Elaborate dance sequences are part of Dexter M Santos style. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
Ang mundong ito tulad ng gin. Galing sa boteng bilog tagay ng tagay, lahat may lagay. Na wawala sa uso ang di nakikibagay. Ang cellphone na inagaw na papalitan. Ang buhay na kinitil walang kabayaran inyong tandaan.- from the song TULAD NG GIN lyrics by Nicolas Pichay, music by William Elvin Manzano, JJ Pimpiño and Janine Santos performed by PACO (Roeder Camañag/Nazer Salcedo)
Boy (OJ Mariano) is lost in his own thoughts. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
from left: Bogs (Jay Gonzaga) Texts on his cell while dad Paco (Roeder Camañag and bro Boy (OJ Mariano). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
YES, the film Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros (2005) by Auraeus Solito was successful creatively and in popularity. It was defined as the indie film to first cross over to commercial success. No one, however, could have imagined the vision of Dexter M Santos for the musical of the film. Santos is known for the success of OROSMAN and ZAFIRA an elaborate musical with incredible choreography, radically designed costumes and vocals. Who could really anticipate how that flamboyance and imagination would translate into MAXIE the Musical?
Maxie’s many dance sequences. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
from left: Jules Dela Paz, Jeffrey Hernandez and Christian Velarde’s Elaborate dance sequences: Feast your eyes on these Ladies! Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
And the material translated unbelievably well. There was a generous amount of male buttocks of varying sizes and girth. Viewers were sure it was for no prurient purpose as there were howls laughter through out the number. There’s a Sto Niño parade that segues into a gay beauty contest which flowed seamlessly also generating a howls of laughter. You’ll laugh so hard it will make you cry. The immensely funny dialogue and lyrics by Nicolas Pichay is complemented perfectly by composers William Manzano, JJ Pimpinio and Janine Santos.
Composer William Manzano doubles as DVD rental guy. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) is Ms Philippines in ‘beaucon’. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Set has two levels showing conflicting sides- cops on top and squatters below designed by Gino Gonzales. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
MAXIE is a wild musical of gay beauty queens, cops, criminals and everything in between. Its Pinoy humor and culture on steroids all wonderfully portrayed on stage. MAXIE isn’t a show, its an experience. The set designed by Gino Gonzales on two levels allowed for differentiation of houses in a very cramped space.
Maxie title role is played Jayvhot Galang. He has the pipes and can dance too. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
At the heart of it all is a coming of age love story. The title role played by Jayvhot Galang was discovered through WILL TIME BIG TIME’S Biritero/Biritera of which he is Grand Champion. He is also a four time defending Champion of TALENTADONG PINOY both shows from TV5. Producers sought an audition after seeing his YouTube video singing. Prioritizing the singing skills is understandable as the role has a lot of difficult vocals. Jayvhot certainly ‘has the pipes’ as American Idol judge Randy Jackson would say.
Maxie’s gang from left: Nar (Aaron Ching ), (Francelle Fetalvero), Maxie (Jayvhot Galang), Monique (Teetin Villanueva) and Leslie (Nomer Limatog Jr.). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) represents the Phil in Beaucon, Q&A host is played by Jules Dela Paz. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
As far as acting goes the role isn’t really a stretch for him as he is almost exactly the same age and persuasion as his character. His family is actually happy that he is playing a gay role. He quoted his uncle saying, “O na kuha ka na bakla kagad ang role mo!” Nevertheless Galang has proven himself to be an exceptional performer. The sensitive scenes where he’s falling for a hunky cop Victor played by Jojo Riguerra are not easy to play without becoming absurd. Both are able to convince audiences that there are feelings of affection brewing between them.
Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) is rescued by Victor (Jojo Riguerra) and meet for the first time. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
from left: Nar (Aaron Ching), Leslie (Nomer Limatog Jr.), Monique (Teetin Villanueva) and Maxie (Jayvhot Galang). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Casting Jayvhot in the role was really one of the most important tasks. Jayvhot was able to portray the conflict of having to choose between the man he loves/what is right and his family. He has a very bright future ahead of him. The world of film may just be another realm he is going to soon conquer after the critical and commercial success of MAXIE.
from left: Monique (Teetin Villanueva), Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) and Nar (Aaron Ching). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
from left: Paco (Roeder Camañag), Bogs (Jay Gonzaga) and Boy (OJ Mariano) videoke. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Roeder Camañag as Maxie’s father PACO always brings a depth of character to whatever role he plays on stage. It is important to have that stabilizing force on the other side of Victor the cop. The thing with Roeder is that he makes it looks so easy. He becomes that bad ass criminal and yet is actually a very concerned father to his children: Boy (OJ Mariano), Bogs (Jay Gonzaga) and youngest Maxie.
from right: Victor (Jojo Riguerra) visits Boy (OJ Mariano) and Paco (Roeder Camañag). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Theater people unwind at OPUS from left: Bong Cabrera, Jay Gonzaga, Martha Comia and Aaron Ching. They attended the ILO ILO premiere at New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila and later the after party in OPUS. Photo by Jude Bautista
IN a red carpet event, I was also able to photograph Jay Gonzaga and Aaron Ching who plays Maxie’s barkada or BFF in the musical. The two were among a dozen or so theater actors who were there to support their long time pal Angeli Bayani during the ILO ILO premiere at the New Port Performing Arts Theater in Resort’s World and later at OPUS the after party.
Theater people unwind at OPUS from left: Martha Comia, Jay Gonzaga, Gerald Napoles and Aaron Ching. They attended the ILO ILO premiere at New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resort’s World Manila and later the after party in OPUS. Photo by Jude Bautista
2nd from right: Peter (Eo Deguzman) shows off his boyfriend played by Al Garcia. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Every single person in the whole cast are ultra talented. I was recently shooting a press con for the 2014 CCP calendar, which includes WICKED and I bumped into Al Bernard Garcia. He is part of the ensemble in Maxie and is Miss Mauritius during the ‘beaucon’. Garcia was actually representing the WIFI Contemporary Dance Festival for next year’s scheduled fests in CCP. Garcia won first place in the CHOREOGRAPHER’S Competition with his piece “Entry No.”
Nar (Aaron Ching) confronts Peter (Eo Deguzman) about being in the closet while hanging on to his boyfriend (Al Garcia). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Tambays chill. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Talented Ensemble: Ronah Rostata and Jim Ferrer. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
If there’s one musical you that will make you roll in laughter on the ground, it’s definitely MAXIE. While the show is a rollicking good time, it deals with A LOT of very important and relevant issues such as tolerance in every aspect: sexual preference, religion and beliefs. Even society’s concept of rape is challenged and redefined. There’s a very strong commentary on corruption, who the real criminals are. All of these things come to mind in a way that is not preachy or overbearing. We Filipinos after all love to laugh, that’s the best way we learn and deal with our problems.
Chief Dominguez is played by Greg De Leon. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Chief Dominguez (Greg De Leon) pulls a gun on Bogs (Jay Gonzaga). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
from left: Monique (Teetin Villanueva), Leslie (Nomer Limatog Jr.), Nar (Aaron Ching), Boy (OJ Mariano) cheer up Maxie (Jayvhot Galang), Bogs (Jay Gonzaga)-far right. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
from left: Jules Dela Paz and Jeffrey Hernandez macho dance sequences: Feast your eyes on these Ladies! Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) standing cooks and cleans for his family seated from left: Bogs (Jay Gonzaga) , dad Paco (Roeder Camañag) and bro Boy (OJ Mariano). Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
from left: Maxie (Jayvhot Galang) and Victor (Jojo Riguerra) go on a picnic. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Elaborate dance sequences are part of Dexter M Santos style. Catch MAXIE THE MUSICAL at from Nov 9-Dec 8, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo By Jude Bautista
Text and Photos by Jude Bautista 