Bells and whistles (and more) in Rak of Aegis' 7th run

The cast of Rak of Aegis

The last time I saw Philippines Educational Theater Association's (PETA) Rak of Aegis was way back during one of its earlier reruns, probably the third. After some years, I finally had the chance to catch it once again at the opening Gala Night presented by PLDT Home.

Time have passed and I thought that I've already forgotten what this musical is all about. In a nutshell, it's about Aileen, an optimistic young woman who dreams of making it viral online to help her parents who have been struggling financially ever since their barangay Venezia got submerged in flood months ago. And the audience gets to join the journey of Aileen and the rest of the residents of Venezia as they try to rise up above the waters while belting out tunes from the discography of the rock band Aegis.

Robert Sena, Aicelle Santos, Isay Alvarez-Seña, and Pepe Herrera

As members of the original cast, led by Aicelle Santos as Aileen, Robert Seña as Kiel, Isay Alvarez-Seña as Mary Jane, and one of Rak's breakout stars Pepe Herrera as Tolits performed on stage, memories from years ago came flooding back as the show went on. I did notice that some of the jokes involving current trending topics had been updated to avoid being stale.

What surprised me very much with this latest viewing were bells and whistles that were either relatively new, or were simply not noticed by me before. Various stage effects like sunflowers and vines appearing onstage, actual rain, and the flood actually subsiding were upgrades that have raised further the production value of PETA's runaway hit. I learned later on that the flood subsiding was through a tube that pumped out the water from the stage. And this water is actually recycled and treated. So it's not like it's water down the drain for every performance which is insensitive in line with the recent water crisis.

The cast and the show were polished and spot on like clockwork but there were still some unexpected moments like an ensemble member slipping in the flood, enabling one to do a quick ad lib in reference to that mishap. Another of these moments was when Jewel's (Ron Alfonso) massive carnival head dress hit Aicelle in the face. This was definitely not in the script but it provided additional laughter. Such is the joy and thrill of live theater since it is very unlikely that this also happened in every performance.

Bayang Barrios, Jenine Desiderio, Kimberly Baluzo, Derrick Monasterio,
and Noel Cabangon

The current run also welcomed new cast members including OPM legends Noel Cabangon, Jenine Desiderio, and Bayang Barrios, along with actor Derrick Monasterio and the newest Aileen, Kimberly Baluzo. They performed excerpts and answered a handful of questions from the press at a pre-performance showcase.

Seeing bits from these new cast members just made me want to catch some of their performances too before this run ends on September 29, 2019 at the PETA Theater Center.

The hits and misses in Aegis and PPO's #HugotPaMore! concert

A more balanced structure and an uneven program is how I describe Aegis in Symphony Symphonic Aegis #HugotPaMore!, the follow up to Aegis and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's successful joint concert that rocked the Cultural Center of the Philippines back in November 2016.

Affixed with #HugotPaMore, this pre-Valentine’s Day treat directed by Ariel S. R. Yonzon dug into deep seated emotions via a mix of Aegis hits crossed over with light classical fare. A marked improvement this concert had over the previous one was that both the PPO under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera and Aegis composed of vocalists Juliet, Mercy, and Ken Sunot, guitarist Rey Abenoja, keyboardist Stella Pabico, bassist Rowena Pinpin, and drummer Vilma Goloviogo figured prominently on both halves of the concert. The first concert felt more like a back-to-back concert with the PPO performing during the first half and then Aegis at the second with their collaborations serving as bookends. Now, it felt like it was really a collaboration with both acts headlining and having their fair share of the spotlight throughout the evening.

Aegis from L. to R: Stella Pabico, Rowena Pinpin, Ken Sunot, Mercy Sunot,
Juliet Sunot, and Vilma Goloviogo

With the pre-Valentine theme ongoing, the classical portion focused on the romantic side with the PPO performing selections from the opera La bohème by Giacomo Puccini. A pleasant surprise was returning guest artist, Arman Ferrer going for the traditional route with O del mio amato ben by Stefano Donaudy accompanied on the piano by CCP President Raul Sunico. It was my first time to see and hear him sing from the standard repertoire and without amplification. Sunico later gave a solo piano rendition of Somewhere in Time by John Barry that amped up the romance that night. The music segued to the 18^th Variation of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff but it wasn't smooth sailing when the orchestra came in. This probably wasn't noticed by the audience who were there primarily for Aegis, but for me who knows the RachPag like the back of my hand, it was rough.

