foreground: Jean Marc Cordero (Rama) and Carissa Adea (Sita) background Christian Bautista (Rama) and Karylle (Sita). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Written and Photographed

By Jude Bautista

Christian Bautista and Karylle’s successful team up in ‘Kitchen Musical’ is now followed up with an even bigger and more prestigious project. RAMAHARI is a musical combined with Ballet Philippines stars like Jean Marc Cordero and Carissa Adea. Kitchen Musical won 2 awards (Gold for writing, Bronze for entire cast) at the New York Festival 2012, which awards TV shows from around the world.

Singers in white from left: Noel Rayos (King Dasaratha), Amparo Sietereales (Soorpanakha), Robert Seña (Ravana), Melani Ligot (Kaikeyi) and Brezhnev Larlar (Hanuman). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

from left: Carissa Adea (Sita), Earl John Arisola (Lakshmana) and Jean Marc Cordero (Rama). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

RAMAHARI runs from November 30-December 9, 2012. Christian and Karylle have an even more esteemed company for this once in a lifetime project. The show features the works of 3 National Artists: Bienvenido Lumbera wrote the librettos, Rolando S. Tinio translated Lumbera’s words to English (subtitles) and Salvador Bernal designed both costumes and the set. It also marks the return of Ballet Philippines founder Alice Reyes while Ryan Cayabyab composed music.

from left: Karylle (Sita), Christian Bautista (Rama) and Noel Rayos (King Dasaratha). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Cast of singers include the best that Phil. Theater has to offer: OJ Mariano, Kalila Aguilos, Robert Seña, Christian Rey Marbella, Amparo Sietereales, Melani Ligot, Jai Sabas-Aracama, Noel Rayos and Brezhnev Larlar.

foreground dancers: from left: Anna Margarita Reyes (Kooni) and Margarita Josefa Escueta (Kaikeyi) background singers from left: Melani Ligot (Kaikeyi) and Amparo Sietereales (Soorpanakha). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Christian Bautista is Rama in Ballet Phil.’s RAMAHARI. It runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Christian showed his acting has improved to the level of his vocal prowess that he is more known for. His star power was also seen in a very successful 10-year anniversary concert last October at the MERALCO Theater entitled X Class. Christian gave a mature and developed rendition of his character Rama. Karylle is in the female lead of Sita. The last time the two had a major concert together in the Philippines was the post Valentine concert “Love and Laughter” at Resort’s World Manila.

Background: Jean Marc Cordero (Rama) and Carissa Adea (Sita) foreground: Christian Bautista (Rama) and Karylle (Sita). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

RAMAHARI has spectacular performances from Ballet Phil, Christian Bautista, Karylle, Robert Seña and many more. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Ramahari Director Paul Alexander Morales said, “It was Ryan who suggested Christian, I have to say it’s been the most wonderful experience working with them. They’re very generous and are open to all of our inputs.”

Morales was very familiar with the teamwork from the two, “This is their second big turn the first was ‘West Side Story’. I guess they’ve had a lot of experiences at the level of their career. When we heard they’d consider doing it we were ecstatic. Especially after ‘Kitchen Musical’, which was quite serious, ang laki ng growth nila roon, sayang naman.”

Karylle as Sita in Ballet Phil.’s RAMAHARI. It runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

On top is Brezhnev Larlar (Hanuman), below him is the Monkey army. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The original RAMAHARI was composed for the voices of Basil Valdez, Leo Valdez and Kuh Ledesma in 1980 when all the best creative minds first got together to create it. The current production includes Jed Balsamo-Musical Direction, Ramon Victoria-Restager, John Neill Ilao Batalla-Lighting Design, Ricardo Cruz-Production design Consultant, Dennis Maristany-Costume Consultant, Jeffrey R. Solares-Conductor Manila Symphony Orchestra, UP Concert Chorus.

