TGA: Review of THE NOTEBOOK: THE MUSICAL: Delivering Deep Devotion

September 7, 2026

Older Allie (Celeste Legaspi) had Alzheimer's disease, and had to be cared for in a nursing home. She did not recognize her husband Older Noah (Rody Vera), so he read to her everyday from an old notebook. He was patiently retelling her the history of their romantic relationship -- from when their first meeting at the age of 17 up to 10 years hence. He did this in the hope that their love story can jog her murky memory back to normal. 

Young Noah (Benedix Ramos) fell in love with Young Allie (Sheena Belarmino) the first moment he laid eyes on her at the dock while he was rowing a boat. Noah had already promised her a home they would call their own in the future. However, since Allie was about to go off to college, her wealthy parents (Floyd Tena and Carla Guevara Laforteza) would not allow her to continue seeing Noah, a high school dropout who worked at the lumberyard. 

Ten years later, Middle Allie (Morissette Amon) was engaged to be married to Lon (Markki Stroem), a lawyer her parents approved of. However, one day a photograph she saw in the newspaper made her feel she needed to go back to the place where she had her first teenage romance. There, she saw that her dream house had already been built up from the ground, and there he was Middle Noah (Laurence Mossman) standing on the terrace. 

The Stage

"The Notebook" was first a best-selling romance novel written by Nicholas Sparks, his debut as a novelist published in 1996. The movie adaptation directed by Nick Cassavetes, starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling as Allie and Noah, with Gena Rowlands (director Cassavetes' mother in real life) and James Garner as their senior versions, was released in 2004 and went on to become a cult favorite among the female demographic. 

To be completely honest, I recall that I did not really like the film at all, although my wife did. It may be a hot take, but I thought Rachel McAdams' portrayal of Allie was too hysterical.  I felt McAdams did not have much chemistry with either Gosling nor James Marsden (as Lon). I did not like some silly over-the-top scenes like Noah's crazy Ferris wheel stunt or Allie's candy striper stint how she first met Lon all wrapped up in bandages. 

This musical version music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter. The lead characters of different ages were portrayed by three pairs of actors. All Allies wore turquiose, all Noahs wore red. There were songs where all three actors playing a character would sing together and these were some of the best songs -- both musically, and visually as they were performed on stage -- something the movie could not have done.

The first act ended with an emotional triptych of events from the three pairs of Allie and Noah while the company was singing the song "Home" -- the young couple separated under threat of arrest, the older couple stricken by sundowning and a stroke, while the middle couple see each other again after ten years. Packed with tension and suspense, I thought these were very elegantly executed cliffhangers which leave audiences excited for the next act.

The Main Cast at the Curtain Call

Ramos, Mossman, Vera, Legaspi, Amon, Belarmino

 

This Philippine version in particular is being performed by three sets of perfectly-cast actors/singers who further elevated the narrative with their talent. The way they portrayed their respective Noahs and Allies were far more endearing than Gosling and McAdams were in the film -- with more chemistry, that's for sure. It is just a pity that the role of Lon, the most likable character in the film, had been much abridged in this stage version. 

I've known Rody Vera more as a prolific playwright in Filipino. His revelatory turn as Old Noah was the biggest acting and singing role that I have seen him in. His "Iron in the Fridge" was a heartbreaking expression of his anxiety at Allie's gradual lapse into dementia. Celeste Legaspi is more known for her singing, but here, she regales us more with her acting chops. Thankfully, we can still get to hear her sing at least one song " I Know," before the ending. 

I have already seen up and coming theater stars Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino act and sing in challenging roles before, though not together -- Ramos in "Next to Normal" (Sandbox, 2025), Belarmino in "One More Chance: The Musical" (PETA, 2024). As Young Noah and Allie here, they nailed their upbeat duets like "Carry You Home" and "Sadness and Joy," peaking with their delightful ode to first time intimacy, "Kiss Me." 

