‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ shines bigger and brighter
by Leony R, Garcia
To this day the famous line, “you’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard copy-cat!” lives on. Made famous in the movie, TV remake and still highly used as audition piece or TV impersonation, the iconic line and scene has transcended generations so that the young and old alike know exactly how the line is delivered with matching throwing of a glassful of water.
This writer have yet to see ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ and like others who are excited for its second run, I look forward to an innovative delivery of this line through song.
And so here comes the good news for theater and live performances enthusiasts! Resorts World Manila (RWM), through Full House Theater Company and Ultimate Productions, and in partnership with VIVA Communications, sets its sights on producing another memorable run with more musical numbers and added star power as it brings back ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’, starting October 8, 2015.
From its outstanding cast, remarkable stage design, and moving storyline, the luster of ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’s’ first foray made sure that a second run would be inevitable. Back by popular demand, the stage adaptation of the classic Filipino drama promises to dazzle audiences anew as it takes the stage of Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) for its highly anticipated encore performances.
“Bituing Walang Ningning remains to be one of the most beloved Filipino dramas. It tells a story about dreams, love, and humility, which are the virtues we are anchoring to in developing this production,” says RWM Chief Integrated Marketing Officer Martin Paz.
Earning critical acclaim during its initial, month-long foray earlier this year, the musical captured the hearts and imagination of entertainment fans and theater enthusiasts alike. Reprising their roles as the main cast of this original, all-Filipino production are theater stars CrisVillonco, Mark Bautista, and newcomer Monica Cuenco who shined as the new Dorina Pineda, a role popularized by Sharon Cuneta on film and Sarah Geronimo on the drama’s TV stint.
Accompanying the brilliant leads is a powerhouse ensemble which consists of veteran actors Jon Santos, Ronnie Liang, Jay Roa, John Nite, Michael Stuart Williams, and the first lady of Philippine musical theater MenchuLauchengco-Yulo. Adding to the musical’s constellation of stage stars are singer and actress Antoinette Taus, who will play alternate to CrisVillonco as main antagonist Lavinia Arguelles, as well as multi-talented actor EpiQuizon as Jon Santos’ alternate for the role of Auntie.
‘BituingWalangNingning: The Musical’ brings to life a story that has transcended Philippine entertainment. Originally told over a serialized comic strip by fictionist Nerissa Cabral, the storywas made into a blockbuster movie in 1985 and was then re-made into a hit television series back in 2006.
The production marked the first time a contemporary drama has crossed over multiple media, from print, cinema, television, and finally on stage. The drama’s theater foray is told along with the timeless music of the great Willy Cruz which is scored by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra 
under the baton of Maestro RodelColmenar with veteran stage director Freddie Santos at the helm.
Pursuing its advocacy to ‘Champion the Filipino’, RWM continues to showcase the best of what local entertainment can offer.”Our vision is to establish an avenue for a new genre of original Pinoy performing arts that will open doors for next generation thespians, playwrights, and producers to explore,” Paz added.
For more about BituingWalangNingning: The Musical Second Run, including cast details and show schedules, visit www.rwmanila.com/web/bituing-walang-ningning/.
RWM is the first one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination in the Philippines that features recreational thrills, world-class performances, unique events, and exciting lifestyle options.
Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality and is home to three international lodging brands, (MAXIMS Hotel, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, and REMINGTON Hotel), a three-story convention center housing the country’s largest hotel ballroom (Marriott Grand Ballroom), and two more hotels (SHERATON Hotel Manila and HILTON Manila Hotel) currently under construction.
Tickets are now available at all TicketWorld and TicketNet outlets and at the RWM Box Office.
(Photos by Teddy Pelaez)
Credits: Teddy Pelaez