Stage Production Notes
A jukebox musical featuring the music of Filipino rock band Aegis. Set in the fictional Barangay Venezia, a town that has been flooded for 3 months. Aileen is a young woman with big voice who dreams of becoming the next YouTube sensation, and guest on Ellen. As she tries her hand at fulfilling her dream, she also finds herself in the position of helping her barangay battle health hazards and livelihood conditions amidst the unceasing flood water.
The band Aegis, meaning shield or protection, was formed in 1995. The band is comprised of sisters Juliet Sunot (lead vocals), Mercy Sunot (lead vocals), and Kris Sunot, with Stella Pabico (keyboard), Rey Abenoja (vocals, lead guitar), Rowena Adriano (bass guitar), and Vilma Goloviogo (drums). The group hail from different parts of the Philippines, including Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Manila, Pampagueno, and Southern Leyte. The group were immensely popular in the 90s, and their songs, particularly “Basang-basa sa Ulan” (“Wet in the Rain”) and “Halik” (“Kiss”) became radio and karaoke favorites.
PETA, the Philippine Educational Theater Association, was founded in 1967 by Cecile Guidote-Alvarez with the goal of creating a Filipino theater, and is today one of the leading theater organizations in the Philippines. In the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy in 2009, the company established Lingap Sining, a youth theater initiative that employs art and theatre as a way for young people to express themselves and develop problem solving skills.
When another theater company was producing the American jukebox musical Rock of Ages, musical director Myke Solomon joked with director Maribel Legarda that they should create a Filipino jukebox musical, Rak of Aegis. Playwright Liza Magtoto was a part of workshops with students following typhoon Ondoy, which germinated the seed for telling the stories she had heard and transcribed.
Rak of Aegis premiered on January 31, 2014, just months after super typhoon Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) devastated the central Philippines. The water-filled set was inspired by the stilt houses in Sitio Paltok.
The musical was performed in Filipino.
The cast included Aicelle Santos, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Isay Alvarez Seña, Robert Seña, Kakai Bautista, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, and Ron Alfonso.
The musical featured twenty songs from the Aegis catalog including “Halik,” “Luha,” “Sinta,” “Mahal na Mahal Kita,” “Sayang na Sayang,” “Basang-Basa sa Ulan,” "Bakit (Ako Ngayo'y Hate Mo),” "Christmas Bonus,” “Munting Pangarap,” and "I Love You Na Lang Sa Tago.” With new arrangements by Myke Salomon, some lyrics were changed to better fit with the story.
Rak of Aegis received glowing reviews, with critics praising the strong performances of the cast, the stunning set design, the show’s ability to convey Filipino resilience in the face of adversity, and the joyful exuberance of the piece as a whole. Blogger Fred Said praised Maribel Legarda’s direction, and also noted that “The concept of setting a musical in a flooded urban poor community is brave and unprecedented.”
The production was nominated for 17 Gawad Buhay, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts. It won 11 awards, including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda), Outstanding Libretto (Liza C. Magtoto), Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Kim Molina), Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Pepe Herrera), Outstanding Lighting Design (Myke Salamon), Outstanding Musical Direction (Happy Constantino), Outstanding Production Design (Mio Infante), Outstanding Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling), and Outstanding Choreography (Gio Gahol).
The original production closed on March 9, 2014. The musical proved to be incredibly popular, and returned for 6 more seasons.
In 2019, PETA partnered with OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and PhilPop (Philpop Musicfest Foundation) to bring Rak of Aegis to the stage for a seventh season.
The cast included Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, and Shaira Opsimar as Aileen, Isay Alvarez-Seña and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson as Mary Jane, Robert Seña and Renz Verano as Kiel, Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales as Mercy, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera and Joshua Bulot as Tolits; Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas and Vince Lim as Kenny; Ron Alfonso and Jimi Marquez as Jewel, Rody Vera and Gie Onida as Fernan, and ensemble members Gimbey Dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Gold Villar-Lim, Teetin Villanueva, John Moran, Gio Gahol, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong, Carlon Matobato, and Matel Patayon.
