Tag: Mula Sa Buwan

  • Mula sa Buwan Announces Two Final Shows on September 14

    Mula sa Buwan Announces Two Final Shows on September 14

    If you’ve been waiting to catch “Mula sa Buwan,” this is your last chance! The beloved Filipino musical that has captured the hearts of many is set to stage its final two performances on September 14 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM. After these shows, the curtain will fall, marking the end of an era for this acclaimed production.

    Final 2 Shows Announcement 1

    A Definitive Farewell

    As announced during the curtain call, the upcoming performances will be the last opportunity for LaBuwans to experience “Mula sa Buwan” in its definitive form. The show, a retelling of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, set against the backdrop of 1940s Manila, has been a beacon of Filipino theater, blending history, romance, and the enduring spirit of defiance.

    Creator Pat Valera shared the poignant news that “Mula sa Buwan” will not be returning to the stage in the near future. This means that on September 14, actors Myke Salomon, Gab Pangilinan, MC Dela Cruz, Phi Palmos, and Jillian Ita-as will take their final bows as members of this extraordinary troupe.

    The Actors’ Heartfelt Goodbyes

    Each of the five actors who have been central to “Mula sa Buwan’s” success shared their reflections on what the show has meant to them and the legacy they leave behind.

    Gab Pangilinan, who played Roxane, described “Mula sa Buwan” as a dream come true, stating, “Roxane was my first big Filipina role. I’ve grown so much as an artist and as a person through Roxane, and through this musical.”

    Myke Salomon, who portrayed Cyrano, expressed that “Mula sa Buwan” represents everyone who has been part of the production, saying, “Ang Mula sa Buwan ay tayo, bawat taong nasa loob ng tanghalan.”

    Mula Sa BuwanCyrano Christian Roxane by Jaypee Maristaza
    Photo Credit: Jaypee Maristaza

    MC Dela Cruz shared his deep connection with the show, calling it “HOME,” as it marked the beginning of his journey as a theater actor. He added, “Kahit anong shows na ang nagawa ko, MSB pa rin ‘yung uuwian ko.”

    Phi Palmos, who played the role of Rosanna, highlighted the significance of LGBTQIA+ representation in the show, stating, “Mula sa Buwan is one prime example of LGBTQIA+ representation. That during the war, we exist. Nandun kami at hinding-hindi mabubura.”

    Jillian Ita-as, who joined the production as Gabriel in 2022, described “Mula sa Buwan” as a familiar piece of hope. “It’s just this timeless, classic story that people love coming back home to again, and again, and again,” she said.

    Final 2 Shows Announcement 2

    What Will Be Missed the Most

    As the cast prepares for their final performances, they shared what they will miss most about the show.

    Gab expressed her gratitude for the “fools, dreamers, misfits who love telling the story just as much.” Myke mentioned missing everyone who has been part of this journey, and MC reflected on the lessons his characters, Maximo and Christian, taught him.

    Phi emphasized the closeness and camaraderie among the cast, saying, “When you’re really together, everyone genuinely cares for each other. And I believe that’s the reason the effect of the musical is like that.”

    Jillian spoke fondly of the people involved, describing them as family. “Para kaming mga classmate na buong school year magkasama, that’s really how deeply I feel for each and everyone one of them,” she shared.

    MC Myke Gab MC by Paw Castillo
    Photo by Paw Castillo

    A Final Message to LaBuwans

    The actors also left heartfelt messages for their supporters.

    Gab encouraged everyone to carry the lessons and emotions from the play with them, saying, “Lagi’t lagi, pag-ibig ang mananaig.” Myke hoped that the light of “Mula sa Buwan” is etched in everyone’s hearts, while MC simply said, “Salamat, kaibigan.”

    Phi expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Hindi sapat ang sanlibo sa laki, puspos, at nag-uumapaw ninyong pagmamahal.” Finally, Jillian conveyed her deep gratitude, thanking everyone who supported her character, Gabriel, and the entire production.