Ma. Celina Dofitas as (Soorpanakha). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

RAMAHARI has spectacular performances from Ballet Phil, Christian Bautista, Karylle, Robert Seña and many more. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Robert Seña is Ravana in Ballet Phil.’s RAMAHARI. It runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Some of the original dancers from the 1980 and 1990 productions were present during the opening. Butch Esperanza was in the role of Ravana. He was also able to compare the singers, “Yung rendition ni Robert maganda e. Magkaiba sila ng texture ni Leo Valdez. Mas malandi si Leo.” Leo Valdez is in ‘King and I’ as King Mogkut at the Newport Performing Art’s Theater in Resort’s World Manila running until December 30, 2012.

Financial supporters include: President’s Circle– Antonio Cojuangco, DPC yellow Pages, Artists Circle-Dept. of Tourism

Jean Marc Cordero (Rama) and Carissa Adea (Sita) in RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

from right: Jean Marc Cordero (Rama), Carissa Adea (Sita) and Earl John Arisola
(Lakshmana). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Financial supporters include: President’s Circle– Antonio Cojuangco, DPC yellow Pages, Artists Circle-Dept. of Tourism

From left: Melani Ligot (Kaikeyi), Marvin Ryan Arizo (King Dasaratha) and Margarita Josefa Escueta (Kaikeyi). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Sponsors: Ms. Kathleen Liechtenstein,  Cats Motors, Tesoro’s, Intellicare, John Robert Powers , Petron, Mercedes Zobel, Gourmet Farm, Inc., SOLAR News Channel, MEGA, Lifestyle Asia, Phil Daily Inquirer, Business World,  AirAsia.com, Phil STAR, PETRON, Metrobank, Share the Magic Program, SM Foundation Inc., Sanicare ECO layers, CROSSOVER 105.1, Swan Dance, PTFJ Ad consult, mediamagnet, Midas Hotel, Skin Solutions, OUTCOMM, ABS CBN, The City Club, Clickthecity.com,  Universal Records, TONI&GUY Hairdressing, BOYSEN, French Baker, PANCAKE HOUSE Group, McDonalds, My Sweet Fairy, Shakey’s, Madonna’s Cakes & Pastries, Ralph’s Wines & Spirits and Gerry’s Grill.

RAMAHARI has spectacular performances from Ballet Phil, Christian Bautista, Karylle, Robert Seña and many more. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Christian Bautista is Rama in Ballet Phil.’s RAMAHARI. It runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

PROFILES FROM RAMAHARI 2012 PROGRAM:

CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA- RAMA

Christian Bautista is undeniably this generation’s top male singer. He is known as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer gathering a huge following not only in the Philippines, but also in other countries in the region. His albums also received numerous platinum record awards inside and outside the Philippines.

To say that he is an Asian Sensation is an understatement with all his albums enjoying massive support from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

He also received accolades as a performer from all award-giving bodies like the Awit Awards, MYX Awards, MTV Awards, Star Awards, among others.

The two Ramas: from left: Jean Marc Cordero (Rama) and Christian Bautista (Rama). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The gifted singer also dabbles into acting. He starred in the ABS-CBN series “Kampanerang Kuba,” opposite Anne Curtis, and “Beautiful Girl” with Carmen Soo as his leading lady.

He also wowed audiences with his turn as Tony in STAGES’ production of “West Side Story,” where he was paired with Karylle. Their partnership received critical and commercial acclaim when they did the Pan-Asian musical series The Kitchen Musical, which was shown in 20 countries around the globe. He performs regularly for the ABS-CBN musical variety show “ASAP 2012.”

The two Ramas: from left: Christian Bautista (Rama) and Jean Marc Cordero (Rama). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The Phantom of the Opera was played by OJ Mariano in “Forbidden Broadway.” The play ran from May 25, 26, 27, 2012 at the RCBC Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

OJ MARIANO-RAMA

An Awit Awards’ Best New Male Recording Artist awardee, OJ has appeared in various television programs and performed for shows and events both in the Philippines and abroad. He has also sung several themesongs of TV soaps of ABS-CBN,one of the leading television networks in his country. His latest regular TV stint was as a house singer for the hit game show, The Singing Bee.

