Most recording artists mark special occasions by holding a concert or releasing a special edition of the album that started it all for them. But rockstar Yeng Constantino — whose career turns 10 this year—has never been, nor will she ever be, like most recording artists. She’s much more: a songwriter with a proven track record of penning chart-toppers.
Since Constantino emerged on the music scene in 2006 via Pinoy Dream Academy season one, she has relied on her songwriting ability to set herself apart. A unique artist like her deserves to mark a decade in the industry in a unique way. Ten years is ten years, after all. So it was that her visionary of a manager Erickson Raymundo partnered with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) to produce a musical built around Constantino’s discography.
Inspired by the success of PETA’s Rak of Aegis — Erickson came up with the idea for Ako Si Josephine – A Musical Featuring the Music of Yeng Constantino. Instead of another concert or album, this year Constantino will celebrate her showbiz anniversary by lending her compositions to the team behind Rak of Aegis.
Ako Si Josephine was written by Liza Magtoto. It will be directed by Maribel Legarda and the musical direction is by Myke Salomon. Theater aficionados will be treated to fresh takes on the singer-songwriter’s singles and other selections from her entire catalog, courtesy of Salomon. Insiders say that his arrangements alone are enough reason to watch the show again and again. He took pains to give all the songs featured in the show a whole new vibe while staying true to the spirit of the original.
Constantino is confident that her songs are in the right hands. In fact, she can hardly wait for people to watch the musical. “Fan din ako ng Aegis, so hopefully kung ano yung narating ng ‘Rak of Aegis’ ay marating din nitong ‘Ako Si Josephine.’ Sobrang funny at cute talaga ng story niya kaya excited na ako na maipalabas siya,” she says.
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At first, she wasn’t sure about doing a musical because she didn’t think she deserved to be so honored with one. “Nung una, siyempre napaisip ako kung ganun na ba karami yung mga kantang nasulat ko para gamitin sila sa isang musical. Napaisip din ako kung ganun na ba ako ka-influential na songwriter para bigyan ng ganitong honor.”
To banish those negative thoughts, she leaned on her family and friends. “Kung meron mga ganung tanong sa utak ko, may mga tao din na naniniwala at nagmamahal sa akin. ‘Pag meron kang ganun, nagiging mas madali to believe in yourself. So sinabi ko, ‘Kung yun po ang nakikita niyo na dapat gawin, at sa tingin niyong akma naman sa akin, sige, tatanggapin ko na po. Kasi biyaya naman yun, at ayoko namang i-dismiss lang nang basta basta. Ayokong i-shoo away yung binibigay ni God.”
Constantino appreciates that the PETA team let her be involved in nearly every aspect of Ako Si Josephine. But while she offered input from time to time, she left most of the real work to the theater pros.
Ako Si Josephine – A Musical Featuring the Music of Yeng Constantino is set in a music empire where love songs are banned. But when top composer Josephine falls in love with her boss Chinito (and he with her), they can’t keep from setting their feelings for each other to music. They want to release all the songs they wrote together, but the empire’s despotic ruler Monotomia only allows HYP or Happy, Youthful, Purposeful music to be broadcasted throughout the land.
Ako Si Josephine will follow Josephine’s journey towards fighting for her right to share the music of her heart with the people she loves. Josephine will be played by stage actress, YouTuber and newly minted Cornerstone artist Via Antonio, handpicked by Constantino at the auditions. Another talented personality in the theater scene, Maronne Cruz will be the alternate.
Joaquin Valdez has signed to play the charming and handsome Chinito. Meanwhile, Jon Santos and Ricci Chan will bring Monotomia to life on different dates. “Magkaiba rin yung binibigay nilang dalawa kaya nakaka-excite sila pareho panoorin,” says an insider. As for whether Constantino will make a cameo onstage, that remains to be seen. Her fans will just have to watch the musical to find out.
Ako Si Josephine – A Musical Featuring the Music of Yeng Constantino is a production of PETA produced by Cornerstone Entertainment and ABSCBN Events. It will run from Sept. 8 to Oct. 9 at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila’s Sunnyside Drive.
Tickets are available at Ticketworld, call (02) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
