‘Eto na! Musikal nAPO!’ celebrates the transformative power of music

In one of the newest original stage musicals to open in Manila, a group of guys in university hang out in between classes to talk about girls, personal problems and the future. They have issues like most other college-aged youth but soon realize that they actually have it easy compared to the problems waiting for them in the world outside. The songs they sing and dance to are familiar and nostalgic, all from the repertoire of a beloved icon of OPM.

You’d be forgiven if you thought this is about "Ang Huling El Bimbo", the musical set to the music of the Eraserheads, which is running now at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. In truth, this is actually about "Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!", which had its press preview at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City on Thursday (August 2), exactly one week after "El Bimbo."

It might seem unfair, but due to the timing, it’s difficult not to bring up one to talk about the other. The fact that the two original Filipino musicals opened just one week apart is uncanny. And both follow the successful runs of previous so-called jukebox musicals like "Rak of Aegis" (Aegis) and "Sa Wakas" (Sugarfree).

Still, thematic and narrative similarities aside, "Musikal nAPO" sets itself apart from "El Bimbo" for its more traditional approach to adapting the songs of the APO Hiking Society.

While the former was a bit more experimental — completely rearranging some numbers, chopping up segments of songs and using a few lines of lyrics in certain sequences to move the story forward — the latter musical co-produced by 9Works Theatrical and Globe Live kept most of the songs intact and pretty much stuck to their original arrangements, with the actors singing them almost exactly how we remember them after all these years.

That might not sit well for audiences who want their musicals a bit more “out there,” but for the rest of us who don’t mind hearing the songs we already know and love, it works out quite well.

It’s impossible to overstate the profound influence of the APO on local music. Their ability to craft songs that are both intelligent and emotional has influenced generations of artists and endeared them to countless fans for over four decades. It certainly doesn’t hurt that they were staunch defenders of democracy and butted heads with the dictatorship in the 1970s.

While the musical does not tell the actual origin story of the APO, some elements certainly bear a striking resemblance to real-life events in the group’s formation.

Director and co-writer Robbie Guevarra does a brilliant job of tapping into people’s obsession with nostalgia not just with the APO’s songs, but with the period-era costumes and casual pop culture references (tough luck if you’re unfamiliar with COD, Goya, Yeye Vonnel, Love Bus and “bomalabs”).

Expect all of your favorite APO songs delivered in "Musikal nAPO!" — everything from “Blue Jeans”, “Batang-Bata Ka Pa”, “Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba”, to “'Di Na Natuto”, “Yakap Sa Dilim”, “Awit ng Barkada”, and “Ewan.” The production team should give themselves a pat on the back for the display of youthful exuberance in the “Salawikain”-“Lumang Tugtugin” mash-up as well as the intensely dramatic sequence of “Pag-Ibig.”

The cast more than delivers essaying roles that could have been based off of their own parents or grandparents. (In the case of Jobim Javier, who plays playboy-turned-faithful lover Butch, it’s quite literal, as he is the son of APO member Danny Javier). Mark Bautista maintains a solid presence as Rick, who is torn between his commitment to his college barkada “combo” and his obligations to girlfriend Anna. Their duet of “Nakapagtataka” while being drenched in fake rain is a highlight of the musical.

Alfritz Blanche as Sonny and his perky and adorable girlfriend Jane played by Marika Sasaki also prove to be standouts, both in their vocal delivery and unpretentious acting.

Direction could have been tighter in a sequence near the end when almost everyone in the cast was spread out onstage and bouncing dialogue off of each other. There might have been some audio issues as it was a bit confusing to figure out who was speaking and when.

The storyline involving one of the characters supposedly joining a group of rebels and/or demonstrators fighting against the dictatorship did not feel like it was fleshed out properly and so came across as a bit implausible and weak.

How Guevarra and co-story architect Jonjon Martin managed to weave a story of heartbreak and friendships, loyalty and family, duty and the pursuit of dreams is noteworthy. The big finale still manages to surprise and delight even though you could probably already tell what was coming.

All in all, "Musikal nAPO" is not just another stage musical exploiting the discography of one of the most treasured groups in OPM. It celebrates the contributions of a group unafraid to pursue their dreams and stand up to oppression through music meant to comfort the afflicted and challenge the status quo.

And it’s a riotous, deeply affecting tribute to the power of music to forge friendships and strengthen familial bonds. Even for those who grew up never hearing the songs of the APO Hiking Society, that’s something they can certainly understand. — AT, GMA News