Floy Quintos Boosts HULING EL BIMBO

Posted on July 8, 2019

Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

How can you make a hit even better? This was the question that confronted Floy Quintos when he was brought in as dramaturge to tweak what was for all intents and purposes already a successful musical based on the ERASERHEADS’ music: ANG HULING EL BIMBO.

Dramaturg Floy Quintos;

That’s one of the principle differences between theater and cinema. On stage the work seems ever evolving. The tweaks from one of the country’s most respected playwright, director, historian in Floy Quintos is only evidence of the commitment of Resorts World Manila and FULL HOUSE Theater Company to produce the best work possible.

The results speak for themselves, after a sensational run the previous year EL BIMBO has been extended from July 5 to August 18, 2019 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resort’s World Manila.

Program cover is homage to U.P. Maroons. Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Yearbook

Much sought after, the official program is memorable for its ingenious design made to look like a yearbook. The maroon typography on the cover a clever nod to E-Head’s roots the University of the Philippines. More important than this is the indispensable information that it holds about the production. So if you do watch the hit musical make sure to buy the official program as well before it runs out.

Floy in his message from the program recognized the efforts of its original playwright, “Ding dong Novenario’s book had already survived the acid test of a hit run last year. And Myke Salomon’s clever reworking of the E-heads hits had highlighted both nostalgia and continuing relevance of the band’s body of work…Here was a chance to hold up a mirror up to the audience, something I am not averse to doing in my own work as a playwright.”

The most recent example of Floy’s work is KUNDIMAN PARTY from PETA, starring Shamaine Buencamino, which has received critical acclaim. The storyline is about a Kundiman singer and teacher who finds fame by starting her own Youtube channel. The traditional Filipino songs of courtship and poetry discover a new audience in the web.

from right: Shamaine Buencamino (Maestra Adela), Miah Canton (Antonette) Stella Cañete-Mendoza (Tita Helen) and Missy Maramara (Mitch) in KUNDIMAN PARTY at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Who is Ligaya?

Floy wanted to highlight the real life people who are marginalized even vilified in our country today, “In reworking the character of Joy I only hope that I can share with the audience a portrait of a Filipino who has been dealt a bad hand by society. Judged. Demonized. Ultimately disposed of. But finally having the courage to choose her own redemption on her terms. Here is a character to which attention must be paid, to paraphrase Arthur Miller. ‘Hers is a story that plays out everyday, in the streets, in thousands of lives, outside the comfortable idealized world of the theater’

Tanya Manalang (Young Joy); Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Seated second from left: Dennis Marasigan with EL BIMBO Cast.Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Is it Shorter?

Dennis Marasigan, himself a long time triple threat as writer, actor, director, mainly works with Tanghalang Pilipino and the CCP. He is also a professor in St Scholastica’s College. Marasigan was able to watch both versions from last year to this one and had the impression the revision was more efficient and cut songs. In truth however, there were scenes added. Perhaps the clarity in the added scenes helped make the story tighter. Referring to both Marasigan said, “It’s a very inventive way of piecing together a story using songs of the E-Heads. Its difficult to come up with a story that uses as many of the songs as possible.”

If there was one award for ANG HULING EL BIMBO, he said, “I felt since last year, choreography is a much deserved award from PHILSTAGE.” The genius behind this is Dexter M. Santos who is both Director and Choreographer.

NPAT Stage & Sound

Dennis also referred to the special features unique to the venue at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, “They were able to use the facilities in the theater to the best that they can. Since the revolve is there they made use of it. When I saw it last year I thought this was the best use of the (LED) screen of any production I have seen here. For now they were able to integrate it and doesn’t impede the action. It doesn’t take attention away from what’s happening on stage.” Kudos to Projections Designer G.A. Fallarme whose work has been seen abroad, throughout Asia, Australia, London and Las Vegas.

‘This was the best use of the LED screen’. Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (11)

Immediately noticeable is the clear audio especially during the most intimate dialogue scenes. Which is incredible considering the size of the venue. Musical Director Myke Salomon, definitely Sound Engineer Rards Corpus and Sound Designer Arvy Dimaculangan all deserve a lot of credit for this.

