Edna & Nonoy Inspire BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO

Posted on November 28, 2016

RUSTANS Events Mgr Malou Liu & RUSTANS Shang Branch Mgr Steven Mawdsley. Tr

Written and Photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Ballet Philippines latest production AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO promises to be a fun, entertaining romp back to the 1970s when the airwaves were dominated by VST & Company. The band’s music have been so well loved that they have become true iconic OPM hits. At the heart of the musical is a love story based on premiere Ballet figures Edna and Nonoy Froilan.

Edna & Nonoy Froilan; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo from Nonoy Froilan: A Journey in Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fgFlx1wv1w

AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will be staged at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) on Dec. 2 – 8 pm; Dec. 3 – 6 pm; Dec. 4 – 2 pm and 6 pm; Dec. 9 – 8 pm; Dec. 10 – 2 pm and 6 pm; Dec. 11 – 2 pm and 6 pm.

from left: Markki Stroem, Cooky Chua & Sandino Martin; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

OPM icon Cooky Chua, award-winning actors Sandino Martin and Jef Flores, and The Voice Kids Season 3 alum Noel Comia Jr. in AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO, a new dance musical set to the hits of Manila Sound legend VST & Company.

Vic Sotto in ENTENG KABISOTE 10 & THE ABANGERS. Before movie stardom he was a hit maker / songwriter for VST & Co. whose songs became a soundtrack for a generation. Photo from: Jowapao FB fan page
https://www.facebook.com/jowapaoofficialpage/?ref=page_internal

They will be alternating with the ABS-CBN Kapamilya multi-talented artists, namely Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, Markki Stroem, and Kyle Echarri. The vocal ensemble will be comprised of members of the classical singing group, Viva Voce.

Karylle will alternate roles with Cooky Chua in BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO. Karylle also played Sita in BP’s RAMAHARI (2012). BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Bibeth Orteza was tapped as the librettist for her intimate knowledge of VST’s music. The long time scriptwriter and actress was there to actually there witness Vic Sotto, Joey De Leon, Tito Sotto during the recording of hits like: IPAGPATAWAD MO, ROCK BABY ROCK, MAGSAYAWAN etc. But according to her the true inspiration for the story is Nonoy Froilan who she idolized since she was young.

from left: Jean Marc Cordero, Bibeth Orteza and Ednah Ledesma. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Orteza said, “I really wrote the material in my head based on Nonoy. We hailed from the same barrio Calbiga, Samar. So I came across this material. Nonoy was always a figure in my childhood. We all talked about him way back. I wanted to do something about him. I was there in the studio when these songs were recorded. This is a personal thing for me. We had a relative there in a play with his wife and then material is very familiar with me. I was around the making of the songs, it’s a full circle.”

Edna & Nonoy Froilan in RAMAHARI; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo from Nonoy Froilan: A Journey in Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fgFlx1wv1w

Froilan was already one of the most celebrated figures in dance by the 70s. He was known as the Philippines’ premier danseur for three decades. He essayed all the leading roles in classical and contemporary ballet partnering world-renowned prima ballerinas such as Margot Fonteyn and Yoko Morishita. He has performed in countless major works by foreign and local choreographers.

Nonoy Froilan performed as Lead to the biggest stars like Lisa Macuja & Yoko Morishita. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo from Nonoy Froilan: A Journey in Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fgFlx1wv1w

Monica Gana & Erl Sorilla in MAGSAYAWAN. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Nonoy is in the role of Victor while his real life wife Edna Vida Froilan is cast opposite him as Teresa. This marks a comeback for Edna who also has a storied past as a premiere ballerina. BP Artistic Director Paul Morales is exhilarated with the prospect of seeing his favorite and most admired dancer on stage again.

from left: Choreographer Edna Vida Froilan, Nonoy Froilan (Scrooge) and BP Pres. Margie Moran in BP’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2013). BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Since retiring back in 1989, AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO is Edna’s first major performance as a dancer as she plays the role of the elderly Teresa. Best remembered as the Firebird, Carmen, and Myrtha in GISELLE, she has essayed leading roles in numerous full-length classical ballets with American Ballet Theater stars such as Natalia Makarova and Patrick Bissell. A prolific choreographer, she has created many of the company’s signature works, such as MUTYA NG PASIG, ENSALADA, VISION OF FIRE and PETER PAN.

Ballroom dance champion Ednah Ledesma and former BP prince Butch Esperanza will alternately play the same roles at certain performances. Their younger counterparts will be essayed by current Ballet Philippines dancers Rita Angela Winder, Denise Parungao, Jean Marc Cordero, and Garry Corpuz.

from left: Jef Flores, Rita Angela Winder, Victor Maguad & Erl Sorilla. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Seated from left: Librettist Bibeth Orteza, BP Pres. Margie Moran & Edna Vida Froilan, Standing from left: BP Artistic Dir. Paul Alexander Morales, Butch Esperanza, Kooky Chua and Choreographer Carissa Adea. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Dekada 70 is still Relevant

A lot of things have changed since the first quarter storm of the 1970s and yet some of the events of the time have also proved to be eerily similar to the problems of today. Orteza goes on, “Merong metrocom, may natatakot, may napatay, may saranggola na lipad to signify hope. It speaks of the time. As a matter of fact we were managing a band there in Holiday Inn when sumabog sa Plaza (Miranda) Nonoy Zuñiga lost his leg. That’s how he lost his leg kasi ni-recall ko lang mga bagay bagay sa aking kabataan. That all went to the loves story. I’m really really happy Nonoy and Edna are doing this talagang sila ang na isip ko. I’m really proud to put them in the cast because wherever I’d go, whether I’m in an airport in Isabela lagi silang magkasama. It was really them.”

