The iconic, Filipino musical phenomenon, Philippine Educational Theater Association’s Rak of Aegis makes a much-awaited return from July-September 2019 at the PETA Theater Center in partnership with Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and The PhilPop MusicFest Foundation (Philpop).
Since the show opened in 2014, Rak of Aegis has taken Manila, figuratively and literally, by storm! The original Pinoy musical brought one of the greatest OPM icons, The Aegis Band, to the spotlight by featuring their powerful hits and karaoke favorites “Halik,” “Sinta,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan,” and more.
Rak of Aegis was also one of the first Filipino productions which ushered in the trend of jukebox musicals, giving birth to a newfound appreciation for theater and original Pinoy music that crosses all boundaries of social class and age. Today, Rak of Aegis is the longest-running original Pinoy musical in contemporary Philippine theater.
This 2019, Rak of Aegis Season 7 is befittingly partnered with OPM and PhilPop “to celebrate and pay tribute to Philippine music, performances, and artistry”, according to PETA Executive Director Beng Cabangon. “Pinoy music speaks of our culture and identity as Filipinos. It encapsulates our dreams and continues to inspire us to love and hope,” she says.
“In partnering with OPM and Philpop, we wish not only to recognize our wealth of Filipino songs and talents, but also impart to the audience how music, theater, the arts can evoke our highest aspirations and bring out the best in our humanity.” The collaboration between PETA, OPM, and PhilPop brings in a new and exciting season for Rak of Aegis, as it now becomes a coming together of music and theater lovers, and avid fans of various OPM artists.
OPM President Ogie Alcasid, upon watching the show during its first season, stressed the importance of supporting music that’s sariling atin: “A show like Rak of Aegis is an embodiment of what we have to do as Filipinos – suportahan, tangkilikin at ipagbunyi po natin ang ating sariling musika!”
While Rak of Aegis remains to be a wildly entertaining and heartwarming piece of theater, six runs and 300+ shows later, Season 7 now brings something new to the table. New cast members including OPM artists will breathe life into the well-loved characters of the show. “We’ll have busking in the PETA lobby and have some OPM artists join in the play,” director Maribel Legarda also reveals.
On top of that, she and Rak of Aegis musical director Myke Salomon will also enjoin the PhilPop Songwriting Boot Camp 2109 to share their expertise creating original musical theater productions with Rak of Aegis as a case study.
So whether you’re watching for the first time, or watching again, Rak of Aegis will be another fresh experience and celebration for the Filipino. Its massive following proves that this timely tale of hope, resilience, and distinctly Filipino music tugs at the hearts of Pinoy audiences like no other. “The music and performances will always be something to look forward to,” director Maribel Legarda says. “When it’s there, you really learn to enjoy the humor and the heart and the music of it all.”
The stellar cast for Rak of Aegis Season 7 is a mix of mostly original cast members: Aicelle Santos and Kim Molina as Aileen; Isay Alvarez-Seña and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson as Mary Jane; Robert Seña and Renz Verano as Kiel; Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales as Mercy, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera and Joshua Bulot as Tolits; Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas and Vince Lim as Kenny; Ron Alfonso and Jimi Marquez as Jewel; Gie Onida as Fernan; Gimbey Dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Gold Villar-Lim, Teetin Villanueva, John Moran, Gio Gahol, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong and Carlon Matobato as ensemble. Joining them are last season’s new cast additions: Shaira Opsimar as Aileen, Rody Vera as Fernan and Matel Patayon as part of the ensemble.
PETA will also soon reveal the new OPM cast members which will for sure add another layer of excitement to the ever-growing Barangay Venezia. More importantly, Rak of Aegis Season 7 hopes to showcase our glorious repertoire of OPM music, showcasing the formidable talents of our theater actors, musicians and songwriters, while giving the audience a really good time!
Rak of Aegis runs from July 5 to September 29, 2019 at the PETA-Phinma Theater located at The PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City. For corporate partnership and showbuying inquires, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 725-6244 and 0917-539-1112.