OJ Mariano reprises his role in RENT. “Forbidden Broadway” ran from May 25, 26, 27, 2012 at the RCBC Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

OJ ventured into theater two years ago. He was cast as one of the featured singers of PAGCOR’s musical-acrobatic show Flow. Afterwhich, he debuted in the local theater scene and portrayed the role of Tom Collins for 3 runs of “RENT” with 9works Theatrical for which he won a Philippine Broadwayworld Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. And other roles followed, Tunying/Simoun in Dulaang UP’s “Isang Panaginip na Fili”, Vittorio Vidal and Daddy Brubeck in 9works’ “Sweet Charity”, Sebastian in Atlantis’ production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, Paco Valencia in 4th Wall’s original musical “Rivalry:Ateneo-LaSalle the Musical”, was part of the 4-person cast of Upstart’s production of “Forbidden Broadway”, Marcus in Chancel Repertory’s “The Choice” and just recently performed in the Grand Theater of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore for “Avenue Q” as Gary Coleman.

Karylle as Sita in Ballet Phil.’s RAMAHARI. It runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

KARYLLE-SITA

Over the years, Karylle has established herself as one of the country’s finest female celebrities. With her immense talent and disarming beauty, she has conquered the local and international entertainment scene by storm.

Karylle topbilled the Pan-Asian musical series The Kitchen Musical, which was shown in around 20 countries worldwide. Here, she received accolades from different award-giving bodies all

Her critically acclaimed role as “Denise” in the ABS-CBN TV drama “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” exhibited her talent as an actress. Her star also shone in the drama series, “Magkano ang Iyong Dangal.”

Her showbiz debut was when she played Princess Sapphire in the musical The Little Mermaid, and later released her first album Time to Shine. She then won Best New Female Artist and Most Promising Female Artist from the Aliw Awards.

She recorded three more albums since: You Make Me Sing, received platinum award for Time for Letting Go and a gold record award for Roadtrip. Proving her chops as a songwriter, Karylle has included some of her original compositions in her albums, most notably in her most recent album, Roadtrip, where she wrote eleven tracks.

Karylle with significant other Yael Yuzon of Sponge Cola. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Karylle’s beauty has also graced the covers of Metro, PEOPLE Asia, Women’s Health, MEGA, MARIE CLAIRE, FUDGE, COSMOPOLITAN, WOMENS MAGAZINE, MOD, HEALTH & LIFESTYLE, STYLE, S- MAGAZINE, STAR STUDIO MAGAZINE and the list goes on. As an accomplished singer, she has won many top awards for The AWIT AWARDS (equivalent to the Grammys).

She also gave a stirring performance as Maria in Stages’production of“West Side Story,”with Christian Bautista as her leading man.

She was featured in the 2010 Star Cinemamovie “Dalaw,” topbilledbyKrisAquino. Karylle is also seen in ASAP 09, ABS-CBN’s popular musical variety show which airs all over the world in The Filipino Channel Cable.

A top student who graduated valedictorian in OB Montessori, Karylle was a Service Medalist from Poveda and Dean’s Lister in Ateneo. Karylle’s endorsements include The Belo Medical Group, Skechers, DBP (Developmental Bank of the Philippines), Blue DayWater Spa, Pink Water Cologne, Bench Body, Gold’s Gym, among others.

The Dawn front man Jett Pangan as the lead role with Kalila Aguilos as the seductive Lucy Harris. Repertory Phil.’s “Jekyll & Hyde” ran until April 22, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