When Aegis took over, they were at their element performing their various songs, with Juliet, Mercy and Ken showcasing their unearthly vocal range and unparalleled lung power. And once again, I became grateful for the musical Rak of Aegis for it made me more familiar with the other songs like Munting Pangarap, Ikaw, Mahal na Mahal Kita, Bakit (Ako Ngayo’y Hate Mo?), Palad, Maniwala Ka, Yun Na! and Hahanapin Ko which do not get heavy radio airplay unlike their massive hits Sayang na Sayang, Sinta, Luha, Basang-Basa sa Ulan, and Halik. It was a treat seeing Aegis themselves performing those rarely heard songs and hearing the actual arrangements which were sometimes drastically different from the musical. Aegis is primarily known for the high vocal range of Mercy and Juliet, but Ken’s solid alto register gave more depth, and richer texture which was very evident every time they sang in three part harmonies.

#HugotPaMore!

While the Aegis singing their own songs was a high point, going out of their comfort zone with songs not associated with them like Could It Be Magic and You Raise Me Up with Arman Ferrer was a lukewarm moment of the concert for me. The various dancers (pole dancers, ballroom dancers, and ballet dancers) who joined the band onstage during various parts of the concert were also a hit and miss. At times, they served as a distraction diverting attention from the band. Probably the only exception was the Philippine Ballet Theatre duo of Regina Magbitang and Ian Ocampo with their explosive Just Give Me a Reason. But this Ronilo Jaynario choreographed number has always been a hit with audiences whenever the PBT duo perform it.

Compared to the previous concert, the crowd’s reaction this time was more subdued and reserved. This was probably due to a more refined looking audience with a great number in suits and cocktail dresses as if they were at the symphony rather than a rock concert. I was initially dumbfounded upon seeing them roaming around the CCP before the concert started. But afterwards, I found it amazing that it took no less than Aegis and the PPO joining forces to gather such a diverse crowd. It only goes to show that "hugot" applies to everyone.

Aegis and PPO bring in more "hugot" in repeat concert at the CCP

The unlikely music collaboration between the band Aegis and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra returns once more in a repeat performance of Aegis in Symphony Symphonic Aegis #HugotPaMore! on February 11, 2017, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Aegis band members Juliet, Mercy, and Ken Sunot on vocals, guitarist Rey Abenoja, keyboardist Stella Pabico, bassist Rowena Adriano, and drummer Vilma Goloviogo join forces with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Herminigildo Ranera in bringing the “feels” in this pre-Valentine’s Day offering especially to those who are very much in love, to those nursing a broken heart, and lastly to those who still believe that love will come their way.

Also returning for the repeat is tenor Arman Ferrer whose cross genre mash up duet with Aegis became one of the main highlights of the previous concert in November. A new addition to the fold is pianist and CCP President Raul Sunico performing a specially arranged rockestra collaboration with the band.

Concert director Ariel S. R. Yonzon revealed at a recent press conference that compared to the original show that lasted for about an hour and a half, this Valentine’s Day edition will go on for about two hours. As the previous show featured dance sport and pole dancers, dancers from Ballet Philippines and Philippine Ballet Theatre will take to the stage this time. And lastly, I don’t know what surprises will actor Philippe Palmos will have up his sleeve. During the first concert, he delivered a very amusing opening act as the most unusual theater crew personnel that the CCP has ever had.

Aegis in Symphony, Symphonic Aegis #HugotPaMore! is presented by The CCP Complex Employees Organization (CCPCEO) with the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Harbour Square.

