Jun Lana's "Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" Gets Theater Run at PETA

Director Jun Lana has already proven that the Filipino talent in film is world class. His 2015 film called "Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" which he wrote as a budding screenplay writer at 19 already drew accolades for him internationally. And yes, it's celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year which means a proper change would be the best way to do it.

Today, they gave us an opportunity to see a theater adaptation of it in bare form. After a grueling 4 month intense prep, they got us ready for this drama and sociopolitical piece starring theater actors Elora Espano, Ross Pesigan and Kapuso Prime Star Martin del Rosario. Edward Benosa, Denise Esteban and Vincent Pajara will be their understudies, you will get to catch them on different dates. This is Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio who's also not a stranger in the theater scene in the Philippines. The play is produced by IdeaFirst Live which is a new theater arm of the IdeaFirst Company.

"Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" is a story that revolves around the lives of Emma, Nardo and Joel. Emma and Nardo are husband and wife, and because of some matters regarding war torn villages and them becoming evacuees, they had to seek refuge in a house near an army barracks where they met Joel. They became friends, and then things got complicated along the way (Of course I can't spoil that for you!). They have remained loyal to the plot of the film, and I think it felt a bit more raw when these guys did it on stage (which I felt was better). Because of the distance (from stage to crowd), you'll feel involved in much of the conflicts they'd dish out on scenes. And we're not talking about simple family drama here, but more of the armed struggle and how their lives have been affected by it.

If you also remember the film, there are going to be some raunchy scenes... and the theater version didn't hold back on that. While it was necessary, it didn't get smoke screened as it was an inevitable tool for either advancing their self interests, love, or just plain lust. You'll certainly have to expect some twists and turns, and even those who didn't get to watch it, would understand and make their own assumptions about each character they play. This is intended for mature audiences, and would probably spark conversation about how it still mirrors society today... even if the story was made a decade ago.

Adrian Alandy was there too (he played the original Joel in the film), and it was certainly nice to see him enjoy the reprisal of his character and the theater version of it.

Direk Tuxqs says "This is just a bare bone, stripped down version of the show. We will be showing this at the PETA Theater on March 1st and perform 4 times a week til the 23rd of the same month. You will see the full production with bells and whistles there. We couldn't wait to share it with you as we've been preparing this for over 4 months. We hope this preview would provide more excitement for those who wish to see it soon. We have poured our heart and soul into it."

Direk Perci Intalan added "Thank you all for coming tonight, our official run will be in March, and tonight's performance marks a significant moment in Direk Jun Lana's journey. We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of it. It is still a groundbreaking film, from an international premier, this is part of what we are doing at IdeaFirst Live. Thank you Direk Tuxqs and our playwright Jun Lana. It has come full circle, from winning in 1993, it is back on stage to resonate even more with audiences. We hope you were moved and challenged, this is our debut production with IdeaFirst Live!"

Direk Jun Lana says "If you liked the movie, please tell your friends, your family about this play. We hope more people would be able to see and enjoy it. It is relevant because of what is happening in the Philippines and around the world."

Here's what happened at the press conference this evening:

While this is Martin del Rosario's first foray into theater, he didn't even stutter in any of his lines. This is also quite lengthy, I'd reckon they probably have nightmares seeing a deck of paper when their scripts were given out because it all happened in one take in the movie, it's probably going to be as complicated and even harder to do since they had to project a bit on stage so the people at the back would feel the same as the ones in front. 

I am quite impressed, a drama that could get me interested that long must mean they've got something good up their sleeves. They also plan to do a Die Beautiful play soon, it's good, and it'll be even better when the curtains go up! If you want to purchase tickets, just search via the Ticket2Me app or bit.ly/aninobulkbuyingpackages for bulk purchases. You won't regret it!

PETA Plus and STAR MAGIC Stage TABING ILOG The Musical This November

Well loved ABSCBN series "Tabing Ilog" will once again reprise the musical version of their show at the PETA theater in Quezon City. This is different from the 2020 version of Teatro Kapamilya, so do expect an entire re-telling of the story by director Phil Noble. This is written by Eljay Deldoc and will have a different take on both the storyline and music that talks about relationships, love, friendship.

