Believe tonight at Music Museum

MANILA, Philippines - The power of love can do miracles in a world stirred by fear and challenges. This is the theme of Believe — The Pop Musical, a show which fuses the elements of film, theater and concert. It inspires, uplifts, heals and empowers through songs of faith, hope, joy and courage.

Set to go onstage tonight at 8 at the Music Museum, Believe premiered in Cebu City from the concept of Bill Ramos and Marq Dollentes.

Heading the cast are Isabella, Keith Martin, Radha, Guji Lorenzana, Marq Dollentes, Benjie Layos and Mae Ann Araneta.

The cast portrays characters facing common challenging human issues — his own mortality, loss of loved ones, identity, self-love and self-esteem. In the story, the Spirit comes in whimsical guises and uses people, relationships, and situations as a call to always choose to see love in a world of fear.

Another highlight of the show is the songs the actors personally chose. The songs they included in the musical play are pop, but arranged differently to make it sound fresh and as if you’re listening to a new Top 40 song.

Among the songs to be performed are Bring Me To Life by Evanescence; I’m Your Angel by Celine Dion and R. Kelly; She’s Out of My Life by Michael Jackson; No Matter What by Boyzone; Reflections and Voice Within by Christina Aguilera; and Because of You by Martin. The songs were given a fresh and new arrangement by Bob Aves, Naldy Rodriguez, Bond Samson, Obette del Rosario and Martin.

Also featured are original songs like Flow by Dollentes; Believe by Isabella; and Lorenzana’s own composition Incredible.

Believe will also feature a specially made video directed by Will Fredo (director of Compound and Sa Pagdapo ng Mariposa) and Mark Philipp Espina (writer and director of Cinemalaya Best Short Screenplay Behind Closed Doors and Siquijor Mystic Island). Set design is by Firma Manila, costumes by Jun Escario and hair and make-up by Ruel Papa.

The show is produced by One World of Music and Light and presented by The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology. It also serves as a fundraiser and the opening activity of the annual convention of the Cancer and Health Awareness Outreach Program.