We’re all familiar with the events of the Spanish colonial period, thanks to the books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as the life stories of our national heroes. The events of the past are important to know, but they have become so ingrained in our memory that we’ve learned not to dwell on them anymore. What if we told you that there’s a musical that tells a familiar story, but adds modern elements, and is also incredibly funny?
Today, we’re making the case for the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Walang Aray.
Photo: PETA
Walang Aray is an adaptation of Severino Reyes’ 1898 zarzuela Walang Sugat. The musical is set during the Philippine Revolution of 1896 and follows the romance between Tenyong, an ordinary man, and Julia, a zarzuela superstar.
There are, however, two love stories: one between Tenyong and Julia, and that of the Filipino and his country. Walang Aray also highlights the injustices Filipinos suffered under Spanish colonial rule, especially those who wanted to break free.
Rody Vera takes the classic love story and brings it to the modern age with jokes and references that are relevant today. PETA has always been gifted in adding sociopolitical commentary and current events to its shows, which feels natural, smooth, and, more importantly, funny. The company always does it with a light, satirical touch that doesn’t feel forced.
Photo: PETA
A great script only takes a show so far, but director Ian Segarra and PETA assembled a powerful cast to make Walang Aray even more special. The company made a bold move and cast trans actress Lance Reblando to play the leading role of Julia, and my god, she more than delivers. She’s been described as a triple threat, but it should be quadruple: she’s clearly leading lady material.
Reblando is complemented by Gio Gahol, who has the looks, charm, and comedic timing required for Tenyong. It feels like a full-circle moment for the actor, who played Tenyong in Walang Aray‘s laboratory production in 2019 in his first musical leading role. Today, a show is in good hands with Gahol, who has proven himself to be reliable in any role.
Photo: PETA
It’s not just Reblando and Gahol who shine; it’s the entire cast. Walang Aray is a joyful watch because it seems as if everyone is having fun on stage.
Jolina Magdangal and Gie Onida were wonderful as Doña Juana and Don Tadeo, the parents of Julia and Miguel (more on him later). Kiki Baento was hilarious as Monica, and she volleyed well with her love interest, Lucas, played by Ice Seguerra. This writer watched Baento in the same role in the 2023 production, and her “Kanino ka lang?” line lives rent-free in his head to this day.
What Walang Aray also does well is the nuances of the characters. Bene Manaois plays Miguel, whom Doña Juana tries to set up with Julia. The character is pompous, for sure (and played to a T by Manaois), but Vera gave him depth to make the audience sympathize with him and root for him. Even Johnnie Moran, who played the Spanish baddie Padre Alfaro, balanced his portrayal with intimidation and humor.
Photo: PETA
On top of that, Walang Aray‘s music is catchy. Vince Lim, who composed the soundtrack, created a memorable setlist. It’s a mix of meta, like “Front Act,” which attempts to distract the audience while the company looks for Julia; radio-friendly like “Huwag Mo Akong Saktan;” irreverent like “Tipo Kong Lalaki;” and swelling, like “Walang Aray (Finale).”
Overall, Walang Aray honors the past while bringing it to modern times with humor, an excellent soundtrack, and an exceptional cast. The musical reminds us that history doesn’t have to be about memorizing names, dates, and places; it can be relevant, timely, and deeply entertaining. Go see Walang Aray: you’ll fall in love with the characters and our country’s history. If not, you’ll leave with the songs playing in your head.
Walang Aray runs from August 28 to October 12, 2025, at the PETA Theater. For more show information, follow PETA’s social media pages: @petatheater. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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