October 12, 2024 | 12:00am
We have to give props to ABS-CBN, which takes it really seriously to maximize its artists’ talents in all aspects.
If I do not see their talents promoting their latest and hottest film or TV project, I see them honing their skills more in a musical play.
Enter the “Tabing Ilong: The Musical” rerun!
It has been two decades since the original TV series was aired, but its core characters and legacy live on. After its successful first run last November 2023, the beloved 2000s barkadahan is back again on stage.
The rerun had its mediacon at the B Hotel, Quezon City, on Oct. 9. The musical is ABS-CBN’s ongoing collaboration with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
After its successful run, a rerun is inevitable. Directed by Phil Noble with a script by Eljay Deldoc and musical direction and songs by Vince de Jesus, the musical will once again delve into the Gen Z struggles of Eds, Rovic, Corrine, Fonzy, George, James, Badong, Andoy, and many more with family, dreams, identity, and love, and how they find ways to rise above.
Vivoree, Adrian Lindayag, Andi Abaya, and Kobie Brown
Star Magic artists who brought the characters to life in the first run are back.
Audiences can once again enjoy the performances of Vivoree, Sheena Belarmino, Benedix Ramos, Anji Salvacion, Kobie Brown, Jordan Andrews, Kiara Takahashi, Andi Abaya, Omar Uddin, and BGYO’s Akira Morishita.
Recently, Akira visited us at “One Balita Pilipinas” with BGYO to promote the single Trash, and here he is now busy with the big musical project. He shared that he will go the extra mile for the rerun.
“Super thankful po ako sa mga kasama namin kasi in a way, na-mold din po ‘yung utak ko po. Kung paano gumawa ng character at kung paano pa palalimin ‘yung paggawa ng character. Definitely, nagkaron pa ng new ways kung paano palalimin pa si Rovic (this rerun),” Akira shared.
Lance Lebrando, Jude Hinumdum, Kiara Takahashi, and Jordan Andrews
Co-star Vivoree also had this to say: “Since matagal din kaming hindi nagkakasama or nagkakita-kita, parang nandun din ‘yung longing to perform and work with each other again after a long time. Feeling ko talaga mas magiging passionate kaming lahat this time kasi it’s a rerun. We want to do something better than what we did in the first run.”
“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” tackles Gen Z issues in its storyline, and we asked the cast what about the Gen Z do they think should be improved.
Miah Canton, Vyen Villanueva, Yeyin Dela Cruz, and Vino Mabalot
Benedix had a mouthful to share: “Sa ‘Tabing Ilog’ kasi pinapakita rito yung nature sa generation natin ngayon parang mas mahalaga (ang) cellphone at social media, but nakakalimutan natin na physical touch at samahan na ganito ay mas mahalaga pa rin. That is what we also highlight in the show.”
BINI’s Jhoanna Robles is also set to return for the rerun, with special performances to watch out for.
Teteen Villanueva, Benedix Ramos, and Gimbey Dela Cruz
“Excited na po akong makasama ang barkada at ang ‘Tabing Ilog: The Musical’ fam ay nag-effort ng matindi para po maibalik ang magic ng ‘Tabing Ilog’ this year,” she said in a video message.
Also joining the cast this edition are seasoned theater actors Joann Co, Red Nuestro, Gimbey dela Cruz, Yeyin dela Cruz, and Adrian Lindayag. Adrian is a millennial but was ecstatic to be voicing out a story for the younger theater audience. It is the message that Adrian wants to highlight.
“One of the topics I want to open a conversation is that hindi ako nag-a-agree sa cancel culture. I believe in restorative justice. That is one of the things that we tackle in this musical. Ang dali dali kasi mag-cancel kaya sana bigyan naman natin iyong mga tao ng pagkakataon na magkamali kasi tao lang tayo lahat,” Adrian shared.
Lance Reblando, Vyen Villanueva, Teetin Villanueva, Jude Hindumdum, Vino Mabalot, and Miah Canton also lend their talents.
“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” promises to return to a heartwarming, relatable, and humor-filled yet touching Filipino narrative. Audiences are in for a delightful watch once again.
The story, centered on timeless themes of friendship, love, and family, remains relatable across generations, even if it’s set in a new era, shaped by fast-changing times.
“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” was first conceptualized in 2019, but faced delays due to the pandemic. However, inspired by the success of their first collaboration in “Walang Aray,” ABS-CBN partnered once again with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) to finally bring the musical to life in 2023.
“Na-witness po ng PETA ang paglunsad, panganganak ng mga bagong thespians mula sa Star Magic. For most of them, it was their first time to do professional theater at natutuwa po kami sa PETA na kasama kami dun. Kasama kami sa kanilang theater journey,” said Melvin Lee, PETA Plus program director.
“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” will run from Nov. 8 to Dec. 1 at the PETA Theater, Quezon City. For online purchase, tickets are available via Ticketworld.
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