CJ Opiaza on Rachel Gupta: ‘I know new opportunities will open for her’

The Philippines recently welcomed its first Miss Grand International titleholder, CJ Opiaza, who was officially crowned on June 3 in Thailand. Her coronation came shortly after the former titleholder, Rachel Gupta of India, made the significant decision to relinquish her crown.

Gupta cited reasons such as "broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment" for stepping down. During her own press conference held in India on the same day Opiaza was crowned, she conveyed a heartfelt message to the new queen.

In her message to Opiaza, Gupta shared her hope that the Filipina beauty queen would not face similar negative experiences with the Miss Grand International organization. She specifically advised Opiaza to "Please protect yourself" and assured her of support "when they show their true colors, which they will." Gupta further urged her not to "let anyone make you feel uncomfortable or targeted."

Reacting to Gupta's public statement during a press conference with Filipino media on Monday, June 9, Opiaza emphasized her consistent carefulness in all her actions, including those outside of her duties with the MGI organization.

Despite the context of Gupta's departure, Opiaza expressed genuine happiness for her. "I will still continue to support her in whatever path she’ll be in," Opiaza stated, adding, "I know that new doors will open, and new opportunities will open for her. She’s a nice person."

Opiaza originally finished as the 1st runner-up during the pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand, in October 2024 before inheriting the title. She holds the distinction of being the first Filipino representative to win the Miss Grand International crown.

The Zambales native is set to fulfill her duties as the reigning Miss Grand International 2024 until she passes on the coveted sash to her successor later in October.

FACT CHECK: Heart Evangelista not in critical condition because of Chiz Escudero

Reports circulating online have claimed that actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista is in critical condition in a hospital, allegedly due to physical abuse from her husband, Senate President Chiz Escudero. We've looked into this widely shared post, and the claim is false.

The specific post, dated June 7, used the caption "Heart Evangelista agaw-buhay sa ospital dahil kay Chiz Escudero" (Heart Evangelista in critical condition because of Chiz Escudero). It featured a casual photo of the couple alongside a disturbing, seemingly edited image showing Evangelista with bruises and blood on her face, and text that translated to "He beat me so that I'd have a miscarriage."

However, the reality is far from this alarming claim. Heart Evangelista is not in critical condition. In fact, she recently made headlines on June 8 as the newest house guest to enter the Pinoy Big Brother House.

Upon closer inspection, the photo depicting Evangelista with injuries is clearly manipulated. It was taken from a vlog she shared previously about married life. The original scene shows her getting emotional and crying while recounting a personal moment involving baking cookies, not suffering from physical abuse.

While Evangelista has openly shared about being hospitalized in the past, these instances were related to miscarriages she unfortunately experienced. In 2021, she posted a photo with Escudero in the hospital, describing it as a difficult time when she lost her twin children years prior to that post.

The timing of this false claim is notable, appearing amid public criticism directed at Senate President Escudero. He has been facing questions regarding delays in convening the Senate to potentially sit as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero himself has commented on the constitutional phrasing regarding the commencement of such proceedings. Although he had previously indicated the impeachment trial would proceed when the Senate session resumed on June 2, recent statements and the President's stated opposition have created uncertainty about its path forward.

3 Fil-Ams score historic triumphs at 2025 Tony Awards

History was made on Broadway on Sunday, June 8th, as three talented Filipino-Americans celebrated major wins at the 78th Annual Antoinette Perry Tony Awards, widely considered theater's most prestigious night. Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss, and Marco Paguia each took home the coveted award, marking the first time this many Fil-Ams have triumphed on a single Tony night.

Nicole Scherzinger delivered a poignant acceptance speech upon winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the acclaimed revival of Sunset Blvd. Stepping onto the stage at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, she tearfully thanked God, acknowledged her fellow nominees as "exceptional warrior women," and spoke proudly of her heritage, stating she was honored to represent "this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream." She also paid tribute to her supportive family, including her mother who "gave everything up" for her, her fiancé, the creative team led by director Jamie Lloyd, and her co-star Tom Francis.

