April 26 marks the premiere of Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
The musical, which is based on the Parokya ni Edgar album of the same name, tells the story of four women at the crossroads of their lives. Their lives then become intertwined in unexpected ways, which leads them on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and forming unbreakable bonds with one another.
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical will feature an all-female leading cast, with Tex Ordoñez-De Leon playing Norma, Natasha Cabrera playing Girlie, Marynor Madamesila playing Jen, and Felicity Kyle Napuli as Aiza. Oddly enough, these ladies’ real life stories mirror the characters they portray in the musical, from coping with loss and staying resilient.
These are what you need to know about the leading ladies of Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical!
Tex Ordoñez-De Leon’s return to the stage
This musical marks the return of seasoned actress Tex Ordoñez-De Leon to theater. She took a hiatus from the art form to focus on her family. But now that her family is older, she has all their support to make her comeback on the stage. “Nag stop ako talaga pero nandito ulit ako kasi nandito yung puso ko. Masaya ako dito (I had to take a break, but I’m back now. Because this is where my heart is. I’m happy here.)”
Natasha Cabrera perseveres despite loss
University of the Philippines – Diliman Theater Arts graduate Natasha Cabrera put aside her artistic ambitions following a personal loss just before she graduated. As the eldest daughter, she had to shoulder the responsibility to help her family. “Actually nag corporate ako for one year pero hindi
talaga kaya ng puso ko. Hindi ako masaya na hindi ako nakaka kanta (I actually worked in corporate for a year, but my heart could not take it. I was not happy not being able to sing), she shared.
“Ang daming instances na gusto ko na mag quit kasi ang hirap ng buhay. Alam naman natin na pag ito [theater] yung ginawa mo, hindi laging may
project. Hindi laging makakakuha ka ng production.” (There were so many times I wanted to quit because life is hard. We all know that when you choose this [theater] path, projects will not always be there. You don’t always get to join productions).
Despite everything, she is now following her heart — to sing.
Marynor Madamesila and never giving up
Fellow Theater Arts graduate Marynor Madamesila is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of pursuing theater as a career. “Kahit student
pa lang ako noon, ilang beses ako nag stop mag-aral (Even when I was a student, there were times I stopped studying).”
The instability of a career in theater can be daunting and it is the love for the craft that kept her going. “Sa life ng theater artist, you always try. Nabe-bless [ako] na kapag nagta-try [ay] nabibigyan ng chance [to perform] (In the life of a theater artist, you always try. I get blessed because when I try, I receive a chance to perform),” she shared.
Felicity Kyle Napuli’s balancing act as a student and artist
17 year old Felicity Kyle Napuli got her start in theater in prominent productions like Lion King and Matilda. Now, as she balances work and school, her determination to achieve her dreams is what fuels her to continue moving forward. “Kung ang rehearsals natin ay 4 to 6 [nang hapon], ako ay nag-aaral ng 9 to 12 [nang umaga] (If our rehearsals are from 4 to 6 [in the afternoon], I study from 9 to 12 [in the morning].”
Tickets are now available through TicketWorld and SM Tickets. Prices range from P1,105 for bronze, P2,210 for silver, P3,315 for gold, P4,420 for VIP, and P5,525 for SVIP. The musical will open on April 26 and will conclude on May 5.
Parokya ni Edgar are best known for their hits, “Harana” (Serenade), “Please Don’t Touch My Birdie,” “Gitara” (Guitar), “Pangarap Lang Kita” (You’re Just A Dream). Buruguduystunstugudunstuy was first released in 1997, and the musical marks the 27th anniversary of the album.