How many times did you hear the famous line of Cherie Gil as Lavinia Arguelles? Once? Twice? Or a couple of times?
Hearing it straight from the stage of a musical play was magical!
I was fortunate to watch last January 30, 2016 at Newport Cinema, Resorts World Manila the re-run of Bituing Walang Ningning. I received three free tickets from Belle De Jour and I gladly invited my friends who were true theater enthusiasts.
We arrived 30 minutes before the curtain call and my friends had a great time taking photos. I asked my friend that we bought a CD and a magazine (400php) so that we would be able to have a meet and greet with the actors after the show. I was jovial that he agreed!
I honestly not familiar with the 1985 movie hit, but I watched the teleserye when it was shown on local television. I was also not accustomed with the songs, but good thing my good friend knew the lyrics and the songs by heart.
The Casts…
Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)- She actually looked like Sharon Cuneta. Her acting was convincing and for being a first timer in theater, she absolutely nailed the character very well.
Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar)- No doubt that he can sing anything. My friend said that he stuck with how he portrayed the original (Christopher De Leon). He wanted a different take on the character yet for me, thumbs up for his acting.
Antoinette Taus (Lavinia Arguelles)- We wanted to see Cris Villonco but that night Antoinette took the stage as the villain. I was quite disappointed because she wasn’t able to level the evilness of Cherie Gil.
Ronnie Liang (Garry Diaz)- I like his, voice but why did they dress him up as K-POP? I was quite distracted with his costume, but nonetheless he pulled his part impressively.
Epy Quizon (Auntie)- When it was announced that I would see Epy Quizon, I was thrilled. I knew that he is a superb comedian (not against Jon Santos) and when I watched him live, I bowed my head with him even more.
My three most favorite scenes:
1. Dorina took the spotlight and sang ‘Bituin Walang NingNing. Who cannot love this moment when the lights perfectly reflected with the white dress? And the stars around her truly made the scene, spectacular and unique!
2. Sana’y Maghintay ng Walang Hanggan exchanged from Gary to Dorina then to Nico. The piano as their background and their heartfelt rendition was enough to melt you.
3. When Garry secretly confessed his feelings with Dorina. I could feel the meaning of ‘Gusto Kita’ with so much honesty and passion, my heart even broke for him.
If there would be a re-run again of Bituing Walang Ningning will I watch it?
100% Yes!