Anita's Journey of Rediscovery in ‘Muli: An OPM Musical’

MANILA, Philippines – Muli: An OPM Musical takes the stage at Rappler Live Jam on September 3, offering a glimpse into its poignant narrative filled with original music that reflects on missed opportunities, cherished dreams, and the hope of new beginnings.

The Story of Anita

The plot centers on Anita, a 42-year-old housewife who reminisces about the past two decades of her life, contemplating the alternative paths she could have taken. The character of Anita is more than a typical housewife; she embodies the struggles that many women face when balancing aspirations and familial responsibilities. While society often champions the ideals of motherhood, Anita’s narrative shines a light on the cost of those ideals—personal sacrifice and unrealized dreams. Her daughter, Kath, plays a pivotal role in encouraging Anita to step outside the confines of her motherhood-focused existence and reconnect with her long-buried aspirations. In doing so, the musical confronts themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the universal search for identity after years of self-neglect.

Musical Composition and Team

Set against the backdrop of the 1990s and early 2000s, the musical showcases a diverse soundscape of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). It features 11 original songs crafted by singer-songwriter Nica del Rosario alongside musical director and composer Matthew Chang. This creative effort brings together talents from FlipMusic, known for hits like “Pantropiko,” “Salamin, Salamin,” and Sarah Geronimo's “Tala.” Each piece has its own distinct narrative that not only complements the storyline but also enhances the emotional depth of Anita’s journey. OPM's rich history—fusing local sounds with global influences—provides a vibrant canvas for this musical's exploration of personal and cultural narratives.

The Cast

Gawad Urian award-winning actress Kakki Teodoro stars as Anita, while OPM artist Janine Teñoso portrays her daughter Kath. Teodoro's casting is notable; her previous roles demonstrate a capacity for conveying depth and complexity, which will be essential in portraying Anita's internal conflict. Teñoso’s performance as Kath is particularly noteworthy, as this will be Janine’s debut on the theater stage after making waves in OPM and Filipino soundtracks. This transition from recording artist to live performer is a significant leap and speaks volumes about her versatility. The supportive roles will be filled by Vien King, Marvin Ong, Justine Peña, Marynor Mademesila, and Baus Rufo, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and talent to this production, promising rich performances that will resonate with audiences.

Performance Details

The show runs from September 11-27 at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC Arts Center, Taguig City. This venue has increasingly become a focal point for theatrical performances in Metro Manila, drawing larger audiences and helping foster a vibrant cultural scene. With shows like Muli: An OPM Musical, the theater continues to serve as a critical platform for original storytelling and musical expression. In addition, you can tune in to the cast of Muli: An OPM Musical on Rappler Live Jam on September 3 at 8 PM by bookmarking the page or visiting Rappler’s YouTube channel. This sort of accessibility—streaming performances—is essential as it opens up theater to audiences who may otherwise be unable to attend in person.

Implications and Future Outlook

The emergence of Muli: An OPM Musical signifies a growing trend in Philippine theater towards the revival and celebration of OPM. This genre, while deeply rooted in Filipino culture, has long been overshadowed by Western musical influences. The dedication to original content reinforces the importance of nurturing local arts and promoting homegrown talent. More than just entertaining, productions like this create space for dialogue about the lived experiences of Filipino women, particularly in the context of changing societal norms. If you're working in this space, you'll see that musicals like this can inspire a new wave of storytelling, encouraging more artists to share intimate narratives that resonate with wider audiences. So, what's next for the scene? Continued investment in original productions could lead to a renaissance of Filipino theater that draws in diverse crowds, pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions.

– Belle Calica/Rappler.com