I almost missed watching this show—Eto na! Musical nAPO!—and I’m glad that we were still able to catch the final extension of the second run (until April 7 only).
It was one of the best original Filipino musicals we watched that really touched us with its inspiring message of pursuing your passion against all odds and fighting for the love of your life.
Here’s what we love about Eto na! Musical nAPO!
Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!
Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City
Last Shows: April 5 at 8:00pm, April 6 at 2:30pm & 8:00pm, April 7 at 2.30pm
Synopsis: Set in a university in the 70s, Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! tells the coming-of-age of a ragtag of college friends as they gear up to win a songwriting competition. Through it all, they share triumphs, romantic bliss and heartbreak. All of this happens under the iron fist of Martial Law. What keeps them together is their sheer love for music and a friendship that stands the test of time and turmoil.
Official Hashtag: #MusikalnAPO
Facebook: 9WorksTheatrical
Twitter: @9WTonline
Instagram: @9WTonline
For tickets, contact +632 586-7105, +63 917 554-5560 or Ticketworld at +632 891-9999.
RESERVED SEATING
Zone A (₱3,690)
Zone B (₱3,075)
Zone C (₱2,665)
Zone D (₱1,845)
Zone E (₱1,537.50)
The performances were flawless, the punch line was on point, and the music invoked nostalgic and patriotic emotions.
I fell in love again with the poetic Filipino lyrics and the timeless message that resonates even more in the 2019 Manila context.
One of the things I loved about the show is that they used Filipino and OPM music all throughout, unlike in Huling El Bimbo where they used English as the main language of the characters.
I liked the historical trivia about Highway 54 (present-day EDSA), the story behind Ali Mall’s name and the references to 70s fashion, technology and pop culture.
The staging was equally impressive, with their recreation of the campus scene given a small stage and the rain that they made onstage.
The musical made me miss my college barkada and reminisce those kakulitan days in the tambayan,
… that first time to fall in love in college and the stories of failures and triumphs.
How I wished Rache and I brought our sons with us so they could hear and be moved by the lyrics of “Batang-Bata Ka Pa” and even fall in love with OPM.
Most of the stories in the show were inspired by the life stories of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo.
It’s amazing how the show was able to attract both the more mature audience who grew up with the music of the APO and the younger next generation of millennial Filipinos with their growing love for OPM and musical theatre scene.
Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!
Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City
Last Shows: April 5 at 8:00pm, April 6 at 2:30pm & 8:00pm, April 7 at 2.30pm
Set in a university in the 70s, Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! tells the coming-of-age of a ragtag of college friends as they gear up to win a songwriting competition. Through it all, they share triumphs, romantic bliss and heartbreak. All of this happens under the iron fist of Martial Law. What keeps them together is their sheer love for music and a friendship that stands the test of time and turmoil.
Don’t miss this chance to see the cast once again. Playing the boisterous band of brothers are Mark Bautista, Floyd Tena, Jobim Javier, Alfritz Blanche, Jon Philippe Go, Jef Flores, Jon Abella and Vyen Villanueva. Joining them are Rita Daniela, Mica Javier, Marika Sasaki, Roxanne Barcelo, Sab Jose, Raul Montesa and Neomi Gonzales. Rounding out the cast are Vien King, Luis Marcelo, Gian Gloria, Shalee Vicencio, Peachy Atilano-Guevara, Jourdan Bartolome, Anton Posadas and Derrick Gozos.
Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! is an original Filipino musical with lyrics and music by Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo, musical arrangements and orchestrations by Daniel Bartolome and Orly dela Cruz. For the song “Ewan,” music and lyrics are by Louie Ocampo and Winnie Arrieta, respectively.
Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! is written and directed by Robbie Guevara, along with Jonjon Martin as dramaturg, Dingdong Rosales as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, PJ Rebullida as choreographer, Shakira Villa Symes as lightning designer, Joey Mendoza as set designer, Eric Pineda as costume designer, Dong Calingacion as technical director, Ian Monsod as sound designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Ronan Ferrer as vocal supervisor and Cathy Azanza-Dy as theatrical coach.
Heading the production team are executive producers Santi Santamaria (9 Works Theatrical) and Denise Seva (Globe Live), Globe Live Senior Adviser Joe Caliro, along with the 9 Works Theatrical Team: Anna Santamaria as operations & finance director, Jonjon Martin as PR manager, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, Arma Bonilla as stage manager, Gian Nicdao as graphic design manager and JC Inocian as official photographer.
Official Hashtag: #MusikalnAPO
Facebook: 9WorksTheatrical
Twitter: @9WTonline
Instagram: @9WTonline
For tickets, contact +632 586-7105, +63 917 554-5560 or Ticketworld at +632 891-9999.
RESERVED SEATING
Zone A (₱3,690)
Zone B (₱3,075)
Zone C (₱2,665)
Zone D (₱1,845)
Zone E (₱1,537.50)
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: We watched the show courtesy of 9 Works Theatrical. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.
P.S. The show is 3 hours and bring cash for the souvenir program (₱350).
