Liwanag Sa Dilim announces additional shows, must close May 4, 2025

Due to overwhelming demand, 9 Works Theatrical adds the final extension of Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical.

The new schedule includes Saturday, May 3, 8 PM, while the final show will be on Sunday, May 4, 3 PM.

Liwanag sa Dilim Musical is a new original Filipino musical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco. With book and direction by Robbie Guevara, the show deconstructs Filipino literature for the modern stage.

The story follows Elesi, an orphan on his quest to uncover the secrets of his past. He meets Cris, who becomes his ally. Together, they fight for justice and ignite a revolution that redefines their worlds.

The cast of Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical is headlined by Khalil Ramos, Anthony Rosaldo, CJ Navato, Vien King, Alexa Ilacad, Nicole Omillo, Rita Daniela, Neomi Gonzales, and more.

Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical is down to its last 6 shows: April 26 & May 3 (Saturday, 3 PM & 8 PM) | April 27 & May 4 (Sunday, 3 PM).

The show runs at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Tickets are available on Ticket2Me via www.ticket2me.net/LiwanagSaDilimMusical, or contact 9 Works Theatrical at 0917 554 5560/7586 7105.

For updates, follow us on FB, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok (@9WorksTheatrical) and Twitter (@9WorksOfficial).

Liwanag Sa Dilim is presented to you by 9 Works Theatrical, together with MAC Cosmetics as office makeup partner, Panasonic as official visual effects partner, PitchWorks Inc. as official billboard partner, Yupangco as official music partner, and PilotTV Philippines as Media Partner.

Special thanks to The People Diary PH by Myra Ho.

Liwanag Sa Dilim is presented through special arrangement with VIVA Music Publishing and MRU Publishing Incorporated.

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looking back in THE LAST 5 YEARS

what do you see in the last 5 years? i have so many things to look back around that time. i am thappy to say that i had so much fun. i earned friends, solved problems, changed careers and now i am looking forward to a new chapter in the next five years.

one special thing about the last five years is there's a new theater company in town. i am also very glad to say that i've been a part of their 5 years. 9 Works Theatrical has given the Philippine audience with quality musicals that i loved and kept in my heart. these are Songs For A New World, three runs of RENT, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, They're Playing Our Song, The Wedding Singer, Gawad-Buhay award-winner Grease and more.

as their newest offering, they bring another Jason Robert Brown hit, The Last 5 Years which tells the story of two lovers, Jamie Wellerstein and Cathy Hyatt. their story of falling in love, getting married and the sad divorce in a tear-jerking musical.

played by artists Joaquin Valdes as Jamie and Nikki Gil as Cathy, they will deliver a story that many people would relate to. the musical also gave Jason Robert Brown nominations and awards and also dubbed as Time Magazine's "one of the best musicals of 2001." it was funny that director Robbie Guevarra was just joking to do this musical in celebration of 9WT's 5-year existence but Santi Santamaria and company took it seriously and it was made possible. something fresh for the company and for us all.

on August 9-31, i am coming back to Carlos P. Romulo auditorium to witness their incredible love journey. but for now, i have to listen and sob at the music on my Spotify playlist. directed by 9WT artistic director, Robbie Guevarra.

for more information and tickets, you may visit www.facebook.com/9WorksTheatricals and follow 9wtonline on Instagram and Twitter. #L5YManila

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YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN review

little kids that talk like adults and big adults who act like kids bring the fun in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown happening February 11 to March 3 2012 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. from 9 Works Theatrical, a musical set into a lighter mood and tone that can be appreciated by the kids.

i haven't read much of the Peanuts comics by Charles Schulz that's why i was very entertained by the lines and songs of our lovable characters Charlie Brown (Robbie Guevarra), Schroeder (Tonipet Gaba), Lucy (Carla Laforteza), Sally (Sweet Plantado), Linus (Franco Laurel) and Snoopy (Lawrence Martinez) who brought back memories of childhood and also helped us realize some facts of life in a very funny way.

the 5 kids are resemblances of people around us. Lucy, for example, uses her loud voice to give orders to have things her way. Carla Laforteza gave it a good shot being Lucy. and Snoopy, though maybe a dog, almost left behind, had some thinking that may be out of this world. and Lawrence Martinez gave it a powerful portrayal. different profiles are shown in this very wonderful musical.

they had a very nice set too. the very colorful and comic-y set transforms our casts into the very characters of the Charles Schultz hit.

