The Music and Stars of Binondo Shine

Jonel Mojica as Ge Lao, Arman Ferrer as Ah Tiong

One of the things I enjoy doing as an actor is working on original materials. It gives me the opportunity to create a role and collaborate with the artistic team and my co-actors on something we are all passionate about. I was given the chance to work in Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical but I had to back out due to conflicts in my schedule. It would have been another opportunity for me to work with my daughter Mariella who eventually got the role of Jasmine.

Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical is a love story based on true events about Lily, a nightclub singer in Manila, Ah Tiong an academe from China and her childhood friend Carlos, which takes place during the Martial Law years from the early 70’s to the mid 80’s.

Director Joel Lamangan and Choreographer Douglas Nierras assembled a cast of seasoned actors who brought fervor and vigor to the characters they played. From the inimitable performances of Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Lily, to the crystal clear voices and arresting presence of Arman Ferrer and David Ezra as Ah Tiong, the insightful portrayal of Floyd Tena and Noel Rayos as Carlos, the nuanced performances of Ima Castro as Mrs. Dela Rosa and Jenny Villegas as Lourdes as well as the commitment of Jim Pebanco, Lorenz Martinez, Khalil Kaimo, Ellrica Laguardia, Rhapsody and Tuesday Vargas as members of the Koro, to the unwavering support of the rest of the cast and ensemble led by Jonel Mojica as Ge Lao and Ashlee Factor as Ruby. I applaud you all for doing an excellent job.

As much as I don’t want to sound biased here, I could not be more proud to see my daughter Mariella bloom right before my eyes. Her performance of Jasmine was something her mother and I have been waiting to see. We could not contain the tears falling from our eyes as she belted out her songs. In the words of those who came to see us after the show, they exclaimed that Mariella’s performance was “refreshing”, “stirring” and “a breath of fresh air”. I don’t mean to gush but yes we are very proud of our eldest daughter who has proven herself to be an actress of substance.

My favorite thing about this show is the music. Von De Guzman had the daunting task of creating the songs and score for only a little over two months, which is a feat on its own. He successfully infused Pinoy Pop music with Broadway turning out one memorable song after another. Bringing to life the libretto written by Ricky Lee, Gershom Chua and Eljay Deldoc.

How I wish there is an Original Cast Recording album, I would love to listen to the songs Dito Sa Binondo, Dayuhin Sa Iyong Puso, May Tiwala Ako, Minamahal, Iniibig and Patawad over and over again. All those songs can be released as a single. That’s how beautiful it is.