ResortsWorldManila’s 'BituingWalangNingning:The Musical' feat at 28th Aliw

By Miong - Monday, December 21, 2015

Nothing compares to a performance featuring world-class Filipino talents performing the most loved Original Pilipino Music hits.


‘BituingWalangNingning: The Musical’ brings to life a story that has transcended Philippine entertainment staged at the state-of-the-art and award-winning, ultra-modern Newport Performing Arts Theater at Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

All-Filipino production ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ secures Six awards out of a possible Seven nominations at the recent 28th Aliw Awards held at the Star Theater in CCP Complex in December 9, 2015.


Young Cebuana thespian Monica Cuneco in one of the most scintillating performance at the 'Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical'

Young Cebuana and new Theater darling Monica Cuneco, who plays the lead role of Dorina Pineda in the critically acclaimed play won Best New Female Artist; Best Actor in a Musical for Mark Bautista, Best Actress in a Musical for CrisVillonco, Best Actor in a Featured Role for Ronnie Liang, Best Actress in a Featured Role for Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. On top of these five major awards, the stage adaptation of a classic Filipino drama Bituing Walang Ningning glitters the most at the awarding night for Best Musical Production award.

‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ is produced by Resorts World Manila (RWM), through Full House Theater Company (FHTC) and in partnership with VIVA Communications, Inc. Pursuing its advocacy to champion the Filipino, RWM continues to showcase the best of what local entertainment can offer.


Resorts World Manila’s ‘BituingWalangNingning: The Musical’ All star Cast: (from left) Ronnie Liang, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Full House Theater Company Chief Operations Manager Alou Almaden, Michael Stuart Williams, Ultimate Shows, Inc. Vice President Christine Manalang, CrisVillonco, Monica Cuenco, and Mark Bautista during 28th Aliw Awards held at the Star Theater in CCP Complex, Pasay.
Ms. Alou Almaden, Chief Operations Manager of FHTC exclaimed, “This is a proud moment for everyone involved in the production of this truly wonderful musical, receiving these awards is a validation of all the hard work the cast, crew, and management have put in to bring this classic story back to life for Filipinos to relive or discover for the first time. What’s more, it brings us a step closer to realizing our vision for the Philippines to be globally acclaimed for its excellence in the performing arts.”

Joining Cuenco onstage are celebrated stage performer Mark Bautista who plays talent manager Nico Escobar, dashing singer Ronnie Liang as musical director Garry Diaz, and returning showbiz sweetheart Antoinette Taus who alternates for theater luminary Cris Villonco as pop-star diva Lavinia Arguelles.

Also reprising their roles for the musical’s encore performances are Jay Roa as Zosimo Blanco, Jon Santos as Auntie, John Nite as Kuya Germs, Michael Williams as Larry Calma, and the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Edith. Other significant additions to the cast include premier all-male vocal group PRIMO who adds musical firepower to the performance, and 11 new members of the 22-man all-Filipino, all-star ensemble.

The feat is first for Monica Cuenco who earned her part in the production through a tedious nationwide search for the musical’s lead role. The awards are likewise a first for veteran performers Mark Bautista and Ronnie Liang who have both just recently made the transition to theater. The following video from Results World Manila Youtube account shows Monica Cuenco audition quality performance. Monica sing here a preview of famous Visayan ballad song ‘Usahay’. The original movie doesn't include this Visayan ballad but is purposely included to help the character of Dorina connect with the audience even more.


Similar to previous RWM productions staged at the state-of-the-art Newport Performing Arts Theater with help from Ultimate Shows, Inc., the musical features an all-Filipino ensemble which includes theater veterans Jon Santos, Jay Roa, John Nite, and Michael Stuart-Williams.

Bituing Walang Ningning tells the story of a young fan’s rise from obscurity to stardom, the obstacles she has to overcome, and the love she finds along her way to success. Originally told over a serialized comic strip by fictionist Nerissa Cabral, the story was made into a blockbuster movie in 1985 and was then re-made into a hit television series in 2006. ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ brings to life a story that has transcended Philippine entertainment. This recent production marked the first time a contemporary drama has crossed over multiple media, from print, cinema, television, and finally on theater. See below video excerpt from the 1985 blockbuster movie with Ms. Sharon Cuneta.


This time, the drama’s theater foray is told along with the timeless music of the great Willy Cruz and other memorable OPM hits, which is scored by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar with veteran stage director Freddie Santos at the helm.

Catch the second run of this critically-acclaimed musical as it goes on-stage with new schedules in January 2016 at Resorts World Manila’s state-of-the-art Newport Performing Arts Theater. The second run promises to incorporate modifications to the material that brings out the production’s world-class qualities in both creative and technical aspects. Among the noteworthy changes is the incorporation of more songs, improvement in special effects and costumes, and additional dialogue that allows audiences to delve into each character deeper.

For information including complete cast details and show schedules visit www.rwmanila.com/web/bituing-walang-ningning/.



Resorts World Manila is the first one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination in the Philippines that features recreational thrills, world-class performances, unique events, and exciting lifestyle options conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, Resorts World Manila is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality and is home to four lodging brands: MAXIMS Hotel, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, REMINGTON Hotel, and BELMONT Hotel; a three-story convention center housing the country’s largest hotel ballroom: Marriott Grand Ballroom and two more hotels currently under construction: SHERATON Hotel Manila and HILTON Manila Hotel.

Also home to Resorts World Manila is NEWPORT Mall which features international luxury brands, state-of-the-art movie theaters at Newport Cinemas, an award-winning, ultra-modern Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), and a cozy, 24/7 entertainment hub at Bar 360. Dine in one of almost 50 restaurant outlets offering a diverse selection of local and world cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and foreign chefs and paired with a wide selection of the finest wines and popular liquors.

Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical wins Aliw Awards posted at Cebu Events Blog

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