indeed, happiness is present in all simple things. just learn to appreciate what you have in instances and live with it. having a pencil or maybe a brother that will take your worries away and bring you comfort.

watch the video below to give you something that you can watch out for:

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No Other Good Man but Charlie Brown!

who wouldn't forget 5 kids and a dog who communicates like adults and talks about the way of life. from the famous comics Peanuts by Charles Schulz, 9 Works Theatrical brings to life Lucy, Schroeder, Linus, Sally, Snoopy and Charlie Brown in the musical loved by kids and kids at heart, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

an attempt into children's theater by the 9 Works team, executive producer Santi Santamaria talks about choosing the musical in the line up of plays set for 2012.

with 15 songs in the lives of the 5 kids, people who will watch it will look at life in a different way. thanks to the optimism of Charlie Brown -- who will be played by Robby Guevarra. as he knew that Charlie Brown will be staged by 9 Works, he never let anyone get the role but himself, as this is part of him growing up. getting back on stage are 2 known personalities, Tonipet Gaba playing Schroeder and Sweet Plantado as Sally. after taking the hibernation from the theater world, they are delighted to join the cast. here's a video of one song, also my favorite from the line up, "My New Philosophy."

joining them are veteran theater actors Carla Laforteza as Lucy, Franco Laurel as Linus (Toff Devenecia alternates) and Lorenz Martinez as Snoopy. this is directed by the "stellar" Michael Williams.

starting February 11 to March 3, 2012. enjoy the fun with the characters we grew up on. brought to us by 9 Works Theatrical, the show will be at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

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SWEET CHARITY review

9 Works Theatrical stages the hit Sweet Charity in tribute to jazz dance legend, Bob Fosse. the play will run from August 5 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

this comedy-musical starred by Nikki Gil as Charity Hope Valentine, a taxi dancer looking for true love. a strong-willed woman, filled with hope and cheerful indeed; she speaks glowing words that can encourage you, compliment you and change your outlook in life to a positive one.Kris Lawrence, plays Oscar Linguist, an accountant that falls for Charity. the main cast includes Shiela Martinez, Sheree Bautista, OJ Mariano, and Miguel Faustman who equally played very good roles and with outstanding acting. the revelation is Kris Lawrence, the R&B singer from TV whom i had doubted the acting skills. for a first timer in theater, he really did good or maybe went to the level of the veteran actors that he is with. kudos Kris! and since i saw Nikki Gil from Legally Blonde, i really liked her in this. she had it as her own. Ciara and Sheree's research on their characters have really paid off. you will laugh as hard as you laugh with Charity and Oscar.

in the films with truly Bob Fosse craft like Chicago and the like, the choreography and set is overwhelming. the whole production of music and choreography will introduce you to Bob Fosse. and the stage is really amazing! watch it like it was a real movie in the silver screen. you will get transported to 1960s era with the dance and costumes beautifully made. i also remembered Austin Powers in one segment. LOL

congratulations to director Robbie Guevarra and the whole production team for giving us another wonderful show. please keep doing fun musicals. :D

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RENT is issued again in February

9 Works Theatrical's rendition of RENT is back due to a popular demand. and i am so happy that they have improved it from the last two runs. not only the production has tweaked, but there are new faces to expect in the rock musical.

first is Al Gatmaitan, who is an understudy for Gian Magdangal's character, Roger. also to alternate Sheree Bautista as Mimi, is Ciara Sotto who displays her pole dancing talent on stage.

this run also features a comeback for the original RENT cast of 9 Works Theatrical. Carla Guevarra-Laforteza who plays Maureen in the first run alternates Mian Dimacali. you really have to see how talented these girls are most especially in their moment performing Over the Moon.

i love the new production styles in this year's run. the lighting has improved and there's a very magical feeling watching the show. the actors also play their parts very well this time. they have imbibed the characters and they look very relaxed portraying their part. i happen to notice myself that they are named as their characters, forgetting that they are just actors. this has been the best staging of the show. bolder and fresher that you can come back again to watch.

for the third time, i still don't have that "sawa" factor. moreover, i have understood the message that RENT and Jonathan Larson is telling us. that love is the center of all and all of us are life supports of each other.

9 Works Theatrical's RENT is staged at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4F RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. cor Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City starting February 12 - March 6 2011.

Show Schedule:
Feb 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, March 4, 5, 6.
Friday, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00PM
Saturdays at 3:30PM
Sundays at 4:30PM

you can get your tickets at 9 Works Theatrical thru 5575860, 5867105 or 0917-5545560 or you can call TicketWorld at 891-9999.

