Nostalgic as it is, the iconic TV series that gave lessons and learning about youth issues is finally returning. Not on TV but on stage with real live acting. This 90s teen barkada Pinoy TV series will be given a platform to give learning about life in a perspective of a youth. The musical will roll its curtain off starting March 2020.


Oh by the way, this is one of the shows that basically introduced today's big names in the industry like John Lloyd Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria, Paula Paralejo, Paolo Contis, Desiree Del Valle, Patrick Garcia, Baron Geisler, and Kaye Abad. It was not just another teen TV show but a portrayal of life's situation. Every Sunday afternoon, viewers saw the trials and triumphs of eight close friends as they navigated their way through their relationships, families, and the challenges of growing up. “What set “Tabing Ilog” apart was that it tackled the realities of teenagers growing up at the time,” said Raymund Dizon, business unit head of Star Hunt and executive producer of the original series. The show did not shy away from topics like teenage pregnancies, pre-marital sex, bitter arguments with parents, alcoholism—themes that are still very relevant today.


“The challenge now is that the teenagers have evolved,” Dizon says. “How do we know better the teens of today? What are their challenges, their aspirations? When we revive the show, we wanted to make sure that it’s relevant to both the youth and the people who grew up with the original show.” The musical will star a talented mix of Star Hunt artists and theater actors, including rising stars Kiara Takahashi, Abi Kassem and theater actress Gab Pangilinan, who will be alternating as Eds delos Santos; Sky Quizon, Hanie Jarar, and theater actor Ian Pangilinan, who will take turns playing Rovic Mercado; Batit Espiritu and Emjay Savilla who will alternate as Badong Magtibay.


Meanwhile, Jem Macatuno, Gian Wang, and Gabby Sarmiento will take on the role of James Collantes while Argel Saycon, Star Hunt alumni Ellyson de Dios, and theater actor Vino Malabot will play the role of Fonzy Ledesma.


From the all-girl Filipino idol group MNL48, Abby Trinidad, Belle Delos Reyes, and theater actress Mia Canton will alternate as George Fuentebella. Lou Yanong, Missy Quino, and theater actress Teetin Villanueva will play Corinne Ledesma. Shawntel Cruz, and theater actresses Krystal Kane and Justine Narciso will play Jerry Ricafort. Art Guma, Ian Hermogenes, and theater actor Franco Ramos will alternate as Ely. And playing Sammy Collantes are Brei Binuya from MNL48, Star Hunt and Theater actor Noel Comia, and Lie Reposposa.





Joining them to play multiple roles are theater and veteran film actors Jojit Lorenzo, Paolo O’hara, Agot Isidro, and Joann Co.


Members of the show’s artistic team, meanwhile, come from the country’s premier theater groups, including the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Red Turnip, Dulaang U.P. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. They are composer and musical director Vincent De Jesus (“Changing Partners,” “Himala,” “Care Divas”), director Topper Fabregas (“Tribes,” “Rabbit Hole,” “Company”), and choreographer JM Cabling (“Ang Lihim ni Lea,” “Bent”). Writer and director Jade Castro (the play “Dalawang Gabi,”; films “Endo,” and “LSS”) bridges the story from screen to stage.






“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” will run from March 7 to April 26 at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater at the ABS- CBN compound in Quezon City. Tickets are priced Php 1000, Php 1200, Php 1500 and Php 2500, and are available online in KTX. The production is also open to showbuyers. Contact 0977 836 0315 for tickets and inquiries.

Another great musical production, the Waitress, hitting its international premiere in Manila at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City this coming November 9, 2018. The show, which continues to perform for sold-out audiences on Broadway and across the USA, is also set to debut at London's West End in 2019 and in Australia in 2020.

This musical production is based on the beloved film by Adrienne Shelly and it features music and lyrics from 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Love Song," "Brave"); and a book by Jessie Nelson. The show made history by having Broadway's first all-female creative team.



Waitress tells the story of a pie maker named Jenna who, despite the mundanity of her life, finds comfort and reckoning in the simple magic of baking. With the help of her two friends Dawn and Becky, she dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage and musters the courage to change her life for the better.

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One of the award winning international musical theatre star Joanna Ampil leads the show as Jenna. Some of her West End musical performances are Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Avenue Q and Jesus Christ Superstar. She also played as Candida in the recent film Ang Larawan has won her numerous Best Actress Awards locally. Jenna will be her first role back in the local theatre scene after her stint as Grizabella in the international tour of Cats.

