BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
“Nasaan si Hesus?” was first staged in 1999 and re-staged in the 2000s.
Filipino production companies Balin Remjus Inc. and Great Media Productions, Inc. have announced that “Nasaan Si Hesus?, a play written by the late Nestor U. Torre with music and lyrics by Mrs. Lourdes “Bing” Pimentel, is now a major motion picture.
Its ensemble cast is composed of stars that have made a mark in the fields of singing and acting; these are Rachel Alejandro, Geneva Cruz, Janno Gibbs, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Marissa Sanchez, with Tawag ng Tanghalan’s Rachel Gabreza, The Voice Kids’ Gianni Sarita, and many more talented performers from stage, recording and screen.
The story of “Nasaan si Hesus?” depicts the difficulties of the residents of a community during these modern times when pressures, temptations, distractions, and drastic changes in lifestyles and attitudes have put people’s spirituality to the test.
The interweaving lives of the characters are made more relatable and heartfelt through the songs created by Mrs. Pimentel, wife of the late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.
Bing, as she is fondly called, is a civic leader who is a natural composer. She is also the lady behind the PasaLord Prayer Movement for the country.
She declares, “Our purpose in making this film is to disseminate information and inspiration. The film is a form of offering praise, thanksgiving, and petition. Salvation is near if we open our hearts and listen. We want to show everybody that God is always here.”
“Nasaan si Hesus?” was first staged in 1999 and re-staged in the 2000s. The play was mounted more than 80 times for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other audiences in different parts of the Philippines, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
The creative team led by Mrs. Pimentel, writer-director Dennis Marasigan, and musical director and arranger TJ Ramos have updated “Nasaan si Hesus?” for the digital age.
“The movie will tackle the complexities, difficulties, and temptations faced by different individuals and how individuals can maintain faith in today’s world,” explains Direk Dennis.
Filming is set to begin in January 2025.
