Halina sa Parokya: What to expect in 'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical'

Get ready to take the magic spaceship as "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical" is taking over the theater stage!

"Buruguduystunstugudunstuy" is Parokya ni Edgar's second album, released in 1997. This year, it was adapted as the title of the musical, which showcases the band's iconic songs as the production brings a new perspective behind them.

The play revolves around the stories of four women of different ages: Jen, Norma, Aiza, and Girlie. They share two things in common — they were all born on December 6, and they all suffer in different ways.

One barely makes it through the day as she and her brother suffer in poverty, living life as an orphan. One seems to have it all but is actually only looking for one thing: love or companionship. One suffers from bullying and is afraid to speak up for herself. And one who still does not know who she really is.

As they decide to escape their reality and transport into the surreal world of 'Parokya,' the four women, including Jen's brother Tikmol, bravely take a challenging yet surprising journey to find and love their true selves.

There, they meet peculiar characters, including the Bigotilyos, who help the ladies face their own personal transformations and discover the mystery of the drums that called them into this world.

Equipped with a total of 47 Parokya ni Edgar tracks, the musical's overall stitching of scenes, songs and storyline was flawless. It has the right blend of comedy, fantasy, romance, drama and adventure.

Even with all the punch lines and dark humour, the stories still hit the spot, making them relevant, especially to the current generation, as they tackle social issues, including bullying and discrimination, as well as the reality behind the LGBTQIA+ community.

The musical also greatly portrays the message of how women suffer from misogyny and are forced to fit into a stereotypical world.

As for the visual presentation, it's packed with colors and life, making it pleasing to the eyes. The voices, including the ensembles and the beautiful accompaniment of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), do not just bring nostalgia, but also drive the audience to step up and face their deepest fears and truths.

Newport World Resorts (NWR) President and CEO Kingson Sion even revealed that "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy" is their most expensive musical set to this day.

He noted that after staging the "Ang Huling El Bimbo - The Musical in 2023," no other musicals would take the NWR Theater but original Filipino productions.

Meanwhile, Parokya ni Edgar vocalist and frontman Chito Miranda said it was overwhelming how the musical gave their songs a different, and colorful meaning. He said he never thought their discography would be good enough to be staged in a musical.

"Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical'" stars Marynor Madamesila (Jen), Tex De Leon (Norma), Kyle Napuli (Aiza), and Natasha Cabrera (Girlie).

Also among the stellar cast are supporting actors Jasper Jimenez (Tito Ralph), Nicco Manalo (Mang Jose), Noel Comia Jr. (Tikmol), and Pepe Herrera (Mr. Suave), with other talents such as Boo Gabunada (Buloy), Jules Dela Paz (Murlock), MC Dela Cruz (Ric), Rapah Manalo (Charvis), Stephen Viñas (Gilbert), all joined by the dynamic female and male ensemble.

The musical was directed by Dexter Santos, with artistic directors Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams, playwright Rody Vera, and musical director Ejay Yatco.

'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical' features OPM classics "Harana," "Magic Spaceship," "Buloy," "Bagsakan," and "Lagi Mong Tatandaan."

The musical officially started last April 26 and will run until the 8th of June 2024.

Ticket prices start at P1,105 for bronze seating up to P5,525 for SVIP. They also have Silver seating priced at P 2,210, Gold at P 3,315, and VIP at P4,420. Tickets are still on sale in SM Tickets. —JCB, GMA Integrated News