The time of HAPHOW is now

‘It is not every day that an actor like me gets this opportunity -— to sing and perform original songs’

Alwin Ignacio·5 March 2025, 9:50 pm

The core values of humility, acceptance, patience, honesty, open-mindedness and willingness (HAPHOW), plus highlighting the importance of good manners and right conduct (GMRC) are take centerstage and in full spotlight in the children’s HAPHOW, written and directed by MJ Aspacio, produced by City Danse Academy, with performances at the Newport Resorts World Theater with initial performances slated this May and another run in September.

Giving life to HAPHOW is balladeer and musical theater artist Gerald Santos. Santos’ first musical theater role was that of the National Hero Jose Rizal, which was presented and produced by Gantimpala Theater. His other prominent local musical theater roles were Pedro Calungsod and Dr. Willie Ong.

Of course, being Thuy in the international touring production of Miss Saigon was Santos’ biggest international musical theater production opportunity. After Saigon, he also participated in Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street as Anthony Hope wherein the original Kim of Miss Saigon, Lea Salonga, portrayed the character of Mrs. Lovett.

Haphow, in this children’s musical, is a humble caterpillar, who meets wonderful friends, faces challenging and rewarding situations, and metamorphoses into a butterfly. Yes, with HAPHOW, there is more than hope for the flowers, as it brings aspiration and ambition to everyone.

Gerald Santos (center) with the cast of Haphow.
Photographs by ALWIN IGNACIO for the DAILY TRIBUNE

Original musical

“HAPHOW is a musical which is timely and relevant with what is happening to our generation these days,” said director and musical composer MJ Aspacio, who also happens to be the chief operating officer (CEO) of CityDanse Academy (CDA).

“The reason for producing and creating this musical (is) we want to give emphasis to the importance of our values,” said Aspacio. “Each letter of HAPHOW stands for a value and we have identified humility, acceptance, patience, honesty, open-mindedness and willingness to change as the most important.”

These values are incorporated in the 18 songs that will be heard and performed in the musical. In the heart of the mystical Kalinaw Forest, Haphow’s journey and metamorphosis happens and there he becomes friends with ancient trees Tandang Balete, Apong Narra and Ingkong Acacia stand as guardians of nature’s wisdom.

“I specifically wrote the songs for a similar voice like Gerald,” said Aspacio. “When I told our CEO that I really need an icon, like this kind of caliber, this kind of voice, that should resonate with the character. And we are indeed fortunate that Gerald agreed to be part of the musical.”

Dr. Salve said: “Gerald’s voice is perfect for Haphow. Yes, his voice is powerful but it also contains a lot of tenderness and truth. Always, the emotions he gives to any song are on point and heartfelt.”

Songs from the musical are in English and have a Disney-meets-Sesame-Street vibe.

Being Haphow

“Humility, acceptance. I can relate with the message of HAPHOW. The character, the story, the advocacy and message of the musical resonate with me,” Santos said.

“I’ve been trying to be a role model among young people. This musical is for children and for all ages, as well. The original songs in HAPHOW are very commercial — beautiful, catchy. Why not? I believe in the project. It’s local and original. The message is beautiful.”

Santos is “excited to wear the caterpillar costume” and “thankful that I am the originator of the character.”

On the songs, Santos added: “It is not every day that an actor like me gets this opportunity — to sing and perform original songs. Narinig niyo naman yung samples, di ba (You heard parts of it, right)? Catchy. Interesting. Very pang-full length animated cartoon yung dating (It all sounds like songs for a full-lenth animated cartoon).”

“I will immerse myself into the character, internalize the lyrics and make sure that the right messages are highlighted,” Santos said.

Aside from the core values, HAPHOW also puts emphasis on the importance of taking care of the environment. Though loss and destruction are caused by humans, hope springs eternal and the decision to take action must be a conscious and collective effort — to do better must not only be lip service, but a commitment to action.

Santos’ eyes lit up as he mentioned the comrades of Haphow in the musical — “the fireflies Alitap and Alitaptap, the diligent Alibee, the mischievous Hopper and others.” He described, “Each character experiences personal growth, learning the importance of community, unity and environmental stewardship.”

With a mix of traditional and contemporary, choreography, colorful costumes and characters, plus a narrative like no other, HAPHOW is more than just a sugar and spice, pastel-hued and bubble gum musical, it is a universal tale that speaks of courage, change, friendship, learning, morals and love for oneself, others and the environment.

“Young people nowadays are smart. The musical will inspire them more. I hope this character that I will play in HAPHOW brings you joy, music that is wonderful and life lessons.”