Rey Abenoja, Vilma Goloviogo, Ken Sunot, Mercy Sunot, Juliet Sunot, Stella Pabico,
Ariel S. R. Yonzon, Rowena Adriano, and Herminigildo Ranera

Aegis in Symphony, Symphonic Aegis #HugotPaMore!
February 11, 2017, 8:00 PM | Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Featuring:
Aegis

     Juliet Sunot vocals
     Mercy Sunot, vocals
     Ken Sunot, vocals
     Rey Abenoja, guitar/vocals
     Stella Pabico, keyboard
     Rowena Adriano, bass
     Vilma Goloviogo, drums
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
Herminigildo Ranera, conductor
Arman Ferrer, tenor
Raul Sunico, piano

Ticket prices:

P1500 | P1300 | P1000 | P800 | P700 | P500 | P300

50% discount for students (Balcony I & II only)
20% discount for senior citizens, PWD, government and military personnel

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

Hit musical Rak of Aegis returns

June 20-August 31, 2014

PETA Theater Center

No. 5 Meynard Drive, New Manila

Quezon City, Philippines

Earlier this year, Philipine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) musical Rak of Aegis had a stellar run despite going head to head with a big budgeted, wicked musical by a foreign touring company. So it’s no surprise that the very Filipino story featuring love triangles, long shot dreams, and natural calamities told through the music of legendary rock band Aegis returns for a longer run from June 20 up to August 31, 2014 at the PETA PHINMA Theater to start PETA's 47th Theater Season.

The cast of Rak of Aegis

Returning to reprise their roles are Aicelle Santos playing the lead role Aileen, the young woman from Villa Venezia who dreams of becoming a YouTube sensation; real life couple Isay Alvarez-Seña and Robert Seña, playing Mary Jane and Kiel whose romantic past resurfaces amid the flood that has blanketed their subdivision. Returning cast members include Kalila Aguilos, Kakai Bautista, Neomi Gonzales, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, Nor Domingo, Julienne Mendoza, Ron Alfonso, Phillip Palmos, Gold Villar, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Jet Barrun, Paeng Sudayan, Carlon Matobato, and John Moran. 

Arnel Ignacio, Isay Alvarez-Seña and Aicelle Santos

Rak of Aegis’ rerun welcomes new cast members Kimverlie Molina (a vocal power house whose timbre is very much in keeping with Aegis' vocalists) as Aileen, Oj Mariano as Kiel, Arnel Ignacio as Fernan, and Jimmy Marquez as Jewel, while choreographer Gio Gahol and Abigail Sulit join the ensemble. Rak of Aegis’ creative team is composed of director Maribel Legarda, playwright Liza Magtoto, and musical director Myke Salomon.

I had the opportunity to catch the musical on its initial run. The story is indeed very Filipino, reminiscent of the guilty pleasure comedy films of the 1990’s, complete with musical production numbers. Aicelle proved that her Katy! stint was no beginner’s luck as she delivered yet another solid performance. Robert and Isay, with their decades of theater experience, showed great chemistry playing former lovers. One of the most unexpected surprises in the musical was scene stealer Jerald Napoles who played Tolits, one of Aileen’s suitors. Another actor who also almost stole the show with a gender bending "duet" was Philip Palmos as Jewel.

There were times when I thought that the tension was broken especially when the scene shifted the other characters’ respective storylines. It smacked right to my impatience when I couldn’t wait much longer to see how certain plot lines would be resolved (like with whom Aileen end up with) but had to go through to see how Kenny (Poppert Bernadas) would earn the approval of his mother Mary Jane.

Aegis band members join the cast in a post show interview

Undoubtedly, the real star of the show was the music of Aegis. And it was a treat to be in the performance where the band Aegis was in attendance. It was like watching two shows at once, seeing the actual musical and trying to catch the reaction of the band members especially during the musical numbers. And the band members were very pleased by what they saw since they were usually the first to applaud whenever they recognized which of their songs were being played. Finally, the band made a special encore performance right after the curtain call which only cemented their status as one of the music acts that have made a significant impact in the Philippine music industry. I was very pleased to learn that Aegis CD’s on sale were flying off the shelves after every show which meant that people do want to relive more of the show afterwards. And now, people have more chances to experience (or experience again) Rak of Aegis as the show returns for almost 70 performances for their second run.