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ROCKWELL presents RENT THE MUSICAL this December

as Rockwell celebrates its 10th year anniversary, the award-winning rock musical RENT is back onstage for a limited time. from December 8-12, the show will relive the memories of Jonathan Larson and the socially relevant message of RENT. the show will be held at Cinema 2 of the Powerplant Mall. the production is handled by 9 Works Theatrical.

in this run, Gian Magdangal returns as Roger. after the playful and funny character in THE WEDDING SINGER, Gian opens up the concerns in the battle against AIDS. falling in love with a dancer named Mimi, played by her real-life lover, Sheree. OJ Mariano returns as Tom Collins, and Angel is again relived by Job Bautista. Fredison Lo looks back into the story as Mark Cohen, Roger's nerdy filmmaker room mate.

most of the cast returns in this run and joined by new faces Lorenz Martinez as Benny, Mian Dimacali as Maureen. Bohemia arises again with the ensemble Peachy Atilano, Gary Junsay, Mark Tayag, Johann Dela Fuente and Harold Cruz.

i got excited in this production and loved the story more, not to mention that i sing along in some songs. in the first time that i saw Sheree as Mimi, i think she has done very well. the role really fits her. i didn't know that she can sing rock. she admitted that she only auditioned for the role and better that she plays opposite her husband.

Mian as Maureen is also the character to watch for. the energy in her song, Over the Moon will be very well applauded. she looks like a cat in her wildest purr.

on the second time i saw it, Job and OJ's portrayal is equally as emotional as the first one. you can see the passion in the love story of Angel and Collins.

you will see a new stage now. but the design is great. every spot is utilized well and the blocking of the actors are very good.

see RENT, presented by Rockwell is directed by Robbie Guevarra. additional artistic inputs by Ricky Villante, musical director – band; Onyl Torres, musical director – vocals; Mio Infante, scenographer; Martin Esteva, Lighting Designer; Chuck Ledesma, sound designer; Bek Soriano, costume stylist; and Francis Matheu for additional choreography.

RENT will be staged for a limited run of 8 performances at Power Plant Cinema 2 from December 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (8PM), December 10 (330PM), 11 (4PM) & 12 (430PM). Get your tickets now at the Power Plant Cinema ticket booth. Call 898-1440 or 898 1441 or 0908-8692988.

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THE WEDDING SINGER MANILA review

after a long wait, 9 Works Theatrical has finally nailed THE WEDDING SINGER The Musical! the hit movie from 1998 starring Adam Sandler which got to Broadway is now in Philippine theater! it runs today October 23 until November 14 so you don't have to miss it.

starring Gian Magdangal who plays Robbie Hart very effectively. with his preppy look, the 80s isn't so far from his character. Iya Villaña playing Julia is as sweet as Drew Barrymore. Robbie Guevarra and Santi Santamaria knew it right that Iya is perfect for the role. even Nikki Valdez has done well as Holly. i never knew that she could move and sing like that. these three has done excellent in their own fields on television but you have to take a look at what they do in the theater! especially Iya, with her sweet image on TV, being in the musical is somewhat effortless.

get back into the 80's with the colors and the choreography. have a rock musical experience with the songs that can get easily in your head. the moves will really take you to memory lane with 80s icons Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper. this musical will also surprise Filipinos. with just around 2 months preparation of the choreography, they have done it really well.

i also loved the stage and how it transitions from scene to scene. the abstract squares and rectangles are used very well. though it is different from one scene, it always look like another wallpaper.

the only thing that i wished to be improved is the sound system in Meralco Theater. the echoes fill the auditorium so you may not catch clearly the songs.

THE WEDDING SINGER opens today, October 23 at the Meralco Theater. see ticket information here.

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THE WEDDING SINGER cast teases mall goers

the whole cast of 9Works Theatrical's The Wedding Singer invades malls this October! they are on a road show giving a glimpse of the upcoming musical-comedy based on the 1998 movie The Wedding Singer which stars Adam Sandler. they will bring the music in Eastwood City Mall on October 8 and Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill on October 14 .

of course, the show is hosted by none other than Robbie Hart himself, Gian Magdangal, accompanied by his leading women, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Iya Villaña who alternate as Julia Sullivan. all the other cast comprise the ensemble including Nikki Valdez.

