Tabing Ilog musical version a trip down memory lane for ‘90s cast
After more than 20 years since the teen drama series Tabing Ilog first aired on television in 1999, three of its original cast members reminisced how the show had changed their lives and showbiz careers.
The ‘90s ABS-CBN show became a platform for then-rising stars John Lloyd Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria, Baron Geisler, Paolo Contis, Desiree del Valle, Patrick Garcia, Paula Peralejo and Kaye Abad to launch their careers in the entertainment industry.
Essaying the role of Eds in Tabing Ilog taught Kaye to be “professional” and “mature” in her craft.
“For me, there’s a lot (of lessons). Maturity is no. 1. Being professional with work is No. 2 because we’ve worked with each other for four years. So as early as I was 17 and then taping, I learned how to be professional, how to love my work and be patient with work,” recounted Kaye to The STAR after watching Tabing Ilog: The Musical last Friday night at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
Besides Kaye, Patrick and Baron also came to witness the stage adaptation of Tabing Ilog, a collaboration between PETA and ABS-CBN.
Kaye went on, “We would reach a point na magte-taping kami and we had no script. We would wait but we didn’t get bored because we were enjoying each other’s company. So masaya and we all grew mature all throughout (filming).”
For Patrick, who portrayed James, filming Tabing Ilog was the period in his life where he “transitioned from being a boy to a man both on screen and off screen,” adding, “because I started Tabing Ilog as a teenager and ended Tabing Ilog as a young man in my early 20s.”
Now in their 40s, they could still remember their favorite scenes from the series, especially the dramatic ones along the creek for Patrick.
Baron quipped, “Napuno na ni Kaye yung ilog sa mga luha niya eh.”
Kaye, for her part, recalled, “One of the most memorable (for me) was I think when the series was about to end, and then we had parang naka-circle kami sa dock and then we had an open forum which was unscripted (as to) what you wanted to say to each other. So I think that’s one of the most memorable for me.”
“We were all wearing white (in that scene),” she added.
Baron, on the other hand, noted that his character Fonzy in the musical is someone he could relate to in real life. “Natuwa lang ako kasi Fonzy dito (musical) became alcoholic. And then he changed so medyo naka-identify ako kay Fonzy sa mga changes in the story. Parang ginawa niyo siyang totoong buhay ni Baron Geisler,” he shared with a laugh.
Overall, they were satisfied with the remake of Tabing Ilog and commended the well-written script and the great production team.
Tabing Ilog: The Musical is directed by Phil Noble (Dicktalks and Maynila), written by Eljay Deldoc (Virgin Labfest and Past, Present, Perfect?) and with musical direction and songs by Vince de Jesus (Changing Partners and Third World Romance). It was supposed to run in 2020 but got scrapped due to the pandemic.
The play is still showing at the PETA Theater until Dec. 17. It is topbilled by theater newcomers and Star Magic artists Anji Salvacion, Andi Abaya, Kobie Brown, Sheena Belarmino, BGYO members Akira Morishita and JL Toreliza, BINI’s Jhoanna Robles, and Vivoree, among others.
“Actually, they made some changes… But ang sarap panoorin that it’s a musical now and (it) looked back on the things that happened before. Like what I said to them, the ending is James’ birthday (scene). But in the series, that was in the first episode,” reacted Kaye after watching the show.
Baron added, “All I could say is in terms of writing, actors’ performances, it was fantastic and spectacular talaga. And I had goosebumps because there were some scenes and songs that were heart-touching.
“Kaye is right in saying that they made a lot of changes but the best part here is that it’s very Gen Z but the songs are mixed with modern (tunes), a little bit of rap, plus sarswela. So, it’s for everyone to enjoy.”
“There were a lot of issues tackled in the play and the cast members were good. The play, it was written beautifully, so I’m speechless. I was impressed,” commented Patrick.
Baron chimed in, “My takeaway from the entire play is at the end of the day, we cannot control things. There will be issues among friends and family members so as long as we just accept the things and try not to go against the tide, things will be OK. It will be OK in the end, especially with the support of friends and family, plus the will of God. Sabay sa alon ba.”
He hoped that sometime in the future, they would make a movie out of Tabing Ilog.
In another event, BINI’s Jhoanna expressed that it was a blissful experience for her to portray Eds. It was also a new training ground for her being in theater.
“There was also pressure, especially when we opened the show. I was really scared because I’m not used to performing solo, without BINI members,” she told this paper during Viber’s Backstage Pass event last Tuesday.
“Parang nakaka-rattle siya, especially before I went on stage because I might forget my lines. Siyempre wala dung sasalo sa akin. Kasi (with BINI), eight kami. Anytime may pwedeng sumalo…. But I was able to pull it off.”
(Tickets for Tabing Ilog: The Musical are available online at KTX.PH. Showbuyers may also avail tickets through Justin Castillo at 0917-6373655 and e-mail [email protected] for special rates.)
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