From left: Vic Sotto & Joey De Leon in ENTENG KABISOTE 10 & THE ABANGERS. Before they were movie stars they were hit makers / songwriters for VST & Co. whose songs became a soundtrack for a generation. Photo from: Jowapao FB fan page
https://www.facebook.com/jowapaoofficialpage/?ref=page_internal

The story is not an exact replica of Edna & Nonoy’s real life love story but is more based on them as people. Orteza then used her own experiences from the era to write the libretto, “When I was talking to Vic Sotto sabi sakin ni Vic there is no way you can present it as a contemporary piece kasi ang music, mood really speaks of a particular period. I decided to come up with a love story shared flashbacks but set in Martial Law Manila. As a young actress who was part of rallying outside the CCP, ngayon I’m telling a story set in Martial Law Manila ang daming layers.”

The VST & Co. is considered one of the pioneering groups from the music genre known as the Manila Sound in the mid 70s. The group is composed of Vic Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Tito Sotto, Val Sotto, Celso Llavina, Monet Gaskell, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Jun Medina, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, Chito Ilagan, Ben Escasa, Fred Concepcion, Boy Alcaide, and Clod Baria. Their impressive collection of hits has left a legacy that endures to this day.

top: Vic Sotto with Maine Mendoza, bottom: Alden Richards in ENTENG KABISOTE 10 & THE ABANGERS. Before movie stardom Bossing was a hit maker / songwriter for VST & Co. whose songs became a soundtrack for a generation. Photo from: EK10 Youtube trailer https://youtu.be/Pcs7YyMj8xU

Nonoy Froilan as dirty politician Santiago Sr in Tanghalang Pilipino’s WALANG KUKURAP (2012). BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Cast

Both Edna & Nonoy have been cast as actors. She appeared as Lady Macbeth in Tanghalang Pilipino’s Macbeth and in Gilda Cordero’s LUNA: AN ASWANG ROMANCE. In 2015, she returned to the stage, starring alongside her husband Nonoy Froilan in Juan Miguel Severo’s HINTAYAN NG LANGIT, which debuted in Virgin Labfest 11 and did a re-run the following year as part of VLF 12’S REVISITED.

In 2013, Nonoy returned to Ballet Philippines’ stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in Edna Vida Froilan’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and appeared as the Duke of Courland in the GISELLE Gala in 2014. He is currently playing the role of Lolo Apo on the ABS-CBN television series, BE MY LADY.

Nonoy Froilan worked with Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo from Nonoy Froilan: A Journey in Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fgFlx1wv1w

Cooky Chua dances with Jean Marc Cordero; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Ednah Ledesma

Ednah Ledesma’s training as a dancer began when she was a child of eight. Her mother first enrolled her in ballet classes, which she continued up to the age of sixteen, along with jazz, Hawaiian, and hip-hop genres as well. She also participated in musical plays and got into stage dancing for a year, until she got married. She entered the world of ballroom dancing in 1997, and started joining competitions soon after. She and her partner John Derick Co started out in Asian competitions, like the IDSF International Open Latin in Japan in 2003, where they ranked 28th. They further proved themselves at the Blackpool Dance Festival in England, where they ranked second in the competition’s Senior Latin division in 2003 & 2004, and went on to win first prize in 2005. Ednah has served as a judge in SHALL WE DANCE, a Filipino reality dance competition program on TV5.

from left: Librettist Bibeth Orteza, Ednah Ledesma & Butch Esperanza. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Butch Esperanza

Butch Esperanza began his dance career with the University of the East Dance Troupe under the tutelage of Gener Caringal. He became a member of the CCP Dance Company (now Ballet Philippines) in 1978, where he performed solo and principal roles such as Ravana (RAMA HARI), Sultan (ANG SULTAN), Mercutio (ROMEO AND JULIET), Rothbart (SWAN LAKE), Prince Charming (CINDERELLA), and Andres Bonifacio (BAYANI), to name a few. He later joined Singapore Dance Theater as a principal dancer in 1988 and Philippine Ballet Theater in 1995. His most recent roles include the king in BP’s 2002 & 2014 production of CINDERELLA, Step Sister in PBT’s 2010 production of the same ballet, as Ebenezer Scrooge in Edna Vida Froilan’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL in 2013.

Conductor Gerard Salonga and the ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO is co-presented by ABS-CBN and is a collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Salonga. The show features a libretto by Bibeth Orteza, choreography by Carissa Adea, James Laforteza & PJ Rebullida, musical direction by Jed Balsamo, sound design by Jethro Joaquin, set design by Ohm David, costume design by James Reyes, lighting design by John Batalla.

Ballet Philippines has another hit in their hands. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Ticket prices range from Php 500 to Php 3500, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

from left: Kyle Echarri & Michael Pangilinan; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #awitinmoatisasayawko

from left: Jef Flores & Jean Marc Cordero; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

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Markki Stroem; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Denise Parungao, Garry Corpuz & Michael Pangilinan; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Musical Director Jed Balsamo; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Sandino Martin, Markki Stroem, Jef Flores and Denise Parungao. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Librettist Bibeth Orteza and Columnist Danny Vibas; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

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Nonoy Froilan as Scrooge in BP’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2013). BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

Denise Parungao & Garry Corpuz; BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

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foreground: Jef Flores shows his moves with Denise Parungao while Sandino Martin sings (background). BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

foreground from left: Denise Parungao, Rita Angela Winder, Jean Marc Cordero, Seated from left: Cooky Chua, Librettist Bibeth Orteza , BP Pres. Margie Moran & Ednah Ledesma. BP’s AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO will run from Dec 2-11, 2016 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). Photo by Jude Bautista

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