Bubble Gang to stage a musical with Parokya Ni Edgar songs for 22nd anniv show

Bubble Gang will blend comedy and music in one show for their 22nd anniversary special "Parokya Bente Dos: A Laugh Story."

The two-part TV special will air on November 17 and 24 and will feature songs from Parokya Ni Edgar.

At the press conference for the anniversary special, Bubble Gang creative director Michael V. shared the inspiration behind doing a musical gag show.

"Una parang wala na kaming magawang iba eh, inisip na lang namin gawin 'yong 'di pa namin nagagawa and during that time 'yong anak ko nag-ti-theater arts sa Ateneo, so sumali siya sa production tapos nakita ko kung gaano kaganda, tapos 'yung naging success ng Rak of Aegis nag-inspire din sa 'kin to come up with something like this, sabi ko baka puwede gamitin naman natin for Bubble Gang and sana mag-work," Bitoy told the press.

The whole cast and crew had to go through workshops for the project. It took a lot of discipline and most of their time were spent at rehearsals for the show.

"Iba ang disiplina, maraming kakaibang disiplina na hindi namin napa-practice masyado. which we take for granted sa television na sana aming maisapuso sa susunod pong taping and on time na kaming dumating," Paolo Contis said.

Meanwhile, Valeen Montenegro said despite the challenges, it made them feel like they are real theater artists.

"Rehearsals and 'yung pagiging disciplined, feeling namin taga-teatro na kami dito, nag-e-enjoy kami every rehearsals, I can't speak for their part, nakita namin talaga 'yung test ng patience nila samin kasi ang iingay namin, but you will still see Bubble 'Gang' kasi 'di nila maalis 'yung saamin, we're really a group," Valeen said.

Why Parokya?

Bitoy said they chose Parokya ni Edgar since he sees similarities between the show and the band.

"Nagkaroon kami ng vocation, una ano 'yung grupo na similar sa Bubble Gang so nahanap namin Parokya ni Edgar and besides, medyo magkasingtagal, halos, hindi eksaktong magkasing tagal 'yung career ng Bubble Gang tsaka ng banda pero very similar," Bitoy explained.

He also said they selected songs that will fit the story line of their musical play.

"Tapos naghanap kami ng top 15 songs tapos pinili namin 'yung mga may connection dun sa storya, tapos 'yun 'yong pinili namin," he said.

According to music arranger Myke Salomon, a total of 10 songs were tweaked for the show including the song "Buloy" which will be the name of the lead character played by Bitoy.

"Parokya Bente Dos: A Laugh Story" will be orchestrated by former Repertory Philippines director Rem Zamora, musical director and playwright Vince de Jesus.

The entire Bubble Gang crew will be joining the musical play including Bitoy, Kim Domingo, Chariz Solomon, Valeen Montenegro, Antonio Aquitania, Boy 2 Quizon, Paolo Contis, Jackie Rice, Denise Barbacena, Lovely Abella, Sef Cadayona, Betong Sumaya, Mikael Daez, Arra San Agustin, Jak Roberto, Archie Alemana, Arny Ross, Mikoy Morales, Ashely Rivera, Analyn Barro, Juancho Trivinio, Jan Manual, James Macasero, Rodfil Obeso, Myka Flores and Diego Llorico. —JST, GMA News