Rak is Back! And is ready to roll more than a handful of shows on its sixth run. The Filipino musical phenomenon, Rak of Aegis, will have a total of 77 shows with performances beginning June 20 until September 2, 2018 at the PETA Theater Center. And just like the former runs, something new and exciting is about to happen on the 6th season. It may have the same story line but surely the new twist will both entice old and newbie Rak-ers.
Just a refresher; “Rak of Aegis” features songs from the popular 90’s band, Aegis, the play tells the story of Aileen, a young girl with a big voice who dreams of having her video uploaded on YouTube to become viral and eventually be discovered by the big shots. While Aileen’s motives at first seem shallow, she later reveals that it is because she wants the world to know of her barangay’s condition: submerged in flood for almost three months, with their livelihood and health all slowly drifting off with the waters.
Compare to some of my friends (or some who I heard) who have watched Rak of Aegis more than twice, I only had a peek once, making me more excited to Rak again this time time. Newbie Rakers would sure be delighted to this “jologs” (as they say it) but totally outrageous show. For the older timers, well here are some reasons you can consider.
5 Reasons to Watch (Again) the 6th Season of Rak of Aegis
1. Fresh Hu Got Talents – We all love the original casts but fresh talents would definitely give something new on the table. Rooting from Aileen’s dream, last March 26, “Rak of Aegis” Season 6 took it a whole new level by kicking things off with the Hu Got Talent: The Search for the Next Rakstar contest. It was a mash-up of open auditions and a talent competition to find the newest Aileen, Tolits, Kenny and Jewel. After a mere three weeks, PETA received almost a hundred video entries from “Rak” hopefuls, and the Top 50 were announced on April 15. At the end of the competition/audition, nine fresh faces joined the original casts which includes Ateneo Blue Repertory RENT’s Adrian Lindayag as Jewel, Enseble’s Marielle Mamaclay of 5thGen band, TV actor Gil ” Chaymyto” Aguedan, Sandbox Collective Himala’s Matel Patayon, and Madison Events performer Crystal Paras. Wondering why I haven’t mentioned the new Tolits, Kenny and Aileen, well that will lead us to our next reason.
Jewels
2. New High Belting Aileens – We surely going to missed Aicelle Santos as Aileen, but do not worry because Kim Molina is here to stay. On the 6th run, Kim wouldn’t be alone, the role “Aileen” will also be shared with the other two Theater newbies who won the Hu Got Talent search, Shaira Opsimar and Princess Vire. Both ladies were both multi-medalists at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) so just imagine their vocal ranges to hit the note of an Aegis hits! But aside from these two lovely ladies, fans would be delighted to see the new ‘Tolits’ and ‘Kenny’.
Princess Vire, Kim Molina and Shaira Opsimar
Princess Vire as Aileen
Shaira Opsimar as Aileen with Pepe Herrera
3. New Suiter No. 1 Kenny – Suitor number one – Kenny, is the first guy who tries to help Aileen. It was a role played by Poppert Bernadas, Vince Lim and Myke Solomon, and now being also shared with the new recruit Remus Villanueva. Remus have been doing theater since 2008 and has significant experience in song composition, dance choreography and stage direction. Currently, Remus is a Theater Arts Moderator in Bloomfield Academy in Las Pinas, and a Theater Arts Program head in Bulacan State University’s College of Arts and Letters. Surely, his knack could truly give a new flavor in the show. Now moving on to a new ‘Tolits’
4. A new goofy Tolits – Suitor number 2 and the much more devoted but a silent rival to Aileen’s heart – Tolits. Originally played by actors Joshua Bulot, Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles and now Kent Pontivedra. Kent isn’t a stranger to local competitions, he was a contender in Eat Bulaga’s Just Duet, Tawag ng Tnaghalan, and was a semi-finalist for the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018. With his very attractive smile, Kent would definitely turn you heads back to buy a ticket.
Kent Pontivedra as Tolits
Aileen and Tolits (Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles, Shaira Opsimar and Princess Vire
5. Lastly, If you are a fan, why hesitate not to? Also, there would be 77 shows in this run, the longest of all, so there are no reasons that you wouldn’t be able to find a schedule to watch the play.
“Rak of Aegis” in its own right has definitely soared above many challenges and aged gracefully since its first run. In times if crisis, “Rak” teaches people about the power of resilience and love. “Rak” has been so successful because it was made with such love and generosity. What makes it very ‘PETA’ is how we managed to expand the ‘love’ content of Aegis to be more than just personal but expand it to a sense of community,” Director Maribel Legarda said.
Also Read: How to Commute to PETA THEATER
“Rak of Aegis” runs from June 20 to September 2 at the PETA Theater Center, with shows on Wednesdays to Fridays (8:00 PM) and Saturdays to Sundays (3:00PM and 8:00 PM). For inquiries and ticket reservations, you may contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at Tel. No. 725-6244 or TicketWorld at 891-9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph.
READ: RAK AT 5TH!
