Let's Go Behind The Scenes of "Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag The Musical"

As it was initially revealed, the cast of the upcoming stage play "Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag The Musical" were posted and rehearsals are on going for this epic theater production. Based on the novel by Edgardo Reyes and brought to film by the late Lino Brocka, Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag has made a mark in Philippine entertainment and now will be given a new light as it will played live on stage.

Playing the roles of Julio Madiaga and Ligaya Paraiso are Arman Ferrer, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Lara Maigue. In preparation for the musical, we went to their rehearsals and photoshoot to meet with the cast and crew and what is in store for the viewers. More details will be revealed soon as the play continues it rehearsals, and we are also excited for the posters and promotional photo. For now let's get to know more about the lead stars.


Arman Ferrer

Known for his performance in Mabining Mandiriga, and Walang Sugat, his upcoming role with Maynila brings new challenges for him. One of which is very active movements and choreography more than his previous projects. Another is being true with the material by knowing how the character's like is, he sometimes observes construction workers which is Julio's character.

Being part of lead roles is a humbling experience for him as he looks at everyone doing their roles for the production as the same from all corners of the stage. Being the sole actor for Julio, it would require a lot of stamina and dedication to pull this through. Though it has been proven with his previous works that he can deliver and make a mark for this play. 

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez

Dubbed as one of the most beautiful theater actress in the country, Shiela proved her talent beyond her looks. An award winning performer at the Awit Awards and Gawad Buhay Awards, she is married to Lorenz Martinez who is also a great theater performer makes them a power couple in Philippine theater, having the role of LIgaya gives another feather on her cap.

"It's very different from who I am, but you have to put a little bit of yourself in every character to make its different," she explains. Being in the industry for years truly formed her and prepared her for the role.

She also looks at Ligaya with her ability to love as she gets immersed with the character, her struggles and the journey she will take from the provincial life to the chaotic city lifestyle.

Lara Manigue

As a musical artist who has participated in Music camps and competitions like Elements and PhilPop, Lara finds herself performing more into theater and showcasing her prowess in the performing arts. She also feels the challenge of doing a lot of movement and also doing a love scene which will probably her most daring so far.

"Its another mature role for me...I'm usually a kid in a opera, a little girl in an opera or the Maria Clara type," she explains about the experience for this play.

She is also excited to work with Direk Joel and Douglas Nierras who are good friends with her mother. This made it a challenge for her to be at par with her mom's peers. But she mentions that it was not easy as the exercises and preparations are rigorous yet conditioning them for the roles they will portray.

We also got to know more about the songs with their Musical Director Von De Guzman, who has worked doing scores for Filipino films and now it will be his first time doing a commercial stage play. The songs will be infused with the elements of local sounds that will highlight the Filipino feel of the musical.

Completing the crew are Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez (Libretto), Joey Nombres (Lights Designer), Douglas Nierras (Choreographer) and Jun Flavier Pablo (Production Design) and Fullhouse Asia Productions, Inc. serves as line producer. 

"Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag The Musical” performances are slated on  September 30, 3:00pm and 8:00pm (Gala), October 1,2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm October 4,2017 8:00pm, October 5,2017 8:00 pm,  October 6, 2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm 

The beneficiary of the musical is Gantimpala Theater Foundation, the company that spearheaded the National Artist Production Series in which short stories and plays written by National Artists for Literature and Theater are produced for the stage for people to enjoy and appreciate the artistic contributions and legacies of these Filipino literary and theater legends.

For ticket inquiries, contact  Ms. Bards Lapid at mobile number -09178466704, landlines 897 7142. 890 0853, 890606  or Ticketnet -9115555.