Scherzinger, who previously won an Olivier Award for the same role in London, concluded her speech with a powerful message of hope. Sharing that she often felt like she didn't belong growing up, she told the audience that they had made her feel at home. She encouraged anyone feeling similarly to "don’t give up," emphasizing that the world needs their "love and your light" and that "love always wins."

Meanwhile, Darren Criss achieved a historic first as the first Filipino-American to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his role as Oliver, an obsolete robot, in Maybe Happy Ending. The musical itself also won Best Musical among other honors. In his speech, Criss expressed gratitude to the many people who supported his journey, including his mother, teachers, and the cast he affectionately called "little robots."

A significant part of Criss's remarks was dedicated to his wife, Mia, praising her "massive swing" and sacrifice in allowing him to pursue the role while raising their young children. He lovingly described her as "the very pedestal that upholds the shiny, spinny bit in our lives." He dedicated the award to the loving memory of his late father, Bill, and brother, Chuck, before wrapping up with enthusiasm to celebrate with his "favorite kind of people to party with — theater people!" Adding to the night's highlights, fellow Filipino Broadway icon Lea Salonga introduced the production number featuring Criss and the cast of Maybe Happy Ending during the ceremony.

Composer, music director, conductor, and pianist Marco Paguia also celebrated a remarkable night, receiving two Tony Awards related to the musical Buena Vista Social Club. Paguia won the competitive award for Best Orchestrations and was also part of the band that received a special Tony Award, being integral to the show's on-stage musical presence. His work was recently highlighted by The New York Times, which praised his orchestrations for their intensely live sound, capturing the authentic feel of the band's performance.

These victories capped off an already notable season for Filipino-Americans on Broadway, which saw a record five talents receive Tony nominations. Aside from the three winners, Conrad Ricamora earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for Oh, Mary!, becoming the first Fil-Am nominated in this category. Costume designer Clint Ramos received his seventh Tony nomination for Maybe Happy Ending, adding to his already historic win in 2016 for Eclipsed.

The strong showing at the Tonys reflects the vibrant presence of Filipino talent currently gracing Broadway stages, including legendary Lea Salonga (Old Friends), Eva Noblezada (Cabaret), Tatianna Cordoba (Real Women Have Curves: The Musical), Kay Sibal (Six the Musical), and Raechelle Manalo, Nico DeJesus, and Niki Saludez in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen. Filipino-Americans also contribute behind the scenes, with actor Jose Llana and playwright, director, and producer Ralph Peña serving on the independent committee that selects the Tony nominees.

‘Stranger Things’ play wins Tony Awards, setting stage for TV series finale

Fans of the hit Netflix science fiction series "Stranger Things" have another reason to cheer, as the stage play based on the show, titled "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," recently secured multiple wins at the Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8.

The production, known for its intense on-stage effects including "bloody body contortions, booming blasts and brooding high school angst," was recognized with awards for best scenic design, best lighting design, and best sound design of a play. It also received a special award specifically for its illusions and technical effects.

Backstage at the ceremony, scenic designer Miriam Buether reflected on the creative process, stating simply, "We love scaring people," in reference to crafting the play's frightening moments.

Directed by Stephen Daldry, the play garnered a total of five Tony nominations. Among these was a nomination for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play, recognizing Louis McCartney for his portrayal of Henry Creel, the character who becomes the series' antagonist, Vecna, in his younger years.

"Stranger Things: The First Shadow" is part of the growing "Stranger Things" universe, overseen by creators Matt and Ross Duffer. The brothers established Upside Down Pictures in 2022, signing an overall deal with Netflix that also includes plans for a live-action "Stranger Things" spin-off series.

Beyond the screen and stage, the franchise has branched out into various ventures, including video games, cosplay events, immersive experiences, and licensing agreements for merchandise, notably a deal in January 2025 with the company known for Squishmallow plush toys.

The success of the play coincides with the impending conclusion of the original television series. Last month, Netflix announced during its "Tudum Live" fan event that the fifth and final season of "Stranger Things" would be released in three parts: the first on November 26, 2025, the second on December 25, 2025, and the series finale on December 31, 2025. Production on the final season was reportedly delayed by the dual Hollywood strikes in 2023.

