Pinoy rock takes center stage as "Jeproks, The Musical" brings the grit, humor, and heart of the '70s to the GSIS Theater this November. Named after the slang “jeproks,” which describes cool and laid-back city youth, the production taps into the era’s rebellious energy and love for authentic Filipino sound.

It tells the familiar Filipino story of friendship, family, and chasing dreams against all odds, with Mike Hanopol’s iconic songs providing the perfect soundtrack.

The show follows three friends - Mico (David Ezra), Willi (Jeffrey Hidalgo), and Paulo (Nino Alejandro) - who form the Sikatuna Band at the height of Manila’s rock-and-roll boom. Mico dreams big, but his father Tatay Paking (Jett Pangan) wants a more traditional future for him. Torn between duty and passion, Mico finds unexpected guidance from Liwayway, the mystical Diwata of Rakenrol, played by Geneva Cruz.

For Cruz, the role hits close to home. "I'm so grateful na binigay sa akin itong role nito (I’m so grateful they gave me this role)," she noted, adding that: "Gustong-gusto ko na yung next musical ko is OPM. Medyo may pagka-nationalistic kasi ako (I really wanted my next musical to be OPM because I'm nationalistic in that sense."

She believes the show celebrates timeless Filipino music. "Yung songs noong 70s, 80s, and 90s, magaganda talaga. Very classic (The songs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, they’re really beautiful. They're truly classics)."

Geneva's Liwayway character blends power and warmth: " What you'll see here is rock that's very edgy, but at the same time nurturing. Gusto kong makita ng mga tao na sa babaeng ito ay rock and roll din." (I want people to see that a woman can also be rock and roll)."

Like many bands born from youth and idealism, fame doesn’t arrive easily, and it doesn’t last either. The musical shows how a disastrous gig in Japan fractures the trio of Mico, Willi, and Paulo.

Willi returns to a family that loves him but depends on him financially. Paulo drifts to Siargao in search of meaning. Mico finds himself drawn into activism after meeting Paz (Sheila Ferrer) in a protest rally.

“It’s a very Pinoy story about friendship,” says singer Nino Alejandro, who plays Paulo in "Jeproks."

“There’s friendship, betrayal, hardship, and those moments when life doesn’t go your way. You realise certain people are really meant to be in your life," he mused.

Nino considers performing Mike Hanopol’s songs a privilege: “He’s credited for writing lyrics for ‘Ang Himig Natin,' which is a simple song but so powerful and iconic.”

He laughs, recalling a favorite trivia: “There’s this urban legend that he wrote the song in the bathroom 13 minutes before a show.”

Nino admits to growing up loving Hanopol-penned hits: “‘Katawan’, ‘Legs’, ‘Nanggigigil’ are just some of his favorite songs by the rocker.

Director Frannie Zamora describes the show as a window into a turbulent era.

"Namayagpag ang mga awit ni Mike noong martial law (Mike’s songs flourished during martial law)," he said.

He hopes younger audiences see how creativity pushes through even in difficult times: "Gusto namin siyang i-adapt para sa Gen-Z at millennial audience. (We want to adapt this for Gen Z and millennial audiences)."

The director added that "Jeproks" is "a simple story, but full of surprises. It's definitely exciting.”

Music lovers are invited to revisit the past with Mike's landmark tracks such as “Laki Sa Layaw,” “Himig Natin,” “Titser’s Enemi #1,” “Balong Malalim,” “Buhay Amerika,” and “Beep Beep.” An eight-piece live band will provide back-up.

"Jeproks, The Musical" is a production of Tanghalang Una Obra and The Hammock Productions, Inc. It will run from Nov. 20–23 and Nov. 27–29, 2025, at GSIS Theater, Roxas Boulevard. Get your show tickets at Ticketworld and Ticket2Me.