Viu launches first Pinoy original STILL

The first Viu Original musical created by award winner Pat Valera with a powerhouse cast and a production backed by the brightest in the Philippines' theater and music industries

Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, proudly launches its first original musical narrative series featuring a powerhouse cast of Filipino artists from the country’s music, film and theater scene.

STILL was created by Palanca-awardee Pat Valera, who is known for award-winning shows Dekada ‘70 the Musical and Mula Sa Buwan. Theater industry greats Giancarlo Abrahan and Nicco Manalo co-created the series with Valera. On the director’s chair is Treb Monteras II of the internationally-acclaimed rap musical Respeto. Multi-awarded screenwriter, director, producer and editor Monster Jimenez produced the series.

BRAVER. BOLDER AND BETTER, Frenchie Dy, Radha, and Bituin Escalante, big voices, big talents, THE BIG, BIG SHOW, AGAIN!

After the resounding success of ‘The Big Big Show’ last December 3 at The Theater at Solaire, there has been a clamor to stage a repeat.

Reviews for the show were glowing. Music aficionados and concert goers alike were in unison that ‘The Big Big Show’ did not only celebrate women of all shapes and sizes, it also served as showcase for the musical gifts and versatility of its three headliners, Frenchie Dy, Radha, and Bituin Escalante. ‘The Big Big Show’ marked the first time that the three talented singers shared one stage together and boy, what wonders and magic they made, easily slipping from one musical genre to another with flair and gusto."  

PhilStage Brings "Mundong Entablado" To One Night Stand On September 1

Seven of the country’s finest theater artists are set to join forces on September 1 for PHILSTAGE’s fundraiser. Entitled “Mundong Entablado”, the show is part of the One Night Stand monthly cabaret at 12 Monkeys Music Hall, and features songs from eleven contemporary Filipino musicals.

Theater veterans Bituin Escalante, Cris Villonco, Sweet Plantado, Nonie Buencamino, and OJ Mariano take the stage with rising stars Kim Molina and Sandino Martin in this unique celebration of Manila’s vibrant performing arts scene. Under the direction of Topper Fabregas and musical direction of Ejay Yatco, the program consists of songs from Rock Supremo, Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Bituing Walang Ningning, Lorenzo, Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Maxie the Musical, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, Sa Wakas, Rizal X, Isang Panaginip na Fili, and Rak of Aegis, all re-arranged for this cabaret.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady Goes OnStage

If you have missed the run of Dalanghita Production's Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady or probably craving to have a second round of the unique musical, well there is indeed good news with the restaging of it now on a bigger venue at OnStage Greenbelt. Catch the powerful beings of Fuwerza Filipinas and Kayumangilas battle it out as well as the witty and dramatic life of Mely and her sister Viva. 

At first, I was quite skeptical about the change of venue, with its staging at PETA has the perfect balance of staging, lighting and music, moving it to a different venue would mean big changes to everything and might affect viewer experience. However, all of these were extinguished when I went to see the preview at OnStage for their first public performance. It did retain the same vibe and energy like when I first saw it. 

ART IS A BANG: Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady REVIEW

Superheroes does not also dominate TV and movies, they are now also invading the theater. With the expansion of Carlo Vergara's  one-act play KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY which was also made into a comic book, Philippine Theater has again experienced an original Pinoy superhero play which can be aligned with similar plays like Manhid and another Vergara's work Zsazsa Zathurnah. 

The New Pinoy Superhero Musical Opens This May By New Theater Company Dalanghita Productions

Filipino Theater is now growing with the introduction of a new Theater company Dalanghita Productions, and they will of course start with a bang with a explosive superhero musical based on a one-act play and comic book made by Carlo Vergara (creator of Zsazsa Zathurnah), that will be played on PETA starting this May!

“KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY” is an original Filipino musical that combines comedy, drama, romance, action, deception, confessions, superheroes, supervillains, family and a even a maid! 

Since I have seen the one-act play back in Virgin Lab Fest two years ago, it has been clamored by the spectators to have a longer version, which eventually led to teh formation of the musical.