RAK OF AEGIS fans -- and those who have not seen it yet -- have another chance to catch one of the most successful recent Filipino musical productions. Staged by the Philippines Educational Theater Association (PETA), Rak is back for its fifth run from June 17 to Aug. 28.
Having already been performed 206 times since 2014, there are 82 more shows scheduled of this show featuring tunes by the rock band Aegis which tells the story of the denizens of the perpetually flooded barangay of Villa Venezia.
Fresh faces and theater stalwarts are joining this run.
There are two new "Aileens" -- the promodier who dreams of becoming a YouTube sensation and being discovered by Ellen Degeneres -- Tanya Manalang and Alisah Bonaobra.
Ms. Bonaobra, a newbie in the theater scene, finished first runner up in the second season of The Voice of the Philippines and competed in noontime show Eat Bulaga's segment, "Gymeoke." Much like the character she plays in Rak, she was discovered after a video of her singing Frozen's "Let It Go" in a karaoke machine went viral on the Internet.
"I only wanted to be popular on YouTube," she said. "Back then, it was me who was selling tickets [as a staffer for Rak]. Now I'm the one on the ticket!"
The other Aileen, however, is no amateur on stage. Ms. Manalang, who just came back from her stint in London as Kim, the lead in Cameron MacKintosh's critically acclaimed West End production of Miss Saigon, said she was thrilled to be part of Rak of Aegis.
"I auditioned for the part immediately, without even batting an eyelash," she said.
Ms. Manalang said Rak of Aegis is a challenge for her since the songs are mostly for "biritan" (belting out sustained high notes, a hallmark of Aegis songs). This is also her first Tagalog production and her first performance with PETA.
One of the strongest vocalists and stage performers in the country, Carla Laforteza auditioned for the role of "Mary Jane," the barangay captain/shoe factory owner, a role originated by Isay Alvarez. After she watched the musical, she said she badly wanted to be part of the cast.
"Then PETA called me and asked me to come over. I really thought they'd be offering me to do Rak of Aegis, but instead, it was for 3 Stars and A Sun," she said. 3 Stars and A Sun, PETA's musical featuring Francis Magalona songs, wrapped up in March.
Ms. Laforteza said she kept on singing Aegis songs while rehearsing for 3 Stars. She finally got in after audition for Rak. "Kinulit ko sila talaga (I really pestered them)."
Another theater veteran, comedian and actor Jon Santos, will be playing the role of "Fernan." After having done stand-up comedy and TV projects, he said he finally made time for theater productions, making a much-lauded performance in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This is his 29th year in the performing industry.
"I watched three sets of the casts of Rak of Aegis, and I've been wanting to be on the same stage as they are," he said.
Other veterans and up-and-coming theater actors new to the Rak stage are Vince Lim, Tricia Jimenez, and Joann Co.
Director Maribel Legarda said although they have tweaked some things in the production, expect the same extraordinary spectacle of rain and floods from Rak's previous runs, but definitely, there will be different interactions from different actors with new lines and antics to look forward to.
Venizia veterans will be back as well, including Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, Benj Manalo, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, OJ Mariano, Renz Verano, Loy Martinez, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Sweet Plantado, Kakai Bautista, Neomi Gonzales, Julienne Mendoza, Gilbert Onida, Jimi Marquez, Phi Palmos, Ron Alfonso, Carlon Matobato, Gio Gahol, John Moran, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong, Gimbey dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Via Antonio, Gold Villar, Teetin Villanueva, Raflesia Bravo, Jet Barrun, and Gab Pangilinan.
PRELUDE TO 50
With PETA a year shy away from celebrating its 50th anniversary, PETA president Cecilia B. Garrucho is optimistic the theater group will prosper as long as they are working for a good cause.
"That's the essence of our work in PETA: To create that spark. We are known for our plays, but the lesser known aspect is our teaching. We do workshops, go to communities, and, even as I speak, I want to tell you that there is our artistic team in Leyte helping out the barangays there for more than a year now," she said.
The group in Leyte is teaching disaster risk reduction to children in creative ways so their parents, teachers, and even local government officials would help out.
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"It's our way of giving. [Like in] every after-show, I see the spark in the eyes of the audience. I've seen it in Rak, I've seen it in Care Divas, I've seen it over and over again. All the people involved in theater would know how difficult and challenging it is because there is hardly any support for the arts," she said.
The last three weekends of Rak of Aegis, Ms. Garrucho said, will be dedicated to helping sustain PETA and its work in the coming years, and its lineup of activities for the 50th year celebration.
"That's what we plan to do in the next 50 years: To tell powerful stories, that move Filipinos, stories that are about truthful situations in our lives as Filipinos," she said. -- Camille Anne M. Arcilla