MUSICAL REVIEW: Ang Huling El Bimbo

I heard that Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical will be restaged starting 1 March 2019 after after the final curtain call of a season of sold-out shows during its six-week run that started on 20 July 2018 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

The musical follows the story of three friends – Hector (Gian Magdangal), Emman (OJ Mariano), and Anthony (Jon Santos), who find themselves in an unlikely mini-reunion 20 years after their college graduation. Their younger selves—played by Reb Atadero (Hector), Boo Gabunada (Emman), and Topper Fabregas (Anthony)—are revealed in a slew of flashback scenes starting from how they met in a dormitory (“Minsan“) to how they parted ways on the last day of school. Along the way, things take a different turn in the life their friend, Joy (played by Tanya Manalang, later Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo), named in allusion to the song “Ligaya.”

Tanya and Menchu. Courtesy of Resorts World Manila

Eraserheads’ songs, but not all, are expertly put together to build the story of these individuals.

The backdrop and set are made of wood, capturing the state of their friendship. The sets take references to characters and contexts found in the songs of the most iconic rock band of the 90s . One of these is “Toyang.”

Ang Huling El Bimbo is a piece that tackles current social issues – a son struggling with identity, a dreamer trying to get out of poverty, a man with a commitment phobia, a girl who lost herself.

The musical brings you into a world of emotions – from a lively and energetic tone of the first and last acts.

I commend Fullhouse Theater Company, Resorts World Manila, writer Dingdong Novenario and director Dexter Santos for this great piece.

Thanks to Pisay ’96 for providing discounted rates for KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. as one of its corporate sponsor. I got the SVIP ticket at PHP3,150 from a regular price of PHP3,500 for an exclusive show on 25 August 2018 with my colleagues Tel and Jenny.

The restaging runs until 6 April 2019. Get your tickets now via TicketWorld. Ticket price starts at PHP1,000 for Bronze. Click this for more details.

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About the Author

Paul Michael JaramilloChief Executive Editor

PJ is a Certified Public Accountant, writer, storyteller, and an advocate for youth empowerment and environmental protection. His passion for storytelling and social impact has taken many forms—from writing thought-provoking articles on national development, featured in a Spanish newspaper and Rappler, to producing documentaries on mining and environmental issues that aired on ABS-CBN News and GMA News.

A proud Ilocano and graduate of Northwestern University, PJ earned his degree in Accountancy then passed the CPA licensure exam in 2015. That same year, he began his professional career at KPMG in the Philippines. As an external auditor, he handled a diverse portfolio of clients, including a global workspace provider (the largest audit engagement of KPMG Philippines), a global bank, a major FMCG player, and several shared service centers.

His commitment to innovation was evident early in his career. PJ and his team won the KPMG Asia-Pacific Data & Analytics Challenge and later coached the Philippine team to a top-three finish at the KPMG GlobalRunner Cup. He went on to lead KPMG Philippines' Network of Audit Innovators and Data & Analytics Champions, as well as its academic arm. He was an active contributor to the Asia-Pacific Audit Digital Transformation Workstream and a member of both the Audit Methodology Group and the Root Cause Analysis Team. Beyond technical excellence, PJ is deeply committed to learning and leadership. He was a regular training facilitator on audit methodology, professional standards, and emerging tools in data and analytics. He also served as the Firm’s System of Quality Management (SoQM) Implementation Manager and one of its Workforce of the Future Champions.

In 2019, he contributed to the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) as a member of its Technical Working Group on Audit Methodology. His role in shaping audit quality and innovation has left a meaningful imprint on the profession.

PJ defines success by the people he uplifts. As a mentor and coach, he invests in the growth of emerging professionals and previously served as a member of the KPMG Philippines People Committee.

He leads various community-centered advocacy projects and shares inspiring stories through his vlog, PJspirations, a platform that celebrates individuals and their journeys. As a volunteer, he serves as Academic Master and Head Coach of PREMIER International Learning and Development Center, an organization devoted to providing coaching, mentoring, and training programs that help people grow personally and professionally.

Today, PJ brings his passion and expertise to the Middle East, South Asia, and Caspian regions as part of KPMG’s Professional Practice and Audit Learning & Development team. In this role, he contributes to audit methodology advancement and learning strategy across the Middle East Cluster.

He is also a certified #IAmRemarkable facilitator, leading sessions of the global Google initiative that empowers women and underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements.

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