The original "Stranger Things" series first premiered on Netflix in 2016. Created by the Duffer brothers, it quickly became a major success, telling the story of a group of young friends in 1980s rural Indiana battling supernatural creatures emerging from an alternate dimension dubbed the "Upside Down."

The play, also produced by the Duffer brothers, serves as a prequel, transporting audiences back to 1959, two decades before the events of the TV show. It follows characters like Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado, familiar to TV viewers as adults, as they navigate high school life with typical teenage concerns until the arrival of a mysterious new student, Henry Creel.

Henry is depicted as an unusual and troubled boy whose presence will ultimately shape the future of the quiet town of Hawkins, Indiana. The New York cast features actors like Burke Swanson as the young Jim Hopper, Alison Jaye as Joyce Maldonado, and Louis McCartney reprising his role as Henry Creel from the play's earlier London run.

Before its Broadway debut in March 2025 at the Marquis Theatre in New York, the monster-filled production first premiered in London in 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre.

‘Maybe Happy Ending’ triumphs at Tony Awards with top musical wins

The recent Tony Awards ceremony celebrated a remarkable Broadway season, highlighted by the musical "Maybe Happy Ending" taking home top honors. This show, which tells a sweet and futuristic story about two obsolete helper robots exploring connection and humanity, was recognized as Best Musical.

"Maybe Happy Ending" also saw wins for its lead actor, Darren Criss, who earned his first Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, and for Michael Arden, who was awarded Best Director of a Musical for his work on the production.

Other significant wins included the modern revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Sunset Blvd.," which secured the award for Best Revival of a Musical. Nicole Scherzinger, starring as the iconic Norma Desmond in the show, received the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical.

In the play categories, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' "Purpose" was named Best Play. The drama delves into a family whose carefully constructed image begins to crumble when buried secrets and faith-based conflicts surface.

The ceremony capped a particularly strong financial season for Broadway, which rebounded post-pandemic to achieve record revenues. The 2024-25 season grossed an impressive $1.89 billion and welcomed 14.7 million attendees to New York City theaters, according to the Broadway League.

Individual performance awards also recognized standout talents. Sarah Snook, known for her TV work, won Best Leading Actress in a Play for her compelling multi-role performance in "The Picture of Dorian Gray," marking a successful Broadway debut.

The evening also featured a special reunion of the original cast of "Hamilton," including creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who performed an electric medley to celebrate the musical's 10th anniversary. This performance also teased the return of Leslie Odom Jr. to the role of Aaron Burr for a limited run.

Further notable acting wins included Francis Jue for Best Featured Actor in a Play for "Yellow Face," Kara Young winning Best Featured Actress in a Play for "Purpose" (her second consecutive win in this category), Natalie Venetia Belcon for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for "Buena Vista Social Club," and Jak Malone for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for "Operation Mincemeat."

The award for Best Revival of a Play went to Jonathan Spector’s "Eureka Day," a comedy examining a vaccine debate among parents at a progressive school.

Despite the creative successes and record grosses, the season also highlighted economic challenges facing Broadway, notably the rising cost of production and ticket prices. Premium seats for some shows exceeded $400, raising concerns about accessibility for a wider audience, although demand-driven pricing has become common.

The Broadway League acknowledged that rising costs impact all aspects of bringing a production to the stage, making the endeavor increasingly difficult.

This season also marked significant representation across many productions, with notable contributions and historic nominations for Asian American, Black, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic actors and creative leaders.

Special honors were bestowed upon industry veterans: four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Celia Keenan-Bolger was given the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her dedication to advocacy through the arts, including establishing a fellowship for young actors without financial resources, in memory of Gavin Creel.

List: Winners at the 2025 Tony Awards

The annual Tony Awards, a celebrated tradition honoring excellence in live theater since 1947, recently rolled out the red carpet for its 2025 ceremony.

This year's event saw Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' "Purpose" take home the coveted award for Best Play, while "Maybe Happy Ending" was named Best Musical, also earning recognition for Best Book, Best Original Score, and Best Direction for Michael Arden.

In the revival categories, "Eureka Day," written by Jonathan Spector, won Best Revival of a Play, and "Sunset Blvd." was honored as Best Revival of a Musical. "Sunset Blvd." also secured the award for Best Lighting Design for Jack Knowles.

Individual acting honors in plays went to Cole Escola for his leading role in "Oh, Mary!" and Sarah Snook for her compelling performance in "The Picture of Dorian Gray." The featured role awards were presented to Francis Jue for "Yellow Face" and Kara Young for "Purpose."

For musical performances, Darren Criss received the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for "Maybe Happy Ending." Nicole Scherzinger won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for "Sunset Blvd." Featured roles in musicals were awarded to Jak Malone for "Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical" and Natalie Venetia Belcon for "Buena Vista Social Club."

"Maybe Happy Ending" also received the award for Best Scenic Design of a Musical, credited to Dane Laffrey and George Reeve. For plays, Miriam Buether and 59 won Best Scenic Design for "Stranger Things: The First Shadow." Marg Horwell took home Best Costume Design of a Play for "The Picture of Dorian Gray." The award for Best Costume Design of a Musical went to Paul Tazewell for "Death Becomes Her."

The lighting design award for a play was given to Jon Clark for "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," which also won Best Sound Design of a Play for Paul Arditti and received a Special Tony Award for its Illusions & Technical Effects. Jonathan Deans won Best Sound Design of a Musical for "Buena Vista Social Club."

Best Direction of a Play was awarded to Sam Pinkleton for "Oh, Mary!" "Buena Vista Social Club" also swept the choreography and orchestrations categories, won by Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck for Best Choreography, and Marco Paguia for Best Orchestrations. The band of "Buena Vista Social Club" was also recognized with a Special Tony Award.

Special recognition at the ceremony included a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre presented to Harvey Fierstein, and the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award given to Celia Keenan-Bolger. The Regional Theatre Tony Award was presented to The Muny. Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre were bestowed upon Great Performances, Michael Price, New 42, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Ticket prices, seat plan: K-pop star Rocky’s ‘FILL IN THE BLANK’ fan con in Manila

Filipino K-pop enthusiasts, get ready! K-pop artist Rocky is set to make his way to Manila for his highly anticipated "FILL IN THE BLANK" fan concert.

The event, announced by promoter Wish Us Luck on Sunday evening, June 8, marks the former ASTRO member's first solo fan meeting in the Philippine capital.

Mark your calendars for August 2, as the SM North EDSA Sky Dome will be the venue for this special fan con.

Here's a breakdown of the ticket categories and their corresponding prices: Wish Package at P10,500, VIP at P8,500, Patron at P5,500, and General Admission at P3,500.

All ticket holders will receive several perks, including a hi-bye session with Rocky, a souvenir card, an official photocard, and the official event poster.

Exclusive raffle opportunities for signed posters will be available, with 120 winners from the Wish Package tier, 60 from VIP, and 20 from Patron. Lucky fans also have a chance to win signed polaroids, with 10 allocated for Wish Package holders, and five each for VIP and Patron.

Fans with Wish Package and VIP tickets will gain access to the soundcheck session before the main event. Additionally, only Wish Package ticketholders will receive an official lanyard and event ID.

Photo opportunities are also part of the package, with Wish Package holders getting a group photo in groups of 10, and VIP holders in groups of 20. A select number of fans will even get a solo photo with Rocky: 15 from the Wish Package and five from the VIP tier.

Tickets will first be available through a presale period running from June 16 at 12 pm until July 20 at 11:59 pm. This can be accessed via Wish Us Luck's HelixPay site.

The general public can purchase tickets starting July 13 at 12 pm. These will be sold through the SM Tickets website and their physical outlets nationwide.

Rocky, whose real name is Park Min-hyuk, originally debuted in 2016 as part of the popular K-pop boy group ASTRO, known for hits like "All Night" and "Crazy Sexy Cool."

He parted ways with ASTRO and Fantagio in February 2023 following the conclusion of his contract and subsequently established his own agency, One Fine Day Entertainment. His latest musical release is the single "BA BA BYE."

Beyond his music career, Rocky has also taken on acting roles in various projects, including Find Me if You Can, Hyangjeon of Youth, and Broke Rookie Star. He also showcased his talent in musical theater, portraying D'Artagnan in the 2022 Korean adaptation of The Three Musketeers.

