Parokya ni Edgar musical is big-budget and grand
Successful groups, who have charted popular songs with the albums they produced, discovered theater or stage as another venue to present their music to their fans and the public in general.
The APO Hiking Society trio gave their nod to “Eto Na! Musikal nApo!,” presented by 9Works Theatrical and directed by Robbie Guevarra, in 2018.
The Eraserheads gave the greenlight to the well-received staging of “Ang Huling El Bimbo” also in 2018 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), which had a successful re-run last year.
The original musical, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy,” based on the songs of Parokya ni Edgar, was a “big gamble” for its producers, Full House Theater Company (FHTC).
The expensive budget became obvious in the show’s colorful costumes, eye-popping grand set pieces, major production numbers and 40-plus cast members.
“We decided that we will only do original Filipino musicals,” said Kingson Sian, president and CEO of Newport World Resorts after the recent media night. “We started with ‘Bituing Walang Ningning’ (2015), followed by ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ (2018) and now, ‘Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.’”
The title of Parokya ni Edgar’s second album released in 1997, was adopted as the tag of the first musical carrying their songs — 47 titles culled from only seven albums put together by musical director and arranger, Ejay Yatco.
Director was Dexter Santos, Rody Vera was scriptwriter, Stephen Viñas was choreographer and also joined the cast as Gilbert, lights designer was Monino Duque, sound designer was Arvy Dimaculangan, costume designer was Raven Ong, set designer was Lawyn Cruz, video designers were Ga Fallarme and Joyce Garcia.
“This is our most expensive musical to date,” Kingson added. “You will see in the costumes, sets, graphics, we spared no expense because the Filipino audience deserves the best. We want to show that if they can do it in Broadway, we can also do it here.”
“Buruguduystunstugudunstuy” is obviously a mouthful to say, a challenge to read and even difficult to remember correctly.
The big-budgeted musical revolves around four women who go on a journey to find their true selves. They go through the usual life struggles, identity, what am I worth and they find their answers in this story.
The musical, for a change, spotlights four female artists — Felicity Kyle Napuli as 16-year-old high school student Aiza, Marynor Madamesila as the hopeful scavenger Jen, Natasha Cabrera as lady guard Girlie and Tex Ordoñez de Leon as the matron Norma. All their names were interestingly taken from the songs composed by Parokya.
Strangely, all of them were born on Dec. 6 and all of them were about to undergo a radical transformation as they came together after facing a crisis unique to themselves.
The surreal and fantasy aspect of the musical creeped in as the ladies ran from the real world and ended up in a desolate place, a portalet. They got to meet peculiar characters including Mr. Suave, the Bigotilyos, Mang Jose, who helped them confront their personal transformations.
The ladies gave their memorable take to their respective roles and performances. The likes of Pepe Herrera as Mr. Suave, Noel Comia as Tikmol, Nicco Manalo as Mang Jose, Jasper Jimenez as Tito Ralph and Boo Gabunada as Buloy, added credence to their supporting roles.
The “acid trip” of Parokya ni Edgar was undoubtedly felt in such popular songs starting from Act I all the way to Act II. Iconic songs as Mr. Suave, This Guy’s In Love With You Pare, Harana, Gitara, Inuman Na, Buloy, Don’t Touch My Birdie were all in the musical and evoked nostalgic feels. They sealed the popularity of the band and made them famous.
Kingson acknowledged the production team of Newport World Resorts who put “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy” complete onstage, headed by Ana Chua, the head of entertainment, all the sponsors and buyers.
He also mentioned the creative team headed by co-artistic directors Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams.
“They assembled a fascinating, amazing team and I have profound respect for all of the cast,” Kingson said. “Lahat sila, triple threat. Kaya nila to dance, act and sing. All of them are doing that.
“Maraming salamat to all of you. Thank you to your gift of talent and your gift of music to share with us.”
Kingson also thanked the founder and chief inspiration officer of Newport World Resorts, Dr. Andrew Tan and chairman Kevin Tan, for all the support given to production.
“They always tell me, ‘Let’s showcase the best of the Philippines’,” said Kingson. “I also want to thank Universal Records president, Kahtleen Dy Go, and her team, the entire band of Parokya ni Edgar. Thank you for trusting us with this material.”
The members of Parokya ni Edgar were called onstage during the media night last May 2.
Frontman and lead vocalist Chito Miranda, who wrote most of the band’s songs since Parokya ni Edgar started in 1993, was apparently overjoyed but speechless after the musical. He gave total artistic freedom to FHTC for the staging of the musical.
Chito was joined by rhythm guitarist Gab Chee Kee, bass guitarist Buwi Meneses, lead guitarist Darius Semaña, drummer/percussion Dindin Moreno and back-up vocalist Vinci Montaner.
Chito thanked all those who came and watched “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy” that night. “Sanay naman ako sa stage, but for some reason, this is different,” said Chito. “Nanginginig ako. This is a very overwhelming experience.
“Salamat din sa lahat ng nagtiwala na gawing project ito. Alam niyo naman na reluctant ako from the start because we didn’t trust our songs, but you made something magical out of it. Thank you very much.”
The five other members of Parokya ni Edgar who joined Chito onstage merely gave cryptic lines, apparently still overwhelmed with what they saw with the more than 40-member cast of the musical.
The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) provided music to “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy,” with Mickey Jacinto as conductor and maestro Rodel Colmenar as MPO musical director and founder.
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