    Tickets for the last two shows are available through Ticketworld or bit.ly/msb2024tickets. The production must close on September 14, so don’t miss this final chance to be part of “Mula sa Buwan‘s” magical journey. Magkita-kita tayo muli para sa huling pagkakataong ito at sabay tayong magsabi ng #PaalamBuwan.

  • REVIEW: A total theatrical experience, ‘Mula sa Buwan’ dazzles with Gab Pangilinan taking center stage

    REVIEW: A total theatrical experience, ‘Mula sa Buwan’ dazzles with Gab Pangilinan taking center stage

    I saw ‘Mula sa Buwan’ a few years ago, straight out of the pandemic, and as well lauded as the show was, I personally found it chaotic despite the fantastic songs and the incredible singers who were cast in that show. I couldn’t quite get into it then but that show alone showed all of Gab Pangilinan’s star power and her capacity to fill a stage with her presence and vocal chops. Coming to see this revival of the show, still at the Samsung Performance Arts Theater, the new direction by Mikko Angeles expands the stage work to include video projections that manages to amplify the narrative and creates a whimsical, almost fairy-tale like quality to the show (and a dark twisted one later in Act 2) and somehow centers the emotional weight on Pangilinan’s Roxane. It was a clever move because Pangilinan has really pushed herself to a level, I’d like to say is equal to “national treasure” because not only can she sing, but she infuses the work with all the emotions of the scene that it fills the whole theater with electricity.

    Review Mula Sa Buwan

    ‘Mula sa Buwan’ is a Filipino adaptation of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac.’ Set in Manila, right before World War II, the play follows Cyrano (Myke Salomon), a poetic genius with a comically large nose. He is known about town as a poet, a stern ROTC commander, friendly to the outcasts of society, and seems unafraid to use his wits and skills to best anyone he feels does not live up to his standards for a civilized life. At the show’s beginning, he comes off as a bully, breaking up a theatrical show for not having authenticity and making a fool out of his commanding officer, the son of a general, for his uncouth ways. But Cyrano finds himself in a sticky situation as the love of his life (and childhood best friend) Roxane has fallen in love with the handsome Christian (MC Dela Cruz), who has just come to town and is stationed under Cyrano in ROTC.

    Insecure over his appearance, Cyrano accepts Roxane’s request to ensure that Christian is to be kept from trouble and when he discovers that Christian feels the same way as Roxane, he orchestrates a deception to get the two together. The thing is, Christian is not good with words and can be very clumsy, and Roxane has a poet’s heart and is attracted to wit and eloquence. Under the cover of night, Christian serenades Roxane while she’s on her balcony with Cyrano hiding in the darkness feeding him the words.

    Mula Sa BuwanCyrano Christian Roxane by Jaypee Maristaza

    It’s the classic mistaken identity love story trope that no longer feels as romantic in the midst of 2024 sexual politics. In the current climate, what Christian and Cyrano do is catfishing – no matter how good their intentions may be – and Roxane was made to be a fool. The era nor the poetry of Pat Valera’s script can soften that so what Mikko Angeles does is to play up Cyrano’s and Christian’s selfishness. He doesn’t hide from it but he plays it up. In fact, there’s an old school theatricality to the performances – the line delivery and the blocking – which highlights the naivete of the time. It’s crucial for the emotional shift that happens on Act 2.

    Mula Sa BuwanMC Dela Cruz as Christian Gab Pangilinan as Roxane by Jaypee Maristaza

    Because World War 2 does come and the playful romance and idealism of Act 1 is torn asunder and reality kicks in so when Roxane is forced to face heartache and pain caused by the war, Pangilinan brings all that pain, built up since Act 1, into a powerful solo that brings the house down that even I was in tears. Roxane is the heart of this production and by putting her at the center, played with by the two boys and their affection for her, the sting of the second act hits harder.

