Sa Wakas

Watched the first matinee performance of "Sa Wakas: A New Pinoy Rock Musical" featuring the songs of a band that will always hold a special place in my heart - Sugarfree! Read about it on The Philippine Star stacked in our bathroom. Yes, I still read the newspaper and yes, I read it while I was doing my "business". TMI! Pardon the imagery! Hahah.

Arrived at the PETA-PHINMA Theater an hour before showtime. We were seated on the 2nd row from the stage. We were so near, I could literally see saliva shooting out of the actors' mouths! Haha.

"Sa Wakas" is a bittersweet drama that chronicles the breakdown of a relationship and the beginning of a new one. Unlike most musicals, there were no fancy production numbers, jazzy choreography or elaborate set pieces. Just a simple love story and a great selection of songs that never fail to tug at my heartstrings. My only beef was that the live band played a few songs a tad too loud and drowned the voices of the leads at some point.

Meet the characters who were caught in a web of love and infidelity...

Fred Lo as Topper, an artsy photographer torn between two lovers. First saw him on stage in 9 Works Theatrical's staging of "Rent" where he played the role of the nerdy videographer Mark Cohen. Now, he once again worked his charm into his character as Topper. Ended up liking and understanding him even if the guy's essentially a jerk. Hehe. Overheard someone say that he's "bading na bading". Hmmm, is he really?

Laura Cabochan as Lexi, Topper's long-time partner struggling to balance her relationship and her career as a surgeon. Honestly, I wasn't that impressed when I first heard her sing during a TV guesting to promote the show. Guess she just had the jitters of being in front of the camera. Because from the moment she started singing her first few lines of "Kwarto" to her dramatic confrontation scene with Topper, not to mention her sappy fixation with Popoy and Basha; she was spot on!

Justine Peña as Gabbi, a chic photo-blogger turned magazine editor who shares Topper's passion for art and life. Despite her being the "other" woman, I really wanted her to get her happy ending. Loved the "Kwentuhan" moment at the rooftop and I couldn't help but feel for her character especially when Topper stood her up at the hospital. And I love, love, love her wardrobe! The Avengers shirt, the brown leather jacket and the black body-hugging dress! Hotness!

The show will have a limited run weekends of April 13-28. Click here for more information.

"Sabihin na natin ang di kayang sabihin
Aminin na natin ang di kayang aminin
Tapusin na natin ang hindi natin kailangan dalhin."
--- Wala, Sugarfree