Everyone's watching 'Mula Sa Buwan,' and here's why

In almost three hours, "Mula Sa Buwan" can take you to the moon.

If you're wondering why everyone seem to be watching, here's what you need to know about the play directed by Mikko Angeles.

It is based on a French play

For those not in the know, "Mula Sa Buwan" is based on Edmond Rostand's classic French play "Cyrano de Bergerac," written in 1897 and translated from French to Filipino by Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo.

There have been countless versions of this piece since 2011, and now that Philippine theatre is booming, the current production claims that this version is better than ever.

Set between American and Japanese colonization, "Mula Sa Buwan" takes us to 1940s Manila, showcasing Filipino ideals and stories of misfits, love, friendship, loss, grieving, dreams, freedom, and letting go.

It is about a deep and long-standing one-sided love

Cyrano, a cadet living with a Pinocchio-esque nose, is a man of intelligence and a lover of poetry — and Roxanne.

However, Roxanne fell head over heels with a new guy, Christian, who is indeed a dashing young man but isn't quite brilliant.

In this day and age, people might call it catfishing, as the two came up with an idea to catch the young lady's attention by putting Cyrano's words into Christian's.

It's more than just a love story

Set in wartime, it's more than just a love triangle. Great friendships are also formed in the story.

Amid the chaos, the troops also dance and sing to their dreams and hopes of a brighter tomorrow.

Should you join the hype and watch 'Mula Sa Buwan'?

Well, aside from the story itself, there are these four other things you can enjoy:

The aesthetics. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the stage, the set design, the lights and the costumes. Even the moon felt so real. Each set came so gracefully in shape, matched with the stunning choreography.

The beautiful Filipino language. Every line and song dig deep as if the actors intentionally make themselves sound so bright and eloquent, where they only showcase our richness. The show also captures our ideals, including harana and bayanihan.

This outstanding cast. Myke Solomon (Cyrano) owned the stage with his playful and charming performance, best paired with her real-life partner, Gab Pangilinan, who has, without a doubt, slayed the role of Roxanne. MC Dela Cruz, who played Christian, effectively delivered his message of being a symbol of a young soul full of hope.

The music. The songs in the play are a gift to the Philippine theater, especially the heartwarming melody of "Ikaw," which Cyrano dedicated to Roxanne. Also among the notable songs are Ang Tanghalang Ito, Awit Ni Roxanne, Tinig Sa Dilim and Ang Sabi Nila.

"Mula sa Buwan," defined as a "story of love and defiance," tells the story of these young individuals and also explores the power of love and what it can do.

May it be a song, letters, sacrifices, heartbreak, and all the sappy feelings in the world—this story tells us that everything is possible. Love, reciprocated or not, can take you on a roller coaster ride to the moon.

Barefoot Theatre Collaborative's "Mula Sa Buwan" is down to its last two weekend shows until September 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati.

The 2024 re-run features familiar faces from their 2022 run: Phi Palmos and Jillian Ita-as as Rosanna and Gabriel, Rapah Manalo as Rosario, Khalil Tambio as Limon, Jep Go as Gimo, and Ericka Peralejo as Carissa.

Also returning are Chesko Rodriguez as Filemon, Mikaela Regis as Dalisay, Liway Perez as Maila, Ace Polias as Miguel, Keith Sumbi as Felizidad, and Lance Reblando as Serafina.

For the current run, the cast is also joined by Jerom Canlas as Tato, Omar Uddin as Maestro, and Brian Sy as Maximo.Also part of the cast for this year's run are Ade Valenzona, Daniel Wesley, Jannah Baniasia, Cheska Quimno, Dippy Arceo, Iya Villanueva, and Jules Dela Paz.

“Fourteen years ko na pong kilala at ginagawa itong Mula Sa Buwan, but what you have witnessed today, and siguro sinasabi din po ng iba na this is the best version of this play,” said Pat Valera, one of the creators, along with Willian Elvin Manzano.  

The show is directed by Mikko Angeles, with Myke Salomon as musical director.

Hurry, as tickets are still available via Ticketworld and outlets nationwide! Do not miss out, and enjoy the trip to the moon.

As we go, may the show always remind us "hindi ko lilimuting magmahal." —JCB, GMA Integrated News