Photo / PETA
When it was announced that the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Star Cinema, and Ben&Ben would team up for a musical adaptation of One More Chance featuring the nine-piece band’s songs, our first thought was: of course. It makes so much sense: One More Chance and Ben&Ben are known for their gut-wrenching lines about love and heartbreak. On paper, it’s perfect. On stage? It’s beautiful.
The story of One More Chance, the Musical is mostly the same as the one audiences first saw in 2007: Popoy and Basha are a long-time couple headed toward marriage, but differences in their personalities and ambitions drive them apart. They try to move on with their lives but are continually reminded of what they once had.
The story is familiar, or too familiar for jaded moviegoers, but PETA makes it fresher with the addition of Ben&Ben’s repertoire of songs.
It goes without saying that the band’s songs are lovely, but Myke Salomon, who led the musical direction and sound design, organically weaves the music into the story. No lyric or song sounds forced.
Photo / PETA
Take, for example, Popoy and Basha’s breakup. After Popoy delivers his lines, Basha sings, “Iiwas na kung maaari / na para bang walang nangyari / Ayoko nang magpatali sa ‘yo” from “Elyu.” When a character tries to profess their feelings for their love, they sing, “‘pag nilahad ang damdamin /Â sana ‘di magbago ang pagtingin” from “Pagtingin.”
These clever inclusions are many, and some standout scenes were those that feature “Leaves” and “Langyang Pag-ibig.” I shook my head many times during the show, wondering how Salomon worked his arranging magic.
The cast, of course, was a gem. Sam Concepcion was a genuine triple threat as Popoy. He took us with him on his downward spiral, culminating in the iconic three-month rule scene. This was another highlight, as the actor showcased his acting, dancing, and singing skills to the melody of “Upuan.” Anna Luna was effective as Basha, and she showed the character’s frustrations with emotion and restraint.
Photo / PETA
The entire cast is terrific, and some of the standouts include the members of Popoy and Basha’s Thursday Club. Jon Abella and Johnnie Moran were exceptional as JP and Chinno, especially during the scenes that spotlight their stories. Via Antonio was the perfect comic relief as Anj. Sheena Belarmino was a delight as Tricia. Neomi Gonzales as Edith was a breath of fresh air. Another thing that One More Chance, the Musical does well is expand these characters so we get to know and love them, too.
Another slight change that the musical does is create a richer version that examines various lessons and themes from the vantage point of today’s generation, especially regarding mental health.
During the musical’s press conference in February, playwright Michelle Ngu-Nario said, “Paano ba palalakasin ‘yung self-agency, [‘yung] empowerment? In terms of the choices that we make, do we give ourselves enough grace to fail, to make mistakes, to learn from them? And to make other choices [after] learning from those?”
Photo / PETA
One More Chance, the Musical is subtle with these themes and doesn’t pack on too much, but some may find the show too long. True One More Chance fans, however, who believe in the three-month rule and endlessly quote the movie’s lines, will find that the musical stays true to the film while making the material fresher and more vibrant.
As for me, someone who has seen One More Chance in 2007 and 2024, I realized how toxic Popoy and Basha’s relationship was. But a toxic relationship has never sounded this good.
What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
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