I've seen Laurence Mossman perform and sing in "Fun Home" (Atlantis 2016) and "Kinky Boots" (Atlantis 2017). Ten years have passed since then, but his soaring tenor is still very much there, best heard in his solos, like "Leave the Light On." Having vocal powerhouse Morissette Amon as singing partner may be pretty intimidating, but he certainly held his own in their powerful duets like "Forever" and "It's Not Easy."  

Laurence Mossman presents Morissette Amon

Morissette's highlight is centerpiece song "My Days," as Middle Allie contemplated the biggest decision of her life. Fil-Am theater director Nicholas Polonio made the bold decision to break the fourth wall at this point of the show, by lifting the backdrop to reveal the live orchestra playing her music behind her, concert-style. While this gutsy move broke the momentum of the play, this moment clearly showcased Morissette's unquestionable belting prowess. 

The set for the older couple was just the nursing home furniture, while for the young couple, it was the dock and boat. The set for the middle couple was the most spectacular -- the dream house that Noah built. It was formed by four separate pieces coming in from both sides (walls and stairs) and from above (roof and windows). There were still hitches when we watched, as the screen snagged on the stairs a couple of times as it came down to cover the house. 

I am coming right out to say that I felt this musical play told the story much better than the movie did. The book by Brunstetter judiciously edited and rearranged the significant events of the 2004 movie to retell the love story for the stage in a more streamlined manner --  less cluttered, more compelling. It was magic how telling the love story with Michaelson's thoughtful songs brought the sincerity and romance out from under all its melodramatic tropes. 

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Theatre Group Asia's production of "The Notebook: The Musical" on its international premiere, runs at the Samsung Performing Arts Center at Ayala Circuit Mall, Makati from September 3 to 20, 2026. Tickets can be bought from Ticketworld at this LINK, prices start from P5,900 for Orchestra Center. 

Supporting Cast include: Markki Stroem as Lon, Carla Guevara Laforteza as Mother, Floyd Tena as Father, Felicity Kyle Napuli as Sarah, Omar Uddin as enthusiastic PT Johnny, Kathleen Francisco as Nurse Joanna, Jillian Ita-as as Georgie and Shaun Ocrisma as Fin. 

Cover / Alternate Cast include: Justine Narciso (for Young Allie / Sarah), Albert Silos (for Young Noah / Fin), Katrine Sunga (for Middle Allie / Nurse Joanna / Georgie), Edward Benosa (for Middle Noah / Lon / Johnny), Gimbey dela Cruz (for Older Allie / Mother), Jamie Wilson (for Older Noah / Father).

Spike: Review of JONAH: Vexing Visitations

September 5, 2026

Ana (Chelsea Nikole Apolto) studied in a boarding school on a scholarship. One night, while she was trying to sneak in a bag of gummy worms, there was a boy her age who followed her around. He introduced himself as Jonah (Riel Celi) and confessed that he liked her. With his repeated visits to her room, they soon became good friends. Their conversations dealt with regular kid stuff at first, until later they would also talk about more intimate topics. 

From this cute and innocent beginning, we will eventually see Ana also interacting with two other boys in her room, ostensibly from different periods of her life. One was Danny (Johnny B. Maglinao), her step-brother who sought Ana's relaxing head massage when he suffered injuries inflicted by his abusive father. The other guy was Steven (Edward Solon), a big fan of a book written by Ana and who wanted to pick her mind about how she wrote it.

Playwright Rachel Bonds had come up with a complex trigger-filled memory play about a young woman's coming-of-age by way of three boys/men who had visited her rooms.  Bonds segued from a scene with one boy to a scene with another boy seamlessly with nary an explanation and just let her audience form our own interpretations as to when each boy was in which part of Ana's life. Bonds did clear Ana's whole story out before the play ended, very satisfying.  

Edward Solon and Johnny Maglinao 

Director Edith Garcia should be commended for being able to motivate her cast of young actors for coming up with very raw, honest portrayals of their challenging roles. They were all fascinating to watch as we get to know their characters better, especially since this is the first time I am seeing any of them onstage. They were all perfectly cast, very confident in their performances and rapid-fire delivery of their long intricate lines in unaffected English.