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Director Beng Santos-Cabangon says "It hasn't been a year when we worked with Star Magic doing Walang Aray, and now we are coming together to make sure artists are equipped with the best set of skills doing live at the PETA theater. It has been a continuing tradition, as it is a different time, but it's so nice to bring in a show in a coming of age series. I hope this brings forward how art and culture develops, this is a happy collaboration. Thanks for being here today!"

Direk Lauren Dyogi says "Maraming salamat to Direk Phil and Vincent to everyone who made this possible. This will be watched by more people, to hopefully talk about the issues of the new generation. We are excited to see Tabing Ilog the Musical on October!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

 

The run will begin on November 10, 2023 up until December 17.If you want to buy shows, call or email them via 09176373655 or tabingilogthemusical@gmail.com. You can also get tickets via KTX.PH (your ultimate key to various experiences online!) as it's all there!

ALEXA ILACAD, KD ESTRADA, Ensemble Cast Tells Story of HOPE, LOVE in Funny Musical "Walang Aray"

When word got out that Star Magic artists Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada was venturing into theater, I was so happy to see them spreading their wings to try something different. Even with years of experience on workshops, TV and Movies, this was no ordinary feat as it is unfamiliar territory. The stage certainly asks for a different skill set especially for a new material like "WALANG ARAY!". 

 I watched with gusto last February 14th. It was a special screening on Valentine's day. PETA has certainly done a lot of hit shows in this joint but the pandemic has really made the facility go through hardships since they couldn't do a show. It was a proper comeback, an all original musical which tells the lives and love story of Tenyong and Julia. Alexa already had a solo number in the first few minutes which required powerful vocals from the Kapamilya actress, by any standards, she really did good. Theater requires a bit of strength, over acting, exaggeration so the people in the back experience the same show as with the people in the front. They exhausted establishing who she was, and their relationship. If I may, KD Estrada felt a little like a diesel engine that started to warm up. There are serious talk, but all of it was executed it with good comedic timing.

 The play was based off "Walang Sugat" a Severino Reyes sarsuela told in a modern and funny way so it does strap itself to tell the revolutionary story and see to it that current, modern day comedy in a Filipino setting take the spotlight. Entertaining is an understatement, because you'll be surprised about the small quirks they inserted in each scene. The play takes a little over 2 hours to do but they made sure it wouldn't get boring in each scene. Much of the ensemble cast had their own time to shine, from their parents, the Friars, the other man, the house help, the fan girls, they got to play along with the audience without veering off the romantic angle they all needed to tell. Alexa took this by the neck and made the show hers. I've never felt so proud to see how she's become. She completely changed imho, and having this as part of her repertoire just screams she can do more. KD on the other hand used his charm much of his time in the musical, so try not to fall in love with him while he's in separate acts.

 

 For the KDLex fans there (much like me) that I've spent hours updating on Twitter, there's certainly more content I've left out on the platform so you could have your moment to enjoy in the show starting today. There's a reason why there's a sold out crowd here.

 

 If you haven't bought a ticket yet, you may get them via ticketworld.com.ph and see how it's funny, love story would make you agree it's fine to fall in love. Make sure you take the trip to Quezon City and watch PETA's Walang Aray on it's last few dates. This is directed by Ian Segarra and music is by Vince Lim, The fun choreography is also done by Gio Gahol, which he made really fun and interactive. KDLex will be appearing on 8PM shows on Feb.17-18, 24-25, Mar. 4, April 14-16, 21-23 and April 28. They have alternates Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila doing the other dates, both seasoned theater actors that can do justice to Tenyong and Julia's role.

 

 

This would be a dream for any KDLex fan, go watch it for them, and the love story they will tell.

Aicelle Santos In Her "Class A" Birthday Concert

Aicelle Santos isn't really new to the singing and performing. We've all loved her during her stints in the group La Diva. You might have missed her performing every week in Sunday All Stars or any program on GMA, but when she decided to turn a leaf and make her own path, she didn't know opportunities like these would open up for her. Aside from her great performances and awards in the critically acclaimed runs of "Rak of Aegis", she's now braving to have her own concert entitled "Class A" at the PETA theater on the 25th of February. She's also releasing a couple of tracks, hopefully an album too in the next few months. The concert too will be sort of her celebration, it's her birthday as well.  It's the opportune time to do it, yes I believe it's her time!

