MANILA, Philippines – The curtains were raised one last time for the all-Filipino production Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical and as the cast returned onstage for the curtain call, another shining star seated in the audience was in tears of joy.
This was the scene during the final show of Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) breakthrough production of the Filipino classic with no less than Sharon Cuneta and husband, former Sen. Francis Pangilinan in attendance long after the Megastar immortalized the role of protagonist Dorina Pineda in the 1985 movie released by Viva Films.
Director Freddie Santos acknowledged the presence of Sharon in the audience who later joined the cast onstage for a gathering of the musical’s cast with the movie’s original star.
Sharon also commended the performance of lead star Monica Cuenco, who recently won Best New Female Artist in the recent Aliw Awards last December. “I love Monica’s performance,” Sharon shared backstage. “Now that I have seen her onstage doing theater, I can now say that she has evolved into a true star and I’m very proud of her. I hope she continues to do well in her career,” she added, noting that Monica was one of the finalists in her former show Star Power.
The iconic Filipina actress was evidently moved by the new take on her classic film as she wiped her eyes in numerous scenes. “The show was truly impressive. The whole cast was really great,” Sharon said. “I used to have reservations about watching the musical because I am truly possessive of my work. But after watching the show, I can now say that I am not the only Dorina, just the first Dorina.”
The Megastar also had high hopes for the future of Philippine theater when asked how the recent launch of the Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation could help all-Filipino productions such as Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical gain international appeal. “There’s no reason why the country can’t be considered the next theater capital of the world next to Broadway and the West End. We really have what it takes.”
(For details on more entertainment offerings from Resorts World, visit www.rwmanila.com or call the tourist/visitor hotline 908-8833.)