‘Tabing Ilog: The Musical’ makes another splash this 2024 with upcoming rerun
Remember those Sunday afternoons we were glued to the TV, watching the lives of Rovic, Eds, Corinne, and the rest of the Tabing Ilog barkada unfold? For many Filipinos who grew up in the ’90s, Tabing Ilog is not just a TV show for many of us. It was a reflection of their own lives, loves, and friendships. If you were a teen back then, you’re part of the market now reminiscing on the show and getting all the nostalgic feels. Now, over two decades later, those iconic characters are back to grace the stage in a musical revival that promises to transport audiences back to their youth while capturing the hearts of a new generation.
From Screen to Stage: A New Generation of Tabing Ilog
After a successful first run in November 2023, Tabing Ilog: The Musical is making a comeback. The cast and crew recently gathered at B Hotel in Quezon City on October 9th, 2024 for a media conference to announce the exciting news. The musical, a collaboration between ABS-CBN and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), breathes new life into the beloved series, exploring universal themes of friendship, love, and family that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Bridging Generations Through Storytelling
“PETA witnessed the birth of new theatrical talents from Star Magic,” shared Melvin Lee, PETA Plus Program Director. “For many of them, this was their first professional theater experience, and we at PETA are delighted to be a part of their journey.” The musical, originally conceived in 2019, faced setbacks due to the pandemic but was finally realized in 2023, inspired by the success of ABS-CBN and PETA’s previous collaboration on “Walang Aray.”
A Deep Dive into Gen Z
Under the direction of Phil Noble, with a script penned by Eljay Deldoc and music by Vince de Jesus, the musical delves into the complexities of Gen Z life. Eds, Rovic, Corrine, Fonzy, and the rest of the gang navigate the challenges of family, dreams, identity, and love in a rapidly changing world.
Familiar Faces, New Perspectives
Many of the Star Magic artists who brought these characters to life in the first run are returning, including Vivoree, Sheena Belarmino, Benedix Ramos, Anji Salvacion, Kobie Brown, Jordan Andrews, Kiara Takahashi, Andi Abaya, Omar Uddin, and BGYO’s Akira Morishita. “I’m incredibly grateful to my fellow cast members,” shared Akira. “They’ve helped me grow as an actor and find new depths in portraying Rovic.”
Vivoree added, “After spending so much time apart, we all have this longing to perform and work together again. I feel like we’ll be even more passionate this time around because it’s a rerun. We want to surpass what we achieved in the first run.”
New Additions to the Barkada
BINI’s Jhoanna Robles, who will be joining the cast for the rerun, expressed her excitement in a video message: “I’m thrilled to be joining the barkada, and the Tabing Ilog: The Musical family has put in a tremendous effort to bring back the magic of Tabing Ilog this year.”
The cast also features seasoned theater actors like Joann Co, Red Nuestro, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Yeyin Dela Cruz, and Adrian Lindayag, along with other talented performers including Lance Reblando, Vyen Villanueva, Teetin Villanueva, Jude Hindumdum, Vino Mabalot, and Miah Canton.
A Heartwarming Homecoming
With a talented cast and crew, Tabing Ilog: The Musical promises another heartwarming and humorous exploration of the Filipino narrative. The musical will run from November 8 to December 1 at the PETA Theater in Quezon City. Tickets are available for purchase online through Ticketworld. Don’t miss this chance to relive the magic of Tabing Ilog and experience a new chapter in this timeless story.
