BAR 360 – Text and Photos by Jude Bautista

OPM’s Finest in Bituing Walang Ningning

jude bautista — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 17:12:13 +0000

from left: Ronnie Liang (Garrie Diaz), Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles), Monica Cuenco and Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Undeniably for all Filipinos, BITUING WALANG NINGNING is an iconic film. The drama of the storyline is expected. What caught me off guard was how much I enjoyed the music. IF only to hear the familiar OPM hits performed well in the context of a story, it may even be considered better as a musical than a movie. Everyone remembers the famous line, “You’re nothing but a second rate copycat”. But there were so many hit songs from the soundtrack that have become Filipino classics.

Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Due to insistent public demand BITUING WALANG NINGNING (BWN) at Resort’s World Manila will have another run from October 8, 2015 through to January of 2016. Willy Cruz, one of the most prolific film scorers and composers produced so many memorable songs just from BWN alone: MAGANDANG GABI, SA DUYAN NG ‘YONG PAG-IBIG, PANGARAP NA BITUIN, SANA’Y MAGHINTAY ANG WALANG HANGGAN, KAMUSTA KA, INIT SA MAGDAMAG and title song BITUING WALANG NINGNING.

Willy Cruz has scored over 100 films and is in the FAMAS Hall of Fame.

Willy Cruz has scored over 100 films and is in the FAMAS Hall of Fame.

from left: RWM CEO & VP for Entertainment Colin Kerr, RWM Creative Technical Dir Sviatlana Burkun and Priscilla Director Jaime Del Mundo. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Everyone admires the music composed by Willy Cruz who has scored countless more titles that have become classics. Just a few of the of the 100 films includes BUKAS LULUHOD ANG MGA TALA, INIT SA MAGDAMAG, SANA’Y WALA NANG WAKAS and MADRASTA.

from left: Mak Alonso, Michael Stuart Williams, Jay Roa, Menchu L Yulo, Dino Divinagracia and Edz Bordamonte. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

An interesting side note is that Philippine Star columnist Baby Gil wrote lyrics for 2 BWN hits: SANA’Y MAGHINTAY ANG WALANG HANGGAN and KAMUSTA KA. She is also Vice President for Corporate Media of VIVA Ent., which produced this runaway hit and has worked with composers, Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo.

Jon Santos (Auntie) & Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Not a lot of people are aware that BWN show director and playwright Freddie Santos is himself a composer and lyricist. He wrote and composed POINTS OF VIEW originally recorded by Joey Albert and is one of the additional songs. The other two additional songs that night were USAHAY from Cebu and ANG BOYFRIEND KONG BADUY. Director Freddie Santos also adapted the BWN screenplay by Orlando Nadres based on a comic series by Nerissa Cabral. Santos has also written songs for Jaya, Angelika and Vina Morales.

Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Musical Director Rodel Colmenares. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Willy Cruz has won the FAMAS Best Musical Score five times and consequently was elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame. In order to successfully execute these time loved hits by Cruz a similarly skillful musician and arranger has to be on board to execute them. Enter musical Director Rodel Colmenar, he commands no ordinary band but the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. The quality of a whole live orchestra adds that drama and depth that makes for a truly unforgettable musical experience. Rodel Colmenar said this particular musical is special for him because the music was made during an era where OPM was king.

Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

That period is really what you see in the production design by Jo Tecson and costumes by Aksana Sidarava. There are big black rotary phones, gigantic hair on Edith (Menchu Luachengco Yulo’s character), shoulder pads and headbands during aerobic workouts. The 80s were more than just these nostalgic elements that bring you back. It was a time when OPM artists were no.1 for a great majority of Filipinos as it well should. Somehow, looking back at that time is important especially for the youth and the public in general to think about and see on stage. The music we make should always be no.1 for us all.

Jon Santos (Auntie) does Pilita Corales impression beside Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

The famous names of the time are as enduring with their voice and talent. We should support them now as fervently as we did then: Nonoy Zuñiga, Basil Valdez, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Apo Hiking Society, Freddie Aguilar, Pilita Corales and Gary Valenciano, (many more).