According to the show’s official website, Rak of Aegis is the longest running original Pinoy musical in the Philippines.
A jukebox musical featuring the music of Filipino rock band Aegis. Set in the fictional Barangay Venezia, a town that has been flooded for 3 months. Aileen is a young woman with big voice who dreams of becoming the next YouTube sensation, and guest on Ellen. As she tries her hand at fulfilling her dream, she also finds herself in the position of helping her barangay battle health hazards and livelihood conditions amidst the unceasing flood water.
The band Aegis, meaning shield or protection, was formed in 1995. The band is comprised of sisters Juliet Sunot (lead vocals), Mercy Sunot (lead vocals), and Kris Sunot, with Stella Pabico (keyboard), Rey Abenoja (vocals, lead guitar), Rowena Adriano (bass guitar), and Vilma Goloviogo (drums). The group hail from different parts of the Philippines, including Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Manila, Pampagueno, and Southern Leyte. The group were immensely popular in the 90s, and their songs, particularly “Basang-basa sa Ulan” (“Wet in the Rain”) and “Halik” (“Kiss”) became radio and karaoke favorites.
PETA, the Philippine Educational Theater Association, was founded in 1967 by Cecile Guidote-Alvarez with the goal of creating a Filipino theater, and is today one of the leading theater organizations in the Philippines. In the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy in 2009, the company established Lingap Sining, a youth theater initiative that employs art and theatre as a way for young people to express themselves and develop problem solving skills.
When another theater company was producing the American jukebox musical Rock of Ages, musical director Myke Solomon joked with director Maribel Legarda that they should create a Filipino jukebox musical, Rak of Aegis. Playwright Liza Magtoto was a part of workshops with students following typhoon Ondoy, which germinated the seed for telling the stories she had heard and transcribed.
Rak of Aegis premiered on January 31, 2014, just months after super typhoon Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) devastated the central Philippines. The water-filled set was inspired by the stilt houses in Sitio Paltok.
The musical was performed in Filipino.
The cast included Aicelle Santos, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Isay Alvarez Seña, Robert Seña, Kakai Bautista, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, and Ron Alfonso.
The musical featured twenty songs from the Aegis catalog including “Halik,” “Luha,” “Sinta,” “Mahal na Mahal Kita,” “Sayang na Sayang,” “Basang-Basa sa Ulan,” "Bakit (Ako Ngayo'y Hate Mo),” "Christmas Bonus,” “Munting Pangarap,” and "I Love You Na Lang Sa Tago.” With new arrangements by Myke Salomon, some lyrics were changed to better fit with the story.
Rak of Aegis received glowing reviews, with critics praising the strong performances of the cast, the stunning set design, the show’s ability to convey Filipino resilience in the face of adversity, and the joyful exuberance of the piece as a whole. Blogger Fred Said praised Maribel Legarda’s direction, and also noted that “The concept of setting a musical in a flooded urban poor community is brave and unprecedented.”
The production was nominated for 17 Gawad Buhay, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts. It won 11 awards, including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda), Outstanding Libretto (Liza C. Magtoto), Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Kim Molina), Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Pepe Herrera), Outstanding Lighting Design (Myke Salamon), Outstanding Musical Direction (Happy Constantino), Outstanding Production Design (Mio Infante), Outstanding Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling), and Outstanding Choreography (Gio Gahol).
The original production closed on March 9, 2014. The musical proved to be incredibly popular, and returned for 6 more seasons.
In 2019, PETA partnered with OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and PhilPop (Philpop Musicfest Foundation) to bring Rak of Aegis to the stage for a seventh season.
