On June 12, 2025, art once again proved its power to unite and awaken through Musikal 3: Sa Tanghalan ng Kalayaan (On the Stage of Freedom). The Technical Dress Rehearsal was held at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila, drawing in a large Filipino audience in celebration of Independence Day.
I was one of the lucky few invited to watch the dress rehearsal of Musikal 3 on the very day of our independence. I can’t even begin to explain the joy I felt while watching the performers on stage—they were incredibly talented and captivating. It was heartwarming to see each of our national heroes given their moment in the spotlight. I had no idea there were so many musicals about them! Watching this kind of show makes you proud to be Filipino—it stirs something deep inside.
I was especially amazed by the brilliance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Women’s University Indayog Gong Ensemble, and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Every piece of music they performed conveyed the emotions of the actors and the lives of the heroes they brought to life. It is my dream to watch more musicals about our heroes, especially Jose Rizal and his works like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
The swift emotional transitions onstage were astonishing, but what impressed me even more was how the performers could act so powerfully while singing flawlessly. Everyone delivered a remarkable performance, and the final scene left the strongest impact. It paid tribute to those still fighting for the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea against China. On our Independence Day, the cast powerfully expressed the continued struggle for true freedom, the beauty of our culture, and the bravery of our heroes.
Another unforgettable highlight for me was the Metropolitan Theater itself. It was my first time there, and I immediately fell in love with it—I felt like I could live there! Not long ago, I saw a documentary about the theater’s decay and foreclosure, and it broke my heart. This place is a cultural gem with a rich history, and it’s sad that it was once neglected. But today, it shines again in the heart of Manila. It fills me with so much joy to see our heritage buildings restored and repurposed. I truly hope this continues.
This production featured a rare and extraordinary collaboration among premier groups like the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Philippine Women’s University Indayog Gong Ensemble. Together, they breathed life into the history, culture, and convictions of the Filipino people through music, dance, and theater.
Directed by Chris Millado, Musikal 3 became more than just a performance—it was a powerful reminder of our collective struggle and hope. It also featured several notable community and stage artists who generously shared their talent for the nation.
The project was made possible through the leadership of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), The Metropolitan Theater, and the Local Historical Committees Network, in collaboration with Tanghalang Pilipino, Inc. and the National Performing Arts Company.
Musikal 3 is a triumph—not just as a performance, but as a living artistic tribute to the freedom and identity of the Filipino people. It feels so good to watch it with friends, make it a habit!
Thank you so much for the invitation, NHCP! More power 🙂
