My "Ang Huling El Bimbo: Musical" Experience

As a popular Eraserheads song goes, “Nakakaindak. Nakakaaliw. Nakakatindig balahibo.” These words are perfect to describe this wonderful musical, Ang Huling El Bimbo.

It’s past Mother’s Day already but I remembered that I still wasn’t able to give my mom a proper present yet. So while searching the internet to gather ideas, I suddenly came across some articles regarding an ongoing re-run of Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (Resorts World Manila). It is a locally produced musical here in the Philippines, which features the songs of the 90's hit OPM Band, Eraserheads.

My mom and I love watching musicals so I knew that this would be a great post-Mother's day gift and a good opportunity for us to bond. Plus, I personally love the Eraserheads! I can still remember when I was in high school, there were days when the only songs that I would listen to were E-heads songs.

May 25, 2019, 3 PM was our show schedule and we arrived at the Newport Performing Arts Theater about an hour early. 

Before watching the show, all I knew was that the story revolved around a group of friends who met each other during college. My friends who already watched before me didn't spoil important details that's why I was so excited when my mom and I finally arrived at our seats inside.

So, the show already started and right from the beginning, I was already mesmerized. Every beat of the E-heads songs made my heart beat a little faster. It was so nostalgic. As I watched the play, I got a clearer picture of the entire story. 

The story was about 4 characters (Emman, Hector, Anthony, and Joy) who built a strong friendship during their college days, but became distant as they focused on their own separate lives, and how they were suddenly reunited because of an unfortunate event. There were light and funny parts as they showed the great times in life and the memorable moments we spend with our loved ones, but there were also the serious and heartbreaking parts as the characters dwell with their troubles. Because they tackled the realities of the "rollercoaster events" in life, I started to become pretty emotional, especially towards the end. The story was quite deep and full of meaning, but people can relate to it because the musical presented matters that were really happening in our personal lives (especially regarding relationships with the people around us) and some issues in our society as well.

After the show, my eyes became a pit puffy, but I enjoyed so much! Congratulations to the whole cast and production team! It was, indeed, an incredible musical!

All in all, I laughed, I had a good cry, I was brought back to the 90's, I enjoyed listening to the Eraserheads songs sung live by such an amazing cast, and I loved every bit of this musical!

** Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical will be having another run (I heard it's their final run) on July 5 to August 18, 2019 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater - Resorts World Manila!

I recommend that you watch it if you haven't yet! :)