"Oo, Elsa... May HIMALA!" (Reposted from Vince de Jesus)

I clicked immediately when I saw this header in my Multiply Inbox.

After five years of waiting and three viewings, it's finally here! I'm so excited. Nagkatotoo lahat ng pangarap ko sa luma (at pagkahaba-haba) kong blog post a year ago. Lumabas ang DVD, at ngayon, may album at full restaging na!

Can't wait for November!!!

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From Mr. Vince de Jesus:

"OO, ELSA... MAY HIMALA!"

(At the CCP Little Theater, 2005)

Finally... Ricky Lee and Vincent DeJesus' phenomenal 2004 musical HIMALA will soon be available in a double compact disc album!

This rare original cast recording of a contemporary Filipino musical features the powerful and stirring voices of Isay Alvarez, Cynthia Culig-Guico, Dulce, Lionel Guico, Reuben Laurente, Melvin Lee, Eladio Pamaran and May Bayot-De Castro as ELSA. Also showcasing the voices of theater stalwarts Red Nuestro, Joann Co, Mayen Estanero, Bong Cabrera, Paolo Rodriguez and Carlon Matobato as the voices of Barrio Cupang. Piano arrangement by Jed Balsamo. Composer and Musical Director is Vincent DeJesus.

A moving story about faith and faithfulness, truth and delusion, HIMALA - THE MUSICAL is based on the landmark film by National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal about a young woman, Elsa, who claims to have spoken to the Virgin Mary during an eclipse and begins to exhibit healing powers.

Originally produced by Tanghalang Pilipino, this remarkable 22-track double cd recording is a "love project" of The Pinoy Renaissance Projects Inc. and the recording cast who have unselfishly and generously shared their talent. Co-produced by Alkemi Recording Studios and Vincent DeJesus, this landmark album is produced in cooperation with Tanghalang Pilipino.

Listen to the album track samples on my music section. Please just listen... don't grab the file.

(At the CCP Tanghalang Batute, 2004)

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT HIMALA THE MUSICAL:

"Some recent and successful musicals... have used technical gimmicks

that gave verve to their work. HIMALA does not need this.

Excellent... a truly great Filipino effort."

-- National Artist F. Sionil Jose, Philippine Star

"Tanghalang Pilipino has a winner with HIMALA THE MUSICAL."

-- Amadis Ma. Guerrero, Best Performances of 2003 - PDI

"HIMALA THE MUSICAL did not only meet expectations... it exceeded them!"

-- Josefa Labay Cagoco, The Scene

"Raw and powerful... it literally makes your skin crawl with ashtonishment and wonder."

-- Rina Jimenez-David, Philippine Daily Inquirer

" One of the best Filipino films ever made has become one of the best

Filipino musicals ever made. HIMALA THE MUSICAL is the most

realized contemporary Filipino musical ever done."

-- Tomas Del Rio, Business World

ALIW AWARDEE for BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL - MAY BAYOT

ALIW AWARDEE for BEST DIRECTOR - SOXIE TOPACIO

ALIW NOMINEE - BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION

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For album inquiries please leave a message on the "comments" section of Vince de Jesus' site.

Watch out for HIMALA THE MUSICAL RERUN this November at the PETA Theater Center!!!

(Above photos by Jonjon Villareal)