I must admit, I came into the theater thinking how a musical centered around law could resonate beyond aspiring lawyers.

But it just took a little bit of time before I realized that Bar Boys: the New Musical isn’t just a modern adaptation of the 2017 film. Seven years after the original film, this staging brings fresh energy to the story, capturing how the law greatly affects all of us and the universal battles we face every day.

Bar Boys: A New Musical brings on theater stage the cherished 2017 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino film by Kip F. Oebanda. Following four friends from diverse backgrounds, the musical looks into their journey through law school and their pursuit of justice in the Philippines.

A notable alteration in this adaptation is the timeline. Set in the aftermath of a recently questionable presidential election, creators Pat Valera and Mikko Angeles acknowledge the fervor of this generation’s youth to challenge the system and shatter glass ceilings— an idealism that propels the four protagonists into the field of law.

As Valera has mentioned during our interview, “With the current state that we are right now, there are new matters to discuss. Kung pag-uusapan yung youth, iba yung youth in 2017, iba yung people entering law school right now. Hindi pwedeng it’s just nostalgic. Theater is always about the moment, the current and what is now and it should be reflected here.”

All Rise to the Dynamic and Talented “Bar Boys”

Alex Diaz, Benedix Ramos, Jerom Canlas, and Omar Uddin, alongside a cast of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, breathed life into the stage with their touching and hopeful performances, elevating the entire experience into something unforgettable and unique.

We loved how each of the four main character’s story were fleshed out to carry their own relatable story lines yet carefully weaved together to fight for the same truth and hope.

Canlas embodies Torran Garcia, hailing from a middle-class family with a deep love for his family. Motivated to fight for equal rights and the weight of a family legacy, Torran navigates the complexities of law school and his own sexuality. This twist to his character even made his role more timely and relatable for people who go through the struggle of coming out and being judged for being true to themselves.

Uddin takes on the role of Josh Zuniga, aspiring to be an environmental lawyer. Confronted with the harsh realities of life, Josh grapples with how these challenges shape his journey through law school. He may given up and have let situations around him, but his surrender also spoke volumes on how difficult it is to be good, and to choose to fight for goodness.

Chris Carlson, portrayed by Diaz, is a privileged ‘amboy’ from a broken family. Driven to reform the country’s flawed system, his motivations take a personal turn, igniting a fire within him that extends far beyond his initial ideals. His confrontation scene with his villainous father, Atty. Maurice Carlson convincingly portrayed by Nor Domingo left us holding our breath as we watch Chris’ idealism be shattered right before our very eyes.

Ramos brings Erik Vincencio to life and steals the show. One of the most remarkable songs in this musical, “May Singil Ang Pangarap” is spot-on with his role – a character burdened by the injustices rampant in the country and hindered to dream due to poverty.

Even just on his first scene with Paping, portrayed by Juliene Mendoza, we were trying so hard to fight back our tears. Struggling through law school and the different challenges, his choices are always colored by pragmatism and the pursuit of his dreams.

It was hard to accept the truth how injustice robs us of our lives and how we have to sacrifice so much just to even get a slice of the opportunities that others take for granted, leaving us to navigate a world where fairness is a distant dream and survival requires a constant fight against the forces that seek to keep us down.

And as we’ve all awaited, Sheila Francisco’s portrayal of Justice Hernandez in “Bar Boys: The New Musical” was riveting. With commanding stage presence, she deftly showcased the tough yet compassionate sides of her character. Her performance of “Dear Future Lawyers” served as a powerful prelude and warning to the chaos ahead, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Valera had full artistic control to update the characters thanks to Kip’s nod, aligning their experiences and struggles with those of today’s youth. They also introduced new characters to further help shape the ideals and influence the belief systems of the ‘Bar Boys’.

A Theater in Trial

The intimate stage setup mirrors a jury arrangement, with each performer taking the witness stand— sharing their realities, heartaches, and aspirations for the future ahead.

The performances can be described as organized chaos. Every movement, every note sung, and every glance toward the audience carries weight. It creates an atmosphere where the audience is not just spectators but active participants in the lives unfolding on stage. You find yourself rooting for the underdogs, even as the harsh reality of corruption winning out persists, because you cling to that fragile thread of hope.

Myke Salomon’s genius shines through in his creation of one masterpiece after another for “Bar Boys”. He elevates this musical above the common trends in Philippine theater now– moving away from relying on existing song catalogues or hosting international productions of already beloved musicals.

Salomon masterfully navigates through various genres, ensuring each song fits seamlessly into its scene. The songs are tailor-made for the characters, making their performances truly embody them— and that breathes life into the entire experience.

Closing Arguments

What struck us about “Bar Boys” is its profound portrayal of the younger generation— their idealism, their yearning for change, and their pursuit of all things just and righteous. The creators of the musical gently remind us that in the real world, there are no simple answers, and reality is not just black and white. They show us that navigating the gray areas, whether you’re a law student or not, requires sacrifices and compromises. In this realm, we come to understand the challenge of bending an ironclad system that favors the wealthy and powerful.

Despite the daunting realities, there is a glimmer of hope. “Bar Boys” serves as a reminder that change is possible and success is attainable for those who have the heart for it. What’s reassuring about the musical is its affirmation that even in a world stacked against the next generation, individuals can carve out their space and stand firm in their beliefs, embracing the values that define goodness.

About the Collaborator

Leo Alexis Ecijan is a seasoned public relations practitioner, writer, and content producer with a diverse background spanning newscasts, government institutions, and tech startups. Passionate about pop culture, Leo enjoys films, music, and books. In his spare time, he volunteers at a local museum and advocates for animal rights through his involvement with a local group.