You’ve probably heard, or seen, the all-Filipino box-office musical Rak of Aegis, a theater presentation of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) that features the song of the Filipino rock trio, Aegis. Here are five reasons why you should watch it:
Extended Run
The first run ended early this year. That’s 36 shows with additional 7 sold-out performances. We were in attendance in those sold-out performances. Due to popular demand, Rak of Aegis is having a re-run of 68 shows from June 20 to August 31, 2014. You know what that means, right? It means there’s 4 more days left and those shows are most likely to be sold out. But lucky you, the show has been extended (again) to September 14, 2014. If we’re in your shoes, we wouldn’t tempt fate and hope that there’s another extension. Watch it now!
The Music of Aegis
There was a time when you would never admit being a fan of Aegis, which is weird because admit it, you know the lyrics of their songs. Sing with me, “heto akooohohoo, basang-basa sa ulan…walang masisilungan, walang malalapitan!” How about, “ayoko sana na ika’y mawawala, mawawasak lamang ang aking mundo…” Or how about this, “akala ko ikaw ay akin, totoo sa akin paningin…ngunit nang ikaw ay yakapin naglalaho sa dilim.” Rak of Aegis makes one appreciate the meaning of the songs of Aegis specially against the backdrop of the actors’ natural performances. It liberates closet Aegis fans (but, no, you’re not allowed to sing-along while the show is ongoing).
Something for Everyone
Rak of Aegis the musical has something for everyone. It offers surprising insights into parents-children relationships, between ex-girlfriends/boyfriends, between the rich and the poor and between the government and its constituents. It has great segments that should resonate well with the third sex. It dwells on hope and how we should not give up on our dreams. It WILL make you laugh from start to finish. And, yes, it CAN make you cry.
The Filipino Singing Prowess
Rak of Aegis is a musical. Not just any musical. Anyone who has attempted to sing the songs of Aegis must have realized that these songs are meant to test human singing limits. The cast of Rak of Aegis? They can sing the songs while brushing their teeth. The cast, Aicelle Santos in particular, will amaze you with their powerful voice. The musical also features theater veterans like Isay Alvarez and Robert Seña. This musical shows the singing prowess of the Filipino in its pure splendor.
Tolits
What can we say? The way Tolits navigates the flood (can you believe there’s a flood in the middle of a theater?) and sexily handles the rain (full-blown rain inside the theater, it’s insane, right?). But we hate spoilers so we won’t say anything about Tolits (Jerald Napoles in real life). Watch out for him. Watch Rak of Aegis.