With his curly hair and boy-next-door looks, Riel Celi was a delightful Jonah who had this easy rapport with Ana as her first love. The parts with Danny were most intense, uncomfortable and even scary to watch, and Danny Maglinao was remarkably convincing in his dark obsession. At first, you'd think Edward Solon's Steven was comic relief, but it was due to his palpable sincerity that Ana opened up and shared her most personal insights.  

The bravest actor on that stage was no other than Chelsea Nikole Aploto as she literally bared body and soul in her heart-wrenching performance as Ana. As harrowing as her story was, it was only Ana who had a complete character arc, and Aploto was impressively consistent believable as a girl whose resilience tided her over even as she was weighed down by emotional trauma that had pervaded her teenage years to her adulthood.  

Riel Geli and Chelsea Nikole Apolto 

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Spike Theatre's maiden production "Jonah" runs at the Dance Royalties Studio, Pavilion Mall, Mandaluyong from August 29 to September 6, with shows at 3 PM and 7 PM. Tickets prices range from P1500 (Patron) to P1000 (Regular). The show runs for one hour and 35 minutes, with no intermission. The sensitive nature of the play makes it appropriate only for viewers from 16 years old and above. 

Director Edith Garcia's creative team includes Satya Edilo for lighting design, Malaya Tolibas for sound design, and Dylan Lopez for production. Owing to a number of scenes of a sexual nature, a key role is played by Intimacy Director Regina de Vera. 

Mad Child: Review of MGA BINAGO NG ARAW: Tales of Teenage Trials

 August 22, 2026

The Intergalactic Space Balanghais was a rock band composed of 14 year-old high school students. Joms (Zoe de Ocampo) was on lead guitar, Ferdie (Rafael Jimenez) on drums, Rage (Vin Mabalot) on bass, and his girlfriend Jill (Maliana Beran) on lead vocals.  New to their gang was Nia (Jam Binay), Jom's new girlfriend. It was the summer of 2005, so  they hung out a lot at the Beach -- the pool with artificial sand at the house of Lobregats, Ferdie's family.

One day, the kids were playing football, when Nia tripped and twisted her ankle. Joms was massaged her foot with his naturally warm hands to make her feel better. They wound up in the music room of Joms' late father, where he kept his collection of LP albums. When Joms learned that George Harrison was Nia's favorite Beatle, he began to play the record of his solo hit song "My Sweet Lord." They started to dance, and, as they say, one thing led to another.

This coming-of-age play was written by Guelan Varela Luarca, so we know we can expect intense dialogue of rich emotional depth. But since they were supposed to be 14 years old, their worldviews can be quite childish and nonsensical, like how the sun was the most dangerous invention of God. However, the way Luarca wrote them, they had a precocious brand of wisdom that can only come from the mouth of babes. 

Music was a major part of this play. The band performed one full original song number live. Ferdie composed and growled a very angry song he called "Nero" out of frustration with his family.  Aside from the George Harrison, I recognized "Semi-Charmed Life" (Third Eye Blind) and "Stand by Me" (Oasis), although they were not hits from the aughts. Joms' half sister Trisha (Francesca dela Cruz) delivers a heartfelt "Chiquitita" (ABBA) to start Act 2. 

With an angelic face reminiscent of Julie Vega's Anna Liza, Jam Binay's portrayal of level-headed Nia was very natural as the play essentially tracked her teenage memories.  Zoe de Ocampo's diminutive height made his Joms convincingly kid-like, especially with his wide range of facial expressions. Maliana Beran imbued Jill with a relatively mature point of view. It may need more suspension of disbelief to see hefty Vin Mabalot or Rafael Jimenez as kids at first, but later, they do settle in as alpha kid Rage and spoiled rich kid Ferdie respectively. 

This play did not pull any punches, opening right off with a scene about sexual awakening. This was a very tense topic since the characters involved were only 14 years old. It will be replayed in its entirety later, this time with proper context of how the situation came about, like how haunting memories are often relived. The first watch of this play will be more about the feels. You will probably need a second watch to savor all the pithy lines Luarca had to say. 