‘T-Bird at Ako,’ ‘Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay’ return to Ayala Malls cinemas for Pride Month

For fans of classic Filipino cinema, here's an exciting opportunity to catch some beloved films on the big screen once again! In celebration of Pride Month this June, two memorable movies are returning for a limited theatrical run.

Leading the lineup is the 1982 drama 'T-Bird at Ako,' starring iconic actresses Vilma Santos and the late National Artist Nora Aunor. Directed by Danny Zialcita and written by Portia Ilagan, the film follows Sylvia Salazar, a lawyer who develops feelings for Sabel, a dancer she is defending against a homicide charge after Sabel kills the son of a wealthy tycoon. Their professional relationship soon becomes complicated as personal boundaries blur.

Also screening is the 1987 comedy 'Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay.' This film features the legendary Dolphy as Facifica, a gay man who decides to marry Ligaya and raise a family. After Ligaya's passing, his son Rodrigo comes to a significant realization about his own identity. Directed by Romy Villaflor, the movie also stars Zsa Zsa Padilla, Eric Quizon, Rolly Quizon, and Roderick Paulate.

These restored classics are being shown exclusively at select Ayala Malls cinemas until June 10. As of the latest update, the screenings are being held at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig City.

Ticket prices are set at P160 for students and P180 for regular admission. Interested viewers can purchase tickets conveniently online through sureseats.com.

This special screening event is part of the "A-Rewind" initiative, a partnership between Ayala Malls Cinemas and ABS-CBN Film Archives and Restoration. The collaboration aims to make digitally restored Filipino films accessible to audiences on the big screen, allowing a new generation to appreciate these cinematic gems.

The "A-Rewind" program began in March, coinciding with the conclusion of ABS-CBN Film Restoration's noteworthy 14-year "Sagip Pelikula" project, which successfully restored over 200 films. Moviegoers can also anticipate more restored Filipino classics coming to Ayala Malls Cinemas in the coming months.

It All Started in May brings new nostalgia and school-born soul to OPM

Meet It All Started in May, an exciting up-and-coming band carving out a unique space in the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene. For this young group, music isn't just about the sound; it's a blend of cherished memories and forward momentum, capturing echoes of the past while defining their presence today.

Their journey began within the walls of a university, bringing together five individuals: guitarist and vocalist Pau, who is also a professor at the school, alongside students Jai on keyboards, Mikee on drums, Red on guitar and lead vocals, and JP on bass and vocals. What initially started as a temporary lineup for a single campus event unexpectedly blossomed into a dedicated pursuit of their musical identity and authentic sound.

The band's music is a captivating fusion of vintage soul and contemporary flair. They skillfully craft a sound that feels both familiar and fresh, drawing inspiration from the spirit of '70s Manila while incorporating the diverse sonic textures of today. In the dynamic landscape of Filipino music, It All Started in May stands out by weaving together their varied musical backgrounds into a cohesive tapestry of retro vibes, heartfelt emotion, and local character.

Originating in May of last year, their story is quite literally in their name, unfolding in the corridors of National University Dasmariñas. Drummer Mikee shared that the group initially formed with the intention of competing in a school Battle of the Bands, a plan that didn't quite pan out as expected.

However, this initial concept evolved into a deeper creative partnership. When another school event arose, the five decided to officially form a band, marking the true beginning of their journey. That single performance proved to be more than just a one-off gig; it solidified their bond and transformed a spontaneous collaboration into a shared artistic path, merging their individual passions and creativity.

Trying to label It All Started in May's sound proves to be a delightful challenge. Red described their music as having "a mix of blues with a touch of Manila sound," citing influences from iconic '70s bands like VST & Company, Boyfriends, and Hotdog. JP added that they draw heavily from "the older generations, the '70s," but emphasize putting their unique twist on this core sound to resonate with modern audiences.

What makes their sound particularly interesting is how each member contributes a distinct musical energy. Mikee noted, "Because we all came from different genres before, that's how we started." He mentioned members drawn to folk, blues, and even heavy rock. Yet, despite these varied tastes, they find common ground in a shared appreciation for the funk, pop, and groove of '70s music.

This blend of influences and collaborative spirit allows them to create songs that feel like cherished memories reenvisioned – nostalgic yet undeniably their own. The songwriting process is highly collaborative. As Red explained, if one member, like Pau (affectionately called "Sir"), writes something, the others contribute, and vice versa, constantly exchanging suggestions to refine their work. JP added that they often start by writing "individually first, at home," before coming together to "develop it collectively together as a group."

The release of their debut single, "O' Kay Tamis," represents a significant milestone, embodying their core nostalgic sound while also signaling room for future exploration. As they look ahead, the band is mindful of the "identity" that first captured listeners' attention, yet equally focused on the need to evolve. JP mentioned, "We wanted to base our identity on how we created 'O Kay Tamis,' because we didn't expect it to end up sounding the way it did."

He elaborated, "Since we've developed this identity as a band, it might be better to start out that way. Of course, we don't want to be trapped in our comfort zone, either. We also want to adapt throughout the years." This drive for adaptability doesn't mean abandoning their authenticity; rather, it's a natural progression that aligns with their ethos of drawing from the past while forging new creative paths.

At the core of It All Started in May is a deep commitment to sincerity, not just in their lyrics but in their journey as artists. When asked about the message they hope to convey through their music, their response was simple and profound: "Be true to yourself." The band stressed that staying authentic to one's creative identity is what genuinely connects with people.

They encourage fellow artists to avoid feeling restricted by their own art or creating solely for the sake of it. For It All Started in May, making music extends beyond the act itself; it's about sharing it and understanding the deeper purpose behind their work. From an unexpected school gig to becoming a rising name in OPM, It All Started in May demonstrates that music flourishes through sincerity, collaboration, and perhaps, a touch of that May-inspired magic.

Rising drag artist Jamila Rivera is the modern Maxie Oh

The beloved queer icon Maximo Oliveros is making a dazzling return, stepping into the spotlight as Maxie Oh in "Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza." This bold sequel to the acclaimed coming-of-age film sees Maxie all grown up and ready to navigate a world of glitter and grit.

Breathing vibrant new life into this iconic character is rising drag artist Jamila Rivera. Hailing from Naga City and currently a college student, Jamila brings her own "paandar, palaban, and pasabog" energy to the role, making her a truly modern Maxie.

Jamila, who performs out of drag as Jam Rivera, found an immediate connection when she saw the audition call online. As she put it, "Oh my God, this is me. This is for me." The themes of the show – Maxie's journey, the world of drag, and theater itself – deeply resonated with her, prompting her to travel to Manila for a chance at the role.

Remarkably, Jamila's own journey into drag is relatively recent, mirroring Maxie's expected discovery of this world within the musical's narrative. Debuting on June 30, 2024, at a Pride event in Naga organized by Bicol Drag PH, Jamila's emergence highlights the transformative power of drag.

Known for her impressive vocals and glamorous, Hollywoodesque style, Jamila credits her drag sisters in Bicol Drag PH for their support and guidance. This sense of finding family mirrors Maxie's journey in the musical, where she finds acceptance and belonging among her own drag sisters.

Portraying Maxie is both an immense honor and a significant responsibility for Jamila. She recognizes the character's iconic status in Filipino queer culture and feels compelled to tell Maxie's story with accuracy and heart, believing it will resonate deeply with many in the audience.

"Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros" is more than a typical musical; it's an immersive, interactive experience designed to blur the lines between performers and the audience. It celebrates queer joy, resilience, and transformation through a fusion of drag show, musical theater, and a powerful call to action.

Musical director Melvin Lee emphasizes the show's aim to reveal the person behind the drag persona, highlighting the truth and vulnerability inherent in every performance. Jamila's audition, where she was asked to strip away the performative layer and connect emotionally, showcased the rawness Lee sought for the role.

For Jamila, a provincial artist entering the industry in Manila, this role represents a valuable opportunity to connect with a new community and further her artistic growth. Working alongside respected Manila drag artists and talented actors provides a rich environment for learning and self-discovery.

The musical continues the legacy of the original 2005 film and the subsequent 2013 musical adaptation. Running from June 13 to 22 at Illumination Studio in Makati City, the production also partners with Pantay, a youth-led movement advocating for LGBTQIA+ equality and human rights, with a portion of proceeds supporting their work.