PHIVOLCS also reports 2,461 aftershocks, including a magnitude 5 tremor felt last night.

 The death toll has now climbed to 72, with nearly 300 injured, according to the NDRRMC. PHIVOLCS also reports 2,461 aftershocks, including a magnitude 5 tremor felt last night.

Let’s continue keeping Cebu in our thoughts and hope every family stays safe in the days ahead.

: Aldo Banaynal/The Freeman, Mark James Rocamora Kapalac

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'Birit' is back: The Bodyguard, The Musical

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published Oct 2, 2025 12:10 am | Updated Oct 2, 2025 08:15 am

The cast of 'The Bodyguard, The Musical'

9Works Theatrical Production introduces the public to the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center, Makati, via a nostalgic musical romp called The Bodyguard, The Musical. Inspired by the 1992 film that starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical has a Book by Alexander Dinelaris. It is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Musical Direction by Daniel Bartolome. It runs until Oct. 19, so book your tickets for this veritable memory-laden sing-along.

The musical stars Filipina Christine Marie Allado, who has established a name for herself in the West End of London. She was Peggy Schuyler in the award-winning production of Hamilton: An American Musical, and portrayed Vanessa in the West End production of In the Heights.

Playing the title character is fellow West End regular Matt Blaker, who has been in the productions of Phantom of the Opera and Jersey Boys. Here in The Bodyguard, Allado takes on the role of Rachel Marron, while Blaker is Frank Farmer.

The likes of Sheena Palad, as Rachel’s sister, Nicky, Elian Santos as Rachel’s son, and Giani Sarit, CJ Novato, Tim Yap, and John Joven Uy are among the many who support the two main characters. It’s a tight-knit cast, and as in the hit movie, it’s all about a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from a mystery stalker.

The book of this musical, I have to admit, leaves nothing much for those who have already watched the film. The scenes aren’t much more than devices strung along to bring us to the next song, the following production number. And that is for me the letdown in this musical adaptation. It really relies too much on the singing and belting of ‘birit’ tunes to turn the performance into a success.

Fortunately for us, Christine Allado is a genuine powerhouse, keeping the audience entranced and hanging on every note. Matt Blaker acquits himself well, proving he can sing and move with the best of them when given the opportunity. Sheena Palad, as Rachel's sister, also has a great set of pipes, and when the two sisters come together for one show-stopping production number, we are truly amazed. In the old days of Filipino musical acts, it would be like putting Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha on one stage, singing a song together.

The best scene for me would be the one in the karaoke bar. It’s genuinely funny, and the comedy and lightness are sustained. It’s a setting where you actually feel bad to leave, as you're having so much fun. Most of the other scenes are merely filler for the next song, a costume change, or a stab at drama. And I’d blame the material itself.

Still, the songs are without question the reason you bought a ticket to this show, and you won’t leave disappointed. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, and I won’t be surprised if there’s an extended run for this musical. Nostalgia, Whitney, The Bodyguard, and great singing - what more could you ask for in a musical? I was waiting for Tim Yap to belt out a tune, too!

 

Help pours in for quake-hit Cebu; Phivolcs warns of aftershocks

Patients wait outside Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City after a strong earthquake struck the area in Cebu province. (AP Photo)

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