PINOY musicals!
Reflecting on the Musicals I’ve Watched <3
Gustomo bangsumama?
tayo’ymula sabuwan!
I would not consider myself a Filipino musical expert, but more of an enthusiast and enjoyer. Something different about Filipino-made musicals drew me to them more than foreign musicals. One factor that I can think of is the relatability of the plot and the scenes since they reflect our daily lives. Whether it is through a clever storyline or the patterns of music, it reflects essential Filipino values, traditions, and even problems that make the audience feel seen and understood.
I would like to share some of the musicals I’ve watched in person and a musical movie that really introduced me to the beauty of Pinoy musicals.
As an Eheads fan, I really fell in love with the musical adaptation of their songs in AHEB. I watched it twice, first during the pandemic when they had a limited release on YouTube. I immediately fell in love with it, especially with their special take on the classic songs of Eraserheads. It is also interesting to see how they were able to transfer the same energy and dynamics of the musical to the screen and be watched online. In very hard times during the pandemic, it gave me a sense of life, a joy that was hard to find.
Ang Huling
el bimbo
Synopsis
It tells the story of four friends whose lives are intertwined by friendship, music, and heartbreak. Set against the backdrop of Eraserheads’ iconic songs, it explores their journey from carefree youth to the complexities of adulthood, as they confront unresolved issues from their past, ultimately uncovering truths about love, loss, and redemption.
With different sensibilities and experiences as a college student in UPD, I had the opportunity to watch the re-run of AHEB at Resorts World Manila in May 2023. I watched it with my new-found college friends, who eventually became my constant companions until now. We were just acquaintances at that time, just knowing each other through an organization. We were able to bond with each other through the collective experience of watching the musical, and even beyond.
el bimbo
The musical was a rollercoaster of emotions. The first part was really fun as it talked about bonds and friendships, while the second part moved me into tears. The storyline was complemented by very fantastic vocals from the theater actors and the amazing live accompaniment of the orchestra. My experience was very different from what I saw on-screen. It was my first in-person theater experience, and I am glad that it opened my eyes to the beautiful world of musicals.
I first encountered MSB by listening to one of its soundtracks, Ikaw and Ang Sabi Nila. As a hopeless romantic, I was moved by its lyrics and music. It was indeed poetic and can make you feel a lot of emotions. I also knew how my musical fan friends raved about seeing Mula sa Buwan on the stage, saying that it was the experience of a lifetime. I have a friend who watched its first run in Arete, Ateneo, and ever since then, it has become her tradition to rewatch it when there is a re-run.
mula sa
buwan
Synopsis
A Filipino musical adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, set in 1940s Manila. It tells a poignant tale of unrequited love, beauty, and friendship amidst a backdrop of dreams and war. As poet Cyrano, his love Roxane, and the kindhearted Christian navigate love and ideals, the chaos of war tests their bonds, leaving a moving story of loss, memory, and resilience.
That is why when there was a new run of MSB this year, I really saved and worked hard for me to watch it. And it is indeed magical, moving, and entertaining. This is when I really became a fan of Gab Pangilinan (who was also part of AHEB cast as Joy!). She did perform fantastically in MSB, with her superb vocals and amazing way of conveying emotions. I am not a person who is easily moved and cries about something, but watching musicals in person can easily make me cry.
