‘“Bar Boys” serves as a reminder that change is possible and success is attainable for those who have the heart for it.’
BY NOEL D. FERRER
Bar Boys, The Movie” by Kip Oebanda (2017) talks about the misadventures of four young men who try their luck in the college of law. As their friendship, families, relationships and convictions are brought to breaking point, they must keep their heads together as they prepare for the big day. The cast includes Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda and Kean Cipriano with the Urian and FAMAS award winner Odette Khan as Justice Hernandez.
For the people who have seen the movie, it was a substantial film, where friendships and sacrifices are on the line as people pursue their dreams. it was truly an inspiring film, especially for students who are having difficulties in school. It offered lessons that might help them navigate their lives and learn to keep a good support group of family and friends in their journey.
Cut to “Bar Boys, A New Musical,” book by Pat Valera, music by Myke Salomon, starring Benedix Ramos, Alex Diaz, Jerom Canlas and Omar Uddin now with Philippine theater icon Sheila Francisco as Justice Hernandez and a powerhouse cast of teachers (and other roles) in Topper Fabregas, Kakki Teodoro, Nor Domingo, Juliene Mendoza, Gimbey dela Cruz, and Carlon Matobato.
As critic Leo Alexis Ecijan puts it, it was a theater in trial. “The intimate stage setup mirrors a jury arrangement, with each performer taking the witness stand – sharing their realities, heartaches, and aspirations for the future ahead.”
The performances can be described as organized chaos. Every movement, every note, and every glance toward the audience carries weight, creating an atmosphere where the audience is not just spectator but active participant in the lives unfolding on stage. The audience roots for the underdogs, even as the harsh reality of corruption winning out persists, clinging to that fragile thread of hope.
Myke Salomon’s genius shines through in his creation of one masterpiece after another for “Bar Boys.” He elevates this musical above the common trends in Philippine theater now— moving away from relying on existing song catalogs or hosting international productions of already beloved musicals.
Salomon masterfully navigates through various genres, ensuring each song fits seamlessly into its scene. The songs are tailor-made for the characters, making their performances truly embody them, thereby breathing life into the entire experience.
What struck us about “Bar Boys” is its profound portrayal of the younger generation – their idealism, their yearning for change, and their pursuit of all things just and righteous. The creators of the musical gently remind us that in the real world, there are no simple answers, and reality is not just black and white. They show us that navigating the gray areas, whether you’re a law student or not, requires sacrifices and compromises. In this realm, we come to understand the challenge of bending an ironclad system that favors the wealthy and powerful.
Despite the daunting realities, there is a glimmer of hope. “Bar Boys” serves as a reminder that change is possible and success is attainable for those who have the heart for it. What’s reassuring about the musical is its affirmation that even in a world stacked against the next generation, individuals can carve out their space and stand firm in their beliefs, embracing the values that define goodness.
After the show closed last weekend, we were able to corner the outstanding writer-director and co-founder of Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, Pat Valera. Assessing the musical’s run, he said, “This run of ‘Bar Boys, The Musical’ was intended to create and shape a new work.
Kumbaga, mailuwal ang dula. We now have a new baby! With the guidance from peers and the response of the audience, we’ll able to nurture and shape it better.”
Were they successful in bringing new people to theater?
“Yes!” said Pat, “The first audience of ‘Bar Boys The Musical’ would naturally be law students and lawyers. We estimate that more than 50% of our audience comes from that community. Ang maganda, karamihan unang beses manood ng Filipino musical. And based sa responses nila, mukhang uulit sila hindi lang sa mga prods ng Barefoot, pero sa mga iba ring palabas.”
What were the learnings in the process of mounting and producing this new musical?
“Trust the story and always choose the brave and honest choice,” said Pat, “Sa paghulma ng ‘Bar Boys,’ tinatanong namin madalas kung ‘too much’ ba or ‘baka ‘di nila ma-gets.’ But we have to serve and trust the story, give justice to the people we represent, and never undermine the audience – all, still, through an engaging experience that only theater can bring.”
Given the musicals that are playing alongside “Bar Boys” like “One More Chance,” “Rent” and “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy” how did “Bar Boys” fare?
“I don’t want to compare, rather gusto ko i-share na masaya ako sa mga dulang meron ngayon at sa marami pang ipapalabas. What a time to be a alive and enjoy a spectrum of shows! Sana tuloy-tuloy pa.
“Sabi nga sa isang TikTok review, ang dami naming pinag-usapan sa ‘Bar Boys.’ Buti naman daw at nabigyan ng hustistya ang mga diskursong ‘to.
“If there’s another take away, it will be to strive to be better. Ang hirap maging mabuti sa Pilipinas. Ang hirap manalo sa bansang ito. But we can’t give up. It will be better kapag subukan mo muli.”
During the closing show last Sunday, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative made an exciting announcement about the restaging of their classic, “Mula sa Buwan.”
“For ‘Bar Boys, The Musical’,” said Pat, “we’ll have time to reflect and hopefully rerun again.
“Now, we’re excited for ‘Mula sa Buwan!” he continued, “One of the goals of Barefoot is to champion original Filipino productions. And we started with ‘Mula sa Buwan’ in 2022.
Nanunumbalik ang ‘Mula sa Buwan’ hindi lang dahil napakarami pang gustong manood (ang dami!) but also because it’s a story that still resonates today. Alam ng mga nanood ng ‘Mula sa Buwan’ na mapanakit itong musical na ito pero ‘di lang dahil sa pag-ibig – pero sa pagnanais din ng mas mapagmahal na mundo. Sana ma-experience niyo rin ang dulang ‘to. Kita kita muli sa buwan!”
