Cebuanos cast in believe

CEBU, Philippines – Benjie Layos' grand entrance to the Cebu music scene was through Siddharta, The Musical Journey To Enlightenment, the made-in-Cebu musical based on the life of Gautama Buddha. Siddharta is also considered the longest running stage play in Cebu with over 20 presentations. First staged at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino's grand ballroom, the play went on to the CCP in Manila before their very successful performances in Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Having performed internationally, anyone would think that Benjie is a local theater veteran. Surprisingly, before Siddharta, Benjie had had virtually no experience in musical theater, though he had always yearned to try his hand at it. But while he had no previous theater experience, Benjie was never a stranger to the stage.

The talented Mr. Layos has been featured in local teleseryes such as "Kinabuhi sa OFW," singing on "Sabado Na Gyud," and as a former vocalist of the locally-acclaimed hunk band Hardpart, of which Benjie has fond, and often hilarious, memories. But he has gone far since his hunk-band days, and now bears the aura of one who has learned much from the journey. "I learned patience," he admits, "and open-mindedness to being scolded in front of others as well as the humility to accept that there was a lot I didn't know."

Benjie is a free spirit who loves to explore and travel. When offered a lead role and become the first Cebuano to join the cast in "Believe," Benjie said, "I am truly honored to be part of this beautiful musical... Not only do I get the opportunity to perform alongside very talented artists and entertainers but I also have the chance to share the power of music to the audience.

"Music has the magical ability to connect to our souls that words cannot, thus inspiring us to believe. I feel that my role in the musical has a purpose and it will be such a great accomplishment for me if I can touch the lives of others through my performance." 

The recent three-day auditions held in Cebu to find a local singer/performer to play one of the female lead roles in "Believe" ended with the selection of Mae Ann Araneta, a science instructor at the Cebu Normal University. 

Seemingly opposing, the world of science and the world of arts have fused together beautifully in this talented young lady who comes from a family of artists.

Mae Ann's first engagement in singing started as a member of her high school choir. It was also during this time she developed her talent in acting portraying "Sisa" in Noli Me Tangere. By college, Mae Ann honed her singing and acting skills playing lead roles in school-based zarzuelas. She also made her first cultural tour to Canada as one of the performers of Bano-an Saka Dance Choir, a show fusing songs and dances of Filipino culture.

Even after college, Mae Ann continued to involve herself with different local productions including Buhing Kalbaryo and Siddharta, A Musical Journey to Enlightenment, where she played "Queen Maya" to Benjie's Prince Siddharta. Her latest stage appearance was as "Cassie" in last March's production of A Chorus Line.

And now comes Mae Ann's biggest break in "Believe." It was the perfect gift as she learned that the part was hers on her birthday last May 16. "I was surprised, it was unexpected. I knew about it the next day after the audition from friends who also tried out. They were all texting me 'Congrats and happy birthday!' I said 'Thank you Lord!'. Not till my friends pointed out that this was going to be a big production did I realize I'll be with great performers.

"I still can't believe that I am so blessed. It was a wonderful birthday present. I thank the producers for choosing and believing in my capacity."

"Believe" will have its world premiere on July 24 and 25 at Onstage, Cinema One, Ayala Center Cebu. Presented by One World of Music and Light Event Services and KAHAYAG Network of Cancer Support Support Groups, with the latter as the beneficiary, the pop musical stars Isabella, Keith Martin, Radha, Guji Lorenzana, Marq Dollentes together with Benjie and Mae Ann.

The co-presentors are Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Ayala Center Cebu, Alcordo Advertising, CNetwork, Cenapro. Official travel agency is Wings Travel & Tours Ayala. Sponsors are Bistro Ecila Terraces, SIAM Thai Cusine Terraces, La Maison Terraces, Mooon Cafe Terraces, Bop Bernie's Bistro and Alberto's Pizza.

Many thanks to Avatar Accessories, Citigym, Nature's Spring Water and Blue Info Club Channel 45.

For inquiries on BELIEVE, please contact 09176210506.