The Lopez story in a musical

MANILA, Philippines - Tomorrow, April 23 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on April 24, 7 p.m. at the Meralco Theatre, the Lopez Group of Companies and Stages Production will present the musical titled Undaunted produced in celebration of the 80th birthday of  Lopez Group chairman Oscar Lopez. It tells the story of the Lopez clan, their roots, challenges and where they are headed.

Originally conceptualized to celebrate the Lopez Group’s 80th founding anniversary in 2008, Undaunted was re-written to take on the point of view of Lopez who himself wrote and published the family genealogy contained in a book launched in 1982.

It affirms the Lopez family values passed on from the 1800s, and articulated so well by the late Eugenio Lopez Sr. (Don Eñing), founder of the modern-day Lopez enterprise.

Throughout the phoenix-like falling and rising of the Lopez fortunes, family members were guided by the following distinct values: A pioneering entrepreneurial spirit; business excellence; nationalism; unity and team work; a strong work ethic, integrity; social justice; and an over-riding concern for employee welfare and wellness.

A full theatrical in two acts, the cast is headed by theater director-actor Audie Gemora, who will portray the role of Lopez. The other cast members are professional theater actors, the Lopez grandchildren and 12 employees from the different businesses of the Lopezes who will be part of the ensemble. Cedie Lopez-Vargas, head of ABS-CBN Logistics will also dance with the cast.

Just like any professional play, auditions for all Lopez employees were held and many heeded the call by heading to the Meralco Theatre for a two-day audition.  Rehearsals were held every night after work and the Lopez grandchildren joined the cast every weekend to polish their lines.

According to Audie who is the second cousin of Lopez, “In many parts when we’re rehearsing, I get very emotional. It’s a very personal approach. The play centers around Oscar Lopez fondly called Manong Oskie, the historian of the family. He narrates everything in a flashback and it is so relevant to what the family is going through right now. It’s really true what they say that if you don’t know where you came from, you will not reach that place where you’re supposed to go.”

Audie added that what the family is going through right now is not new. It has had many ups and downs over the decades and every single time that there was a challenge they manage to rise up again.

“Before, I didn’t understand ABS-CBN’s tagline In the service of the Filipino but I came to realize it’s true. When these companies where started by Manong Eñing and Manong Nanding, that was really in their hearts. It wasn’t just about making money. And even to our forefathers, that’s really their objective. And these are just the fruits of all of that. I hope that people will come to appreciate the spirit behind this family. There’s just too much politics and economic warfare going on that sometimes we forget the human side to any family. I hope people will see this,” shared Audie.

For producer Alvin Trono, “It’s something I will be proud of, something I will really remember just because it’s something I believe in. It’s not just a project, it’s seeing and feeling and experiencing their lives (Lopez family) despite adversities and how they rise from that. That’s very admirable.”

Director and playwright George de Jesus bragged about its highlights, “Yung finale because the Lopez grandchildren will be performing. The children of Cedie, Jay, Pia will be there. Other to-watch-out-for scenes are that of Erning when he was dying and Geny Lopez while he was imprisoned. Very dramatic!”

Composer Roy del Valle had this to share “On a personal note, I realized that the Lopezes are very reachable with lives just like ours. They went through a lot but managed to overcome. They have no extraordinary powers — except their strong family values and concern for the next generations of their clan.  If only all Filipino families think this way, we will have a better country.”

The 20 numbers in the play were choreographed by Erwin Flores.