    It’s not a perfect show, though. There’s a whole section in the play about the ‘Makulay na Kabataan,’ a group of outcasts (queer people and artists) who are fighting for freedom and independence but there’s no real feeling of oppression that pervades the first act. There is talk of independence, but never do we ever really feel the American occupation haunting the scenes. The title song, ‘Mula sa Buwan’ is a call for a place that is more forgiving, a place that is free from oppression but there’s none of the things that they are wishing for is seen in the play. The love story is front and center but the going-ons in the background feel empty and hollow. What are the colorful children protesting against? Why do they need independence when they can put up plays and sing out in the streets? Anything outside of Cyrano, Roxane, and Christian’s love triangle seems more like filler than something that is integral to the show nor does it inform on the love story itself.

    Mula Sa Buwan 2024 Poster

    With that said, this production of ‘Mula sa Buwan’ is still a total theatrical experience. The set designs by Ohm David are brilliant. It’s a barrage of moving sets with strange perspective that really amplifies the whimsical tone of the show. It’s immersive in a way that it feels that the world is large and wide and deep. The lighting design Meliton Roxas Jr magically illuminates the most important parts of the scene that allows us to follow the story (though I do wish the balcony sequence was just a bit darker to really sell the idea that Roxane can’t see who she is talking to) while the video projections of Joyce Garcia is immensely transformative turning the show into a fairytale. Myke Salomon’s musical score creates urgency and builds emotions. The first song of the second act is absolutely brilliant.

    And the performances – Myke Salomon, Gab Pangilinan, MC Dela Cruz, Phi Palmos, Jillian Ita-as, and Jerom Canlas – fantastic singers and dancers and are able to carry the comedy as well as the romance and then the sudden dramatic shift for Act 2. It’s a total theatrical experience that is so inspiring to see on the Philippine stage. 

    My Rating:

    5 stars - Don't Look Up review



    ‘MULA SA BUWAN’ is running until September 8 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. For ticket details, visit mulasabuwan.com or purchase your tickets through TICKETWORLD or bit.ly/msb2024tickets.

  • Mula sa Buwan Soars Back to the Stage with a Stellar 2024 Cast!

    Mula sa Buwan Soars Back to the Stage with a Stellar 2024 Cast!

    The award-winning Filipino musical Mula sa Buwan is returning to the stage for a limited run this August, and it’s bringing back some of the most beloved actors and actresses from its 2022 run alongside some exciting new faces! Brought to life by Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, this production made its mark in 2022, emerging bravely from the shadows of the pandemic. Now, amidst a bustling theater scene, Mula sa Buwan returns with renewed vigor.

    Mula Sa Buwan 2024 Poster

    Familiar Faces and Fresh Talent

    Get ready to see the original dream team of Myke Salomon, Gab Pangilinan, and MC Dela Cruz reprise their roles as Cyrano, Roxane, and Christian, respectively. They’ll be joined by returning cast members Phi Palmos (Rosanna), Jillian Ita-as (Gabriel), and the squad of beloved cadets: Rapah Manalo (Rosario), Khalil Tambio (Limon), Jep Go (Gimo), and Ericka Peralejo (Carissa).

    Mula Sa BuwanCyrano Christian Roxane by Jaypee Maristaza

    The 2024 production also welcomes new stars to the Mula sa Buwan family. Watch out for Jerom Canlas (Tato), Omar Uddin (Maestro), and Brian Sy (Maximo) as they bring their own magic to the stage.

    The talented ensemble cast also gets a boost with new members Ade Valenzona, Daniel Wesley, Jannah Baniasia, Cheska Quimno, Dippy Arceo, Iya Villanueva, and Jules Dela Paz.

    Mula Sa BuwanMC Dela Cruz as Christian Myke Salomon as Cyrano by Kyle Venturillo

    And for those who want to make sure they catch the show no matter what, Paw Castillo will be on standby for Cyrano, Teetin Villanueva will be the standby for Roxane and the female swing, and Rofe Villarino will be the male swing.

    A Timeless Tale Gets a Filipino Twist

    Mula sa Buwan is a captivating Filipino musical based on Edmond Rostand’s classic Cyrano de Bergerac. But this isn’t your typical Cyrano. While it keeps the core story of unrequited love, beauty standards, and the fight for what you believe in, it reimagines the setting to 1940s Manila.

