Back stories on ‘The Bodyguard’ …and what’s next at Proscenium Theater
Did you know that Piolo Pascual could have played the lead role in The Bodyguard’s musical version at Proscenium Theater? Imagine this heartthrob onstage as our local Kevin Costner!
We asked Piolo himself when he sat with us at Ben Chan’s table during the Red Charity Gala. “Yes, I could have done this—as I have done a musical two years ago at GSIS Theater. However, my schedule until early next year is fully booked. All the rehearsals for such a musical would need a freer calendar.”
Then from the theater grapevine, we heard that Ian Veneracion was another choice—a good one also, since this handsome actor is a singer as well.
And how about Dingdong Dantes? Perfect too, but might this have caused a Family Feud? Would Marian Rivera have approved of the many kissing scenes?
Fast forward to today and we have a seasoned British actor, Matt Blaker, who is an acclaimed West End performer taking the lead part. In Whitney Houston’s Rachel Marron role is Christine Allado, a Filipina-British singer who has had remarkable performances at West End, as well. Bravo to these two actors who have been drawing raves at Proscenium Theater where Bodyguard the Musical is showing weekends until Oct. 19.
During the opening night, I felt proud of Rockwell’s masterpiece, Proscenium Theater, which is the country’s newest citadel of culture, equipped with world-class acoustics, a state-of-the-art design that allows a good view from any of its 780 seats.
I also felt proud of our many local talents I saw onstage, starting with the first actor who received such a warm applause the minute he stepped onstage in his blinding yellow outfit: Tim Yap.
Yes, the same Tim Yap you associate with the hip night scene and lifestyle events he has handled the past decades, actually started as a theater actor.
As a little boy, Tim would “escape” from his strict mom to attend Repertory rehearsals for productions where he played bit roles. And in the here and now—who else but his proud mom would watch him, even hand him a congratulatory bouquet!
“I felt that this was the year I would return to the theater,” says Tim. “And then, as if the universe was listening, I got a call from Santi (Santamaria) with an invitation to join the show. Of course it wasn’t easy. My calendar was packed—full to the brim with a teleserye offer, Fashion Week, brand trips and countless events… I even reworked my Sydney Marathon trip, cutting it down to just three days. It was exhausting, yes, but as the curtains rose, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Tatler editor Anton San Diego agrees that Tim’s role was perfect for him—Sy Spector, the publicist for superstar Rachel Marron. He did well! And yes, Anton duly noted: “Tim surely had more wardrobe changes than Rachel.” More applause for our dear Tim.
I say the best way to enjoy this musical (or any musical based on a movie, for that matter), is to forget the movie and just enjoy it for what it is.
That is the same advice given by our cultural writers Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre who enjoyed Bodyguard the Musical.
“Christine Allado and Sheena Palad, playing the sisters Rachelle and Nikki Marron were amazing—strong, powerful voices and good chemistry together,” say Ricky and Chito. “They were enough reason to watch this musical which is thin on plot but totally entertaining for the concert-like spectacle and all the nostalgic ’90s Whitney Houston songs which musical director Daniel Bartolome updated. Sharp, high-energy choreography with jazz interludes by Arnold Trinidad kept things upbeat and engaging.
“Richard Yadao, who played Bobby, stood out among the dancers, having an edge with his ballet and modern dance background. It was a trip down memory lane revisiting the 1992 film in musical theater format, with sets by Mio Infante seamlessly shifting between the star’s home and the concert venues—although the lighting didn’t quite match in changing moods for the scenes. Kevin Costner, of course, was the heartthrob of that era so the memory of him in that film may have unfairly jeopardized our appreciation of Matt Blaker in the same role,” note Ricky and Chito.
Tim adds: “Bodyguard the Musical is filled with stories of destiny. For Christine, it was a prayer answered. And for our youngest cast member, Gianni Sarita, it was a dream come full circle. Years ago, in London, Gianni saw Christine in Old Friends.
Starstruck, he waited by the stage door with his program in hand, hoping for an autograph. But Christine never came out that night, and Gianni went home with only the memory.
“Fast forward to today, Gianni is now playing Fletcher—Rachel’s son—opposite Christine herself. Every night, he shares the stage with the very actress he wanted to meet,” sighs Tim.
Sometimes, you get the best back stories about a musical from, where else, but backstage.
This debut production by Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical has made us crave more. And Rockwell Land vice president and chief marketing officer Tracey Castillo obliges with the news of the next two productions: “We will have MaestroClass Concert Series by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab on Nov. 14 and 15; and the beloved hit musical, A Christmas Carol, directed by Robbie Guevara with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Mike Ockrent and Ahrens. This Broadway adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tells the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters on Christmas Eve,” explains Tracey.
Now hold your breath for yet more exciting news from Rockwell boss, Nestor Padilla himself: Lang Lang is coming in January 2026.