The Philippines’ longest-running jukebox musical, Rak of Aegis (RAK), is back!
It was around 2014 when the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) had its first run of Rak of Aegis and since then it has been rolled out every year. Now on its 7th season, RAK never gets old and is absolutely perfect for the rainy season.
The phenomenal and iconic Filipino musical once again captivates Filipino theater lovers and has taken the PETA by storm, showcasing to the world the beauty of our Pinoy music, culture, and humor – lots and lots of humor.
Wondering why RAK has reached its 7th season and people still love it? Good News Pilipinas came up with some of the many reasons why people keep on
watching “Rak of Aegis.”
RAK PROMOTES OPM
If Hollywood has musical films like “Mama Mia” which features the songs of Swedish pop group Abba, or “Across the Universe” with the songs of iconic English rock band Beatles, the Philippines can definitely line up “Rak of Aegis” among its best Filipino musical showcases.
Written by Lisa Magtoto, directed by Maribel Legarda with musical direction by Myke Salomon, RAK features the music of iconic ’90s OPM pop-rock band, Aegis.
The iconic songs of Aegis featured in the musician became the anthem of the broken-hearted during the 90’s such as “Mahal na Mahal Kita,” “Sinta,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan” and “Halik” will definitely refresh the audience’s memories.
Watching PETA’s “Rak of Aegis” is undeniably one of the best ways to celebrate the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa this August 2019 because it promotes OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and local languages as the cast deliver their lines in Filipino and Bisaya.
BEST OF LOCAL ARTISTS
“Rak of Aegis” is a star-studded musical stage that feels like a constellation of the best talents of the Philippine music industry, theater, and television.
Veteran Filipino actors and singers such as Isay Alvarez-Sena, Robert Sena, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Jenine Desiderio, and Renz Verano are now joined by Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit veterans Randy Santiago, Bayang Barrios, and Noel Cabangon.
A younger generation of Filipino singers, TV actors, and theater performers like Shaira Opsimar, Kim Molina, Kimberly Baluzo, Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles, Derrick Monasterio, Myke Salomon, and more, were once again reunited with internationally-acclaimed Miss Saigon star Aicelle Santos who recently won silver at the ASEAN+3 Song Contest in Vietnam.
Watching “Rak of Aegis” with these Filipino talents performing their all – hearts, soul, (and lung power) would surely be a wonderful experience for anyone!
ONE-OF-A-KIND SET DESIGN
Another reason to watch the “Rak of Aegis” musical is the amazing set design by Mio Infante creating a physical representation of fictional Barangay Venezia that is submerged in floodwaters.
Yes, you will see flood on stage! That is why this musical is perfect for the rainy season as many of us could relate to the story of a once-thriving barangay devastated by floodwaters. The multilayered complexities of the stage and the waterworks serve as a fitting background for the Pinoy storyline.
If you want to see how floodwaters and rain can be brought into the set design then you should watch “Rak of Aegis” as you sing along the lyrics of “Heto ako, basang-basa sa ulan!”
TELLS THE STORY OF FILIPINO POSITIVITY
While telling the story of one barangay ravaged by floodwaters while reflecting on the reality of Filipino urban life, “Rak of Aegis” also highlights not just the calamity and other underlying problems in the country but also the resiliency of Filipinos.
Playwright Lisa Magtoto shared that PETA’s post-Ondoy relief efforts served as her inspiration in writing the story, “How else to show resilience but in such a calamity?”
With all the music, comedic stunts, humorous lines, and entertaining dance performances, “Rak of Aegis” is anchored on the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino community, finding love and inspiration even through difficult times, and the belief in the power of dreams.
[td_smart_list_end]
CATCH ‘Rak of Aegis’ at PETA Theater Center, No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City until September 29.
WATCH “Rak of Aegis” lead actresses Kim Molina and Aicelle Santos performing “Basang Basa sa Ulan” as alternates to the role of Aileen here and TELL US in the comments below your favorite stories about RAK!
Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, new story notifications and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories.
