A MUSICAL play produced by 7HS Productions and Oro Teatro Bulawanon will be staged at Rodelsa Hall on August 5 and 6, 2022.
"Ang Paglaya: The Musical," an original Filipino musical written and directed by Maia Fortich-Poblete, is a simple story that focuses on relationships. It shows the father-daughter relationship of Manuel and Annika, Annika's longing for her mom Anna, and relationships with newfound friends from an enchanted place called Miyapa.
The musical play is also about a father's misplaced love for his daughter. It tells a story of Annika and her quest for freedom from her domineering dad and her journey to discovering her true self.
Ang Paglaya was first staged at Kampo Juan in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon last May 2019.
According to Fortich-Poblete, Ang Paglaya was a straight play intended for guests from Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and other parts of the country present in the cultural and culinary feast.
The play was turned into a musical and was completed in May 2022.
And Paglaya features 13 original songs written, arranged, and composed by some of the play's cast members.
Most of the cast members are graduated of Liceo de Cagayan University's Senior High School Arts and Design strand.
Alternating as Annika are Christy Aboniawan and Mykie Sostinto, and playing the role of Manuel (Annika’s dad) are Bernard Alain Castro and Raven Joshua Zamora. Kareem Almirante and Dawid Rosh Mahilum alternate as Oren while Jay Abcede plays the role of Annika’s good friend Marco.
Playing the role of Anna, Annika’s mom, is Lovely Mae Daguimol. Junalyn Arrabis is Tanesha. The three singing diwatas are portrayed by Jessa Bernaldez, Rowella Regatuna, and Hanh Felicity Agawin. Seff Timosan is Mr. Diwa while Kale “Bom” Ramos and Khiara Bucol alternate as Mrs. Diwa. Playing the special role of Lola Maharlika is Car-lene dela Cruz-Lagare.
The other cast members are: Henziel Gabriel Nagac, Steve Leevon Roa (Angelo), Zilpha Kaye Ibañez (Barbara), Ira Sophia Zamora, Zane Abigail Lucrecio, Earl Francis Quitoriano, Jonathan Kyle Pascua, Daniel Mijares, John Ric Timola, Rhea Angelique, Nova Grace Bontao, Brenlyn Lazo, and Karyll Mangubat.
According to the cast members, one of the scenes the audience can look forward to is the characters' journey in an entirely new world where they'll meet diwatas, engkantos, and dwendes.
The cast even performed some of the play's scenes during their meeting with the local press.
Ang Paglaya: The Musical is one of the featured activities of this year's Higalaay Festival. It will be staged at the Rodelsa Hall on August 5 and 6. There will be two performances per day, one at 3 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m.
According to Fortich-Poblete, the tickets for the 3 p.m. is at P200, while the 7 p.m. show tickets are at P300. The proceeds of the musical will be for the benefit of the Liceo U High School Alumni humanitarian and special projects.