KALILA AGUILOS-SITA

Her most recent theatrical appearance was as Lucy in Repertory Philippines’ staging of the Broadway musical, “Jekyll And Hyde”. She also played Thea Elvsted in Actor’s Actor Inc.’s staging of Hedda Gabler, as Tamora, Queen of the Goths in La Salle College of Saint Benilde’s SDA staging of Shakespeare’s TITUS ANDRONICUS and the space vixen, Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux, in the very successful, “Zsazsa Zathurnahh Ze Muzikal” based on the graphic novel by Carlo Vergara. She also played the fiery Wanabe in Asia On Stage’s “Dragon Tales”, Jenny Diver and Polly Peachum in World Theatre Project’s “Three Penny Opera” and Gia Almonte in Dulaang U.P.’s “Atang” where she re-enacts the life of coloratura soprano/National Artist, Atang Dela Rama. Other theatre credits include Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Ang Mga Huwad”, “Troyanas”, “Middle Of Silence”, “Paglayang Minamahal”, “Ang Pagpatay Kay Luna”, “Dularawan Ng Pating”, “Agunaldo, 1898”, “Ulilang Tahanan”, “El Filibusterismo” and “Noli Me Tangere”. Tanghalang At Obra’s musical adaptation of “The Necklace”, International Theatre Institute’s presentation of Gabriel Garcia Lorca’s “Blood Wedding”, Likhaan’s “Paalam Soledad” and “Ang Pagpapasya”, Dulaang Talyer’s “Disyembre”, Nestor Torre’s “Magnificat” and other independent productions.

Kalila Aguilos as the seductive Lucy Harris. Repertory Phil.’s “Jekyll & Hyde” ran until April 22, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

She is a familiar face on television, playing character roles in soap operas and sitcoms. She has done many advertisements and films, and has been cited as one of the Top Twenty Independent Film Actors of the Philippines for 5 years running. She has also been nominated for Best Actress in the International Independent Filmmakers Awards, and the Golden Screen Awards in 2008 for her performance in the independent film, “Haw-ang” by Bong Ramos. She is also the founder and president of the Philippine Theater Actors Guild (TAG).

Kalila Aguilos as the seductive Lucy Harris with Jamie Wilson. Repertory Phil.’s “Jekyll & Hyde” ran until April 22, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Robert Seña is Ravana in Ballet Phil.’s RAMAHARI. It runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

ROBERT SEŇA-RAVANA

Robert began his career as a rock singer but later discovered his passion for stage and classical music. He is now an accomplished and multi-awarded actor( Gawad Buhay-Philstage, Aliw Awards, National Press Club’s “Tinig Awards”) and singer who has done numerous concerts, TV, film, musicals and stage plays both here and abroad. Notable productions include: Miss Saigon (London, Germany & Manila), Jesus Christ Superstar (London & Manila), Hey Mr. Producer! (London), “Katy” The Musical, Bayan Isang Paa na Lamang, Miong! The Musical, Cory the Musical, Rama at Sita. Skin Deep, Noli at Fili, Spoliarium, Tales of the Manuvu & Juan Tamad at Limang Milyong Boto.

From left: the two Ravanas from left: Robert Seña and Richardson Yadao. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

He released 2 Solo Albums( Star Records and Ivory Records) 1 Duets Album with Isay Alvarez-Seña and guested in several Various Artists Album.

In 2009, he wrote and co-directed a short film entitled ‘What Floor Ma’am?’ which was included in Cinemalaya Festival. Magsimula Ka is Robert’s debut as a director for full length musical and feels blessed to have been given this opportunity. Robert is the Creative Director of Spotlight Artists Centre. Established in May 2008 together with his wife Isay Alvarez-Seña, Carl Balita and Tricia Amper-Jimenez. Spotlight will restage “Katy” the Musical in January 2013 at the CCP.

Carissa Adea (Sita) and Richardson Yadao (Ravana). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Jean Marc Cordero (Rama) flies high above the stage. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30- December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

RAMAHARI has spectacular performances from Ballet Phil, Christian Bautista, Karylle, Robert Seña and many more. RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

from left: Melani Ligot (Kaikeyi) and Amparo Sietereales (Soorpanakha). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.

From left: Marvin Ryan Arizo (King Dasaratha) raises Margarita Josefa Escueta (Kaikeyi) at right is Anna Margarita Reyes (Kooni). RAMAHARI runs from Nov 30-December 9, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista.