Before they made it Original Pilipino Music (OPM), known today as P-pop (Pinoy Pop), what were played by the pilot on the airwaves were popular songs that carried the Manila Sound.
Radio reigned supreme during the whole ‘70s, and catchy, melodic and upbeat tunes were heard all the time. As a matter of fact, Manila Sound sounded so Western yet accessible with its lyrics talking about romances, boyfriends and girlfriends, class distinctions and situations that covered and were laced in funk, disco, folk and soft rock musical elements.
Some of the Manila Sound icons include the Hotdogs, Freddie Aguilar, Rico Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Sampaguita, Ella del Rosario, Juan dela Cruz Band and Mike Hanopol, to mention a few.
Now, the nostalgia and reverence for the Manila Sound and the artists who created it will be coming back with Jeproks: The Musical, written by Nicholas Pitchay, musical direction by Jed Balsamo, stage direction by Frannie Zamora and produced by Tanghalang Una Obra.
Meet Paolo
Actor-singer Nino Alejandro is excited and nervous with the fact that the character he will give life to in Jeproks because it is based on Joey “Pepe” Smith. Alejandro said: “I am honored that I am part of this Filipino musical, based on the music on one of my idols, Sir Mike Hanopol. Also, loved the fact that I am the originator of the role.”
“It is easy to do him like a cartoon and put in all the eccentricities that he is known for, but I won’t do that,” said Alejandro on how he plans to become the Pepe Smith. “Pepe is larger than life. He is an icon of Philippine pop culture. What they will see on stage, me doing Pepe, is his humanity, the vulnerability he hides under the image and persona he created. I want to make him as real person, with all the angst, hugot, insecurities and strengths. A man who experienced pain and suffering, but continued to hold on to is dreams until it became true.”
Paolo, according to Alejandro: “He is such a lovable character because he is the tension breaker for the group. He maybe naughty at times, but he is a good person. Regardless of his actions, he has no ulterior motive or angle. All he wants is to make music. I am sure that he is a character that many will root for.”
“The more I discover Jeproks now, I believe it means to be some kind or rebellious and anti-establishment,” said Alejandro as he answers what for him is a Jeproks. “Yes, they are the from the middle class, but they are not the unmindful ones. I think they are the ones who truly cares, they are cool, hindi maarte (not fussy). A Jeproks is a Pinoy who knows the good and bad, falls but always stands up after every fall, not content with just being dream chasers but are driven to become living proofs that dreams do come true and that they realized them.”
Hello Liwayway
“I saw and read the script and all I can say is that Liwayway is a beautiful character,” Geneva Cruz said. “She has the hair of a Lolita Cabron, the personality of Sampaguita, but a woman who, for all her big hair and that devil-may-care attitude, is a nurturing woman. She brings light, comfort, a woman who makes Mico, the character of David Ezra, feels cared for and secure.”
“Oh, if I were a teenager during the Manila Sound era, if not acting in the movies, a songwriter and singer, that will be me,” said Cruz. “We don’t have and make songs like the ones they did during that time. Wonderful lyrics, they told stories, they had relevant messages. Pumukaw sila ng damdamin (they brought out the feels), the Manila Sound songs. Up to this day, if you want to learn the guitar, it is best that the musical pieces from the Manila Sound is your learning material. If you want to learn how to write great lyrics, just listen to the songs that have become classics, you will get the groove. Most of them are like poetry set in music.”
What Jeproks promises is that it is a tribute and a thank you for the Manila Sound music created by Hanopol. It’s a trip down memory lane with all the drama, kilig, mush, tears and learnings of dreamers who knew the magic and power of music.
Jeproks: The Musical is presented by Tanghalang Una Obra, in partnership with The Hammock Production Inc. and Twin Bill Theater. Show dates are slated from 29 November to 15 December at the GSIS Theater. Tickets are available through Ticket2Me and participating outlets.