This was the first full play directed by Monty Uy. With some pretty sensitive scenes to execute, he had some pretty nifty ideas that involve pantomime and dance movements. A highlight of staging was the swimming scene with all five kids at the Beach, with those lighting effects to represent water. Another well-devised scene was that Act One climax where the three boys wore goggles and banded together to "destroy" the sun's core (whatever meaning you give it).

The young cast at their curtain call

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"Mga Binago ng Araw" runs for 2 weekends, from August 14 to 23, 2026 at the Old Communications Building in the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City. Ticket prices at P1,800 each. 

YPC Stage: Review of MAPANAKIT: Hurting Heartbeats

July 25, 2026

YPC Stage is a new theater company, so it stands to reason that we talk about them first. This company was founded in the city of Binan, Laguna, an offshoot of their Binan Youth Performance Council (YPC) Inc. They have been producing plays with local talent for the past 20 years, so now they feel they are ready to bring Binan talent beyond their city limits into Metro Manila, and allow them opportunity to work with professional actors. YPC Stage was borne with these noble aims, and "Mapanakit" is YPC's very first show.

The three one-act-plays in "Mapanakit" were written by prolific playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc. These were the same three plays they staged last December 2025 during their annual Telon event. Director BJ Borja, being an alumnus of Dulaang UP, thought it would be good to stage these plays in UP Diliman as the inaugural presentation of YPC Stage. The Binan cast and crew were already familiar with Borja's staging of the plays, but this time some choice roles were offered to professional actors, affording platform for sharing talents and trust. 

Each one act play was roughly one hour long each, presented one after another, with a 15 minute intermission in between, like a set in the Virgin Labfest.  The three one-act plays of "Mapanakit: Mga Dulang Bittersweet ni Eljay Castro Deldoc" were stories that dealt about romantic love, but all of these relationships were unduly challenged by difficult circumstances and prickly issues of morality. Here are my thoughts about each of them: 

1. ANG LIKNAYAN NG ATING MGA KATAWAN

Hershey Mae (Jury Sanchez) was a brilliant high school student. For her final research paper, she reported about a topic so controversial that it resulted in the major issues affecting three of her classmates and their significant others. One day, she went to the chemistry lab to confront their teacher Mr. Banakon (Ross Pesigan) why he decided that her paper was dangerous and was not based on scientific evidence. Hershey stood her ground that her methodology was sound, and her conclusions about the physics between two bodies were valid. 

I just learned that "Liknayan" is the formal Filipino word for "Physics." This two-hander was not that easy to get into at first.  Ross Pesigan and Jury Sanchez were spouting scientific jargon with so much confidence in their rapid-fire arguments, you'd be second-guessing yourself if any of this mumbo-jumbo actually made any sense or not, until it became obvious what this "physics between bodies" was all about. Nevertheless, science majors will enjoy all those name-drops, from Kepler to Newton to Darwin, their laws and theories. 

2. ILIHAN AT KALINGAW

As the historian of the Buringkantada tribe, Ilihan (Gab Pangilinan) was only allowed to write about the stories that her Elders assign her to record for posterity. However, during moments of inspiration, she would write love poems dedicated to her love, the warrior Kalingan (Euden Moje), carving them onto the trunks of bamboo in the forest. When he learned that the elders are coming to arrest her, Kalingan went to help her evade punishment. However, Ilihan remained steadfast on her belief that their love story was part of their tribe's history. 

This for me was the best one-act play in this set. Deldoc's language here was poetic, mostly Tagalog, with some lines were in another local tongue. The story was intricate, with elements of mythological beings and strict traditions. The graceful ending was an elegant full circle moment that clarified the beginning. The bamboo forest set and the local woven costumes evoked an air of rustic mystery. Gab Pangilinan's Ilihan was a potent symbol of fortitude on matters of freedom of expression, as Euden Moje held his own as her submissive consort.

