More love and less politics in Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical

The Philippine theater scene has been experiencing a golden age in recent years with numerous productions happening for most of the year. But a Filipino musical featuring original material is a rarity as most produced are usually adaptations from other sources or of the jukebox kind.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Sheila Valderrama-Martinez as Lily

But then comes along an ambitious undertaking by SYNERGY88 Digital, Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production (RCFP), and Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. with Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical, an original musical happening on June 29-July 8, 2018 at the Theatre at Solaire.

Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical is directed by Joel Lamangan with libretto by Ricky Lee with Gershom Chua and Eljay Deldoc from the original story by Rebecca Chuaunsu and music by Von de Guzman.

Arman Ferrer and David Ezra as Ah Tiong

It tells the story of a love triangle among Filipina Lily, mainland Chinese Ah Tiong, and local Chinese Carlos spanning two decades and two countries from pre-Martial Law Manila and Cultural Revolution era Beijing up to the present. Despite the increasing tension between our two countries, the musical will focus more on the love story and the search for one’s identity as it highlights the cultures and traditions of both and will downplay the politics instead.

Renowned names from film, television, and stage make up the cast of Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical led by Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Carla Guevara-Laforteza alternating the role of Lily, Arman Ferrer and David Ezra as Ah Tiong, Floyd Tena and Noel Rayos as Carlos.

Floyd Tena and Noel Rayos as Carlos and the rest of the cast

Other cast members include Yela Laurel (Jasmine), Ashlee Factor (Ruby), Ima Castro (Mrs. Dela Rosa), Ana Feleo and Jennifer Villegas (Lourdes), Kay Balajadia and Jennifer Villegas (Mrs. Chua), Dondi Ong (Mr. Chua), Russell Magno (Mr. Zhang), Elizabeth Chua (Mrs. Zhang), Jim Pebanco, Lorenz Martinez. Khalil Kaimo, Ellrica Laguardia, Rhapsody & Tuesday Vargas (Chorus), Jonel Mojica (Ge Lao), and Philip Deles and Ivana Billanueva (Swing).

Rounding up the cast as part of the ensemble are Carlos Derriada, Cheeno Macaraig, Claire Borja, Daniel Cruz, Dusty Suarez, Janine Tolentino, Joseph Billeza, Joseph Puducay, Julia Chua, Paul Clark, Precious Sementilla, Rence Aviles, Randy Rey, Romcel Brinquiz, Roy Sotero, Ryan Caraan, VJ Cortel, Xander Pineda, and Zyruz Imperial.

The chorus of Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical

The rest of the artistic team includes choreographer Douglas Nierras, lights designer Joey Nombres, and production designer/technical director Otto Hernandez.

The cast and creative team of Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical

Binondo, a Tsinoy Musical performances are on June 29, 2018 at 8:00 PM; June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2018 at 3:00 and 8:00 PM; July 6, 2018 at 8:00 PM; July 7 and 8, 2018 at 3:00 and 8:00 PM at the Theatre at Solaire.