Pinky Marquez (Mrs. Claus, Songs for a New World) is surprisingly now a part of the production as Rosie. the information was revealed during the teaser show at Eastwood Mall.

here are the songs they performed at the teaser performance at Eastwood Mall:










if you think you are not satisfied with what you saw, this is just a teaser folks! catch them on full action performance starting on October 23 - November 14 2010 at the Meralco Theater. ticket information is found HERE.

catch them again for another teaser show at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill on Thursday, October 14 at 8PM and 9PM.

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what do you remember from the 80s?

i was born in 1984 that's why i can consider myself as an 80's baby. even now, i'm still a baby (insert thunders and lightnings here). when i was born, the Philippines was having a political crisis. but then as a child, our elders didn't show it to us for us not to create fear.

in spite of the tension in the country, kids enjoy themselves watching TV. 80s is also the revolution of music and arts. the most colorful yet. cute cartoon characters like the Care Bears, Rainbow Brite, Sesame Street, Ghost Busters, action-packed Voltron and Mr. T, and TV sitcoms like Alf, The Wonder Years, all draw children to homes and stay.

the merchandising on businesses is also at its peak. i got toys from food packs and even promo coupons. i really love the 80s.

80s served a great inspiration. also defining love. and from that era, a movie was made and even inspired a theater musical. thank you to Adam Sandler for getting the inspiration that will be on Manila stage starting October 23!

9Works Theatrical brings us the comedy-musical THE WEDDING SINGER. starring Gian Magdangal as Robbie Hart, which was played by Adam Sandler in the movie. Iya Villaña as Julia which was Drew Barrymore in the movie. the other casts are also 80s babies and most of them share the same memories.

THE WEDDING SINGER is set on stage starting October 23 to November 17 at Meralco Theater. you can visit their website for ticket inquiries.

if you've been following them on Facebook, you can find webisodes and take a peek on what's happening on the rehearsals. bonding time, singing clips and more.


here's a glimpse of what to expect in the show. the sound and colors in twisted comedy line round up the hit musical.


Grow Old With You - Gian Magdangal and Iya Villaña

If I Told You - Gian Magdangal and Shiela Valderama-Martinez

It's Your Wedding Day - Cast
to reserve your tickets, you can look it up here.

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THE WEDDING SINGER ticket information

Let’s party like it’s 1985! Thank you to the anonymous commenter for sharing the ticket information about THE WEDDING SINGER! 9Works Theatrical's latest offering starting October 23 to November 17 2010 at Meralco Theater.

[SHOW DETAILS]
Date: November 6, 2010
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Meralco Theater, Pasig

[CAST]
Robbie- Gian Magdangal (Footloose, West Side Story, Rent)
Julia – Iya Villania (Footloose) / Shiela Valderrama (Miss Saigon, Disney)

[TICKET INFORMATION]
Seat plan
Orchestra Center – Php 1,400
Orchestra Side – Php 1,200
Loge Center – Php 1,200
Loge Side – Php 1,100
Balcony Center - Php 700
Balcony Side – Php 600

[TICKET RESERVATIONS]
To reserve online, visit http://bit.ly/weddingsingermanila

or contact:
Romel 0920.903.3262 (Smart)
Erika 0922.837.3233 (Sun)
George 0917.560.0227 (Globe)

or e-mail: WeddingSingerManila@gmail.com

Please include the following details:
Name
Contact number
Email address
Preferred Seat Number(s)
Payment method
Preferred ticket claim method

[PAYMENT AND PICK-UP METHODS]
Payment methods include either cash or through bank deposit (BPI).

Ticket claim methods include meet-ups, courier, or claiming of the tickets on the playdate itself.

Meetups are limited to these locations:
KFC Katipunan
McDonald’s Eastwood
Rockwell
Glorietta / Greenbelt
Markina / Pasig / Cainta
Lower Antipolo
ABS-CBN station
Trinoma
Ermita
Robinson’s Ortigas
Starbucks Banawe

Courier delivery fee within Metro Manila to be shouldered by buyer (additional Php 70).

Those who wish to claim their tickets on the playdate itself would just need to present the confirmation text/email and a valid ID.

So what are you waiting for? Reserve your tickets now!

