The chorus of life
“Coming from different training, we are coming together to tell our own stories in the same book.” – Karla Puno Garcia
Could an all-Filipino cast in a musical be so sensational and electrifying that it could truly elevate the performance to world-class Broadway standards? It is a resounding yes for the production of “A Chorus Line” that started last week with a gala night for the benefit of the Asian Cultural Council.
Theatre Group Asia (TGA) officially opened its production of “A Chorus Line” at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, with performances running until March 29, 2026. The invitational gala night welcomed guests from Manila’s social, cultural, and arts circles, turning the theater into a lively gathering of creatives and supporters of the performing arts.
Directed and choreographed by Emmy Award winner Karla Puno Garcia, the staging brought together internationally acclaimed talents and an exceptional Filipino ensemble led by Tony Award nominee and two-time Grammy Award nominee Conrad Ricamora as Zach and Filipino American Broadway performer Lissa DeGuzman as Cassie.
The cast was selected through a global search spanning New York and key Philippine cities, culminating in an intensive Manila bootcamp under Puno Garcia’s direction.
The ensemble featured Christina Glur as Diana Morales, Michaela Marfori as Bebe Benzenheimer, Angelo Soriano as Mike Costa, Jordan Andrews as Al DeLuca, Mikaela Regis as Sheila Bryant, Ken San Jose as Mark Anthony, Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters, Lord Kristofer Logmao as Frank, Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow, Universe Ramos as Paul San Marco, Brie Chappell as Val Clark, Julio Laforteza as Don Kerr, Sam Libao as Kristine Urich, Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills, Richardson Yadao as Larry, Jessica Carmona as Connie Wong, Alyanna Wijangco as Judy Turner, and Luca Olbes as Greg Gardner.
Also joining the lineup are Anyah Therese de Guzman as the female swing, Franco Joaquin Ramos as the male swing, Winchester Lopez as Tom, Jim Andrew Ferrer as Butch, Rofe Villarino as Victor, Vince Denzel Sarra as Roy, Paulina Luzuriaga as Tricia, and Anna Del Prado as Lois Dillettente.
Tickets are available via TicketWorld. The production is presented by Ayala Land, BPI, and Philippine Airlines, the official carrier, with additional support from Make It Makati, Circuit Makati.
Watching from the second row of the theater, I could feel the incredible energy of the entire cast who were all perfectly chosen! The choreography of Filipino American choreographer Karla Puno Garcia is a moving masterpiece and a marvel to watch. Truly this musical is not to be missed.
A legacy of giving back
Thanks to the invitation of Malu Gamboa-Lindo, I was able to enjoy the show with some of my classmates. My Assumption High School 1981 batch recently gathered to celebrate the feast of Assumption’s Mother Foundress, St. Marie Eugenie and to kick off the celebration of our Sapphire Jubilee. A Lenten recollection led by Fr. Paolo Asprer of the Society of St. Paul reminded us that now being the season of Lent, we should reflect on our lives, renew our spirits, and rediscover our purpose through forgiveness and repentance.
Forty-five years out of high school, HS ‘81 continues the legacy of giving back, as taught by our beloved purple nuns. We are currently sending 20 scholars to senior high school at Assumption Passi with 25 more in the next school year. We also have birthday and Christmas celebrations with marginalized communities. These activities give us all a chance to be together and serve. Forty-five years later, our bond and mission remain strong: serving others, uplifting each other.
Building the future
Since I missed my Antarctica cruise due to the Middle East crisis, I was able to attend all events this month, including the recently concluded 29th WorldBex at World Trade Center. It was wonderful to see how the organizers, Joseph Ang and his daughter Jill Ang, have built the largest expo for building and construction with two or three more locations.
This year’s Worldbex central theme, “Building Opportunities, Sustaining Lives,” aligns with Wilcon’s vision of empowering homeowners by delivering groundbreaking solutions and qualified expertise to make their dream homes a reality. The venue welcomes over 180,000 guests, including industry leaders, suppliers, and visitors, all connected through various opportunities and meaningful interaction.
Running from March 12 to 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the exhibition highlights Wilcon’s continuing commitment to empowering Filipino homeowners and industry professionals through high-quality products, innovative solutions, and expert support.
At its booth, Wilcon features a wide range of trusted brands tailored to Filipino home-building and renovation needs, including P.Tech, New Tech Tile, Franke, Hamden, Bellini, Zircon, Hills, Rubi, Direct Hardware, Alphalux, Atelier, Grohe, and Solutherm—offering visitors a glimpse of the latest in design, functionality, and durability for modern living spaces.
Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, president and CEO of Wilcon Depot, marks the official opening of the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Wilcon’s booth. She shares, “Being part of this year’s exhibition is especially meaningful to us, as its theme, ‘’Building Opportunities, Sustaining Lives,’ perfectly aligns with our mission—building not just structures, but a better future for Filipino communities.”
Even if I still regret not making my SilverSea cruise to Antarctica, I have made the most of my time with so many events in the country. Spending time with my grandchildren is enough to make me enjoy the small pleasures of life!
