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By SHERYLIN UNTALAN, GMA Integrated News
Published March 7, 2025 10:49am
Rico Blanco was nothing but proud after seeing his music reimagined for "Liwanag sa Dilim," a jukebox musical featuring his and Rivermaya's greatest hits.
During the musical's preview night, the acclaimed OPM icon shared his awe and excitement in witnessing how his songs were transformed to tell a fresh, compelling story.
"I'm kind of proud that I wrote those songs after seeing what they did with them. It was so cool to just see them used in a different way to tell a different story from what I originally dreamt or was inspired by," he told reporters.
For Blanco, seeing his compositions given a new interpretation was both surprising and exciting.
"Some songs became the opposite of what I meant for them to mean, which was cool. Galing. Galing."
An experience beyond music
Blanco said he was fully immersed in the show's production, and marveled at how the musical arrangements, acting, and staging created a unique experience.
"I was just reading and focused on what was happening—absorbing everything, the cheering, acting, singing, and the musical arrangement," he said. "Hearing my songs for the first time in this new context, I'm still processing it. Parang hindi ka makapaniwala."
Beyond just hearing his music in a new setting, Blanco was deeply moved by the immersive experience of live theater.
"I was transported to another universe. And I suppose, personally, we all go through things in life—stress and whatnot. This was a really nice escape for me."
The "Liwanag sa Dilim" musical follows in the footsteps of other successful OPM-inspired productions, such as "Ang Huling El Bimbo" and "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical," among others.
Blanco is excited to see this trend continue and hopes his music's inclusion in the theatrical world will resonate with fans and theatergoers alike.
"I do enjoy being in musicals. Cause I've done a few myself. So, yeah, I'm just happy that my songs are part of it now," the music icon said.
When asked what he looked forward to the most, Blanco said it was his fans who had been anticipating this for years.
"They’ve been asking for so long, ‘Kailan magkaka-musical yung songs mo?’ Now that it's finally happening, I'm just really happy for them. And I'm excited for them to hear my songs in a new light."
Blanco himself was so captivated by the production that he plans to watch it multiple times.
"I'm probably gonna watch it a few more times, for sure. There's so much happening—I need a second or third re-watch to catch all of it. A lot of easter eggs. They really did a great job," he said.
He also encouraged fans to catch the musical while they can.
"It's not here forever. That's the magic of musicals. You have to really catch a show. It's hard to tell a story—you have to watch it. You have to watch it."
With "Liwanag sa Dilim" giving his music a renewed purpose on stage, Rico Blanco stands as both a proud creator and an amazed spectator, celebrating how his songs continue to evolve and inspire new audiences.
Bringing this powerful story to life is a talented ensemble led by Khalil Ramos and Anthony Rosaldo, who will alternate in the lead role of Elesi. They are joined by CJ Navato, Vien King, Alexa Ilacad, and Nicole Omillo, ensuring an exceptional performance that will leave audiences mesmerized.
The musical, also the first production under 9 Works Theatrical for 2025, will run from Friday to Sunday until April 13, 2025, at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City.
Tickets are available via Ticket2Me, with prices ranging from P2,200 for balcony seats to P3,900 for orchestra center premium. —JCB, GMA Integrated News