Maine Mendoza looks like a teen Pops Fernandez. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016

Maine Mendoza looks like a teen Pops Fernandez. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016

For all the ALDUB fans of today Maine Mendoza has a lot of the facial features of a teenage Pops Fernandez. The difference is Pops was an amazing vocalist and dancer even as a teen and later on a seasoned actress. She even earned the title of Concert Queen opposite Martin Nievera her former hubby who is known as the Concert King. Who knows maybe Maine Mendoza will be able to display her talent musically and evolve from her dub smash shtick? Mendoza has a leg up on comedy, which I hope she’ll develop into real acting in the future.

Before ALDUB there was Martin and Pops. ALDUB has yet to prove themselves talent-wise vs the Concert King & Queen. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016

Zsa zsa Padilla with guests Martin Nievera and Karylle recently held a concert at RWM’s Newport Performing Arts Theater. There are so many Pinoy artists you can catch live that are able to perform 80s and current hits at different venues in Resort’s World- Bar 360 and Bar 180. One of them is The Voice 2013 winner Mitoy Yonting who fronts the Aliw award winning band DRAYBERS. There’s PRIMO, SINGING SENSATIONS, SHAYNE AND THE BROWN UNION, JO & THE HOLY NOTES. Another The Voice S1 finalist Janice Javier can also be seen performing in Bar 360 on October 11. Check out the full schedule on http://www.rwmanila.com/shows-events.

John Nite plays his uncle German Moreno. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

John Nite plays his uncle German Moreno. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

left: Basil Valdez, right: Raymond Lauchengco have voice overs as center: Menchu Lauchengco Yulo (Edith) writes her column. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Two leading OPM artists of the time actually have a cameo appearance of sorts in BWN, through a voice over. Menchu Lauchengco Yulo as Edith has a phone conversation with her (real life) brother Raymond Lauchengco and then Basil Valdez. Basil is perhaps one of the most familiar and iconic voices in original Pilipino music. Raymond Lauchengco is a singer in his own right and has also starred in some of the biggest Pinoy films and TV series: BAGETS, B@GETS: JUST GOT LUCKY, MMK. This is where the LED screens also play a role, as their photos are projected almost cinema wide during the phone conversation.

Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar) hugs Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Ultimate Production bosses Christine Manalang & Mark Manalang,
RWM Dir Sponsorships & Partnerships Anna Chua. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

COSUN FAMOUS STONE supports Bituing Walang Ningning BWN is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016.

COSUN FAMOUS STONE supports Bituing Walang Ningning BWN is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016.

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Ronnie Liang (Garrie Diaz) serenades audiences. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Composer Vincent De Jesus and May Bayot. Photo was taken during TRIPLE THREATS series of Vincent De Jesus’ DEMENTED, DELIGHTFUL, DERANGED DEJESUS last September 24, 2015 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Danrev Dimaculangan (Ensemble), Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles) & Timothy Fabian (Ensemble). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

DATEM INC supports Bituing Walang Ningning BWN is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016.

DATEM INC supports Bituing Walang Ningning BWN is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016.

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Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles) sings in fiesta. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar) & Jay Roa (Zosimo Blanco). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar), Menchu Lauchengco Yulo (Edith) and Michael Stuart Williams (Larry). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Ronnie Liang (Garrie Diaz) and Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Cara Barredo (Ensemble), Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda) and Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Ensemble from left: Jill Peña, Luani Sablan and Cara Barredo. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles) and Michael Stuart Williams (Larry). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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left-Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda) in pink is a thrilled fan of Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles) right. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from October 8, 2015 to January 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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ILO ILO’s SLUMBER PARTY at OPUS

jude bautista — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 17:43:30 +0000

ILO ILO stars from left: Teresita Sajonia, Anthony Chen, Angeli Bayani and Koh Jialer. Photo taken at the ILO ILO premiere at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

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By Jude Bautista

ILO ILO, the award winning film by Anthony Chen with Angeli Bayani is capturing hearts in Manila. At last count ILO ILO has garnered 21 awards among them the Camera d’Or (best first feature film award) from Cannes and Best Picture from Golden Horse. Director Anthony Chen, lead actress Angeli Bayani and Jialer (her ward in the film) was joined by a very special person in the premiere at the New Port Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.

