Musical on alternate EDSA history to feature Eraserheads composition

MANILA, Philippines - What if the EDSA Revolution never unfolded?

In commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution next week, the EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC), in partnership with Ballet Philippines, will present the play "Manhid: A Filipino Superhero Musical Dance Drama."

EPPC Commissioner Emily Abrera said the musical depicts an alternate present-day Philippines where the EDSA Revolution did not take place.

Abrera said the musical intends to capture the imagination of the younger Filipinos who may not be able to relate to the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

"They may have a harder time relating to something that happened, of course, 29 years ago before they were even born. But this one presents young characters who transformed themselves into Philippine folk heroes and they fight villains, who represent apathy, instill change and save the day," Abrera said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

"Hopefully the musical will remind and inspire the audience, especially the youth that everyone can be champions of people power," she added.

Abrera also expects the musical to attract the younger audience since it will have compositions by the legendary OPM band the Eraserheads.

"I'm sure matutuwa ang mga young people to hear that — Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro," she said.

Arturo Calo, the play's author, wrote the lyrics with Carine Evangelista and made musical compositions along with the Eraserheads and Vincent de Jesus. Auraeus Solito and Paul Morales wrote the libretto and script.

the musical is going to run from Ferbruary 20 to March 8 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

"The EPPC will have the evening of the 27th as our particular night to celebrate," Abrera said.

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