Aicelle says "After the second run of Rak of Aegis, I thought of having a concert and do it in February so it coincides with my birthday. I suggested it to GMA Artist Center and they agreed, Stages came (production of Carlo Orosa) and it was conceptualized then. The guests, we started calling them one by one and they all agreed to take part in this. I am so happy because I will be with my Nanay Regine Velasquez Alcasid, with my Ate Kyla with my friend Gian Magdangal and with my idol and icon Ms. Celeste Legazpi. It's definitely is a concert where I'll be singing songs that would be really close to me, some even more musical in nature, but all the production numbers will have a bit of dancing.

It's a Wednesday and People Power day so I hope everyone would come. The songs really, would be a surprise. The guests. all really play an important part of my life. It's my personal favorites, everything was penned by me, the list of songs will be a story. It's the story of Aicelle, my journey, we'll go there. I consider the two musicals as my biggest break, I've known my self as a singer but with musical theater, it's a new thing, it's a wonderful thing to come back to. Rak of Aegis was a blessing because I won an award for it. I see friends per group, but usually on my birthday I just spend it with my family.

I actually was a little kilig when I saw that Mr. Gary Valenciano told such wonderful things, when he saw me perform too together with Ms. Cherie Gil and other great actors, you would want to do more, it gets you fired up and get you inspired. You want to explore a lot of roles now, with the recent discovery of this path, this process, I want to do other things. You don't stop learning, I though I only was here on earth to sing, when I got to GGSS I even did Jaya. It's at that point where I want to try new things, I want to swim, climb mountains, things like that. TV, I've done small roles in soap operas, well in times that I didn't do any soaps I was busy with recordings and Rak of Aegis.

She gave us a short sample of what to expect during her concert, it's a surprise she says but we can always give her a nudge to let us know how it'll look like live!

Kapangyarihan ng Pagibig (Power of Love) is by Junjee Marcelo is so nice, it's got really good melody. It's out on itunes and other streaming sites, in a few months I hope it's going to be an EP, perhaps to be distributed by Ivory Records. I'm very hands on with this because this is self produced. It's a different sound and it's totally different with the La Diva vibe. I grew up with this vibe, with this sound. The EP will kinda sound like this and I hope people would go and download it off these sites. Valentines day I was with my family, about love, for now I'm very single but not really ready to mingle. I'm not dating. The track by the way is the power of love from the creator, from the one you love. It's a way of giving thanks, there are so many miracles in my family that I want to share that. I turned Christian two years ago and that made me realize a lot to be thankful for. I'm excited to hear what people would think. I don't think La Diva would be out for good, we're still friends. This doesn't mean we're not going to perform as a group soon, but we're all good, we're just taking time apart doing solo stuff which I think can be helpful to our careers.

For a newbie to be nominated was an overwhelming thing, usually you get to only receive things in singing but getting that was not in the plans. I pray for things to happen but I don't know in particular what will happen and when it does, it just startles me. I'm very thankful. This sound that you'll hear from my concert is something very close to me, I chose these tracks all by myself and I'm thankful for the composers for working for me. The song Liwanag is my own work, I wrote and put in music so you'll hear a piece of me when the album comes out too. I got frustrated going out in events singing foreign songs and a single OPM track so I made my own song. Funny, it wasn't a prayer but the feeling was, I had like divine intervention. I finished it the next day so it was quick, it only took me about more or less 20 minutes. I have others, but it was all about young love. For now I'm happy with how my career is going and I would love to perform with La Diva again, I think we just had to, I feel it was just time to make our own tracks. We all have our own taste, I just pray they like my singles. I hope someone notice how nice it is because this is what I do, this is how my sound is like now. I'd like to have a duet with Mr. Gary V, it would be a dream to have one with him. Also, Ms. Lani and Sir Martin. With singing, I'm really thankful for it and I hope I could do more theater stuff. I would audition for any role that would have a big voice. I couldn't handle anything too sweet, but I would do it too as a challenge. If given a chance, why not."

Then when I posted her wish on Instagram (because Ms. Angeli Pangilinan follows me there and on Twitter!), this happened!

I guess dreams do come true! :)

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter