Following the resounding success of Ang Huling El Bimbo, which drew in a staggering 240,000 live and seven million online audiences, Newport World Resorts is gearing up for its next musical extravaganza.  This time, the production will be a unique blend of theater and music, with the storyline woven around the iconic songs of Parokya ni Edgar (PNE), a band that has captivated the Philippines since the 1990s.

Last Friday, members of the media were treated to an exclusive preview of the upcoming musical "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical" at the Newport Performing Arts (NPAT) vestibule. The event showcased the creative prowess of the Full House Theater Company (FHTC) and the musical genius of Parokya ni Edgar. Chito Miranda, the frontman of PNE, was present and expressed his deep appreciation for the musical, which will premiere on April 26.  

“Nakakakilabot kasi napakasimple naming musicians eh.  We only know basic stuff when it comes to songwriting so pag naririning mo syang arranged in a professional manner, it’s overwhelming.  Nakakakilabot, nakakaiyak.  It’s flattering.  Ganoon pala kaganda yung kanta nay un pag naayos ng todo,” said an emotional Miranda after seeing some of the numbers performed that afternoon as teasers.  As he got much of the praise and appreciation from the media for what have become “soundtracks” of many people’s lives, Miranda was quick to give credit to those he thinks are equally deserving for what they have achieved in music.  He said: “I’d like to share credit with the band also because it is a collaborative effort involving me and my band mates also, I didn’t write all the songs.”

For the most part of the program, the media in attendance silently sang with the cast on their seats as they each took videos of the songs performed to them.  Based on such reaction, the musical version of classic PNE songs was evidently warmly received, prompting one media guest to say: “I am manifesting that this musical will be another big hit.”

Miranda, for his part, vowed to be at the show’s premiere night, if only to see how the whole production will be presented to the public. “Syempre gusto kong makita.  Yung first show, talagang gusto ko to be there.  I want to see it because I gave total artistic freedom kasi I trust their calls more than I do mine eh.  I’m excited because I really don’t know what to expect,” he remarked. Miranda added: “With the snippets and the sneak peek na pinakita sobrang nahihiya nga ako kasi yun palang naiiyak na ko with what they did to our songs and I’m really excited to see what they have prepared for us.”

The musical is being directed by Dexter Santos, collaborating with FHTC’s Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Stuart Willams, co-Artistic Directors.  Among those who attended the Friday press conference was Kathleen Dy-Go, Managing Director of Universal Records, who allowed the use of PNE’s songs in the musical.

Before leaving the media briefing, Miranda had this to say to PNE’s fans and followers: “Tara panoorin natin yung Buruguduystunstugudunstuy yung musical play based on our band, Parokya, we’re excited also as much as you are with what they did to our songs so exciting talaga yan.”

No. Ably saying the musical’s title without any slips or breaks is not a prerequisite for enjoying it once it goes on stage.