July 2023 Must-See Musicals: ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ 'Ibalon’

Whether you're a seasoned theater enthusiast or a curious soul seeking a new artistic escape, Manila's theater scene awaits you! This July, we have the rerun of “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and Philippine Ballet Theater’s “Ibalon” headlining musical must-watches. From nostalgic tunes to period dramas, these upcoming theater plays are something you wouldn’t want to miss. Ready your opera glasses!

‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ – July 7-9, 14-16, 21-23

Featuring hit songs of iconic Filipino rock band Eraserheads, “Ang Huling El Bimbo” takes ‘90s kids down the memory lane. The musical revolves around four childhood friends, Joy, Hector, Emman, and AJ, whose friendship took a turn after a tragedy, and how their lives were changed years after the incident. It also portrays pressing social issues the country faces today, including drug war, inequality, and poverty.

The show premiered in July 2018, tugging Filipino theatergoers’ heartstrings until 2019. It delighted fans when it made a comeback last April. However, its production house, Full House Theater Company, announced that "Ang Huling El Bimbo” will be holding its last show on July 23.

If you haven’t watched it yet, catch the musical from July 8-15 and on July 22 and 29. It promises to make you sing, cry, laugh, and ponder along with the characters all at once.

How much: P1,079 (Bronze), P1,942 (Silver), P2,696 (Gold), P3,236 (VIP), P3,776 (SVIP). Click here to purchase.

Location: Newport Performing Arts Theater, L2, Newport Mall, 1309 Newport Blvd, Newport City, Pasay, Metro Manila

‘Ibalon’ – July 28-29

Opening Philippine Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) 37th season is “Ibalon.” The play’s plot is lifted from Bicolano’s popular epic tale of the same title. In this iteration, the love story of warrior-hero Handyong and cursed maiden Oriol takes center stage fused with plot twists that will leave the audience in awe.

The ballet performance will feature original music from renowned composer Paulo Zarate and original choreography by PBT’s artistic director Ronilo Jaynario, reimagining the stage from a meld of cultural and historical points of view.

The show will only run for two days on July 28-29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Proceeds from the second day will go to the Ramon Magsaysay Awards’ 65th anniversary fundraising initiative.

How much: P350 (Balcony II), P500 (Balcony I), P1,500 (Loge), P2,500 (Orchestra Center), P2,000 (Orchestra Sides). Click here to purchase.

Location: Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati City, Metro Manila

Here's another ongoing play to catch this July:

• “Sandboxfest 2023” – July 7-9 and 13-15 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, The Infinity, Taguig City