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MEET THE CAST of THE WEDDING SINGER MUSICAL in Manila!

meet the cast of 9 Works Theatrical's THE WEDDING SINGER which will stage at the Meralco Theater starting this October 23 to November 17.

joining the fun of the 80's are mainstream artists Iya Villaña as Julia Sullivan, Nikki Valdez as Holly (alternate Analyn Bantug) and from RENT, Gian Magdangal as Robbie Hart which is played by Adam Sandler in the movie and Stephen Lynch from the original Broadway rendition.

the sounds of THE WEDDING SINGER include as follows:

Act I

* It's Your Wedding Day - Robbie and Company
* Someday - Julia and Company
* A Note From Linda - Linda
* Pop - Holly, Julia, Glen and Company @
* Somebody Kill Me (Music and Lyrics By Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler) - Robbie
* A Note From Grandma - Grandma Rosie
* Casualty of Love - Robbie, Losers and Company
* Come Out of the Dumpster - Julia and Robbie
* Today You Are a Man - Sammy, George, and Robbie
* George's Prayer - George
* Not That Kind of Thing - Robbie, Julia, Clerk, Crystal, Mookie and Company
* Saturday Night in the City - Holly, Robbie, Julia, Glen, Sammy, George and Full Company

Act II

* All About the Green - Glen, Robbie and Suits
* Someday (Reprise) - Julia
* Right in Front of Your Eyes - Holly, Sammy
* Single - Sammy, George, Ricky, Bum, Robbie and Company
* If I Told You - Robbie and Julia
* Let Me Come Home - Linda
* If I Told You (Reprise) - Robbie and Julia
* Move That Thang - Grandma Rosie, George and Company
* Grow Old With You (Music and Lyrics By Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy) - Robbie and Julia
* It's Your Wedding Day (Finale) - Full Company

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THE WEDDING SINGER: the musical

9 Works Theatrical, the theater group that brought us Songs For a New World and RENT, now brings us the one of a kind romantic-comedy that brought everyone singing for love!

then stars Adam Sandler in a movie and it has been adapted to Broadway which was a big hit. and now it comes to the Philippines brought by 9 Works Theatrical.

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RENT: THE MUSICAL Manila review

Roger, Mimi, Mark, Maureen, Joanne, Angel, Tom and Benny refreshes our senses with the Manila run of RENT: The Musical, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson. i have discussed this on my other blog entries so now i have to tell you what i think about the show.

i have seen the play and the movie before but this interpretation made me understand it more. maybe because i listened more on the lyrics now and at the same time the rock music that composed the story. they did changes from the original RENT but it didn't damage the whole concept of the story. i loved how they arranged it.

the set was though simple but used very effectively.

actors: Gian Magdangal did his best playing Roger. one thing funny though is that Mimi, played by Nicole Asensio, looked like Sheree, Gian's partner. and by the way, Nicole's got that sexy voice -- really appropriate for Mimi role. Mark Cohen, Maureen and Joanne added more life to the musical especially Maureen! Carla Guevara-Laforteza playing Maureen justifies why two people ran after her. i mean, to have a talent like Carla, you can't miss a thing. how about the couple, Tom and Angel? they did great! now you have to see OJ Mariano can actually jerk a tear for his character. he displayed great emotions to the role of having a relationship with Angel played by Job Bautista. he also had a great time on stage.

in summary, the whole show is really great. no dull moments from beginning to the end. and if you had your RENT OSTs, get them in your head so you can sing with the cast especially Seasons of Love.

catch RENT: The Musical in Manila on the following dates:
February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.
fridays, saturdays and sundays at 8:00PM
saturdays at 3:30PM & sundays at 4:30PM
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza
Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City 1200
For tickets: call 557.58.60 or TicketWorld at 891.9999

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RENT to set on Philippine Stage starting Feb 5!

RENT, the award winning and contemporary rock musical will make its debut on Philippine theater starting on Feb 5 2010! we are so honored to have 9 Works Theatrical bringing us this socially relevant piece that will not only entertain us but give us an enlightening information about a deadly disease that strikes our world today: AIDS. the play features exceptional artists Gian Magdangal as Roger, the songwriter inflicted with the disease. this is Gian's first lead role and luckily he stars in a big production such as RENT.

what can we expect from Philippines' production?
first is that this is a new cast. displaying the musicality and talent of our people, we are guaranteed to have a really good show and also discussing a relevant issue in the society today. also, director Robbie Guevarra boasts that our talents can perform the pieces "pitch-perfect" so that everyone that are watching this show can sing along with the music from Rent.

here's a sample by the cast during the Rent press conference performing Seasons of Love:


reserve these dates: February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.
fridays, saturdays and sundays at 8:00PM
saturdays at 3:30PM & sundays at 4:30PM
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza
Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City 1200
For tickets: call 557.58.60 or TicketWorld at 891.9999

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