Some things may be a chore for some, but director Rem Zamora elevates what could have been a chore to tongue-in-cheek material that thrills at the theatre. Retelling the Book of Acts with a distinctly Filipino, distinctly Gen Z flair, Act! The Staged Concert underscores the possibility of transformation for anyone, no matter what they did or who they were.

Energetic reverence of God

Beginning with a disclaimer by Saint Luke (played by Jason Monserate) on how he hasn’t met Jesus, the 60-minute concert takes us on a journey that exhausts with its constant energy, yet reminiscent of the euphoric highs that He provided his followers. 

Yet despite its absence of connective tissue (the material is slated to become a full-fledged production), the reverence of Jesus (played by Angelo Lantaco) is very much convincing, but its depiction of blind obedience even more so. 

Act! The Staged Concert attempts to appeal to young audiences, with varying levels of success. 

Working to its favor is the retrospective analysis on certain events, which breaks the fourth wall through direct interactions with the audience. The material’s attempt to bring the story (and its themes) closer largely succeeds.

However, its jarring English speak or use of modern Filipino slang may prove to be divisive in a material whose songs are mostly in Filipino. Yet one could argue that this is also an attempt to make the story more resonant and remembered among young audiences in particular. This is coupled with the introduction of the characters, which is done via character cards flashed on a scroll-like projection.

Stronger vocals, but stronger presence

Its ensemble of ten – Joseton Vergel de Dios, Teetin Villanueva, Angelo Lantaco, Ade Valenzona, Jason Monserate, Dane Sarabia, Aecy Abne, CJ Correa, Andrea Fe Padilla, and Timothy Racho – all give powerful performances that execute the material impressively.

Their vocals are enough to enamor, but the cast’s sheer physicality and all-consuming stage presence truly solidify them as triple-threat performers.

Delivers in spades

The music, provided by Reisa Elgincolin and Benjou Elgincolin, amazes with its influences of rap and rock. This score is amplified by the musical direction of Farley Asuncion, who transforms the full-throttle vigor of the material’s music into a vibrant soundscape. 

Promising a performance heavily reliant on music, there is no doubt that Act! The Staged Concert delivers on harmonies and rhythms in spades. 

Choreography by Ace Polias and Rapah Manalo is assuredly frenetic. The way the ensemble moves reminds audiences of followers rendered blind with passion and respect. This movement of bodies in synchronization plays well to audiences on IBG-KAL Theater’s thrust stage set-up.

But it is the pulsating visual design by Jasper Ezequiel Gonzales that completes Act! The Staged Concert. Keeping in step with the beat and matching the externalized emotions of the characters, the lights do well in further emphasizing everything felt and experienced.

Further Information

Act! The Staged Concert will have performances at 7:00 PM on January 30, 2026, and 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM on January 31, 2026, at the IBG-KAL Theater of U.P. Diliman.

Tickets may be availed via https://forms.gle/Y3eSmbxPSLQyb26f7.

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