Video: Noel Comia Jr., EJ Ramos Talk How HALIMAW Stands the Test of Time

DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild’s ‘Halimaw’ runs Oct. 4-7 at Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, De La Salle University Manila.

By: Oct. 03, 2023

Manila, Philippines—BroadwayWorld has sat down with the two Albertos (Noel Comia, Jr. and EJ Ramos) in DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild’s first production since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Dr. Isagani Cruz’s “Halimaw” (Monster), a ‘70s sarsuwela retold as a present-day pop-rap musical, which still holds to Cruz’s original book and lyrics and features new music by Vince Lim. 

“Dr. Isagani Cruz wrote ‘Halimaw’ in the ‘70s. All stories reflect the society in some way, but what makes this musical special is it depicts the Philippines during the ‘70s Martial Law era,” Noel said.

“And what’s crazy is that we’ve staged it in the current time, 2023, not editing any parts of the script, but everything there is still relevant,” he added.

In the ‘70s, “Halimaw” was known for its allegorical narrative of the consuming and repressive dangers of power and corruption, critical of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos’ regime.

Set in a reimagined fantastical Philippines, “Halimaw” follows Alberto in his pursuit of saving the tyrannical King’s three daughters, the Marias, who are abducted by halimaws or monsters.

Accompanied by two ordinary men, the Juans, Alberto must face the enigmatic siren, Binibining Sirena; the deceptive matron, Ginang Purista; and the devious executive, Ginoong Dragon, to defeat the monsters and rescue the Marias.

Performing alongside Noel, EJ, and HTG’s homegrown thespians are DLSU alum Bene Manaois, who was last seen in PETA’s comedy musical “Walang Aray”; and “Drag Race Philippines” alum Vinas DeLuxe, a drag artist and singer.

Romualdo “Raffy” Tejada directs this production; he directed HTG’s previous productions “Ang Huling Mambabatok,” “Rizal is My President,” and “Fish-Hair Woman.”

Musical director Vince Lim, also a DLSU alum, is tasked to relive the sarsuwela’s original songs by infusing the sound of pop rap.

“Halimaw’s” A-list creative team also includes Carlon Josol Matobato, choreography; Leeroy New, production design; Santi Obcena, costumes and makeup; Roman Cruz, technical direction; Gabo Tolentino, lighting design; and Holland Lou Buella, sound design.

Video: Oliver Oliveros/BroadwayWorld


BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - Philippines

1
Video: TABING ILOG, THE MUSICAL Cast Take Their Bows Photo
Video: TABING ILOG, THE MUSICAL Cast Take Their Bows

The latest iteration of 'Tabing Ilog, The Musical' plays at the PETA Theater Center and will run until Dec. 17, 2023. Its company of actors is a mix of Star Magic artists and seasoned thespians.

2
Parokya ni Edgar Musical to Feature All-Female Leads Photo
Parokya ni Edgar Musical to Feature All-Female Leads

Newport World Resorts (NWR), through theatrical producer Full House Theater Company, has announced the all-female lead cast for its newest original Filipino musical, 'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical.' Its principal cast includes Kyle Napuli Marynor Madamesila, Tex de Leon, and Natasha Cabrera.

3
BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards December 5th Standings; HAMILTON Leads Best Musical! Photo
BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards December 5th Standings; HAMILTON Leads Best Musical!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

4
ASIAN PERSUASION: Jhett Tolentinos Bid to a More Inclusive Hollywood Photo
ASIAN PERSUASION: Jhett Tolentino's Bid to a More Inclusive Hollywood

Amidst excitement and anticipation, 'Asian Persuasion,' a film by Tony and Grammy-winning Filipino producer Jhett Tolentino, premiered on Monday evening, November 27, at SM Megamall Cinema 2. During the exclusive press screening, press members along with the cast and creatives talked about the future of Asian cinema, diversity and representation, and the pivotal role Filipino-American actors play in Hollywood.

From This Author - Oliver Oliveros

Oliver is a seasoned organizational communication, public relations, and digital marketing professional who works with CEOs and young professionals to hone their creativity, stakeholders' engageme... Oliver Oliveros">(read more about this author)

Videos


Miss Saigon in Philippines Miss Saigon
The Theatre at Solaire (3/23-5/05)
Snow White & The Prince in Philippines Snow White & The Prince
Onstage Theater (9/16-12/17)
Truth: Mga Dula ng Kabalintunaan at Katotohanan in Philippines Truth: Mga Dula ng Kabalintunaan at Katotohanan
Guang Ming College Tagaytay (11/17-12/22)PHOTOS
Tabing Ilog in Philippines Tabing Ilog
PETA Theater Center (11/10-12/17)
The Lifespan of A Fact in Philippines The Lifespan of A Fact
Siddhartha Theatre, Guang Ming College (2/17-2/18)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You