The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) hit comedy musical Rak of Aegis makes its 5th comeback as the company gears toward its 50th year celebration. The extraordinary spectacle of rain and flood is set to run from June 17 to August 28, 2016 with a whopping 82 shows, and features an impressive new roster of artists.

PETA’s widely popular production has garnered over 20 awards and citations since its opening on 2014, including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Musical Direction, Outstanding Stage Direction Outstanding Original Libretto to name a few. Aside its numerous awards and endless stream of followers, Rak has produced a record-breaking 206 shows; indeed a feat for Philippine theater.

This season, the talented Rak ensemble reprises their roles as the colorful Villa Venizians with two wickedly talented new Aileens in The Voice runner up Alisah Bonaobra, and actress Tanya Manalang.

The theater newbie Alisah shares she has a lot more in common with Aileen apart from a powerful singing voice. “Yung gusto kong sumikat at madiscover sa Youtube, yun talaga yung tumatak sakin!” she admits, laughing.

Prior to becoming the runner up on The Voice Philippine’s second season, clips of Alisah singing ‘Let It Go’ on a karaoke machine in a well-known mall went viral on Youtube. Lately, she enjoys a stint in Eat Bulaga’s Just Duet segment with Rak co-star Aicelle Santos.

Albeit daunted and nervous, Alisah is grateful for the opportunity to debut into theater with such an established production. As a gifted performer, she now braves new heights with the hopes of developing her acting skills. “Gusto ko kasi talaga matuto… sana mahasa yung acting skills ko at pagkanta kasi iba ‘pag theater, iba rin naman ‘pag live.”

Meanwhile Tanya Manalang, also taking on the role of Aileen, is no stranger to theater. Most recently, she was on the London stage playing Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. This is her first Filipino musical, and her first production with PETA.

“I’ve been hearing great things about [Rak of Aegis], birit musical to e; that in itself, challenge na yun.” she shares. “But I’m just gonna keep training in my spare time, to use the right technique; ‘di naman ako talaga biritera, but I have to finish the show without injuring my voice.”

Tanya began her formal training in theater at age six and was recently trained in musical theater at the Arts Educational School in London. Despite the rigorous discipline and focus theater demands, Tanya relates most to her character’s cheerfulness. “[Aileen] is bubbly, she’s generally a very cheerful person and I see that in myself. Kalog kasi talaga ako!”

Also new to the Rak stage are powerhouse veterans up-and-coming theatre actors Vince Lim (Kenny), Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Mary Jane), Tricia Jimenez and Joann Co (alterating as Mercy) and Jon Santos (Fernan).

Reprising the role of “Aileen” is Kapuso breakout star Aicelle Santos and TV/theater actress Kim Molina. Several talented Venizia veterans are back as well, including Benj Manalo, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, OJ Mariano, Renz Verano, Loy Martinez, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Sweet Plantado, Kakai Bautista, Neomi Gonzales, Juliene Mendoza, Gilbert Onida, Jimi Marquez, Phi Palmos, Ron Alfonso, Carlon Matobato, Gio Gahol, John Moran, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Via Antonio, Gold Villar, Teetin Villanueva, Raflesia Bravo, Jet Barrun, and Gab Pangilinan.

Golden couple and original Rak cast members Robert and Isay Seña also joins the cast as they reprise their original roles of Kiel and Mary Jane.

This might be your last chance to catch Rak of Aegis for a very long time! Don’t miss the fifth comeback of PETA’s hit comedy musical. The show runs from June 17 to August 28, Tuesdays to Fridays 8PM, Saturdays to Sundays 3PM and 8PM at the PETA Theater Center.

For tickets, go to www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999 or contact PETA 725-6244, 0917-5391112 or email us at petatheater@gmail.com

Reviews

“Buoyed by great songs, a stellar cast and a compelling plot, Rak of Aegis is set to be an unsinkable production; audiences are in for an uplifting theater experience.” -Rappler.com

Rak of Aegis goes from being an extremely entertaining song and dance showcase to a sharp commentary on Filipino habits and attitudes.” - Jessica Zafra, InterAksyon.com

“The overall experience of a show encompassed social criticism, witty pickup lines and pop-culture references and, most importantly, highlighted the virtue of Filipino resiliency in the face of disaster. Plus, of course, the splendid singing; “Rak” easily liberated itself with an ethereal vocal collective that, yep, swallowed the crowd whole. “Sintamis ng wine,” indeed.” - Denison Rey Dalupang, Philippine Daily Inquirer

“Rak of Aegis is a valiant effort to bring people to the theater, and to enjoy something distinctly Filipino.” – Juice.ph

“The musical was successful in promoting awareness of social issues and OPM history, showcasing the formidable talents of our actors, musicians, and theater people, and giving the audience a really good time. It’s a must- watch.” - Jenny Ortuoste, GMANewsOnline

Artistic Staff

• Director - Maribel Legarda
• Playwright - Liza Magtoto
• Musical Director/Arranger/Vocal Direction - Myke Salomon
• Choreographer - Gio Gahol
• Set Designer - Mio Infante
• Lights Designer - Jon Jon Villareal
• Sound Designer - Myke Salomon and Happy Constantino
• Costume Designer - Carlo Pagunaling
• Shoe Designer - Maco Custodio
• Accessories – Joan Pamintuan

Awards

• Philstage Gawad Buhay! 2015
• Outstanding Original Musical
• Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical
• Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda)
• Outstanding Original Libretto (Liza Magtoto)
• Outstanding Musical Direction (Myke Salomon)
• Outstanding Choreography (Gio Gahol)
• Outstanding Set Design (Mio Infante)
• Outstanding Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling)
• Outstanding Sound Design (Myke Salomon and Happy Constantino)
• Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Kim Molina)
• Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical (Kalila Aguilos)
• Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Pepe Herrera)

Aliw Awards 2014

• Best Musical Production
• Best Musical Director (Myke Salomon)
• Best Actress in a Musical (Aicelle Santos)
• Best Actor in a Musical (Jerald Napoles)
• Best Actress in a Featured Role (Kakai Bautista)

Show Dates

• June 17-August 28
• Tues-Fri - 8:00pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Venue

PETA Theater Center #5 Eymard Drive, Brgy. Kritong Hari New Manila, Quezon City

Parking

Parking with Shuttle Service - St Lukes Medical City Parking at 17th Street Vallet Parking - Available at Php 150