#TheaterPH - 5 Reasons why you MUST watch MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical

It is with brilliant mind if you going to ask yourself questions of ‘what ifs’ and supply arguments with ‘buts’. MANHID is a musical which just entertained the thought of “What if EDSA revolution failed?” and used heroes and villains with superpowers to convey a powerful message across people from all walks of life. Here are the reasons why you MUST watch MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical.

1: It is 100% Pinoy!

Ricardo Magno as Radia Indarapatra, Mayen Estanero as Mamalahim-ma, and JV Ibesate in Azul
photo by Jojo Mamangun

MANHID is 100% Pinoy made; from the acclaimed director Aureus Solito also known as “Kanakan-Balintagos”,   to its producers and technical team; from the roster of talented actors from different theater groups like Tanghalang Pilipino, 9Works, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); and internationally acclaimed jazz funk rock band Radioactive Sago Project, who performs the music live, Filipino talent unfolds all throughout the run. After watching the musical play, one can say that “I’m truly proud to be a Filipino.”

2: Catchy Compositions!

Since it’s all original, songs used in the play were composed by Kanakan- Balintagos himself, Carina Evangelista, Vicente de Jesus and The Eraserheads (Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro). Compositions come to life through Francis de Veyra as Musical Director, Joed Caballero Balsamo as Resident Music Director, TJ Ramos as Sound Designer and Keyboardist and  Radioactive Sago Project as the In House Band. I end up buying the official soundtrack and had a little hangover while it plays on my friend’s car going back home.  

3: It’s a re-stage!

MANHID has first premiered at the Palma Hall of University of the Philippines – Diliman in 1991. Ambitious as it may seem but this musical has been a great part of theater goers and arts enthusiasts must watch during the early 90’s. People still remember how the musical transformed and rocked audience’s life. One of my Instagram posts has been reposted several times by people who actually watched the first run of the musical and it’s fun to interact with them by knowing their favorite characters from the play.

4: Award winning cast!

The cast of MANHID in 'ULAN',the show's finale
photo by Jojo Mamangun

Spearheading the cast as Bantugan is Sandino Martin who won Best Actor at the Cinema One Originals Awards Night for his role in “Esprit de Corps”. Alternating the role is Ballet Philippines Apprentice, Mark Anthony Grantos. Female lead, Lam-Ang, is portrayed by Regina de Dera, a resident member of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, who won Gawad Buhay award for Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Play in 2013 for “Der Kaufmann”.   Alternate for Lam-Ang’s role is Teetin Villanueva who earned her nominations for the 26th Aliw Awards and BroadwayWorld Philippines’ Awards in 2013 for her thesis role performance as Hermana Augusta Beata in Floy Quintos’ COLLECTION. Joining the casts are alternating for the role of Allunsina are Gold Villar and  Kim Molina from Rak of Aegis, KL Dizon, a graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts as Urduja, Jean Judith Javier, appeared in Noli Me Tangere the Opera as the madwoman (Sisa), as Dilim and Ronah Rastata as Lagrimas. For the villains, Mayen Estanero as Demonyita Mamalahima, the Minister of Humanity, Fred Lo and Ricardo Magno alternate as Radya Indarapatra and other artists.

5: It’s from Ballet Philippines!

photo from www.philstar.com

After sold out and flawless performances from Cinderella, La Revolucion Filipina, and Giselle, Ballet Philippines brings out another best from their newest production. Ballet Philippines continue to challenge themselves from jumping to traditional ballet pieces to modern contemporary dances as they share themselves to the stage. BP always show audiences new dynamics, beautiful choreography base executions and effortless combinations that transcends through the stage wherever they perform. MANHID is one of my favorite productions that Ballet Philippines has presented to the theater table.

You can still watch MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical until March 8!

Ticketworld: www.ticketworld.com.ph, (02) 891-9999
CCP Box Office: (02) 832-3704
Ballet Philippines: (02) 551-1003, (02) 551- 7919

Schedule and ticket prices:

February 20: 8PM
Feb. 21: 2PM, 6PM
Feb. 22: 2PM
Feb. 27: 8PM
Feb. 28: 6PM
March 1: 2PM, 6PM
March 6: 8PM
March 7: 6PM
March 8: 2PM, 6PM

Orchestra Center (rows K, L, M, N): P1,500
Orchestra Center (other rows): P1,200
Orchestra Side: P1,000
Parterre Box: P1,200
Lower Box: P1,000
Upper Box: P700
Balcony 1 Center: P600
Balcony 1 Side: P500
Balcony 2: P400

Note: Discounts: 50% for student (4-21 yrs. old) 20% for senior citizen, government employee & SM Global Pinoy cardholder.

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