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The talented Filipino is almost everywhere in the Philippines – from the street vendor belting out a Regine Velasquez song to Charice Pempengco performing in the David Foster anniversary show. Almost every Filipino can carry a good tune or have the showmanship to compensate for it. With all the patronage for Filipino telenovelas or the more tragic Korean telenovelas, soap operas in the US will never compare to these hard core drama series.

Yet the irony of it all is that despite the abundance of Filipino talent and our innate love for music and acting, only a handful can really appreciate serious acting / singing in local theaters.  Wouldn’t it be nice if a major broadway production like Phantom of the Opera can be performed in the Philippines retaining all its stage effects and set design. As amazed as we were in the helicopter scene of Miss Saigon, wouldn’t it be amazing to see a majestic chandelier crashing to the center of the stage or an enchanting boat ride across the misty lake towards the phantom’s lair (both from broadway performances of Phantom of the Opera).  These scenes play on the senses of theater lovers as we are fascinated not just from the story and songs, but from the creativity, fantasy and realism expressed in the whole set design.

Is it really a lack of appreciation for the performing arts?

I would like to believe not, as Filipinos love for music and drama is natural. I believe we just need to be aware and exposed to the right shows that will slowly influence us to love the performing arts in the Philippine theaters even more.  Case in point, I’m sure perspectives changed when Filipinos were exposed to the hilarious Avenue Q last December 2008. I will never forget the outstanding RENT performance by the Philippine cast years ago.

Spotlight Manila is all about showcasing Filipino talent by sharing the different shows of interest that are happening in the local theaters. I am by no means an expert on the performing arts but I have always loved theater and music. The goal of this blog is really to promote the performing arts industry in the Philippines and the talent of the Filipino artists. Hopefully someday Philippines will be a destination point for major broadway productions in asia with our local stars forming the main cast and performing better than Westend or Broadway.