Another character in the musical is Becky, the sassy waitress and lovable friend of Jenna, which will be played by Bituin Escalante. One of the influential figure in OPM, Bituin has also made rounds in the theatre scene since 1999 and she said during our interview with her that before singing it was theater. She has starred in numerous Tony-winning shows in roles such as Joanne in Rent, Effie White in Dreamgirls, and Asaka in Once on this Island. Her recent performance as Aling Saling in Himala: The Musical has earned her critical acclaimed.

Maronne Cruz completes the trio characters in Waitress as plays the role of the neurotic and eccentric character of Dawn. Maronne is no stranger to musical theatre. She has appeared in numerous productions including Jeannie in Hair, Gabbi in Sa Wakas, Josephine in Ako Si Josephine, and Stepsister Joy in Cinderella.  She has also appeared in the indie film Mariquina as Monet and, most recently, performed in the hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Joe's Pie Diner would not be complete without the men of the show and joining the ladies are Bibo Reyes as Dr. Pomatter, Nino Alejandro as Ogie, George Schulze as Earl, Dean Rosen as Cal, and Steven Conde as Joe.

Waitress also features Luigi Quesada, Gerhard Krysstopher, Luis Marcelo, Emeline Celis Guinid, Teetin Villanueva, Sarah Facuri, and Jillian Ita-as.

It is under the direction of Bobby Garcia, Choreographed by Cecile Martinez, Set Design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, Lighting Design by Aaron Porter, Musical Direction by Farley Ascuncion, Costume Design by Raven Ong, Sound Design by Josh Millican, Hair and Make-up Design by Johann dela Fuente and Vocal Coaching  by Manman Angsico.

The international premiere of Waitress will run from November 9 to December 2 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, contact Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Acoustic singer, TV and movie star and versatile theater actress Aiza Seguerra has been reaping critical acclaims for her musical theater performances. Recently, she has been awarded by Aliw Awards the Best Featured Performance in a Musical trophy for her stint as hippie Regina in the local staging of Rock of Ages.

When in high school until college I was a member of our church choir and singing in a cantata are one of my favorites.  Not a very good singer but I can say I could at least follow the notes and hit it right.  So, knowing this cantata will be restage by DLSU I was hoping that I could watch it performed by great artist.

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata is a story about the Lasallian mission in Southeast Asia, it is said to be a crucial event in its history.  It was February 12, 1945, American forces bombarded the City of Manila that forced a group of Japanese soldiers to enter De La Salle College campus on Taft Avenue.   People who lived there were attacked, twenty-four men, women, and children, and 16 La Salle brothers died in that massacre.  Perhaps only few people knows about it.

This is the result of war, they turn human into monsters but also forges heroes out of its flames. This story is shared and told to honor their memory, their service to humanity, and to remember them eternally.

This cantata is created by Gabby Fernandez and directed by Peque Gallaga, it is one of the highlights of the centennial celebration of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines. Vicente Garcia Groyon wrote the libretto and Von de Guzman composed the music.

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata will have two performances only: February 26 (Sunday - Matinee) at 3pm and February 27 (Monday - Gala Night) at 8pm. Both shows will be held at Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium at the 7th Floor of Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall of DLSU.

The cast includes Michael de Mesa (Br. Egbert), Franco Laurel (Br. Antonius), Al Gatmaitan (Br. Mutwald), Jonel Mojica (Br. Friedbert), Miguel Castro (Br. Arkadius), Floyd Tena (Br. Athanasius), and Naomi Sison (Alma Mater).

Also, joining them are Onyl Torres (Japanese Captain), Nazer Salcedo (Japanese Soldier 1), Gary Fabricante (Japanese Soldier 2), and John Gilbert Arceo (Japanese Soldier 3).

Narrators are Jaime Fabregas, Ricky Gallaga, Conchita Castillo, Dado Jose, Tanya Lopez, and Louie Zabaljauregi.










Aside from known actors and actresses different La Salle singing groups were also featured in this cantata.  They are De La Salle Inner Soul, De La Salle-Zobel Chorale, La Salle Centennial Orchestra, La Salle Centennial Chorus. Some kids of La Salle-Greenhills are also part of the show.

Joining the Production and the Artistic Team are Mio Infante (Production Design), Dong Calingacion (Technical and Lighting Director), GA Fallarme (Projection Design), Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC (Executive Producer), and Lore Reyes (Line Producer).

For the matinee performance on February 26, 2012 (3pm), regular tickets are at P200, while student rates are at P100. For the gala show on February 27, 2012 (8pm), orchestra seats are priced at P500 (regular)/ P250 (students) and balcony seats at P250 (regular)/ P200 (students).

For more information, please call the DLSU Centennial Office at (632) 524-4611 local 290 or email perla.garcia@dlsu.edu.ph.

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