Seven Years!" every bit as entertaining as the best American television network sitcoms.

Handsome bachelor Solomon Palaboy (Capina) has been calling on demure Paz Bagatsing (Tess Zarsoza) and her family every Saturday for seven years but has yet to actually propose marriage. Solomon is en route to the Bagatsing residence when his footloose bachelor friend (Jodloman) solemnly warns him of the horrors of marriage and the tricks women use to snare gullible men. Too much a gentleman to be a no-show, Solomon ventures on but his new fears fuel a series of comical misunderstandings.

Capina is absolutely brilliant throughout in what is easily a Po'okela Award-worthy performance. His gestures, facial expressions and vocal inflections mesh perfectly. What an asset he is to local theater!

Zarsoza blossoms as a physical comedienne as the dramatic pace heightens. Jodloman assays stereotypical overwrought oratory with zest. Hoku Aiku, Charlotte Dias and Jim Yoshioka contribute finely detailed performances as the woman's parents and bratty young brother.

If a Po'okela Award existed for ensemble performances this troupe would easily earn one.

No knowledge of Filipino culture is necessary to fully enjoy this ambitious and successful introduction to modern Philippine theater. "Pas De 2" should not be missed.

What: "Pas De 2," two plays from the Philippines
When: 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Where: University of Hawaii-Manoa Music Building 36
Admission: Free, but donations are accepted; $3 parking
Call: 523-8024 or 956-8324