top left: Aicelle Santos (Aileen), bottom: Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane) sing above the flooded waters. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
Fernan (Juliene Mendoza) comes in a boat wearing shades, hat, goatee and white sport jacket. He distributes relief goods to the flooded town and commands their attention. The whole town dances to the obscene bass dance/rap music. His moves and sounds are almost ripped off from another character popular with the downtrodden: Willie Revillame.
Juliene Mendoza (Fernan) enters via boat in RAK OF AEGIS, a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
He blares into a megaphone a rap version of Aegis NANANGINIP NG GISING: “Mahal na mahal ko kayo…GO! GO! GO! Dito sa aking puso GO! GO! GO! Hindi kayo nag-iisa sa pagmamahal. Bumaha bumagyo nandito lang ako! Maasahan niyo dahil love ko kayo handang handa tumulong sa inyo! Mother, father, brother, sister don’t you worry just stay happy, hap-hap-py-py…Break it down.”
Sexy Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane) in RAK OF AEGIS, a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
AEGIS selfie from left: Mercy, Juliet and Ken Sunot. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
NO ONE would ever think that AEGIS music could be more camp, but because it is so out of this world and wild that the music, lyrics it all fits. That fantastic world is created on stage. Creating that flooded area on stage as a musical seems like a daunting task but PETA, the whole cast both creative and technical have achieved the impossible. A river runs through several levels of barong barong and splits into a ‘Y’ formation, which on occasion rises and falls.
the multilayered set shows a neighborhood in a small space. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Jerald Napoles (Tolits) and Gian Magdangal, NEXT PIC from right: GMA News’ Cata Inocencio with Patricia Ismael and daughter Cleona. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
As far as the story goes, it could have done with far less elements. Sometimes the morality or right and wrong become blurred. Needless details and complication sometimes gets in the way. But AEGIS music is SO moving, popular and relatable that audiences can’t help but enjoy themselves.
Rak f AEGIS’ set is a watery world. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Standing from right: Carlon Matobato (ensemble), Juliene Mendoza (Fernan) Set Designer Mio Infante, Shoe Designer Maco Custodio, Costume Designer Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling, Seated from right: Robert Seña (Kiel), Ken Sunot AEGIS (vocalist), Juliet Sunot AEGIS (vocalist), Nor Domingo (Fernan), Mercy Sunot-Borjal AEGIS (vocalist), Aicelle Santos (Aileen), Phi Palmos (Jewel), foreground from right w i-phone5: Neomi Gonzales (Mercy), Kakai Bautista (Mercy), and Poppert Bernadas (Ken). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Easily RAK F AEGIS is the most ingenious set ever built by a local production. As much as Mio Infante, the set designer has been credited for it, the lighting designer Jonjon Villareal should also be praised. The flooded area is also lit from beneath or inside the waters. The murky water glows from within, the whole set is also a character, a statement to the pollution, the dangers that we as people have created and which results in our destruction.
Only too realistic close up of flood and trash lit from beneath the surface of the water. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
left Aicelle Santos (Aileen) and Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane) in RAK OF AEGIS a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Aicelle Santos’ Riveting Voice
Singing the toughest parts of Aegis on stage fell into the capable ‘pipes’ of Aicelle Santos playing Aileen. The lead role is also alternated by Joan Bugcat. In spite of being in the pop/slow rock genre, the scale and notes are particularly high. Anyone who has ever sung and been ridiculed in a Videoke bar for singing an AEGIS song will testify to it. Their hits are particularly high, taxing and straining on the vocal chords.
Poppert Bernadas (Kenny) woos Aicelle Santos (Aileen) with his digital camera. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
AEGIS vocalists also Rocked on stage from left: Ken, Juliet and Mercy Sunot. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
This could not have been more apparent when the real AEGIS vocalists: Juliet Sunot, Mercy Sunot-Borjal and Kris (aka Ken) Sunot got on stage the opening night. There was a direct comparison and Aicelle more than held her own in the impossibly tough songs. Aicelle was also able to lend her mellower, more emotional style to the familiar slow rock anthems.
AEGIS from left: Mercy Sunot, Ken Sunot, RAK OF AEGIS lead star Aicelle Santos (Aileen) and Juliet Sunot. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on their hits. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
TOP from left: Jamie Rivera, PETA PR Supervisor Leloi Arcete, Writer Jude Cartalaba and GMA News Reporter Cata Inocencio. Bottom from left: GMA Balitanghali Anchor Raffy Tima and INTERAKSYON ace reporter Edwin Sallan. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
left: Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane) & Robert Seña (Kiel). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
ALL STAR CAST
Isay Alvarez is the conflicted barangay captain Mary Jane alternating with the sexy and talented Kalila Aguilos. It takes someone like Isay to play the subtle emotional conflicts of a politician who has to choose between personal gain and that of her community. She is the mother of Ken played by Poppert Bernadas, his singing has always been more heralded as a member of the RYAN CAYABYAB SINGERS. For this role Poppert shows more of his acting skills. His character Ken is both arrogant and sensitive.
left: Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane) and Poppert Bernadas (Kenny). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Poppert Bernadas (Kenny) woos Aicelle Santos (Aileen) with his digital camera. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
right: Poppert Bernadas (Kenny) tries to win back Aicelle Santos (Aileen) via their theme song played from his phone. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Robert Seña (Kiel) & Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Robert Seña is the brooding father Kiel. Kakai Bautista’s comedic skills are tailor made for the lighthearted Mercy who alternates with Neomi Gonzales. Both Kiel and Mercy are parents to Aileen. The cast is a combination of established stars and young fresh talent. Jet Barrun of PILIPINAS GOT TALENT makes her theater debut as part of the ensemble.