3. GANITO ANG PINANGARAP KONG KASAL

France (Phi Palmos) and Kris (Loudette Barias) had been best of friends since childhood. Kris had a crush on one of France's classmates in math named Emmanuel "Noel" (Kokoy de Santos). However, Noel turned out to have a crush on France, and soon became his boyfriend. Despite the awkwardness, France and Kris still hung out together with Noel as good friends for several years, even beyond college.  Everything was going well until one night, a distraught France called up a radio advice show to consult about a big problem.

Judging from the rousing laughter from the viewers, this play was easily the clear audience favorite. Phi Palmos owned the show, with his witty hilarious banter with Loudette Barias, and cute, coy and flirty interactions with De Santos. The transitional shift of the play's mood from riotous comedy to serious drama was also squarely balanced on Palmos's shoulders and he certainly delivered the goods. The scenes where France was defining the alternate meanings of wedding symbols was the best-written and best-executed sequence in this play. 

Congratulations to director BJ Borja for conceptualizing YPC Stage and successfully transporting your maiden show all the way from Binan to UP Diliman. Kudos to his production crew led by John Carlo Pagunaling (Production Design), Gabo Tolentino (Lighting Design), Arkel Mendoza (Sound Design). The rest of the acting ensemble, proudly Binan natives all, include: Sheena Gonzales, Joy Angeline Orzo, Rus Dale, Rozel Ancheta, Danica Samson, Jenver Mallete, Rinoa Lockhart and Jamir Alzate. 

In Play #2, the guest role of lead Elder Pay Dalumat was played by veteran stage performer Nazer Salcedo, who made a strong impact. This role will be played by a different guest artist in future shows, including Ge VIllamil, Bayang Barrios, Baha Vergara, Adrienne Vergara, and Katte Sabate. In Play #3, the guest role of radio DJ Papa Jack was played by YPC member Jenver Mallete with his full deep modulated voice. Those in line to play the DJ in following shows are Charm Aranton, Arkel Mendoza, Gabo Tolentino, Jules dela Paz, and Carlo Cannu. 

The director and the actors after the show.

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MAPANAKIT runs from July 25 to August 9, 2026 at the IBG-KAL Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon City, with shows at 2pm and 7pm. There will be a Gala Show on August 7, at & pm. Tickets at P1,500 each from Ticket2Me at this LINK. 

9 Works: Review of ON YOUR FEET!: Epiphany of the Estefans

July 19, 2026

Since Gloria Fajardo was a young child (Althea Ruedas), she lived in the Little Havana district of Miami with her grandmother Consuelo (Pinky Marquez), her mother Gloria (Ayen Laurel) and her sister Rebecca (Anyah de Guzman). She was well-known in their neighborhood for being a good singer and her loving grandmother liked to show it off. However, her strict mother did not encourage her musical talent, believing it was just playing around. 

When Gloria was in her late teens (Molly Langley), her grandmother introduced her to a young man named Emilio Estefan (Jason Canela), who was a member of a local band called Miami Latin Boys. He invited Gloria to sing with them at a club gig one night, and she wowed everyone with a song she wrote herself. Since then, Gloria and Emilio were inseparable partners in their musical pursuits, which soon also turned romantic. 

Act 1 began with child Gloria recording a song for her father Jose (Vien King), who was then a soldier stationed in Vietnam, and singing for the neighboring washerwomen. There was also a flashback to Havana 1958 to reveal why her mother was against her dream to be a singer. We hear hits "Anything for You," "1-2-3," and "Here We Are" in this first act, which ended when their infectious song "Conga" finally launched their career into the big time. 

Act 2 began with lively numbers that Gloria sung in her international concerts. However, it was the darker moments that drew me in more, specifically the fateful accident of their tour bus that left Gloria with a serious injury. The songs sung during this harrowing time and its aftermath included "Don't Want to Lose You Now," "Reach" and of course, "Coming Out of the Dark." When the ensemble turned into her backing choir, the effect was glorious. 

For me, act 2 also contained one of the best original songs Gloria wrote for this musical, and this was not even sung by her. This was the song "If I Never Got to Tell You," which was sung while Gloria was bedridden in the hospital after her accident. This was a beautiful duet of reconciliation sung between her mother and her husband, who had been at serious odds with each other beforehand. This was the best vocal performance of Laurel and Canela.

