Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

Lance Reblando

Jude Cartalaba

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785226554637AA LANCE DSCF5371.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Lance Reblando. Photo credit: Niccolo Cosme, Project Headshot, and Midnight Dream Studio</div>MANILA — The highly anticipated stage adaptation of the 2016 runaway hit at the Metro Manila Film Festival “Die Beautiful” is officially heading to the theater, bringing one of contemporary Filipino cinema&#x27;s most beloved stories to live audiences.Leading the production as the iconic Trisha Echevarria are drag stars Maxie Andreison and Viñas DeLuxe, while the role of Trisha’s fiercely loyal confidante Barbs Cordero will be shared by Lance Reblando and actor-singer Chamyto Aguedan.Reblando&#x27;s casting adds another milestone to her career. She was among the first openly transgender actresses in the Philippines to play a cisgender lead role in a mainstream musical, PETA&#x27;s &quot;Walang Aray&quot;, and later headlined the all-trans principal cast of the Cinemalaya film &quot;Warla.&quot;Most recently, Reblando earned a Gawad Buhay nomination for Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical for her standout turn as Angel Dumott Schunard in 9 Works Theatrical’s revival of “Rent.”In “Die Beautiful,” Barbs serves as Trisha’s roommate, protector, and professional makeup artist. This anchor brings Trisha’s pageant dreams to life while offering a brutally honest reality check when needed most.Asked how she is preparing to step into such a marked role — originally portrayed on screen to critical acclaim by Christian Bables — Reblando shared her approach with characteristic humility and dedication.“Ngayon ay paulit-ulit kong pinapanood ang movie at inoobserbahan ang mga nuances at atake ni Kuya Christian Bables,” Reblando told ABS-CBN News.“Hindi dahil gagayahin ko, kundi para malaman ko kung ano pang flavor at atake ang puwede ko pang gawin para mas maging malinaw si Barbs sa mga makakapanood sa kanya.”She added, “Si Trisha ang mukha ng ‘Die Beautiful,’ pero si Barbs ang puso. Mabigat na responsibilidad ’yon na dapat kong magampanan. I’ll try to be as authentic as possible. Nag-aayos din ako ng voice lessons ulit under Teacher Mia Bolaños.”Penned by original film writer-director Jun Robles Lana and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, “Die Beautiful The Musical” is presented by IdeaFirst Live! and is set to make its grand stage debut in 2027.

Actress Lance Reblando says playing Barbs Cordero in 'Die Beautiful The Musical' carries a special responsibility, describing the character as "the heart" of the story as she prepares to take on the role made famous on screen by Christian Bables.

Actress Lance Reblando says playing Barbs Cordero in ' Die Beautiful The Musical' carries a special responsibility, describing the character as "the heart" of the story as she prepares to take on the role made famous on screen by Christian Bables.

Lance Reblando to take on Christian Bables' iconic role in ‘Die Beautiful' musical

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

People, Culture, and Events

Lance Reblando to take on Christian Bables' iconic role in ‘Die Beautiful' musical

Jude Cartalaba

Published July 28, 2026 06:20 PM PHT

Read More:

Lance Reblando

Die Beautiful The Musical

transgender

LGBT

IdeaFirst Live

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.