(From left, clockwise) 'Tabing Ilog The Musical Rerun' cast: Jordan Andrews as James, Anji Salvacion as Corrinne, Akira Morishita as Rovic, Jude Hinumdum as Badong, Sheena Belarmino as Eds, and Kiara Takahashi as George Photography by Miguel Alomajan

The magic of theater is that within its four walls, the audience is transported to another world that ignites one’s imagination, captures emotions, and touches the heart. In the case of this musical, that world is back in 1999, where the story of a group of friends shone in the Tabing Ilog TV series. Today, that story has been revisited through the “Tabing Ilog The Musical,” which was initially conceptualized in 2019 and had its run late last year; now, it is back for a rerun!

On bringing Tabing Ilog and its characters to 2024, Director Phil Noble (Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kwento, Grandpa is Dead, Maynila) explains, “Kung gagawin sila ngayong panahon na ’to, ano’ng molde ng utak at pag-iisip meron sila? Like, nagsimula kami sa ano ’yung probinsya ng San Juan? We named it San Juan E.”

With the generation gap and the many years since Tabing Ilog aired, having new, young actors portray well-loved characters from the past seems challenging to pull off. But Direk Phil has nothing but praises for the cast of “Tabing Ilog The Musical.” The director tells Metro.Style, “Alam mo, ang sipag-sipag-sipag nilang mag-aral. It’s like a play for them, wherein they can explore. So, hindi ako nahirapan kasi, as a director, in-orchestrate ko ’yung lahat na nangyayari.”

(From left, clockwise) 'Tabing Ilog The Musical Rerun' cast: Jordan Andrews as James, Vivoree Esclito as Eds, Akira Morishita as Rovic, Andi Abaya as George, Vino Mabalot as Fonzy, Jude Hinumdum as Badong, and Miah Canton as Corrinne

For the actors to be extra believable in their portrayals, the costumes and production design likewise help them get into character and contribute to the impact and authenticity of a show.

Costume designer Tata Tuviera describes one of the challenges of developing characters’ wardrobes as capturing their personalities without being restricted to a specific style. On the other hand, set designer Ohm David explains that together with the artistic staff, he worked on latching on to that memory of childhood, including pain, laughter, and everything that comes with it. Fused with the projection designs of Bene Manaios, the show easily transports viewers into this iconic and nostalgic riverside setting. Interestingly, some of these projections are handwritten, capturing the authenticity of a journal.

Of course, to make the musical even more memorable are the dance numbers that come with it. Stephen Viñas, choreographer and assistant director, says, “For 'Tabing Ilog,' the style of music kasi ni Sir Vince [Vincent A. De Jesus - musical director / composer / lyricist / arranger / sound designer] is very pop. For this music, nag-lean ako towards medyo street style, hip hop... so basically mga industry kind of dance.”

(From left, clockwise) 'Tabing Ilog The Musical Rerun' cast members Omar Uddin as Andoy, Miah Canton as Corrinne, Jhoanna Robles as Eds, Akira Morishita as Rovic, Vino Mabalot as Fonzy, Jude Hinumdum as Badong, and Andi Abaya as George

The original television series Tabing Ilog featured lead stars John Lloyd Cruz as Rovic, Kaye Abad as Eds, Patrick Garcia as James, Paula Peralejo as Anne, Paolo Contis as Badong, Desiree del Valle as Corrinne, Baron Geisler as Fonzy, and Jodi Sta. Maria as George. The series, directed by Malu L. Sevilla, aired from March 1999 to October 2003. It became an iconic teen drama, with an equally iconic theme song of the same name by Barbie’s Cradle.

Metro.Style had the chance to talk with the cast members during this exclusive photo shoot. They shared with us what they love about their roles and the musical’s plot, how their characters resonate with them, what they enjoy most about acting onstage, and more.

Check out the Part 1 of this special feature below:

Related Story: Relive the Iconic Filipino Teen Drama With the 'Tabing Ilog The Musical Rerun' Cast (Part 1)

Vino Mabalot as Fonzy

Vino Mabalot gives life to Fonzy, the happy-go-lucky among the barkada. Originally played by Baron Geisler, this is actually the third time Vino is taking on the role if one counts the production canceled due to the pandemic. And he doesn’t have an alternate actor for this character.

