BETTER, bolder, mas masarap? After its successful run last November 2023, the beloved 2000s barkadahan “Tabing Ilog: The Musical” is back!
Over two decades have passed since the original “Tabing Ilog” aired. Adored by Filipino audiences, “Tabing Ilog” continues to thrive through ABS-CBN’s ongoing collaboration with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
The story, centered on timeless themes of friendship, love, and family, remains relatable across generations, even as it’s set in a new era shaped by fast-changing times.
“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” was first conceptualized in 2019 but faced delays due to the pandemic. However, inspired by the success of their first collaboration on “Walang Aray,” ABS-CBN partnered once again with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) to finally bring the musical to life in 2023.
“Na-witness po ng PETA ang paglunsad, panganganak ng mga bagong thespian mula sa Star Magic. For most of them, it was their first time to do professional theater at natutuwa po kami sa PETA na kasama kami dun. Kasama kami sa kanilang theater journey.” Melvin Lee, PETA Plus program director, said.
After its successful run, a rerun was inevitable. Directed by Phil Noble with a script by Eljay Deldoc and musical direction and songs by Vince de Jesus, the musical will once again delve into the Gen Z struggles of Eds, Rovic, Corrine, Fonzy, George, James, Badong, Andoy, and many more with family, dreams, identity, and love, and how they find ways to rise above – despite.
At the press con at B Hotel last Wednesday, Direk Phil praised the young cast, who have grown more comfortable in their roles. He promised an even better staging, with Direk Vince sharing some exciting changes with the arrangements of the songs.
Star Magic artists who brought the characters to life in the first run are back. Audiences can once again enjoy performances by Vivoree, Sheena Belarmino, Benedix Ramos, Anji Salvacion, Kobie Brown, Jordan Andrews, Kiara Takahashi, Andi Abaya, Omar Uddin, and BGYO’s Akira Morishita.
“Super thankful po ako sa mga kasama namin kasi in a way, na-mold din po ‘yung utak ko po. Kung paano gumawa ng character at kung paano pa palalimin ‘yung paggawa ng character. Definitely nagkaron pa ng new ways kung paano palalimin pa si Rovic [this rerun].” BGYO’s Akira shared.
“Since matagal din kaming hindi nagkakasama or nagkakita-kita, parang nandun din ‘yung longing to perform and work with each other again after a long time. Feeling ko talaga mas magiging passionate kaming lahat this time kasi it’s a rerun. We wan to do something better than what we did sa first run,” Vivoree added.
BINI’s Jhoanna Robles is also set to return for the rerun, with special performances to watch out for.
“Excited na po akong makasama ang barkada at ang Tabing Ilog: The Musical fam ay nag-effort ng matindi para po maibalik ang magic ng Tabing Ilog this year,” BINI’s Jhoanna said in a video message.
Seasoned theater actors Joann Co, Red Nuestro, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Yeyin Dela Cruz, and Adrian Lindayag will also be part of the cast.
More of the cast includes Lance Reblando, Vyen Villanueva, Teetin Villanueva, Jude Hindumdum, Vino Mabalot, and Miah Canton.
With a talented artistic team and a gifted cast, Tabing Ilog: The Musical is set for an exceptional rerun. Returning with its heartwarming, relatable, and humor-filled yet touching Filipino narrative, audiences are in for a delightful watch once again.
“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” will happen at Peta Theater, Quezon City, and will run from November 8 until December 1. Tickets are available for online purchase via Ticketworld.
For updates, visit Teatro Kapamilya, Star Magic, and ABS-CBN Star Hunt on social media platforms.
