Repertory Philippines Presents MIONG (2019)

Tim Pavino gets big break as Emilio Aguinaldo in Rep’s musical ‘Miong’ -Source:ABS-CBN

Written and directed by REP Artistic Director Joy Virata, with songs by Ian Monsod and additional lyrics by Freddie Santos, Tim Pavino is set to play the titular role. Joining him in the cast are Noel Rayos (Berong), Cara Barredo (Yayang), Meynard Peñalosa (Father Blas), and Elver Esquivel (Don Carlos). Joining Virata, Monsod, and Santos in the creative team are Dexter Santos (choreography) and Ejay Yatco (musical direction).

‘Miong’ was first staged by the company in 1998 starring Rem Zamora. The show will run from February 15 to March 10 at the Onstage Theatre of Greenbelt 1. -source

Note: The indefatigable and mighty talented Mr. Robert Seña was Mr. Zamora's alternate back then

4 March 2019

Last night I read the best review ever about the musical, and it was by Anna Margarita Tongco, but she just shared it with her friends, so I don't think I could share those beautiful words here.  I just want to say, I couldn't have said it better.  Her views on the show are balanced, and proves that she is a great thinker, and not just someone who is merely spoon-fed all the information and accepts everything as the truth, and nothing but...

Here below is a video about the star of the musical:

From AXL Powerhouse Network

The words below are just my heartfelt reactions:

There were several movies and other forms of entertainment that really hurt the image of our dearest Miong, so it is refreshing to see this musical, the shortened version of the Centenary performances, but nonetheless so worth our precious time(s).

“I don’t understand this hatred” - Joy Virata depicts a different Aguinaldo in ‘Miong’

Ms. JOY VIRATA who wrote the story and lyrics(that were brought to life by the genius composer,among other abilities, IAN MONSOD) based on research, and directed this beautiful two-act musical, removed parts that couldn't hurt the message and the context of the musical.  For instance, the part of Campupot/Kampupot's alleged love affair with Miong was deleted, so the musical only highlighted Genoveva, Aguinaldo's young love, and Yayang(CARA BARREDO, originally), his first wife, who fought side by side with him. 

♫♬🎶♫♬🎶 

Of course, there were a lot of people who mentioned the one-sidedness of the story, like it is only pleasing the Aguinaldos, but I ask you to set aside your political beliefs, even just for a couple of hours, and listen to the beautiful words created by Ms. Virata as interpreted by the musical's ensemble, and main characters, with music to match the words' every mood by Mr. Monsod. 

♫♬🎶♫♬🎶 

If not for anything else, TIM PAVINO, as Miong, is worth watching.  He is a very talented young man, often compared to Paulo Avelino, but he is his own person.  In my own opinion, he only looks like Mr. Avelino on TV, and from afar, but up close he looks different...alright, I will post a VERRRY unflattering photograph of myself with the very talented young man: 

I let my mom choose the photo that I would share "here".  I'm not really "selfie-genic", but here it is.

ELVER ESQUIVEL plays Don Carlos' Miong's dad(and a member of the Chorus), and little SEAN KEVIN INOCENCIO plays the young Miong.  As father and son they have a good connection.  Mr. Esquivel has one of the best melodic voices, and young Mr. Inocencio holds promise.  

♫♬🎶♫♬🎶

I wished Ms. JAY GLORIOSO was the one who was going to play Kapitana Teneng, who, even in this musical, was very controlling, but I wasn't disappointed with the performer(3 March 2019, matinee), the amazing Ms. LANI LIGOT. I remember cringing(an understatement) when I watched Heneral Luna being massacred(movie). Of course, that event happened after the 1898 Declaration of Independence at Kawit, so that wasn't included here. 

What's included here is the death of the Supremo, Andres Bonifacio, which my young friend noted, was kind of candy coated(not the words she used, but kind of similar),  along with the Tejeros Convention, but she did say that even as a young man, it was evident that Miong loved our Country, The Philippines.

♫♬🎶♫♬🎶

MEYNARD PEÑALOSA is a man with many, many hats, and that is true even in this musical, but the main character he played was FATHER BLAS, a conniving slimy Spanish Friar who was very influential in those days. I think Mr. Peñalosa played him more than well.  :-)

♫♬🎶♫♬🎶

NOEL RAYOS is BERONG/NARRATOR.  He is very, very effective in his role/roles. Like Mr. Peñalosa he is very versatile.

For more info about the musical please click 

Photo Flash: Get a First Look at Repertory Philippines' New Production of MIONG

The musical is pretty enjoyable.  Just set aside your political affiliations, and have an open mind when you are watching this.  Oh, I said that already.

So I guess that's all I have to say.

Thanks for your time dear readers.

May God bless us all!

What: MIONG
Where: Onstage Theatre, 2/F Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati
When:February 15, 16, 22, 23, 2019, March 1, 2, 8, 9, 2019; 8 p.m.
February 16, 17, 23, 24, 2019, March 2, 3, 9, 10, 2019; 3: 30 p.m.

Ticket details:

Php 1,500 – Orchestra Center (Reserved Seating)
Php 1,200 – Orchestra Sides (Free Seating)

For March 10. 2019 (Sun, 3:30 p.m.)
Php 1,500 – Orchestra Seating (Reserved Seating)
Php 1,200 – Orchestra Sides (Reserved Seating)
Php 1,000 – Balcony (Reserved Seating)

For more information, tickets and seat reservations, please contact Ticketworld at 02-891-9999 or visit their website. 

Photo added 7 March 2019

Thanks to Junjun A., Ms. Marie Talay, and Ms. Rose, these tickets were replaced after my dad misplaced them. After four days, while sipping his morning coffee, Dada found them inside a bag we all thoroughly checked. #LifeIsAMystery ;-)