Stepping into Fonzy’s role, Vino admits there are some similarities between him and Fonzy, having been diagnosed with MBD (minimal brain dysfunction). “In doing the role, I feel like I’ve come to terms with myself, and in fully embracing the role, I would like to think that I’ve represented those people who are struggling and show a glimpse of hope for them,” Vino opens up. “Because Fonzie’s character arc, at least in the play, is a terrifying downward spiral. But it ends in reconciliation; it ends in souls reaching out to one another, and I think that really leaves the audience with much hope.”

Like the other characters in the musical, Fonzy will get his moment, most especially facing his struggles like alcoholism, mental health, and his relationship with his sister Corrinne.

Lessons-wise, expect “Tabing Ilog The Musical” Rerun to tackle the family and friendship among them. “[It’s] not just the strength of familial ties, [but] also the friendship because of one of the characters, James, played by Jordan [Andrews] and Kobie [Brown], you could say he’s the one in the barkada who really pushes for reconciliation, for healing between all parties,” he explains. “I think that’s a topic that’s more fleshed out. If there’s a problem, it takes a village to repair damaged ties.”—Jel Villanueva

Vino Mabalot as Fonzy

Vino Mabalot as Fonzy

Andi Abaya as George

In “Tabing Ilog The Musical” Rerun, Andi Abaya, the girly and sweet Pinoy Big Brother alum, brings to life a character whose energy helps her overcome stage fright. “I’m playing the role of George. So George is this very spiritual, bubbly character in the show. She is very caring and supportive sa friends niya. And at the same time, she has this set of belief system na she really stands by,” she begins introducing her role.

Andi was also part of the initial run of “Tabing Ilog The Musical,” and from the get-go, she has embraced George’s lively and kikay personality. There are many aspects to ensuring this character stays true to the original material while fitting into the modern setting at the same time. But if there’s one thing Andi zoomed in on, she says, “I kept practicing how I could deliver my lines, how I could be distinct from Eds, distinct from Corrinne, and the rest of the cast.”

During her interview with Metro.Style, Andi emphasized how beautifully executed this musical is, thanks in part to the songs, the whole production, and the storytelling. “We were able to really talk about mental health, family, [and] friendship, and we were able to impart that to our audience. We were able to give them lessons, something they could be inspired by, motivated by,” she shares.

This musical paved the way for Andi’s theater debut. Though she finds it challenging to sing, dance, and act at the same time for two hours, being onstage, where she can play around with different approaches and strategies, is a fulfilling experience for her. Theater acting has piqued her interest, and she intends to keep doing it. “I really want to expand what I can do in this industry. And you can even learn a lot in here because you become a disciplined artist. You learn how to work on your own. You learn to not rely on everyone else. Hindi kasi siya spoonfed sa’yo eh, so nakatutulong talaga siya pag-grow bilang artist,” she concludes.—Grace Libero-Cruz

Andi Abaya as George

Kiara Takahashi as George

Kiara Takahashi is a multifaceted artist who’s now making waves in the theater scene. She is returning onstage in “Tabing Ilog The Musical” but unlike the other cast members who are reprising their roles, Kiara, who previously portrayed Eds, is putting herself in the shoes of another character, George.

“Being George in ‘Tabing Ilog The Musical’ Rerun is pure bliss,” the Pinoy Big Brother Season 8 alum begins. “This musical is already so close to my heart as being part of the very first run before as Eds; now, George is a happy pill that Kiara needs. She is a believer in the saying that ‘what you give out to the universe will come back to you.’ And we both have that.”

With all things wellness and attracting positive energy such huge things nowadays, people can likely relate to George’s character because she’s into crystals and bracelets; these objects are used by many these days as tools or symbols to manifest the vibe and energy they hope to welcome and embrace in their lives.

“I researched and learned all the meanings and names of crystals and gemstones, which I find very interesting, and now I collect them as well,” shares Kiara, showing how a character’s impact on an actor can extend beyond the stage.

Similarly, watching “Tabing Ilog The Musical” Rerun can also affect viewers positively, as it could possibly spark relevant conversations worth tackling out in the open. “I think that it is important to tackle the current situations in this generation, most especially mental health,” Kiara concludes.—Grace Libero-Cruz

Kiara Takahashi as George

Jordan Andrews as James

In Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10, Jordan Andrews was dubbed “Ang Musical Dreamchaser ng London.” This year, he says, is “his personal best” because he’s truly living up to that title with six musicals: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy' (Little Women),” “RENT,” “Once on This Island,” “Time First,” and “Tabing Ilog The Musical Rerun” to wrap up the year. “I go crazy when I have no schedule… I don’t like downtime,” the triple threat artist admits.