The cast included Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, and Shaira Opsimar as Aileen, Isay Alvarez-Seña and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson as Mary Jane, Robert Seña and Renz Verano as Kiel, Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales as Mercy, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera and Joshua Bulot as Tolits; Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas and Vince Lim as Kenny; Ron Alfonso and Jimi Marquez as Jewel, Rody Vera and Gie Onida as Fernan, and ensemble members Gimbey Dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Gold Villar-Lim, Teetin Villanueva, John Moran, Gio Gahol, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong, Carlon Matobato, and Matel Patayon.
According to the show’s official website, Rak of Aegis is the longest running original Pinoy musical in the Philippines.
Filmed Production Notes
Rak of Aegis was filmed live for archival purposes during its 2019 run at the PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center, New Manila.
On July 28, 2021, PETA and OPM streamed a mini-concert on Facebook Live featuring acoustic performances from the cast of the Rak of Aegis, as a teaser for a full-length stream a few days later.
Rak of Aegis was broadcast as a fundraiser for PETA on July 31, Aug 1, Aug 7, and Aug 8, 2021. The stream was released at 8pm Manila time each night, and made available on demand for 24 hours after the initial release. The August 8 screening featured a live virtual concert with The Aegis Band and select members of the cast.
English subtitles were provided with the stream.
Writer Gelo Lasin noted that the production “captures this kind of hope [that despite limitations we can aspire to something more], along with the accompanying regrets, fears, and frustrations that we may have,” and praised the outstanding performances of the cast and the excellent set design.
Rak of Aegis was available to stream via Ticket2Me on July 31, Aug 1, Aug 7, and Aug 8, 2021.
Due to popular demand, Rak of Aegis had an encore screening from Aug 14 - 15, 2021.
Rak of Aegis is not currently available to view.
Rak of Aegis was filmed live for archival purposes during its 2019 run at the PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center, New Manila.
On July 28, 2021, PETA and OPM streamed a mini-concert on Facebook Live featuring acoustic performances from the cast of the Rak of Aegis, as a teaser for a full-length stream a few days later.
Rak of Aegis was broadcast as a fundraiser for PETA on July 31, Aug 1, Aug 7, and Aug 8, 2021. The stream was released at 8pm Manila time each night, and made available on demand for 24 hours after the initial release. The August 8 screening featured a live virtual concert with The Aegis Band and select members of the cast.
English subtitles were provided with the stream.
Writer Gelo Lasin noted that the production “captures this kind of hope [that despite limitations we can aspire to something more], along with the accompanying regrets, fears, and frustrations that we may have,” and praised the outstanding performances of the cast and the excellent set design.
Rak of Aegis was available to stream via Ticket2Me on July 31, Aug 1, Aug 7, and Aug 8, 2021.
Due to popular demand, Rak of Aegis had an encore screening from Aug 14 - 15, 2021.
Rak of Aegis is not currently available to view.
Learn more about PETA and the development of Rak of Aegis with director Maribel Legarda and writer Liza Magtoto on episode 26 of the Filmed Live Musicals podcast. Available on all podcast apps.