From where I was seated in the front row of the balcony, the resemblance of Molly Langley's face to the real Gloria Estefan was truly remarkable, especially with that wig of big curls. She was also able to approximate Estefan's rich and versatile singing voice. (Kayla Rivera alternates as Gloria Estefan.) Jason Canela is an American actor of Cuban descent, with a heavy Latin accent which may make some of his lines or lyrics not so easy to understand, but you always felt the sincerity in his love for Gloria. 

Pinky Marquez surely stole her scenes with her singing, dancing, and her wacky grandma antics. Ayen Laurel had the thankless role of a mother who did not support her daughter's dreams, but she delivered so well, such that her change of heart later would have deep emotional connection. At first we only knew Athea Ruedas as an actress in films like "Doll House" (2022), but here she proved that she was a triple threat in her tender age. (Reese Ito alternates as young Gloria.)

Vien King only had a few lines as Gloria's soldier dad Jose, but his tenor can really soar. John-Joven Uy surprised me with his multiple roles, singing and dancing as member of the ensemble ranging from serious to comic, from Gloria's older dad afflicted with multiple sclerosis to a mustachioed combanchero in a sombrero singing for tips. I've seen Elian Santos once before as one of Sisa's sons in "Liwanag sa Dilim." Here he got to show off more of his dance skills, on top of his acting skills. (Manolo Villalva alternates as young Emilio.) 

The way the story of the Estefans was told was rather uneven, with the pacing inconsistent. There were scenes can feel too long or too slow, like those about the recording business negotiations. Some "funny" bits did not land, but some smaller jokes unexpectedly did, like that bit about the nurse who was a big fan. Some songs were unfamiliar, yet some big hits of MSM had not been included and are missed, like "Words Get in the Way" or "Bad Boy." 

Momentum between songs was certainly not a problem anymore in Act 2. The urge to stand up and dance was very much stronger when the mega-mix medley finale came on -- which included major bangers like "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," "Turn the Beat Around," "Everlasting Love," and "Get on Your Feet." Accompanied by a percussion-heavy live band, the percolating rhythms of these songs will really make you want to get up and dance. Those raised in the pop music soundtrack of the late 1980s and early 1990s will surely get their money's worth. 

The cast at the curtain call

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'ON YOUR FEET" runs from July 10 to August 2, 2026, at 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center in Makati City. Tickets cost P6,695 (Orchestra Center), P5,974 (Orchestra Center Back & Side), P5,459 (Orchestra Side Corner), and P3,605 (Dress Circle) and are available via TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.

"On Your Feet!" features a book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris, and music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. This current 9 Works production is directed by Robbie Guevara, with musical direction by Daniel Bartolome and choreography by Nunoy van den Burgh. The rest of the technical crew include: Mio Infante as scenographer; Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer; Aron Roca as sound designer/engineer; Justin Santiago as video and projection designer. 

The ensemble includes: Meliza Reyes Uy, Neo Rivera, Antonio Valdez, Altair Alonzo, Roxy Aldiosa, Rica Laguardia, Matthew Barbers, Carmelle Ros, Winchester Lopez, Cheska Quimno, Richardson Yadao, Macel Dofitas-Yadao, Gerhard Krysstopher, Lord Kristoffer Logmao, Jacqui Jacinto, Gianna Hervas, and Roni Paderes. 

Porvenir: Review of EL FUEGO DEL ALMA: Pressurized Passions

July 18, 2026

Alma Ortega (Opaline Santos) was the daughter of the local minister (Rolando Inocencio). Her mother (Sheryl Ceasico) had mental issues that caused her to act like a child, so Alma lost her own youth to take over her mother's duties.  Alma became very stern and impatient as a person, and she kept pretty much to herself. Despite this, Alma was still able to teach singing voice lessons, and her current student was young Nelia (Ingrid Joyce). 

Alma's closest childhood friend was her next door neighbor Juanito Yago (Sandino Martin). He had to leave and go to the city to take up Medicine to be like his father. After several years, when Joselito came back home after his studies, the flame between Alma and Joselito in their youth soon got rekindled. However, when Alma kept Joselito at bay, he sought company from Rosa (Hariette Mozelle), the loose daughter of the gambling den owner. 