Kakai Bautista (Mercy) and Robert Seña (Kiel). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Standing from right: Robert Seña (Kiel), Jerald Napoles (Tolits), Weng Pinpin-Adriano AEGIS (Bass), Rey Abenoja AEGIS (Lead Guitar), Vilma Goloviogo AEGIS (Drums), Stella Maries Galindo-Pabico AEGIS (Keyboards), Juliene Mendoza (Fernan) Set Designer Mio Infante, Shoe Designer Maco Custodio, Gold Villar (Ensemble) Seated from right: Aicelle Santos (Aileen), Isay Alvarez (Mary Jane), Ken Sunot AEGIS (vocalist), Juliet Sunot AEGIS (vocalist), Nor Domingo (Fernan), Mercy Sunot-Borjal AEGIS (vocalist), Director Maribel Legarda, Musical Director Myke Salomon (Ken), Playwright Liza Magtoto foreground from right: Nor Domingo (Fernan), Gimbey Delacruz (Ensemble), Carlon Matobato (Ensemble) Phi Palmos (Jewel), John Emmanoel Moran (Ensemble), Kakai Bautista (Mercy) and Poppert Bernadas (Kenny). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
on stilts, on water: Gold Villar (ensemble) as– from left: Aicelle Santos (Aileen) and Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane) look on. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Talented performers such as Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Nor Domingo, Ron Alfonso, Pepe Herrera and Paeng Sundayan round out the cast. In fact Gold Villar has a precarious stunt with stilts while crossing a bridge on the ‘water’. Phi Palmos also has his moments as Aileen’s gay bff Jewel.
Aicelle Santos (Aileen) and Phi Palmos (Jewel) check out her vid on YouTube via a tablet. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Phi Palmos (Jewel) shows off his boots he made himself and Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane). TOP from left: Aaron Ching and Gian Magdangal, MIDDLE from left: GMA News’ Cata Inocencio & For Here Segment SOLAR NEWS’ Janina Sanchez, BOTTOM from left: PETA Exec. Dir Beng Santos-Cabangon, Juliene Mendoza (Fernan) and Noel Cabangon. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Rak f AEGIS’ set is a watery world. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Jerald Napoles (Tolits) in RAK OF AEGIS, a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Jerald Napoles has had numerous roles on stage in PETA, Tanghalang Pilipino and other top productions way before Janet Lim Napoles was exposed. Jerald swears by his bank account that he is NOT related to Janet. Jerald’s role as Tolits is far more hardworking and honest too.
Juliene Mendoza (Fernan) in RAK OF AEGIS, a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
fans grab a shot with their idol Aicelle Santos (Aileen). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
from right: Gian Magdangal, Aicelle Santos (Aileen), Ehra Madrigal and Rak f Aegis Musical dir. Myke Salomon. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Musical Direction & Choreography
Both the musical director Myke Salomon and choreographer Gio Gahol are also performers themselves. Most audiences still have Myke’s performance in Tanghalang Pilipino’s IBALONG fresh in their minds and is also one of our country’s top beat boxers. Myke alternates as Kenny while managing the music side of the production. Their talents have also made RAK F AEGIS the success that it is.
As we have heard and seen WICKED from Australia has a mind-boggling set and production. RAK F AEGIS is proudly right there with it. Our Filipino performers have never been inferior so go and see this once in a lifetime musical for yourself.
top: Robert Seña (Kiel) sings to Isay Alvarez Seña (Mary Jane). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Standing from right: Jerald Napoles (Tolits), Weng Pinpin-Adriano AEGIS (Bass), Rey Abenoja AEGIS (Lead Guitar), Vilma Goloviogo AEGIS (Drums), Stella Maries Galindo-Pabico AEGIS (Keyboards), Juliene Mendoza (Fernan) Set Designer Mio Infante, Shoe Designer Maco Custodio, Gold Villar (Ensemble) Seated from right: Robert Seña (Kiel), Aicelle Santos (Aileen), Isay Alvarez (Mary Jane), Ken Sunot AEGIS (vocalist), Juliet Sunot AEGIS (vocalist), Nor Domingo (Fernan), Mercy Sunot-Borjal AEGIS (vocalist), Director Maribel Legarda, Musical Director Myke Salomon (Ken), Playwright Liza Magtoto foreground from right: Nor Domingo (Fernan), Gimbey Delacruz (Ensemble), Carlon Matobato (Ensemble) Phi Palmos (Jewel), John Emmanoel Moran (Ensemble), Kakai Bautista (Mercy) and Poppert Bernadas (Kenny). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Kakai Bautista (Mercy) and Robert Seña (Kiel). RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
Poppert Bernadas (Kenny) and Aicelle Santos (Aileen) sing above flooded waters. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
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AEGIS from left: Ken, Juliet and Mercy Sunot during RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on their hits. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
the multilayered set shows a neighborhood in a small space. RAK OF AEGIS is a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Phi Palmos (Jewel) in RAK OF AEGIS a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
A river runs through the set in RAK F AEGIS a musical based on the hits of 90’s band AEGIS. It will run from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Text and Photos by Jude Bautista