Real-life stories of ‘Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical’ heroines
“BURUGUDUYSTUNSTUGUDUNSTUY: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical” tells the story of four women who find themselves at a crossroads of their unique challenges. Their paths unexpectedly intertwine, leading them on an extraordinary adventure of self-discovery, resilience, and the forging of unbreakable bonds.
Interestingly, the musical’s allfemale lead cast — Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Natasha Cabrera, Marynor Madamesila, and Felicity Kyle Napuli — mirror the themes they will portray on stage. They shared an inside look at the challenges and triumphs that shaped them on and off stage.
Seasoned thespian Ordoñez-De Leon took a hiatus from theater to raise her child. Despite receiving audition offers, she prioritized her family. Still, her passion for the stage never dimmed. Now, with a teenager and her husband’s all-out support, she makes a triumphant return to the stage.
“I had to take a break, but I’m back now. Because this is where my heart is. I’m happy here,”
Family comes first for Ordoñez-De Leon, but theater is a hometown. The stage has become a place for her creative expression, and where she has found she always will have a home.
Meanwhile, Cabrera’s path to the spotlight was not paved with glitter. Before graduating college with a degree in BA Theater Arts from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 2011, she faced a heartbreaking loss. As the eldest child, she shouldered the responsibility of helping her family.
“I actually worked in corporate for a year, but my heart could not take it. I was not happy not being able to sing,” she shared.
“There were so many times I wanted to quit because life is hard. We all know that when you choose this [theater] path, projects will not always be there. You don’t always get to join productions,” she added.
Her story is one of perseverance, carrying on in life, and taking on family responsibilities. After all the sacrifices, she has finally followed her heart and is now doing what she loves the most — singing.
Madamesila understands the theater industry’s challenges all too well. A graduate of the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s Theater Arts program, she admits, “Even when I was a student, there were times I wanted to stop studying.”
The instability of a career in theater can be daunting and it is the love for the craft that kept her going.
“In the life of a theater artist, you always try. I get blessed because when I try, I receive a chance to perform,” she shared.
Madamesila believes that there is triumph in every try. Every attempt, every audition, is a step forward. Her love of the craft fuels this passion, and the drive to keep trying to get to where she wants to be.
At the age of 17, Napuli has become a promising young theater star and has been in musicals such as “Lion King” and “Matilda.” To do that, she juggles her studies and theater.
Napuli admits that her demanding schedule is difficult to balance. As someKyle Napuli one brimming with passion and energy, she perseveres for her growth and future.
There are struggles unique to someone like Napuli who is a younger artist in the industry with educational and artistic pursuits. She has learned to master the balancing act between studies and work to achieve her big dreams.
While their paths may have begun separately and at different times, they found their paths crossing together when all of them took on roles for a musical.
This time around, Napuli, Madamesila, Ordoñez-De Leon, and Cabrera bring their colorful experiences and the magic of their talent to breathe life into their characters in the world of Parokya, as Aiza, Jen, Norma and Girlie.
Follow the journey of Napuli, Madamesila, Ordoñez-De Leon, and Cabrera in Buruguduy stuns tugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical premiering on April 26 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Catch the matinee shows at 3 p.m. on April 27 and 28; May 4, 5, 11, and 12; and June 8. Witness the evening performances at 8 p.m. on April 26 and 27; and May 3,4, 10, 11, and 17.
Tickets are available at all TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets, HelixPay and Newport World Resorts Box Office.