He’s been acting onstage since he was three. His first musical character at the age of four was no less than Tam (Kim’s son) in “Miss Saigon” West End. The passion for theater has remained deeply embedded in him since. “Live theater is also something I’m so passionate about. It’s like magic when an audience can come to see something live. I can sing and dance all at one time and each night is different because it’s live,” he shares.

In “Tabing Ilog The Musical” Rerun, Jordan once again takes on the role of James, originally played by Patrick Garcia. As someone very close to his mom and the kind of friend who keeps everyone in the group together, Jordan finds similarities between him and James, a character he’s become so emotionally invested in and attached to. “I feel like everyone who has a core group needs someone like James because he’s so selfless,” he declares.

However, like James, he, too, tends to shut down when things get overwhelming. It’s not necessarily a bad thing一it could just mean a moment to breathe to better tackle a situation. Jordan shares how he handles things when he goes through a similar phase: “[It] sounds cliche but take it one step at a time. Don’t try to fix all the problems immediately... Celebrate your small wins.”—Grace Libero-Cruz

Jordan Andrews as James

Kobie Brown as James

Pinoy Big Brother: Connect alum Kobie Brown is one of the cast members reprising his role in “Tabing Ilog The Musical” Rerun. Because this rerun marks the second time he is portraying the role of James, he is more comfortable with the character so the job was a bit easier for him. But that doesn’t mean, too, that there is no challenge in breathing life into the character again; the challenge now lies in how Kobie will make his portrayal feel fresh and likewise exciting for him.

“I wanted to approach it differently,” Kobie tells us. “I went through my old notes, re-learned the songs, and dove into the new script. The challenge for me was how to make James feel familiar but also bring something new... I wanted to use some of my new experiences in portraying him.” Judging from this interview alone, it is evident that Kobie has significantly grown since the initial run of the last musical; this level of maturity is now helping him pull off the role in the best way possible.

Kobie also took the opportunity to express his gratitude for his cast mates (particularly Jordan Andrews who also plays the role of James in some schedules) “to bounce ideas off of.” “Their support has been invaluable in shaping the character’s evolution,” he emphasizes.

He describes his character, James, as happy-go-lucky yet “secretly dealing with a lot beneath the surface,” touching on the relatable theme of mental health. Topics like this, Kobie says, should be further highlighted in the entertainment scene to stir important, eye-opening conversations. For Kobie, mental health, as well as social inclusion and identity themes, are some of the subjects that strongly connect with today’s youth. So, he feels grateful to be part of a project that can be inspiring to many.

Inspired by the themes that drive the narrative of “Tabing Ilog The Musical,” he concludes, “Art has the potential to both educate and motivate individuals, and I believe that more creative works should center on topics that question accepted societal standards and foster compassion and comprehension.”—Grace Libero-Cruz

Kobie Brown as James

'Tabing Ilog The Musical' Rerun will run until December 1 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Get your tickets here.

Its cast includes Jhoanna Robles, Sheena Belarmino, and Vivoree as Eds; Akira Morishita and Benedix Ramos as Rovic; Anji Salvacion and Miah Canton as Corrinne; Jude Hinumdum as Badong; Adrian Lindayag and Omar Uddin as Andoy; Lance Reblando as Meow, Vyen Villanueva as Toots, and Teetin Villanueva as Anchang as the 'Maritres;' Gimbey Dela Cruz and Yeyin Dela Cruz as Azon,Red Nuestro as Panyong, and Joann Co as Lola Juling as the parental figures.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of our 'Tabing Ilog The Musical Rerun' special feature!

Photography by Miguel Alomajan, assisted by Jhom Russiana and Cody Dagsa

Art direction by Chookie Cruz

Set design by Rocket Sets Rey John Legaspi

Styling by Aldrin Ramos, assisted by John Vince Cureg, Rona Lusanta, and Brens Paraggua

Hair and makeup by CUT Encarnacion

Texts and interviews by Angelica Tordesillas, Jel Villanueva, and Grace Libero-Cruz