Rak of Aegis PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City
Producer: Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
Book: Liza Magtoto
Music and Lyrics: Celso Abenoja of Aegis
Director: Maribel Legarda
Musical Director and Arranger: Myke Salomon
Choreography: Gio Gahol
Scenic Design: Mio Infante
Costume Design: Carlo Pagunaling
Shoe Design: Maco Custodio
Lighting Design: Jonjon Villareal
Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin
Stage Manager: Happy Constantino
Cast:
Aicelle Santos (Aileen), Pepe Herrera (Tolits), Poppert Bernadas (Kenny), Isay Alvarez-Seña (Mary Jane), Robert Seña (Kiel), Joann Co (Mercy), Jimi Marquez (Jewel), Gie Onida (Fernan), John Moran, Matel Patayon, Marynor Madamesila, Lemuel Silvestre, Teetin Villanueva, Rafael Sudayan
Theatre: PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City
Producer: Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
Book: Liza Magtoto
Music and Lyrics: Celso Abenoja of Aegis
Director: Maribel Legarda
Musical Director and Arranger: Myke Salomon
Choreography: Gio Gahol
Scenic Design: Mio Infante
Costume Design: Carlo Pagunaling
Shoe Design: Maco Custodio
Lighting Design: Jonjon Villareal
Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin
Stage Manager: Happy Constantino
Cast:
Aicelle Santos (Aileen), Pepe Herrera (Tolits), Poppert Bernadas (Kenny), Isay Alvarez-Seña (Mary Jane), Robert Seña (Kiel), Joann Co (Mercy), Jimi Marquez (Jewel), Gie Onida (Fernan), John Moran, Matel Patayon, Marynor Madamesila, Lemuel Silvestre, Teetin Villanueva, Rafael Sudayan
Sources
Articles
Websites
Other
- Orly S. Agawin, “A Rak Experience Of A Non-Raker,” Jellicle Blog (June 24, 2014)
- Christina Alpad, “'Rak of Aegis' brings the laughter and hope via online streaming” The Manila Times (June 12, 2021)
- Kate Alvarez, “Finally: Rak of Aegis, The Musical,” Kate Was Here (Jan 3, 2014)
- Walter Ang, “‘Rak of Aegis’–fitful narrative, heart-rending music,” Lifestyle Inquirer (Feb 15, 2014)
- Jacque de Borja, “Award-Winning ‘Rak of Aegis’ Is Back Onstage,” Preen Ph (June 11, 2016)
- Alvin I. Dacanay, “‘Rak of Aegis’ dominates 7th Gawad Buhay!” The Market Monitor (June 15, 2015)
- Nicole Datlangin, “The Untold Story of PETA’s Rak of Aegis,” TheaterFansManila (Sept 18, 2020)
- Gelo Lasin, “5 thoughts we had after watching ‘Rak of Aegis’” We the Pvblic, (Aug 2, 2021)
- Oliver Oliveros, “Review Roundup: RAK OF AEGIS by PETA,” BroadwayWorld: Philippines (Feb 21, 2014)
- Philippine Daily Inquirer, “Philstage Gawad Buhay!’s 2014 nominations out, Peta’s ‘Rak of Aegis’ leads with 17 nods,” Lifestyle Inquirer (May 9, 2015)
- Jonathan Orbuda, “‘Rak of Aegis’ as everyone’s tale,” FringeMag (Feb 5, 2014)
- Kenneth Pletcher, “Super Typhoon Haiyan,” Britannica (Nov, 2013)
- Atom L. Pornel, “4 Best Reasons to Watch PETA’s “Rak of Aegis”” Good News Pilipinas (Aug 17, 2019)
- Fred Said, “Review of PETA’s RAK OF AEGIS: Singing in the Flood,” 3xHCCH (Feb 1, 2014)
- Juan Tagalog, “Aegis,” Dokumentaryo (undated)
- TheaterFansManila, “’Rak of Aegis’ to Stream Online” TheaterFansManila (April 23, 2021)
- TheaterFansManila, “’Rak of Aegis’ Streaming Cast Announced” TheaterFansManila (May 7, 2021)
- TheaterFansManila, “Now Streaming: ‘Raks Aegis’ Mini Concert is Online,” TheaterFansManila (July 29, 2021)
Websites
- PETA Theater, “Our Company, Our Story, Accessed via: https://petatheater.com/about
- Rak of Aegis, Accessed via: https://rakofaegis.com/#about-roa
- Republic of the Philippines: Department of Health, “Super Typhoon Yolanda,” Accessed via: https://doh.gov.ph/Top-Health-Stories/Super-Typhoon-Yolanda
- Wikipedia, “Aegis (band),” Accessed via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegis_%28band%29
Other
- Intermission: A Podcast, Episode 12 “twelfth night, etc. (feat. jon santos), (July 31, 2021)
- Private Correspondence with Liza Magtoto (Aug 2021)
Written by Luisa Lyons (Aug 2021)