The other day was the gala night of MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical, and I was grateful to be one of the people to witness this exceptional event.
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| Teetin Villanueva as Lam-Ang & Sandino Martin as Bantugan |
A compelling musical with a plot that revolves around politics that everybody (including the youth like me) will enjoy because of their catchy tunes, well-adjusted dance moves, imposing graphics and visuals, super-kilig romantic moments & action-packed scenes that will definitely encourage people my age to be interested in knowing more about our politics.
Manhid is an empowering story set in an alternate universe where the EDSA revolution failed, this musical features heroes & villians with unique superpowers & people with Kamanhiran (Apathy).
Comic book fanatics, musical theatre lovers & political activists are sure to enjoy this adventurous spectacle from start to finish.
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| Gold Villar as Allunsina |
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| KL Dizon as Urduja |
The characters that I probably enjoyed the most were Allunsina because of her fierce and sassy personality, and Urduja because of her ethereal and graceful beauty.
They're performances were very remarkable as well.
Manhid is a very awe-inspiring presentation and it is definitely a must-watch for everybody, young and old.
Though the cast of Manhid have differences in working because they are a mixture of ballet dancers, theatre actors & singers, they still figured out how to make the production, a great one, so kudos to them!
"For me, Manhid was an awakening,
What are your words of wisdom to the youth like me to awaken us about what is happening in our government and how we will improve it so that we will not just prosper economically but we will also prosper in loving our culture & history?" I asked.
"I think the message of the show speaks for itself; I think we all are superheroes in our own way, we all have powers, we all have ways to deal with apathy and whatever is wrong with our government and I think all we need to do is be awakened this show, I think the show itself is, an awakening if you think about it." Fred Lo as Radia Indarapatra stated, and I totally agree so go watch it!
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| The cast of Manhid in 'Ulan' the show's finale |
The cast is led by Sandino Martin as Bantugan, who recently won Best Actor at the Cinema One Originals Awards Night for his role in “Esprit de Corps”. He alternates with BP apprentice Mark Anthony Grantos. The female lead, Lam-Ang, is played by recent UP Diliman Theatre Arts graduate Teetin Villanueva, and award-winning Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company member Regina De Vera. Also starring in this production are Gold Villar, Kim Molina, Jean Judith Javier, KL Dizon, Ronah Rostata, Fredison Lo, Ricardo Magno, JV Ibesate, and Mayen Estanero.
Ballet Philippines dancers also take on the challenge of portraying the roles of comic book heroes and villains. Featured are Jean Marc Cordero, Katherine Trofeo, Richardson Yadao, Earl John Arisola, Cyril Aran Fallar, Emmanuelle Guillermo, Timothy Paul Cabrera, Rita Angela Winder, Denise Parungao, Kazier Policarpio, Ma. Celina Dofitas, Victor Maguad, and Erl Emmanuel Sorilla.
The artistic and creative teams of MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical are led by Paul Alexander Morales (Director and Choreographer), Alden Lugnasin (Choreographer), Francis de Veyra (Music Director), Zard Eguia (Set Designer), Victor Ursabia (Costume Designer), Roman Cruz (Lighting Designer), and the Radioactive Sago Project (Live Band).
“MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical” will have a three-weekend run at the CCP Main Theater on February 20-22, February 27-March 1, and March 6-8, 2015.
For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
