The Philippine Educational Theater (PETA) is slated to celebrate its golden year with one of its biggest hits, Rak of Aegis, to be played to raise funds for the organization.
Set to run from June 17 to August 28 with 82 shows, PETA’s original Filipino musical Rak of Aegis features songs from the band Aegis, including “Luha” “Halik” and “Basang-basa sa Ulan”.
“PETA is not only looking back by celebrating the milestones and achievements of the company. The 50th year will be dedicated to expanding and deepening the cultural mission of PETA. It is also meant to ensure the sustainability of the company which will enable us to continue our work, fund future generations of artists and cultural workers and allow those who do not have financial resources to gain access to our programs,” said PETA president Cecilia Garrucho.
Since its opening in 2014, Rak of Aegis already had over 200 shows, and more than 20 citations for performance and technical categories including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble performance for a Musical, Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda), Musical Direction (Myke Salomon), Choreography (Gio Gahol), Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling), Set Design (Mio Infante), Male and Female Featured Performances (Kalila Aguilos, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Myke Salomon, Renz Verano, Lorenz Martinez, Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles, and Juliene Mendoza).
This season, the Rak of Aegis ensemble reprise their roles as the Villa Venizians , but with two new Aileens in The Voice runner-up Alisah Bonaobra, and actress Tanya Manalang.
Theater newbie Alisah shares she has a lot more in common with Aileen apart from the singing voice. “Yung gusto kong sumikat at madiscover sa Youtube, yun talaga yung tumatak sa akin!” she said.
Prior to becoming the runner up on The Voice Philippine’s second season, clips of Alisah singing ‘Let It Go’ on a karaoke machine in a well-known mall went viral on Youtube. Lately, she enjoys a stint in Eat Bulaga’s Just Duet segment with Rak co-star Aicelle Santos.
Meanwhile Tanya Manalang, also taking on the role of Aileen, is no stranger to theater. Most recently, she was on the London stage playing Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. This is her first Filipino musical, and her first production with PETA.
Tanya began her formal training in theater at age six and was recently trained in musical theater at the Arts Educational School in London.
Also new to the Rak of Aegis stage are Vince Lim (as Kenny), Carla Laforteza (as Mary Jane), Tricia Jimenez and Joann Co (alternating as Mercy), and Jon Santos (as Fernan).
Reprising the role of “Aileen” is Kapuso breakout star Aicelle Santos and TV/theater actress Kim Molina. Several Venizia veterans are back as well, including 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, Juliene 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.
Rak of Aegis tickets are available via www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information, contact PETA at (+632) 725-6244 or (+63) 917-5391112; or email petatheater@gmail.com.
PHOTOS BY RAFFY YLLANA