"El Fuego del Alma" is a Filipino adaptation of "Summer and Smoke," a full-length play by American playwright Tennessee Williams that first debuted on Broadway in 1948. All the tropes in William's signature style of Southern Gothic are in this one, from the sweltering heat to the repressed sexuality. From its original setting in Mississippi, this story was seamlessly adapted into the Filipino language and context by Eljay Castro Deldoc. His adaptation of the story was so astute, you will not feel that this was a foreign story.

Opaline Santos and Harriette Mozelle alternate with each other in the role of repressed Alma and flirtatious Rosa. Nour Hooshmand only alternated as Alma. Similarly, Sandino Marin and Vincent Pajara alternated with each other in the roles of Juanito and shoe salesman Archie. The minor characters also have alternates: Sheryl Ceasico and Madlen Nicolas alternate as Mrs. Ortega. Rolando Inocencio and JP Lopez alternate as the two father characters -- Mr. Ortega and Dr. Yago. Ingrid Joyce and Janna Cortez alternate as Nelia.  

Johnny Maglinao and Dolly Dolot were the "Chorus," two gossipy guys who dish out the inside dirt around their town to keep us updated. In the climactic part of the play, we see Dolot pick up a banduria and started to play it, together with another Chorus alternate Tristan Bite on guitar. Their fiery string musical accompaniment felt very in sync with the tumultuous spirit of those heated scenes, in perfect execution of the director's vision. 

I have seen Opaline Santos in various roles in Dulaang UP and Virgin Labfest. This is the first time I am seeing her in a full-length lead role, but I am aware that she has done a one-woman show before. Alma's arc stretched a stage actress's range, and Santos was certainly up for that challenge. Santos's big eyes did a lot of the internal talking for her Alma, and in the intimate venue where this play was performed, we see every little nuance. 

From the first time we see Sandino Martin's Juanito outside just silently looking at Alma, we already feel the sexual tension his role carried. With his dark brooding looks, Martin effortlessly smoldered throughout the first two acts of the play by the sheer physicality of his stage presence. The burning passion building up in his Joselito would finally reach such libidinous ecstasy at one point -- a scene that the intimacy of the venue made bolder. 

Harriette Mozelle never broke character as her character Rosa was a sly temptress through and through. Rolando Inocencio represented two kinds of strict father figures -- one based on science, the other on religion. Sheryll Ceasico portrayed Mrs. Ortega's madness with childlike glee. Ingrid Grace had a clear lilt in her voice that represented her innocence well. Juanito alternate Vincent Pajara makes a cameo here to tease what he could bring to that part.

As may be surmised, the extraordinary venue was very much a character of its own in this production. I have been to Sine Pop for special film screenings before, but this is the first time I have seen the first floor coffee bar area converted into a performance venue. To extend his stage, director Mark Mirando made full use of the wide pane glass window that allowed us to see the peaceful bamboo garden outside, which, along with the glass door and side wall, as well as the stairs to the second floor, were all integrated into the scenes. 

Joyce, Ceasico, Martin, Mozelle and Santos

at the curtain call

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El Fuego del Alma runs July 17–19, July 31, August 1–2, and August 21–23 at Sine Pop, Cubao, Quezon City. Shows are on at 7 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with 4 pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are priced at ₱1,800 through Ticket2Me, or onsite. 

GMG: Review of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY: Fantastical Family Fable

July 10, 2026

Willy Wonka (Michael Dalke) was a master chocolatier who was well--known for producing the best chocolate bars in the world. One day, Wonka felt that he was getting old, and needed to find someone to take over his factory. He would like his heir to be someone like him, someone who loved chocolate and had the imagination to create with chocolate. To find someone, Wonka decided to open a chocolate shop in town, but he did not reveal his real identity. 

