Why 'Jeprox' stages the ultimate comeback

A chunk of the colorful era dominated by the Manila Sound comes alive, kicking and rocking on stage with “Jeproks: The Musical,”produced by Tanghalang Una Obra, directed by Frannie Zamora, with musical direction by Joed Balsamo.

Taking center stage are the songs written by Filipino rock legend Mike Hanopol.

Before OPM and P-pop, the Manila Sound had a two-decade reign on radio, selling records and eventually cassette tapes and the music that Baby Boomers and Gen Xers listened to and grew up with, its myriad of musical creations and possibilities.

Some of the finest Manila Sound examples were the bubble gum tunes of Hotdogs (“Manila,” “Bonnga Ka Day,” “Annie Batungbakal”) and Cinderalla (“TL,” “Ang Boyfriend Kong Baduy”); the folk rock sentiments of Freddie Aguilar (“Anak,” “Bulag,” “Pipi” and “Bingi”), Heber Bartolome (“Tayo’y Mga Pinoy”) and Florante (“Handog,” “Kahit Kaunti”); femme fetals Samoaguita (“Bonggahan,” “Laguna”) and of course the rockers, Pepe Smith and Mike Hanopol of The Juan Dela Cruz Band.

‘Jeproks, The Musical’

“It is essentially a jukebox musical that celebrates the life and musical legend of Mike Hanopol,” director Frannie Zamora said. “On stage, we will see how his life story unfolds, from a young musician to his becoming a rock icon. 15 of his greatest hits are part of the production.”

The biggest objective of Jeproks, said Zamora, is “to introduce the music, genius and legacy of Mike Hanopol to the present-day audiences and to make them realize and appreciate how much Mike and his music contributed greatly to original Filipino music and popular culture.”

Rock icon thoughts

“This musical is the perfect platform and opportunity for me to express, explain and make music lovers in particular and Pinoy listeners in general the truths behind the lines of my songs,” said rock icon Mike Hanopol.

“It was never intentional on my part to make the lyrics of my songs difficult to decipher or understand,” Hanopol said. “Back then, I wanted to provoke thoughts, arouse feelings, and make people read between the lines with the hope that it would lead to discussions. Some of my followers got and decoded the lyrics, which I am most thankful for. Others loved the rock and roll and fun element of it, which, of course, brought me immense happiness. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to listen, sing my songs and buy my records. Now, I hope everyone joins me and my Jeproks musical team as we bring out all its subtexts and secrets on stage. “

David the rocker

Known for giving life to knight in shining armor saving the princess in distress roles, always a leading man in major local and international musical theater productions and projects, David Ezra, the actor assigned to become Mike Hanopol in Jeproks: The Musical, cannot hide his excitement in bagging the role of a lifetime.

“I am excited to portray him and I am most thankful that he (Hanopol) immediately approved me being cast to portray him in this original musical,” Ezra said.

He carried on: “The fact that I am the originator of the role gives me more reasons to be grateful. Also, the opportunity that it gives me, most especially the chance to let others see the other facets of my musicality, is truly exciting.”

Ezra said that there is more to him than just being a Broadway and classically trained singer: “I am a rocker by heart. In college, while I was studying voice in the UST Conservatory of Music, I was a long-haired guitarist for an underground grunge band. Our repertoire then was that of Pearl Jam, Nirvana and all the other grunge music gods.”

‘Thanks to my mom, Dulce, one time, she saw and heard me playing the instrument, it was she who told me that though I am a skilled guitarist, my real gift is my voice, my major talent is singing. Words of wisdom indeed, coming from the woman I love the most,” said the proud son of the Philippines’ diva of the highest order.

“Being the lead of this musical, it starts a different era in my career,” Ezra said. “Showcasing my rock side, something that I have been longing to do, is a whole new adventure, challenge, and for sure discoveries and learnings go with it.”

Ezra admits that he currently listens to all the Mike Hanopol music he can get on streaming platforms and the limited performance videos that are available online. His special requests: “To the fans of Sir Mike, if you have special videos you can share, his manner of speaking and walking, outfits during his Jeproks years, feel free to send me a note, and lend me your materials.”

The rest of the cast of Jeproks: The Musical will be announced the soonest. It will be staged in the GSIS Theater by the last quarter of 2025.