OJ Mariano (Emman), Gian Magdangal (Hector) and Rafa Siguion-Reyna (Anthony). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

First Lady

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, has exuded class and consistently carried herself with dignity and grace through countless roles. So she was coined the First Lady of Philippine Theater by the press and many of her admirers. Her most memorable roles are from RWM productions: KING AND I, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, BITUING WALANG NINGNING, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, ANNIE and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Joy) and Jonathan Tadioan (Arturo Banlaoi). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

For EL BIMBO, she not only plays the lead female role of Joy but is also Associate Director. So she knows first hand the changes between the two versions. To those who may not believe it because the running time is not that different, everything just seems more efficient. Without giving too much away she says, “Act 2 is completely different. The scenes with the little girl did not exist in the first run. My scenes with the little girl didn’t exist. The ending of ACT 1 was tweaked a little bit. Several basic scenes have been added.”

Menchu has her own theory why everything seems to be tighter after Floy’s tweaks, “Because it clarified relationships and clarified the journey. So it became clear why the boys behaved and reacted the way they did. Which is shown in the end in the confrontation and it’s a split time. You realize why they were fighting right after the incident.”

Kundiman Party Preview from left: Nonie Beuncamino, Shamaine Buencamino, Floy Quintos and Dexter Santos at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista (15)

EL BIMBO Resonates

Menchu also brings a special insight to how the story is relevant to current events, “The people who put this show together were Dexter (Santos) meeting Ding Dong (Novenario) and Michael (Williams). We brainstormed about it because the music is already heavy in theme. The main guide was HULING EL BIMBO…We knew we wanted to do a commentary on everything from extra judicial killings to how society is. How the unfortunate is driven to do things they don’t particularly want. How friendships can fall apart. How people do not make choices because they are bad. Because the circumstances, as far as the boys were concerned they panicked. That was a choice they lived with for the rest of their lives and it ruined them because they couldn’t get over the guilt. In the end it was always fear that people think is going to happen. So it stops them from doing something so I think it touches a little bit of everything. So it relates to something in everyone. It resonates.”

from left: Yanah Laurel (Ensemble), Jonathan Tadioan (Arturo Banlaoi), Elisha Campos (Ligaya) and MenchuLauchengcoYulo (Joy).Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (16)

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Nicco Manalo (Young Emman) and Tanya Manalang (Young Joy); Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

(left) Davey Langit is in RWM throughout August. (right) Randy Santiago will perform in Bar 360 Aug 3. Log on to http://www.rwmanila.com for more details. (19)

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Sheila Francisco (TiyaDely) and Tanya Manalang (Young Joy). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Look for another E-heads hit in pic; Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (21)

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(left) Noel Cabangon will perform in Bar 360 Aug 8, (right) Lez to Men is in RWM throughout August. Log on to http://www.rwmanila.com for more details. (24)

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from left: Ultimate Production bosses Mark & Christine Manalang, center- Krystal Brimmer (Annie). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (26)

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from left: Menchu Lauchengco Yulo (Joy), Elisha Campos (Ligaya), Sheila Francisco (Tiya Dely). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Gian Magdangal (Hector); Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (28)

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Reb Atadero (Young Hector); Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

(left) Jean Kiley’s Band is in RWM throughout August. (right) Richard Poon will perform in Bar 360 Aug 17. Log on to http://www.rwmanila.com for more details. (31)

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from left: Lance Reblando (Young Anthony), Nicco Manalo (Young Emman) and RebAtadero (Young Hector). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Nicco Manalo (Young Emman), Reb Atadero (Young Hector) and Lance Reblando (Young Anthony). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (34)

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Vic Robinson (Ensemble) and Tanya Manalang (Young Joy). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Joy) with fans. Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (37)

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An homage to U.P. Tradition; Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tanya Manalang (Young Joy) and Reb Atadero (Young Hector). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (39)

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OJ Mariano (Emman), Rafa Siguion-Reyna (Anthony), Jonathan Tadioan (Arturo Banlaoi) and Gian Magdangal (Hector). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Joy) and Dennis Marasigan. Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (45)

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Lance Reblando (Young Anthony) and Tanya Manalang (Young Joy). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Raymond Concepcion (Ensemble) and Jonathan Tadioan (Arturo Banlaoi). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (48)

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from left: Jonathan Tadioan (Arturo Banlaoi), Tanya Manalang (Young Joy), Chino Veguillas (Ensemble). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Hazel Maranan (Ensemble) and Rafa Siguion-Reyna (Anthony). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (51)

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from left: Tanya Manalang (Young Joy), Reb Atadero (Young Hector) and Lance Reblando (Young Anthony). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Sheila Francisco (Tiya Dely) and Alexa Salcedo (Ligaya). Watch an extended run of the musical based on the Eraserheads’ hits: ANG HULING EL BIMBO at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila from July 5- August 18, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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