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FIRST LOOK: 'Tabing Ilog' gets a musical update for a new generation

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ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA – When George waxes nostalgic about her childhood by the river in Quezon province to her Fil-Am friend Jerry in the opening scene of the new musical “Tabing Ilog,” we are instantly brought back to lazy Sunday afternoons watching a bunch of six teens grapple with familiar adolescent problems in ABS-CBN now-iconic weekly drama series.</p><p>At the other side of the stage of Dolphy Theater is an old balete tree and a tire swing where George’s old barkada still congregate. Soon the familiar strains of Barbie Almalbis’ theme song, incorporated by composer Vince de Jesus into the sweet opening number, complete the sentimental setting.</p><p>However, almost immediately, the characters start texting on their phones, and those in the audience are transported back to the present. Even George couldn’t help but notice how their little town has changed, when she finally returns.</p><p>“Tabing Ilog,” the musical, teases with the promise of nostalgia and while the well-loved characters of the series were retained, playwright Jade Castro and director Topper Fabregas have created a new world for them with a different set of problems and realities, from confused sexuality to battling inner demons. Even their beloved river wasn’t spared, and they to stop a dam from being built.</p><p>But just like the series, which then introduced fans to future stars like John Lloyd Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria, Paulo Contis, Kaye Abad, Patrick Garcia and Baron Geisler, the musical also assembles a likeable cast of young actors, including former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Kiara Takahashi, as well as young theater stars Ian Pangilinan, Vino Mabalot, Krystal Kane, Teetin Villanueva, Miah Canton and Franco Ramos.</p><p>Here’s a first look of the “Tabing Ilog” musical, which opens on Saturday, March 7, and runs until April 26 at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater at the ABS- CBN compound in Quezon City. Tickets are available online at <a href="https://ktx.abs-cbn.com/category/tabing-ilog-the-musical/calendar">KTX</a>.</p><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-1.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-2.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-3.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-4.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-5.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-6.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-7.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-8.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-9.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/03/06/tabing-ilog-10.jpg"/></div></div><div class="slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>The cast of the musical &#x27;Tabing Ilog.&#x27; <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Ian Pangilinan as Rovic and Kiara Takahashi as Eds. <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Vino Mabalot as Fonzy takes a drink, as his friends look on. <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Miah Canton as George and Krystal Kane as Jerry. <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Eds (Kiara Takahashi) borrows a dress from Corinne (Teetin Villanueva). <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Agot Isidro and Jojit Lorenzo play all the adult roles in &#x27;Tabing Ilog.&#x27; <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Ian Pangilinan as Rovic and Kiara Takahashi as Eds. <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>(From left) Franco Ramos as Ely, Batit Espiritu as Badong, Miah Canton as George, Teetin Villanueva as Corinne, and Jem Macatuno as James. <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Protesting to protect their beloved river. <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The barkada gathers for a symbolic gesture. <cite> Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</cite></p></div></div></div>

<p>Here’s a first look of the “Tabing Ilog” musical, which opens on Saturday, March 7, and runs until April 26 at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater at the ABS- CBN compound in Quezon City. </p>

Here’s a first look of the “Tabing Ilog” musical, which opens on Saturday, March 7, and runs until April 26 at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater at the ABS- CBN compound in Quezon City.