The award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater became the center of Parokyaverse as Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical made its highly-awaited stage debut. The musical lived up to the hype with sold-out shows throughout April, including a full house gala night performance on Thursday, May 2. Thousands of audiences, from avid theater fans to OPM enthusiasts, have put on their seatbelts for a live theater journey that is truly out of this world.
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical is the tenth major theatrical offering from Newport World Resorts, and their most expensive Filipino production to date. “We spared no expense because the Filipino audience deserves the best. Gusto naming makita na kung kaya nila sa Broadway, kaya rin natin dito sa Newport (We want to see to it that if others can do it in Broadway, we can also do it here in Newport),” Newport World Resorts President and CEO Kingson Sian said during the gala night.
Among those who first witnessed the magic of the musical are all six band members of Parokya ni Edgar. Frontman Chito Miranda expressed his excitement after witnessing their songs come to life on stage. “Sobrang overwhelming lang ‘yung experience because naging audience kami sa isang show na talagang out of this world (The experience was incredibly overwhelming because we became the audience in a show that was truly out of this world). They were using our songs, and they added new life and new meaning [to them].”
Theatergoers were swept into the epic adventure of four women—Aiza, Jen, Girlie, and Norma—who share the same birthday on December 6. Viewer discretion is advised, as the production contains strobe lighting, strong language, references to mental health issues, and sexual content. Children who are 13 years old and under must be accompanied by their legal guardian to sign a waiver prior entry to the venue.
Real-life stories of the heroines of Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical tells the story of four women who find themselves at a crossroads of their unique challenges. Their paths unexpectedly intertwine, leading them on an extraordinary adventure of self-discovery, resilience, and the forging of unbreakable bonds.
Interestingly, the musical’s all-female lead cast – Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Natasha Cabrera, Marynor Madamesila, and Felicity Kyle Napuli – mirror the themes they will portray on stage. They shared an inside look at the challenges and triumphs that shaped them on and off stage
Tex Ordoñez-De Leon makes a theater comeback
Seasoned thespian Ordoñez-De Leon took a hiatus from theater to raise her child. Despite receiving audition offers, she prioritized her family. Still, her passion for the stage never dimmed. Now, with a teenager and her husband’s all-out support, she makes a triumphant return to the stage. “Nag stop ako talaga pero nandito ulit ako kasi nandito yung puso ko. Masaya ako dito (I had to take a break, but I’m back now. Because this is where my heart is. I’m happy here.)”
Family comes first for Ordoñez-De Leon, but theater is a hometown. The stage has become a place for her creative expression, and where she has found she always will have a home.
Natasha Cabrera overcomes loss
Meanwhile, Cabrera’s path to the spotlight was not paved with glitter. Before graduating college with a degree in BA Theater Arts from the University of the Philippines – Diliman in 2011, she faced a heartbreaking loss. As the eldest child, she shouldered the responsibility of helping her family.
Driven by practicality, Cabrera entered the corporate world for a year but she found it hard to contain her artistic spirit. “Actually nag corporate ako for one year pero hindi talaga kaya ng puso ko. Hindi ako masaya na hindi ako nakaka kanta (I actually worked in corporate for a year, but my heart could not take it. I was not happy not being able to sing), she shared.
The struggle was real, “Ang daming instances na gusto ko na mag quit kasi ang hirap ng buhay. Alam naman natin na pag ito [theater] yung ginawa mo, hindi laging may project. Hindi laging makakakuha ka ng production.” (There were so many times I wanted to quit because life is hard. We all know that when you choose this [theater] path, projects will not always be there. You don’t always get to join productions).
Her story is one of perseverance, carrying on in life, and taking on family responsibilities. After all the sacrifices, she has finally followed her heart and is now doing what she loves the most – singing.
The unwavering spirit of Marynor Madamesila
Madamesila understands the theater industry’s challenges all too well. A graduate of the University of the Philippines – Diliman’s Theater Arts program, she admits, “Kahit student pa lang ako noon, ilang beses ako nag stop mag-aral” (Even when I was a student, there were times I wanted to stop studying).
The instability of a career in theater can be daunting and it is the love for the craft that kept her going. “Sa life ng theater artist, you always try. Nabe-bless [ako] na kapag nagta-try [ay] nabibigyan ng chance [to perform]” (In the life of a theater artist, you always try. I get blessed because when I try, I receive a chance to perform), she shared.
Madamesila believes that there is triumph in every try. Every attempt, every audition, is a step forward. Her love of the craft fuels this passion, and the drive to keep trying to get to where she wants to be.
Felicity Kyle Napuli’s juggling act
At the age of 17, Napuli has become a promising young theater star and has been in musicals such as Lion King and Matilda. To do that, she juggles her studies and theater. “Kung ang rehearsals natin ay 4 to 6 [nang hapon], ako ay nag-aaral ng 9 to 12 [nang umaga].”
Napuli admits that her demanding schedule is difficult to balance. As someone brimming with passion and energy, she perseveres for her growth and future.
There are struggles unique to someone like Napuli who is a younger artist in the industry with educational and artistic pursuits. She has learned to master the balancing act between studies and work to achieve her big dreams.
Real-life parallels in the Parokya world
While their paths may have begun separately and at different times, they found their paths crossing together when all of them took on roles for a musical.
This time around, Napuli, Madamesila, Ordoñez-De Leon, and Cabrera bring their colorful experiences and the magic of their talent to breathe life into their characters in the world of Parokya, as Aiza, Jen, Norma, and Girlie.
Follow the journey of Napuli, Madamesila, Ordoñez-De Leon, and Cabrera in Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical premiering on April 26 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Catch the matinee shows at 3PM on April 27 and 28; May 4, 5, 11, and 12; and June 8. Witness the evening performances at 8PM on April 26 and 27; and May 3,4, 10, 11, and 17.