For inquiries:

PETA Theater Center 725-6244 local 23, (0916) 437-6551, peta.theatercenter@gmail.com

TicketWorld 891-9999

Aegis' music goes to theater with PETA's Rak of Aegis

January 31-March 9, 2014

PETA Theater Center

No. 5 Meynard Drive, New Manila

Quezon City, Philippines

Actor-musician Myke Salomon, in his usual wacky self, made a joke that there should be Rak of Aegis also during the time when the musical Rock of Ages was still having its sold out run in here. This joke was a light bulb moment for Maribel Legarda, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Artistic Director. Almost a couple of years later, the joke Rak of Aegis is now a brand new musical featuring the music of the legendary pop-rock band Aegis that is set to sweep the local theater scene starting on January 31, 2014 and will go on for six weekends until March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center.

Isay Alvarez-Seña and Robert Seña

A total of 20 songs from the Aegis catalog, ranging from chart topping hits to unreleased gems will be belted out by the cast led by Isay Alvarez-Seña, Robert Seña, Aicelle Santos, and Joan Bugcat. Also included in the cast are Kalila Aguilos, Ron Alfonso, Jet Barrun, Kakai Bautista, Poppert Bernadas, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Neomi Gonzales, Pepe Herrera, Carlon Matobato, Julienne Mendoza, John Moran, Jerald Napoles, Gie Onida, Phillip Palmos, Myke Salomon, Paeng Sudayan, and Gold Villar.

Rak of Aegis is described as a story of love, fame and resilience set in the Ondoy devastated village of Villa Venizia. At the center of the story is Aileen (Acielle Santos alternating with Joan Bugcat), a young mall promo girl aka promodizer who is seeking fame via uploading videos online to support her family. And love gets in the way not only for Aileen but also for her father and the rest of the residents of Villa Venizia.

Aicelle Santos and Rak of Aegis cast

This musical is the brainchild of director Maribel Legarda and writer Liza Magtoto, the same duo behind Care Divas, PETA’s hit comedy musical. Musical arrangement and musical direction is by Myke Salomon. The rest of the artistic team includes Gio Gahol (choreography), Jonjon Villareal (lighting design), Mio Infante (production design), Carlo Pagunaling (costume design), Maco Custodio (shoe design), and Joan Pamintuan (accessory design).

During the press launch held at the PETA Theater Center, I was able to hear Aicelle Santos belt the songs out in the same key as Aegis, extending beyond the range that she normally performs as an alto with her trio La Diva. It was also teased that comedienne Kakai Bautista will have one solo aria which could possibly one of the most highly anticipated scenes in the whole musical. Aicelle and Kakai along with the rest of the cast auditioned for their roles with the exception of the Señas: Isay and Robert. The real life couple told the press that this is one of the rare times that the two of them would not be playing a couple on stage. Instead, they would be playing former lovers who end up with someone else. This adds another layer to the story in which the tension and unresolved conflicts will be brought to light as their village remains submerged in flood waters.

Kakai Bautista and Rak of Aegis cast

Myke Salomon, during a brief chat, told me that it was not only Aicelle who would be singing the songs in their original key but also Robert Seña. Aegis is known for the lung busting, vocal cord tearing tunes (usually of heartbreak) sung by the band’s vocalists Juliet and Mercy Sunot. And it would be definitely very interesting to hear Robert’s attack with these songs that have ingrained themselves in Philippine pop culture.

All this may have started as a joke, but as opening night draws near, I can’t help but feel the excitement of hearing Aegis music on stage, seeing how PETA will pull of the arena staging with actual water and how the production will fare as it goes head to head with a major touring production.

The cast and crew of Rak of Aegis

Schedule of performances:

January 31, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 1, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 2, 2014, 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

February 7, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 8, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 9, 2014, 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

February 14, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 15, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 16, 2014, 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

February 21, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 22, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 23, 2014, 10:00 AM & 8:00 PM

February 27, 2014, 8:00 PM

February 28, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

March 1, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

March 2, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

March 6, 2014, 8:00 PM

March 7, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

March 8, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

March 9, 2014, 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM

For inquiries:

PETA Theater Center 725-6244 local 23, (0916) 437-6551, peta.theatercenter@gmail.com

TicketWorld 891-9999