Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)- for the second run her dress was incorporated with the light show in the starry scene. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
Bituing Walang Ningning has reaped rewards even before its second run extending to January 31, 2016. They earned a total of 6 Aliw awards last December. In a report from Inquirer.net : “Best Actor in a Musical for Mark Bautista, Best Actress in a Musical for Cris Villonco, Best Actor in a Featured Role for Ronnie Liang, Best Actress in a Featured Role for Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and Best New Female Artist for Monica Cuenco who plays the lead role of Dorina Pineda in the critically acclaimed play”.
Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)- for the second run her dress was incorporated with the light show in the starry scene. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
The newer version has a tighter dialogue, faster pace and an improved production design. The over the top scenes such as climactic night sky/ starry simulation were made even grander. This time the Monica Cuenco’s (Dorina) dress was incorporated with the effects with the largest LED screen in the world. Director / Scriptwriter Freddie Santos was able to orchestrate many different talents including lighting designer Shakira Villa Symes, Costume designer Aksana Sidarava and LED animation producers Carlos Manere and Ivan Sakantsau to create a spectacular whole.
A Philippine Airlines 787 Dreamliner flies overhead during the airport scene complete with jet engines roaring. The enormous LED screen allows for effects that create a more realistic setting. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
The story of a rising star coming from humble circumstances is familiar to a lot of Filipinos who were moved by the original film version. Who could forget the stellar cast of Sharon Cuneta and Cherie Gil? But for the current lead star of the musical, the story is more than just fiction.
Director/Scriptwriter Freddie Santos worked with different artists such as lighting designer Shakira Villa Symes, Costume designer Aksana Sidarava and LED animation producers Carlos Manere and Ivan Sakantsau to create a spectacular whole. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Ronnie Liang (Garrie Diaz) and Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
In a report aired by CNN’s Andrew Stevens, Monica Cuenco had to overcome similar circumstances. “At just eight years old, she lost both parents to cancer and moved in with her aunty. She tried to forge a career in music, propelled by a mother’s love and belief. But singing alone did not pay the bills. She was forced to put her career on hold and took a steady job. But that all changed when her nephew fell seriously ill and her family needed extra money to pay the doctors. She looked for a way of getting back into singing, and finally she got her big break.” The ‘break’ was a singing contest in Cebu that earned her generous prize money. This also led to other opportunities including getting cast in Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical.
from right: Monica Cuenco (Dorina) & Cris Villonco (Lavinia); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Monica also made the clear distinction between luck, correcting Hala Gorani, she said it was a blessing. More recently she was able to share with me, how she was able to give an even more powerful performance. This is from confidence she has gained, “Every time nagpeperform ako dito, throwback experience ko in real life. Dati kasi pag nagshoshow ako sobrang mabigat. Ngayon sa 2nd– 3rd run naglilight na raramdaman ko kasi iniisip ko blessing nangyayari sakin ngayon. Mas nagkaroon ng confidence, strength dahil sa mga kasamahan ko sila Ate Cris (Villonco) sila kuya Mark (Bautista) especially kuya Aunty (Jon Santos) ko.”
Jon Santos (Auntie) & Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Best Actor in a Musical Mark Bautista was grateful and happy with his first acting award. Mark has played President Ferdinand Marcos in HERE LIES LOVE at London’s West End. According to him local productions especially the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resort’s World Manila is more posh than abroad, “Mas ok yung seats dito ang gaganda. Iba yung theater doon, malawak pa nga ito, maluwag. Kanya kanyang style di mo ma compare. Di mo masasabing behind yung Philippines na theater.” When asked about future plans for the production he said he hoped the show will go on tour. Resort’s World Sentosa is a possible venue abroad since dimensions of the stage is similar.
from left: Ronnie Liang (Garrie), Cris Villonco (Lavinia), Monica Cuenco (Dorina) and Mark Bautista (Nico). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
RWM Manila / VIVA
The commitment to Philippine theater has been proven time and again over the years by Resort’s World Manila, with PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, CINDERELLA. RWM Pres. & CEO Kingson Sian explained why Bituing is special for them, “The staging of Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical was a labor of love. This is why the overwhelming appreciation during its first run was truly heartwarming for us, who poured our heart and soul into it. But the best thing about Bituin Walang Ningning, I believe is its story. Based on Nerissa Cabral’s original komiks serial. It’s not just a Cinderella story about a kind-hearted provinciana lass who rises from idolizing a famous pop star, to becoming a star in her own right. At its heart, it’s a narrative that engages us to reflect on what truly matters in life: family or fame: love or the limelight: serenity or success.”
from left: RWM Pres & CEO Kingson Sian, VIVA Communications Chairman & CEO Vic Del Rosario. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016.
The successful musical is the first collaboration with another iconic media outfit in VIVA Communications. Their Chairman of the Board and CEO Vic Del Rosario related the significance of the project, “Bituing Walang Ningning is one of the most memorable movies produced by VIVA Films. Its tale of success against great odds and the triumph of true love easily captivated audiences and lives on in the hearts of many. It was also a huge hit at the box office. The iconic characters and some of the most beautiful Filipino songs ever written have now brought the timeless story to life again on the stage.”
BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
BAR 360 regulars- PRIMO from left: James Uy, Floyd Tena, & Laurence Mossman. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Full House Theater
Full House Theater Company is the resident group producing the much-loved musicals in RWM. Managing Director Collin Kerr said, “As the production outfit of Resorts World Manila, Full house Theater Company was born out of a passion for the performing arts and a commitment to elevate Filipino talent. It is the same passion and commitment that inspired the creation of the world –class Newport Performing Arts Theater and the staging of one major musical production within its vast and stately hall every year since 2010.”
from left: FULL HOUSE Theater Company Managing Dir. Collin Kerr and BWN Director/Scriptwriter Freddie Santos. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016.
The source of inspiration are the many performers and possible discoveries here in our country. Kerr goes on, “The Philippines is blessed with an abundance of world-class talents. There are many more Dorinas out there just waiting for their opportunity to sparkle. We hope tha Bitun Walang Ningning: The Musical gets more of the loves and support that it enjoyed the first time around, so that we and other fellow advocates of performing arts in the country will find even more inspiration to continue hitching our proverbial wagon to this star.”
Monica Cuenco poses with young fans. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
OPPA Foundation
The commitment to develop and find talent does not end with productions. Megaworld Realty Corp founder Dr. Andrew L. Tan, (the conglomerate behind RWM) has also put up the ORIGINAL PILIPINO PERFORMING ARTS (OPPA) Foundation. The foundation is separate from Full House, but is part of Tan’s belief in developing Filipino artists/ performers through education.
Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)- for the second run her dress was incorporated with the light show in the starry scene. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
OPPA official statement, “aims to institutionalize efforts to advance the country’s performing arts through initiatives built around three major pillars: supporting local artists through grants and scholarships, nurturing the industry through more opportunities for development and elevating its standards and capabilities by providing global expertise and resources.”
Mark Bautista (Nico) giant cellphone from 80s; BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Among the illustrious names associated with OPPA is Founding Chairman Dr. Andrew L Tan, Kingson Sian (Chairman), Maria Carmen L. Yulo (President), Michael Stuart Williams (Board of Trustee member) and many more.
from left: Menchu L Yulo (Edith), Mark Bautista (Nico) & Cris Villonco (Lavinia). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Pres. Menchu L Yulo explained, “OPPA is a foundation we set up to send scholars to college. Those interested in the performing arts, whether it be the artistic side or technical Side. We have 5 partner schools, College of St. Benilde (la Salle), UST, UP, St Scholastica’s and MINT. If they qualify we OPPA will fund their entire college course whether in theater arts, creative writing or music. Usually when the student gets accepted and can’t afford it they come to us.”
Cast members foreground seated from left: Ronnie Liang, Mark Bautista, Jon Santos & Monica Cuenco. Standing from left: George, Kimberley, Hannah, Hazel Bautista, Mara Miranda & Benilda Lee. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)- for the second run her dress was incorporated with the light show in the starry scene. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Ronnie Liang (Garrie), & John Nite (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
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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 until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Cris Villonco (Lavinia) guests in German Moreno’s show Germspecial. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Ronnie Liang & Mark Bautista pose with fans BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
left: Mark Bautista (Nico) & Monica Cuenco (Dorina); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Monica Cuenco (Dorina) & Red Nuestro (Diction Coach). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Raymund Concepcion II (Larry) on giant cell phone. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Ronnie Liang (Garrie), Monica Cuenco (Dorina) & Mark Bautista (Nico). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Jon Santos (Auntie) & Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Monica Cuenco (Dorina) & Cris Villonco (Lavinia); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Playboy Philippines publisher Sam Cu, Kimberley Bautista, Mylene Cu, Hannah, Hazel & George Bautista. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Mark Bautista (Nico), Menchu L. Yulo (Edith) & Raymund Concepcion II (Larry). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Jon Santos (Auntie) & Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Ronnie Liang & Mark Bautista pose with fans. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Mark Bautista (Nico); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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The Quiapo Church is the backdrop to Cris Villonco’s concert (as Lavinia). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
After the show Benilda Lee treated us to a sumptuous meal at Mr. Kurosawa in the Newport Plaza Mall. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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I had a perfect vegetable ramen at Mr. Kurosawa in the Newport Plaza Mall. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
We had crunchy Tempura at Mr. Kurosawa in the Newport Plaza Mall. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Ronnie Liang and Benilda Lee; BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Monica Cuenco (Dorina); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Even Cris Villoco’s TV interview with Menchu L Yulo was shown on the LED screen making her seem larger than life. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Irene Delarmente (Vocal Coach) & Monica Cuenco (Dorina). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 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 until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Ronnie Liang (Garrie); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Monica Cuenco (Dorina) & Cris Villonco (Lavinia); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautistafrom left: Monica Cuenco (Dorina) & Cris Villonco (Lavinia); BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
foreground from left: Cris Villonco, Monica Cuenco, Mark Bautista, Jon Santos and Jill Peña. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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fans waited in line to meet & greet the cast, get autographs and pics. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)- for the second run her dress was incorporated with the light show in the starry scene. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until Janury 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
Director/Scriptwriter Freddie Santos worked with different artists such as lighting designer Shakira Villa Symes, Costume designer Aksana Sidarava and LED animation producers Carlos Manere and Ivan Sakantsau to create a spectacular whole. BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Ronnie Liang (Garrie), Cris Villonco (Lavinia), Monica Cuenco (Dorina) and Mark Bautista (Nico). BITUING WALANG NINGNING is running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila until January 31, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Text and Photos by Jude Bautista