Charlie Bucket (Oliver Wong) as a kid who lived with mother (Karylle Tatlonghari) and his four bedridden grandparents Joe (Michael Biren), Josephine (Mykall Philipps), George (Brett Cole Young)and Georgina (Emma Casertano).  Chalie loved chocolate, but they were so poor, he was only able to eat a chocolate bar once a year on his birthday. He idolizes Willy Wonka, and longed to win one of five Golden Tickets in order to be able to take a tour inside his factory. 

This story was first published in 1964 as a novel for children by Roald Dahl. Like most of his other books, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" also had elements of dark comedy and even the macabre that distinguish his work. While Charlie's poverty and kind heart was treated with sentimentality, the other kids who won the Golden Ticket represented cardinal bad behavior common among kids, and were punished accordingly in dark scenarios.  

The first film adaptation "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (Mel Stuart, 1971) starred Gene Wilder, with a screenplay by Dahl himself. It was not a box-office success, but eventually became a cult favorite. A second film version released in 2005 under the original title was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp. A third film, "Wonka" (2023, Paul King) starred Timothy Chalamet and gave Wonka a more fleshed-out backstory. 

A musical version, with book was by playwright David Greig and original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, first opened in the West End in 2012. The touring production brought by GMG to Manila was the 2017 reworked Broadway version, that incorporated popular songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 film. Local actress Karylle was cast as Charlie's long-suffering mother Mrs. Bucket.

As expected, the audience reacted warmly to the classic songs "The Candyman" and "Pure Imagination." "Oompa Loompa" was as irresistible an earworm as ever, to accompany the innovative puppetry technique used for them. Among the original songs, "What Could Possibly Go Wrong?" and "Vidiots" were the catchiest, while Mrs. Bucket's "If Your Father Were Here" and Wonka's valedictory  "The View From Here" were effectively sentimental. 

The show is definitely rated PG, as it dealt with excessively entitled brats and how they were punished, quite disturbing for very young viewers. What happens to Augustus Gloop (Sam Nackman), Violet Beauregard (Giselle Watts) and Mike Teavee (DJ Plunkett) can still somehow be considered funny. However, I felt they went a bit too far for Veruca Salt (Allison Gann). Her fate at the hands the giant squirrels was very shocking and downright scary. 

Of all the actors, it was the youngest cast member -- 10 year-old Oliver Wong as Charlie -- who really captured everyone's heart with his spirited acting and winsome smile. The way he delivered his lines was clear and delightful. The way he sang his solo songs like the adulatory "Willy Wonka! Willy Wonka!" and the wistful "Letter from Charlie Bucket" was soaring and endearing. Cohen Toukatly alternates in the role of Charlie.

The colorful projection backdrops brought the audience into Wonka's magical factory in 3D visual illusions. There were a number of simple magic tricks included in the narrative to keep the kids fascinated. There were some mature jokes to keep the adults entertained, especially in the character of beer-guzzling, pill-popping Mrs. Teavee (Kelly Brandenburg). In fact, a sip of her "lemonade" made Willy Wonka belt out an unexpected song with a surprise twist! 

The Colorful Cast at the Curtain Call

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"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: A New Musical" runs at the Theater in Solaire from July 8 to 26, 2026. 

Tickets available on Ticketworld (LINK). Ticket prices for weekday shows (Tuesday to Thursday) range from P6877 (Orchestra Center, Premiere Gold Center), P5078 (Orchestra Sides Front, Premiere Gold Sides), P3703 (Orchestra Sides Back), P3174 (Balcony Center and Sides Front), P2645 (Balcony Center and Sides Back), P1587 (Balcony Center and Sides from Row SS back). For weekend shows (Fridays to Sundays), ticket prices range from P7406, P5819, P4232, P3491, P2962, and P2116. 

The director of this touring production is Matt Lenz, with choreographer Alison Solomon, and musical directors Nate Patten and Greg Jarrett. The creative, design, and production team includes Mark Thompson (set and costume design), Christine Peters (tour scenic design), Jeff Sugg (projections), Rory Beaton (lighting), Mike Thacker for Orbital Sound (sound design), Basil Twist (puppet design), and Tim Clothier (illusions).