Stars of “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and “Rak of Aegis” led the 12 Filipino musical theater artists featured in an all-Asian cover of the hit song “Seasons of Love” from Broadway’s RENT.
Gian Magdangal, OJ Mariano, and Reb Atadero, lead stars of the hit original Filipino musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo” which recently had a limited online run to raise funds for COVID-19 relief efforts, performed in the music video that premiered on May 18, 2020, on the ASEAN Musical Theater Project YouTube channel.
Aicelle Santos of the longest-running Pinoy rock opera musical, “Rak of Aegis”, joined the “Seasons of Love” cover sang by over 70 musical theater professionals across Southeast Asia Including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam who came together to sing the memorable anthem from Jonathan Larson’s hit musical.
Joining the Ang Huling El Bimbo and Rak of Aegis stars are Filipino musical theater’s Caisa Borromeo (Lungs), Gimbey Dela Cruz (Rak of Aegis), Joaquin Valdes (Ako si Josephine), Lito Villarreal, OJ Mariano (Ang Huling El Bimbo), Red Concepcion (Miss Saigon), Shiela Francisco (Ang Huling El Bimbo), Topper Fabregas (Ang Huling El Bimbo), and Yannah Laurel (Ang Huling El Bimbo).
The “Seasons of Love” performance was dedicated as a voice of the region to the world that is experiencing a health crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“To all who have passed, to everyone who has lost loved ones, to those who are facing struggles, to all in the frontlines, to all the volunteers, and to all who continue to be a light in this world. To all our theater colleagues around the world, keep measuring the love.
“This memorable anthem from Jonathan Larson’s hit musical ‘Rent’ gives us voice. A voice that says we are here standing side by side in our diversity. That we are not alone. That we will not leave anyone behind. That we will come together and face the future together. Not just as a collective or an industry or even a country. But as a region,” the ASEAN Musical Theatre Project wrote in the caption of the video.
“We will pull through this. We will meet each other again. And we can’t wait to bring you more exciting cultural and performing arts events. Until then, keep measuring your life in love.”
Seasons of Love
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love
Seasons of love
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand journeys to plan
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?
In truths that she learned
Or in times that he cried
In bridges he burned
Or…
The coronavirus pandemic has caused the cancellation and indefinite postponement of live performances after the lockdown closed down theaters and other entertainment venues as part of efforts to stop the spread of the disease.
The virus has caused performers, crew members, production companies, musicians, composers, writers, directors, costume makers, set builders, lighting operators, venue operators, and everyone else in the entertainment industry who now face an uncertain future.
But artists have managed to continue to perform for free using online channels to assist in various COVID-19 relief efforts for frontliners and poor sectors, including Filipino musicians who composed songs and joined performances.
Broadway royalty Lea Salonga starred together with the world’s musical stars in an online concert fundraiser to help struggling artists while celebrating Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday. Salonga also raised funds for Bayanihan Musikahan, an all-OPM Facebook Live concert fundraiser series.
With reports from Blesilda Dela Cruz.
WATCH the video here and SHARE with us in the comments below, what is your story of love in this season?
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