What if the key to your past held the power to change the future? Step into ‘Liwanag sa Dilim,’ a new original FIlipino musical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco.

Follow Elesi, an orphan, on his quest to uncover the secrets of his past. Along with Cris, his trusted ally, they fight for justice. An undeniable connection sparks between them and the people who challenge their hearts. This ignites a revolution that redefines their worlds.

With book and direction by Robbie Guevara, the new musical will feature the songs of Rico Blanco. Moreover, It will also include a blend of seasoned actors, returnees, and newcomers.

Khalil Ramos, Anthony Rosaldo, CJ Navato, Vien King, Alexa Ilacad, and Nicole Omillo will headline the cast of Liwanag Sa Dilim.

Rising Stars of Filipino Theater: Notable Cast Members of “Liwanag sa Dilim”

Khalil Ramos made his theater debut in tick, tick…BOOM!, earning a Gawad Buhay nomination. Also, he starred in films like 2 Cool 2 Be Forgotten, Liway, LSS, Dead Kids, Gomburza, and As If It’s True. Khalil is also a sought-after endorser, content creator, and aspiring film director. He partners with global brands while sharing his passion for photography.

Anthony Rosaldo, a GMA Sparkle Artist, made his theater debut with Ang Huling El Bimbo. He was last seen in Rent. As a singer, he performed his solo concert Switch in January 2024 to a sold-out audience.

CJ Navato, a Star Magic Artist and former Goin’ Bulilit star, appeared in multiple TV series and reality competitions. His TV credits include Luv U, Dirty Linen, and Maalaala Mo Kaya. On stage, he starred in One More Chance The Musical and Charot!.

With a decade-long career, Vien King has earned acclaim for his performances. He won Best Actor in a Musical at the Gawad Buhay and LEAF Awards for playing Giorgio in Passion. His recent credits include Rama Hari and tick, tick… BOOM!. On screen, he starred in Partners in Crime and Love at First Stream.

Star Magic Artist and former Goin’ Bulilit star Alexa Ilacad will share a role with Nicole Omillo. Alexa, a singer, actress, and host, has headlined multiple films and TV shows. She made her theater debut in Walang Aray. In addition, Alexa has been in the spotlight, acting in Four Sisters Before The Wedding and Init Sa Magdamag.

Furthermore, VIVA Artist Nicole Omillo was last seen in One More Chance The Musical. Nicole, a singer and actress, appeared in Indak, More Than Blue, Di Na Muli, and Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko.

Cast Members and Their Notable Works

Also joining the cast are Rita Daniela, Neomi Gonzales, Arnel Carrion, Boo Gabunada, Jon Abella, Raul Montesa, Rica Laguardia, Lani Ligot, and Jasper John Jimenez. Known as “The Undeniable Star,” GMA Sparkle Artist Rita Daniela has appeared in TV shows and films, as well as hosting All-Out Sundays. On stage, she starred in Maynila and Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!.

Neomi Gonzales, another Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! alum, last appeared in One More Chance The Musical. She also played Chayong in Himala Isang Musikal. Neomi won a Gawad Buhay Award for her role in Walang Aray.

Arnel Carrion is an actor, singer, and voice talent. He started his career in 1990 and has performed in musicals like The Wizard of Oz, Seussical, and Disney’s Tarzan. Boo Gabunada appeared in Mula Sa Buwan, Ang Huling El Bimbo, and Kundiman Party. As a film actor, he starred in The Dust In Your Place.

Additional Cast Members

Jon Abella, a Gawad Buhay awardee, has performed in Disney’s Newsies, A Christmas Carol, Rama Hari, and Himala Isang Musikal. He won Gawad Buhay Awards in 2023 and 2018 for Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! and Dekada 70. Raul Montesa appeared in Once On This Island and One More Chance The Musical, receiving Gawad Buhay citations.

Rica Laguardia, a former member of the Philippine Opera Company, was last seen in One More Chance The Musical. She also performed in Ibong Adarna and Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical.

Singer and actress Lani Ligot appeared in Once On This Island and Priscilla, earning a BroadwayWorld nomination for Best Supporting Performer. Other credits include RAK of AEGIS, South Pacific, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Jasper John Jimenez starred in Himala Isang Musikal and Ang Huling El Bimbo, reprising his role in the film. He was last seen in Buruguduystunstugudunstuy. Joining the cast are performing swings Paji Arceo, Mark Tayag, Chez Cuenca, and Fay Castro.

Paji Arceo, seen in One More Chance The Musical, also appeared in indie films Lahoy ng Daya and My Beshie Love. Mark Tayag, a video and events director, returns to the stage after Rent, Grease, and American Idiot. Chez Cuenca began her theater career in One More Chance The Musical and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Fay Castro is an actor, burlesque dancer, wig designer, and director. She worked on All Out Of Love, Beautiful: The Musical, and RENT. She was also in Once on This Island.

Supporting Cast Members

Moreover, Iya Villanueva, Derrick Gozos, Brianna Bunagan, Lucylle Tan, and Denzel Chang also join the cast.

Iya Villanueva choreographed music videos and starred in Ang Huling El Bimbo, Mula Sa Buwan, and Buruguduystunstugudunstuy. Derrick Gozos performed in Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!, Macbeth, Walang Sugat, and El Camino Real. Brianna Bunagan, Lucylle Tan, and Denzel Chang are making their theatrical debuts.

Brianna Bunagan, a GMA Sparkle Artist, graduated from Ateneo de Manila’s BFA Theater Arts program. She appeared in Start Up PH and Pepito Manaloto. Lucylle Tan, a cum laude graduate from UP Los Baños, majored in Theatre Arts. Denzel Chang graduated from UP’s Theatre Arts program and was crowned Mr. Chinatown 2024.

Finally, Elian Santos, Giani Sarita, Prince España, and Clave Sun join the youngest cast members of Liwanag Sa Dilim. Elian debuted at age four and performed in Ibarra and Joseph the Dreamer. He also voiced characters in Netflix series Spirit Rangers and Leo.

Giani Sarita, a Curve Entertainment artist, appeared in Rewind and graced international fashion runways. He debuted his single Ituloy Mo Lang. Prince España performed in The Miracle of Fatima The Musical and Gomburza. Clave Sun landed a lead role in Pranks in Tandem and became a Goin’ Bulilit favorite.

Liwanag Sa Dilim is written by Robbie Guevara, Jonjon Martin, and Mio Infante. Orlando Dela Cruz handles the musical arrangements and orchestration. The artistic team includes Daniel Bartolome as musical director, Jonjon Martin as dramaturg, and PJ Rebullida as choreographer.

Production Team and Show Details

The production team includes Santi Santamaria as managing director, Anna Santamaria as operations director, and Charyl De Guzman as production manager. Marketing is managed by GM Hernandez and Reine Paisley. Liwanag Sa Dilim runs weekends from March 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays, and 8:00 PM Fridays, at CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Tickets are available on Ticket2Me.

For partnerships & show / block buying inquiries, you may reach 9 Works via info@9workstheatrical.com, 7586 7105 or 0917 554 5560.

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9 Works Theatrical presents Liwanag Sa Dilim, with MAC Cosmetics as the office makeup partner, Panasonic as the official video partner, PitchWorks Inc. as the official billboard partner, and PilotTV Philippines as the media partner. Special thanks to The People Diary PH by Myra Ho.