    Mula Sa BuwanMC Dela Cruz as Christian Gab Pangilinan as Roxane by Jaypee Maristaza

    This fresh take lets the story unfold amidst wide-eyed dreamers, fools, and misfits, all fueled by harana (serenades), kundiman (love songs), and overflowing with genuine friendships. Through witty dialogue, heartwarming stories, and beautiful music, the characters fight for their place in a city on the cusp of change.

    But when war strikes, love, ideals, and truth are put to the ultimate test. The young characters are forced to confront a harsh reality and find a way to “grow up” faster than they ever imagined.

    A Legacy of Love for Theater

    Created by Pat Valera and William Elvin Manzano in 2010, Mula sa Buwan has become a beloved Filipino tradition. Each new staging, from the GSIS Theater in 2011 to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in 2022, has brought something fresh to the table while staying true to the play’s core message of love and resilience.

    Don’t Miss Your Chance!

    Mula Sa Buwan Seat View

    Mula sa Buwan 2024 runs for a limited engagement only, from August 16 to September 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Book your seats now and experience the magic of Filipino musical theater at its finest!

    Mula Sa BuwanFull Seat Plan Ticket Prices

    For more information and ticket reservations, visit mulasabuwan.com or purchase your tickets via TICKETWORLD or bit.ly/msb2024tickets. Get ready to be transported to a world where love knows no bounds and resilience reigns supreme. See you at Mula sa Buwan 2024!

  • Mula Sa Buwan: A Musical About Love and Defiance

    Mula sa Buwan is an original Filipino musical based on Edmond Rostand’s timeless classic Cyrano de Bergerac. However, this is not your usual Cyrano. Although it retains the plot of unrequited love, question of beauty and the relentless battle against compromise, the beloved story has been reimagined to tell a more familiar story: OURS. 

    Mula Sa Buwan LEAD POSTER

    Now set in 1940’s Manila, the musical now features wide-eyed dreamers, fools, and misfits where harana, kundiman, together with passion and genuine friendships abound! Through wit, stories, and music, they dream and fight for their place in an ever-changing city. However, when war strikes, love, ideals, and truth are all tested–the young now forced to suddenly “grow up”. 

    The musical moves to a time after the war, to a field of rubble, of forgotten memories, of heroes lost in a country struggling to survive. At the center of it all is the unrequited and heartbreaking love story between the poet Cyrano, his beloved Roxane, and the kind-hearted Christian. 

    Mula Sa Buwan PR OMNIBUS POSTER

    Created by Pat Valera and William Elvin Manzano in 2010, Mula sa Buwan has been staged numerous times with each version (GSIS Theater; 2011, Irwin Theater; 2016, Arete; 2018) becoming ever more spectacular—without losing the raging love of the play. 

    PRODUCERS: Barefoot Theatre Collaborative (BTC)
    WHERE: Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati
    WHEN: AUGUST 26—SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 (THIRTEEN SHOWS ONLY)
    August 26, 2022 – 7:30 PM — OPENING NIGHT
    August 27, 2022 – 7:30 PM
    August 28, 2022 – 7:30 PM
    September 2, 2022 – 7:30 PM
    September 3, 2022 – 2:00 PM
    September 3, 2022 – 7:30 PM
    September 4, 2022 – 2:00 PM
    September 4, 2022 – 7:30 PM
    September 9, 2022 – 7:30 PM
    September 10, 2022 – 2:00 PM
    September 10, 2022 – 7:30 PM
    September 11, 2022 – 2:00 PM
    September 11, 2022 – 7:30 PM — CLOSING NIGHT
    WHO: Book & Direction by Pat Valera
    Original Lyrics by William Elvin Manzano & Pat Valera
    Original Music by William Elvin Manzano
    Based on Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac” and Soc Rodrigo’s Filipino translation
    Featuring: Myke Salomon as Cyrano
    Gab Pangilinan as Roxane
    Markki Stroem as Christian
    Now, on its final version, we invite you to join us as we all journey to the moon! For inquires, visit mulasabuwan.com, ticketworld.com.ph or mulasabuwan.com/tickets