Actress/ Flamenco dancer Liza Diño and Aizza Seguera at the ILO ILO premiere at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

The glamorous red carpet event was made extra special by the presence of Teresita Sajonia. She is director Anthony Chen’s real life nanny who inspired the film ILO ILO. That’s why Angeli’s role is named ‘Aunty Terry’. The adolescent character JIA LER (her ward) is the real name of actor Koh Jialer. Instead of addressing audiences before the screening he demonstrated his wu shu moves.

Proud pals left: Glaiza Decastro , Angeli Bayani and Alchris Galura at the ILO ILO premiere at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Daryl Shy(The Voice) and Aiza Seguera at the ILO ILO premiere at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last December 2, 2013. Daryl Shy also performs at BAR 360 in Resort’s World Manila. Photo by Jude Bautista

The host of the screening is Markki Stroem, one of the lead actors of SLUMBER PARTY. Both ILO ILO and SLUMBER PARTY are distributed locally by ORIGIN8 MEDIA.

Markki Stroemm and Angeli Bayani celebrate the success of their films at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

foreground from left: Nicco Manalo, Caress Caballero and Aaron Ching. Seated from left: Tara Cabaero, Bong Cabrera, Martha Comia, Angeli Bayani, Che Ramos, Glaiza Decastro and Vannie Liwanag. Standing from left: Chrome Cosio, Paolo Rodriguez, Carlon Matobato and Alchirs Galura. Top row from left: Jay Gonzaga and Jerald Napoles. Photo taken at the ILO ILO premiere at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

After the red carpet lights, the real party began at OPUS a few doors away from the New Port Performing Arts Theater also at Resorts World. It was time for Angeli’s co actors from various projects to let their hair down and let loose.

Sparks flew for Angeli Bayani at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Stars of stage and film from left: RK Bagatsing, Nicco Manalo, Paolo Rodriguez, Martha Comia, Angeli Bayani, Jay Gonzaga, Aaron Ching, Jerald Napoles and Tara Cabaero at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Angeli Bayani has done quite a number of independent and commercial films. She has also done a lot of work for GMA Network. 2 of her close friends: Glaiza De Castro and Alchris Galura were there to congratulate her. Angeli is also one of the more respected actresses in the Philippine theater community. So her long time friends from different theater groups came out in support of the premiere. Among them: Tara Cabaero, Bong Cabrera, Jerald Napoles, Paolo Rodriguez, Che Ramos, Chrome Cosio, Carlon Matobato, Jay Gonzaga, Nicco Manalo and Caress Caballero. It’s a mix between PETA and Tanghalang Pilipino.

from right: Angeli Bayani and Martha Comia love Henessy at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Marissa Saroca, RK Bagatsing, Emman Dela Cruz and Alyssa Apaitan of KANTANA Creative Services at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

SLUMBER PARTY director Emmanuel Dela Cruz was there with actors RK Bagatsing, Karl Medina and filmmaker Michael Cardoz. Fil-Australian Marissa Saroca who made Lea Salonga a believer in The Voice was also in OPUS. Angeli had one of the most difficult scenes in KA ORYANG by lying on a block of ice naked. The film was directed by Sari Dalena who was also there with film editor/ husband/ inspiration Keith Sicat.

The Voice handpicked by Lea Salonga: Marissa Saroca at the ILO ILO premiere at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Award winning filmmakers Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Martha Comia, Jay Gonzaga and Jerald Napoles toast w Hennessy at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

The after party seemed like a grand birthday for Angeli, waiters brought out sparklers and Hennessy Cognac was the drink of choice.

Markki Stroemm can really party (and hold his liquor) at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Versatility of Markki Stroemm

I was only able to catch SLUMBER PARTY after shooting the after party in OPUS. And I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by the versatility of Markki who plays gay/ transvestite Elle in the film. In Cinemalaya this year he was a very tough patriarchal Spanish officer in the period piece AMOR Y MUERTE. Markki had smoking hot love scenes with the extremely sexy and highly praised actress ALTHEA VEGA. She was also in an international hit METROMANILA that had a premiere in SHANG CINEPLEX.

