Sabel: A Musical Based on BenCab's Famous Sabel series

It is nice to watch a show that captures a country's history, art, music and culture in a nutshell.

I was able to watch the world-premiere of a musical entitled "Sabel: Love and Passion" at the Solaire Theatre in Manila last  30th of April 2015. The musical is based on BenCab's famous "Sabel" painting series.

A generous friend who also enjoys watching shows invited me and her friends to watch the show. It is a show that is certainly proudly Philippine made as the show was based on BenCab's long-running "Sabel" series which was an idea hatched by Rico Hizon, BBC presenter. The show was directed by Freddie Santos and the musical direction was by Louie Ocampo, one of the top pop songwriters in the Philippines.

The show was set during World War II and the lead character, Sabel, goes through the challenges of leaving her father in Manila to hide at a relative's place in the province, turned into a cabaret dancer in order to survive and make a living, fell in love with a man who was driven  by his political ambition and abandoned her when their relationship was deemed scandalous, got pregnant, gave birth in a shelter and lost her son through adoption due to her mental condition and reconnected to her past through dance.

Sabel was dubbed as the crazy dancing lady. She wanders out the streets and she exchanges a dance for a drink. It was through the work of an artist named Miguelin, that her images were captured and this led Miguelin to meeting an unknown patron. 

The story finished with a pleasant ending as Sabel's love and passion has come full circle when she discovers that the artist who depicted her images in his painting is her long lost son, Miguelin, and that the unknown patron is actually her own father whom she thought had died during the war.

The songs sang by talented performers such as Audie Gemora, Antoinette Taus, Bo Cerrudo and the rest of the cast conveyed the emotions felt by the characters. The energetic dance performance of the Philippine Ballet Theater team made the scenes lively.

Iza Calzado, the actress who played the role of the narrator and the lead character, performed well. 

Iza Calzado, was sketched by BenCab, Philippine national artist,
for the musical show's poster.

Sabel is a wonderful show. The visual effects on stage adds to the multi-sensory experience of the audience. There were scenes where the painting starts as puzzle like pieces that is transformed into a painting canvass on stage. Plus, the songs in the musical is filled with passion and emotion that it connects to the audience.

Sabel is definitely a show that truly gives tribute to BenCab's famous "Sabel" artwork series.

Rock of Ages

I am lucky. My cousin invited me last Friday(Halloween night) to watch Rock of Ages in Meralco Theatre. It was certainly a great way to celebrate Halloween.

The Manila run of Rock of Ages was produced by Atlantis productions and features a talented cast that made the audience have a rocking and fun night.

Mig Ayesa, who played the role of Stacee Jaxx, delivered an outstanding performance. His role as a rocker with an attitude really fits him. He is totally in character.

Mig is really good and it is endearing that he gives the Manila audience a chance to watch him also since he also played the same character years ago in the Broadway run of Rock of Ages.

The rest of the cast was also very good. Nyoy Volante surprised the audience with his rocking performance as he played the role of Drew. Jett Pangan, who played the role of the narrator in the musical made the audience laugh.

If you are looking for a fun musical to watch with your family or friends, Rock of Ages is one musical that you should definitely watch.

Rock of Ages is totally entertaining and fun. Plus, the 80's music just takes you back to memory lane. The favourite song of the audience is "Don't Stop Believing" which is an uplifting song that makes one feel inspired.

Rock of Ages reminds us that we should not give up believing in ourselves and that we should just keep going in life as we try to achieve our dreams.

Shrek the Musical

My friends and I love watching musicals and the most recent one that we have watched is "Shrek the Musical".

The Manila production of Shrek the Musical is produced by Atlantis Production and directed by Bobby Garcia. It stars a talented cast composed of Rycharde Everley as Shrek, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as Princess Fiona, Jett Pangan as Lord Farquaad and Nyoy Volante as Donkey.

The show was based on the first Shrek movie story and is super funny. You will laugh and laugh at the  witty delivery of the funny lines by Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey.

Jett Pangan as Lord Farquaad is excellent. His facial expressions made the audience laugh. 

Nyoy Volante as Donkey is also very good as his voice and intonation just reminded me of Donkey from the animated movie. 

A lot of kids watched the show with their parents. But  the "kids at heart" like me and my friends truly enjoyed the show as it made us feel happy and besides the humor of Shrek the musical is really appreciated by adults. Plus, the set and the costumes used for the show are really done well.

Watch Shrek the Musical if you want to have a fun time and enjoy good music. The audience love the song "I'm a Believer".  If you are bringing kids, it would be best to bring kids that are aged 6 years old up since they would be able  to appreciate it better as the show is for 2.5 hours.  The show runs until October 12, 2014 at the Meralco Theatre in Pasig City.