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David Ezra is excited to play the role of Mike Hanapol in the upcoming 'Jeproks: The Musical'

Produced by Tanghalang Una Obra, the musical will showcase songs written by Filipino rock legend Mike Hanopol. These include “Laki sa Layaw,” where the title “Jeproks” came from.

At the media conference held recently, David said he feels honored to be portraying Hanopol. He also considers this an opportunity to show off his other side, as a rock musician.

“Kasi, ang hindi po alam ng marami, ang branding ko po kasi is, di ba, pag nakikita ninyo ako sa show, is a Broadway singer, classic singer. Lagi akong naka-tuxedo, naka-bow tie. Ang mga events ko, mga ganyan.

“Pero ang hindi po alam ng marami is I'm a rock singer by heart. So, noong college po ako, yung buhok ko, hanggang puwet. Tapos, gitarista po ako ng banda dati,” he shared to the media, including GMANetwork.com.

To further this, he recalled a moment when his mom, Asia's Timeless Diva Dulce, found out he was playing a guitar instead of singing at one of his band's gigs during college.

David related, “Nagulat siya na gitara ang hawak ko. Tapos sabi niya sa akin, 'Alam mo, anak…' Kasi, ang nanay ko, very supportive naman. Sabi niya, 'Alam mo, anak, napakagaling mong tumugtog ng gitara pero ang gift mo talaga is singing.'

“Pero noong time na iyon, hindi ako naniniwala. Kasi bilang isang anak ng isang icon na si Dulce, hindi ko po ma-explain iyon.

“Mula bata ako, ang question sa akin, 'Oh, so you're the son of Dulce, so do you sing like your mom?' It was always like that. So, mahirap pong lumaki nang ganoon.”

It was because of this experience that David decided to veer away from being a singer.

He said, “Subconsciously, habang lumalaki po ako, iniiwasan ko po yung mundo ng pagkanta. So, napunta po ako sa pagtugtog ng gitara. E, iyon, throughout the years, na-establish ko na rin po yung sarili ko sa pagkanta.

“So, noong na-offer po nila sa akin itong role na ito, or sinabi nila sa akin na gagawa po ng musical with the music of Mike Hanopol, hindi po ako nagdalawang-isip.

“Kasi it's going to be a different era in my career also. So, I have to showcase my rock side na matagal ko na pong pinapangarap din gawin.”

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Although Mike's songs became popular long before David was born, the millennial singer-actor said he would do his research to build his character.

“Honestly, ngayon, aaralin ko pa lang lahat ng kanta ni Sir Mike,” he said.

“Noong bata ako, ang pinaka-familiar sa akin na song is 'Laki sa Layaw,' and Juan dela Cruz band when I started forming a band in college. Yun na po yun, to be honest.

“So, ito na po yung malaking chance for me to get back to our roots as Filipinos, kung saan nanggaling ang ating rock music, which is Juan dela Cruz band and Mike Hanapol.

“Para po sa akin, ang isang obligation ng isang artist, ng musician, ng performer, ang alamin ang history. So, being a rock singer and rock artist, obligasyon kong alamin kung saan ba nanggaling o kung ano bang meron tayong rock music sa Pilipinas. Hindi naman yun mabubuo kung wala si Sir Mike Hanopol at Juan dela Cruz band.”

Presented by The Hammock Production Inc. and Twin Bill Theater, Jeproks The Musical will run from November 20 to 23 and November 27 to 30 at the GSIS Theater, J.W. Diokno Boulevard, CCP Complex.