Markki Stroemm proved his versatility from bedding a hottie Althea Vega in AMOR Y MUERTE and becoming a beauty queen in SLUMBER PARTY.

Markki Stroemm proved his versatility from bedding a hottie Althea Vega in AMOR Y MUERTE and becoming a beauty queen in SLUMBER PARTY.

SLUMBER PARTY Beauty Queens from left: RK Bagatsing, Markki Stroemm and Archie Alemania. Who’s the fairest of them all?

SLUMBER PARTY Beauty Queens from left: RK Bagatsing, Markki Stroemm and Archie Alemania. Who’s the fairest of them all?

Not so dazed and confused from left: Nicco Manalo and RK Bagatsing at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Markki’s two recent roles could not be more polar opposites. And I have to concede that he pulled off both roles well. Markki can hold his liquor too. RK Bagatsing his pal Philip in SLUMBER PARTY who is in the lead role, is no slouch either. He is a familiar face because of the Cadbury TVC where he drives his barkada.

RK Bagatsing is morena beauty Philip in SLUMBER PARTY and morphed to his mustached self in OPUS.

RK Bagatsing is morena beauty Philip in SLUMBER PARTY and morphed to his mustached self in OPUS.

foreground from left: Aaron Ching and Angeli Bayani, standing behind them from left: Jay Gonzaga, Martha Comia, Jerald Napoles, RK Bagatsing and Karl Medina at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nar (Aaron Ching) shakes it. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista

Nar (Aaron Ching) shakes it. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista

MAXXED out Aaron Ching

He looks a lot like a teen-ager especially in his roles. But he’s actually worked quite a lot having been among the best musicals of the year: Mario O’ Hara’s STAGESHOW and KATY. Aaron has just recently done Maxxie The Musical as the lead role’s BFF Nar. Hunky Jay Gonzaga is the tough kuya of title role played by Jayvhot Galang.

Martha Comia tweets w Jay Gonzaga during the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) and Bogs (Jay Gonzaga). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista

from left: Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) and Bogs (Jay Gonzaga). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista

TARA is sexy at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

TARA Cabaero is sexy at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martha Comia uses word of the year: SELFIE with Bong Cabrera at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Nicco Manalo, Martha Comia, Jay Gonzaga, Bong Canrera and Jerald Napoles at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

NOLI ME TANGERE

The great novel by Jose Rizal was also a critically acclaimed musical with music by Ryan Cayabyab and Libretto by Bievenido Lumbera. Lead stars included Cris Villonco, Mark Bautista and Gian Magdangal. This was also where Angeli Bayani bonded with pals Jerald Napoles, Paolo Rodriguez, and the pretty Martha Comia.

Angeli Bayani at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Angeli Bayani at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martha Comia and Jay Gonzaga at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

THERE ARE possibly a dozen more productions that I have not mentioned where all these dedicated theater actors have performed and worked together. That’s why in OPUS they can just be themselves:

Hard working actors need to party at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Origin8 Media peeps from left: Victor Villanueva, Pauline Bianca Javier, Angeli Bayani and Ioni Ofrasio at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bong Cabrera does ALL THAT JAZZ/Bob Fosse impression at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Tara Cabaero, Markki Stroemm and Victor Villanueva at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martha can’t let go of her Android at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Angeli Bayani is ‘dipped’ by Bong Cabrera at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

TARA is sexy at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

TARA Cabaero is sexy at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Man of the Hour: (center)DJ Villaruz made them dance all night. Photo taken at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Martha Comia, Tara Cabaero and RK Bagatsing at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

Angeli Bayani and Bong Cabrera tear up the dance floor at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista

The OPUS EFFECT: Did they really kiss? Who are they exactly? Photo taken at the ILO ILO SLUMBER PARTY in OPUS last December 2, 2013. Catch the CANNES and Golden Horse award winning film ILO ILO in Philippine theaters NOW. Photo by Jude Bautista