A true pride to the Philippine performing arts scene, the hit all-Filipino musical Ang Huling El Bimbo opens up the stage for the country’s promising artists to shine. Taking their passion for performing onto the stage is a dream come true for aspiring artists, a dream fulfilled for some of the scholars of the Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation—formed by Newport World Resorts to champion Filipino talent. These scholars found their power in a phenomenal musical, where they sing, dance, perform, and live out their passion.
Image: Newport World Resorts | “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical”
For brothers Eduardson and Emmerson Evangelio, dancing professionally had been their shared goal since day one. The ballet dancers finished their degree with finesse under the Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance at the De La Salle – College of St. Benilde. Their illustrious talent shined brighter since the doors to the world of performing arts opened to them.
Eduardson and Emmerson honed their talents and skills professionally under the tutelage of some of the well-respected and accomplished mentors and choreographers in the industry. They had always been on the move, danced in school during the day, and learned to be professional dancers until evening. Emmerson’s incredible talent ventured into the global spotlight during his time in Hawaii, where he represented his university in the Asia Pacific Dance Festival and Conference 2019.
Image: Newport World Resorts | Ensemble members Eduardson and Emmerson Evangelio, OPPA batch 2018
Meanwhile, around that time, Eduardson was a Grand Finalist at the Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition (AGP) in Hong Kong after placing third in the Regionals held in Manila. Since high school, the brothers have danced for numerous seasons production of the three premier ballet companies in the country namely Philippine Ballet Theatre, Ballet Manila, and Ballet Philippines.
Looking back on their journey, the siblings remarked that the program has served its mission of ushering Filipino talent. “When I got accepted as an OPPA Foundation scholar, many doors and multiple opportunities opened for me. I performed in different theaters, schools, cities, and provinces which helped me learn and grow as an artist. Along the way, I gained friendships, valuable connections, and memorable experiences that I will always hold onto,” said Emmerson.
The performing arts evoked an intense feeling of belongingness in the brothers, and they were determined to make it last. They have always been huge fans of Ang Huling El Bimbo since witnessing the musical a few years back, a masterpiece that became their inspiration moving forward. When auditions for the musical opened last year, they knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime one cannot miss.
Despite having the edge in dancing, the brothers worked even harder on improving their vocals before the auditions to secure the spot. “I still haven’t grasped the reality that I am part of this amazing production. These memories and experiences will always be part of my book and in my core memory. I will be eternally grateful that I am a part of Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical”, said Emmerson.
Image: Newport World Resorts | Orchestra Conductor Michael Jacinto, OPPA batch 2019
The magic of Ang Huling El Bimbo goes beyond what was seen onstage and transcends in the impeccable music played by the orchestra. Michael Jacinto, the maestro giving life to the show’s musical score, is another proud OPPA Foundation scholar. By June this year, he will come marching as a graduate of a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School. Prior to joining the musical, Jacinto has been conducting professionally for full orchestras and teaching in the academe at the same time.
For Jacinto, who found fulfillment and growth in performing, completing his master’s degree opened limitless opportunities as an educator and a performer. “OPPA Foundation has continuously valued their scholars’ gifts of artistry and talent. They have made it a point that these gifts are constantly shared and nurtured by featuring their scholars on occasional performances at Newport World Resorts. Exposures such as these are what we direly need as performers and musicians.”
Filipino Pride for OPPA Foundation
The country’s performing arts scene is richer today because of the steady stream of artists discovering their way into the center stage in the industry. Each year, a new generation of outstanding performers grow from the seed of opportunity planted by the industry luminaries and support system such as the foundation. OPPA Foundation President and the First Lady of Philippine Musicals Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo encouraged young dreamers to brave the path less traveled and pursue the world of performing arts, may it be production design, dance, voice, scriptwriting, acting, among others.
“Dedication to the craft is very important. The performing arts require a lot of discipline and hard work. To have a career in the performing arts is to understand that one never stops learning. The craft is constantly evolving. It makes our work very dynamic and interesting. You must always be open to learning new things and constantly growing”, said Lauchengco-Yulo.
The OPPA Foundation scholars are prime examples that with full support, an opportunity to showcase talent, hard work, and determination, it is possible to succeed in a chosen craft. They have proven that they deserve to be in the spotlight, and now is the time to take pride in their Filipino talent.
Thousands of fans and theatergoers have already experienced the thrill of live theater and the masterpiece that is “Ang Huling El Bimbo” at the award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater. The joyride continues with more show dates added until June 30. Tickets are available at Newport World Resorts Box Office, TicketWorld, and SM Tickets outlets: P3,776 (SVIP), 3,236 (VIP), P2,696 (GOLD), P1,942 (SILVER), and P1,079 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact the Newport World Resorts National Sales Team via JahyR Dela Cruz at 0917 818 9847, Raf Sangco at 0917 807 9387, and Carl Cuaresma at 0917 829 2173.
Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical and its show schedule, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts and @fullhousetheater on Facebook and Instagram, @nwresorts on Twitter. Tag the official AHEB TikTok account @aheb.2023 and use the hashtags #AHEB2023 #AngHulingElBimboTheMusical #NewportWorldResorts. Make the most of your visit and sign up for an Epic Membership or download the Newport World Resorts Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
