“Tabing-Ilog” returns as a live stage musical

"Tabing Ilog,” the iconic Kapamiya TV series that gave Filipinos the ultimate 90s teen barkada is returning, but this time as a live stage musical, starting March 2020.

The show that introduced us to John Lloyd Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria, Paula Paralejo, Paolo Contis, Desiree Del Valle, Patrick Garcia, Baron Geisler, and Kaye Abad was not just another a teen TV show. Every Sunday afternoon, viewers saw the trials and triumphs of eight close friends as they navigated their way through their relationships, families, and the challenges of growing up.  

“What set “Tabing Ilog” apart was that it tackled the realities of teenagers growing up at the time,” said Raymund Dizon, business unit head of Star Hunt and executive producer of the original series. The show did not shy away from topics like teenage pregnancies, pre-marital sex, bitter arguments with parents, alcoholism—themes that are still very relevant today. 

“The challenge now is that the teenagers have evolved,” Dizon says. “How do we know better the teens of today? What are their challenges, their aspirations? When we revive the show, we wanted to make sure that it’s relevant to both the youth and the people who grew up with the original show.”

The musical will star a talented mix of Star Hunt artists and theater actors, including rising stars Kiara Takahashi, Abi Kassem and theater actress Gab Pangilinan, who will be alternating as Eds delos Santos; Sky Quizon, Hanie Jarar, and theater actor Ian Pangilinan, who will  take turns playing Rovic Mercado; Batit Espiritu and Emjay Savilla who will alternate as Badong Magtibay.

Meanwhile, Jem Macatuno, Gian Wang, and Gabby Sarmiento will take on the role of James Collantes while Argel Saycon, Star Hunt alumni Ellyson de Dios, and theater actor Vino Malabot will play the role of Fonzy Ledesma.

From the all-girl Filipino idol group MNL48, Abby Trinidad, Belle Delos Reyes, and theater actress Mia Canton will alternate as George Fuentebella. Lou Yanong, Missy Quino, and theater actress Teetin Villanueva will play Corinne Ledesma. Shawntel Cruz, and theater actresses Krystal Kane and Justine Narciso will play Jerry Ricafort. Art Guma, Ian Hermogenes, and theater actor Franco Ramos will alternate as Ely. And playing Sammy Collantes are Brei Binuya from MNL48, Star Hunt and Theater actor Noel Comia, and Lie Reposposa.

Joining them to play multiple roles are theater and veteran film actors Jojit Lorenzo, Paolo O’hara, Agot Isidro, and Joann Co.

Members of the show’s artistic team, meanwhile, come from the country’s premier theater groups, including the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Red Turnip, Dulaang U.P. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. They are composer and musical director Vincent De Jesus (“Changing Partners,” “Himala,” “Care Divas”), director Topper Fabregas (“Tribes,” “Rabbit Hole,” “Company”), and choreographer JM Cabling (“Ang Lihim ni Lea,” “Bent”). Writer and director Jade Castro (the play “Dalawang Gabi,”; films “Endo,” and “LSS”) bridges the story from screen to stage. 

“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” will run from March 7 to April 26 at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater at the ABS- CBN compound in Quezon City. Tickets are priced Php 1000, Php 1200, Php 1500 and Php 2500, and are available online in KTX. The production is also open to showbuyers. Contact 0977 836 0315 for tickets and inquiries.

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