Filipino Film ‘One More Chance’ Gets a Musical Adaptation Featuring the Hits of Ben&Ben

‍

“One More Chance,” one of the most memorable Filipino films of all time, was released in 2007. Since then, the movie has continued to capture the hearts of Pinoys, thanks to its masterful combination of kilig and break-up.

Starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, the story revolves around Popoy and Basha, who share a complicated romantic relationship.

‍

‍

Almost 17 years since its screen appearance, the hit film has been made into a musical adaptation by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Not your ordinary adaptation, the musical comes to life with the hits of award-winning OPM band Ben&Ben.

‍

‍

“Kagabi, nanood kami ng ‘One More Chance: The Musical’ featuring our songs. To say that it was a dream come true is an understatement. Bilang banda, ang pangarap namin ay marinig ng maraming tao ang mga kanta namin at matugtog ‘to sa iba’t ibang entablado. Pero ‘yung marinig at mapanood namin ‘yung mga kanta namin na kantahin at ganapin, sa isang theater musical is beyond our wildest dreams. Tapos sa ‘One More Chance’ pa, na peborit din namin,” Ben&Ben tweeted.

Saan ba kami magsisimula.

Kagabi, nanood kami ng One More Chance The Musical featuring our songs. To say that it was a dream come true is an understatement. Bilang banda, ang pangarap namin ay marinig ng maraming tao ang mga kanta namin at matugtog ‘to sa iba’t ibang entablado.… pic.twitter.com/CTD1dU7Hc9

— Ben&Ben (@BenAndBenMusic) April 13, 2024

“Thank you, PETA Theater. Thank you for magically weaving in our songs with a story that’s close to our hearts. For bringing our music to a new dimension — giving it new colors and new flavors. To the cast, you owned our songs like it was the story of your lives. And we were blown away by your performance. To the people behind the scenes, the directors, writers, designers and staff — ang gagaling! Sobrang swak ng bawat element nung storya. From props to lighting to visuals to wardrobe at ‘yung mga punchline! Ang huhusay,” the nine-piece folk-pop band added.

‍

‍

The musical adaptation features Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato, who play the role of Popoy. Meanwhile, Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo portray the character of Basha.

Planning to catch the show? Pro tip: Bring your hankies with you — there will be an overflow of emotions as the actors and actresses throw their lines while singing relatable tracks of Ben&Ben in between.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Be ready to listen and sing along to Ben&Ben’s original heartfelt songs, such as “Pagtingin,” “Leaves,” “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay,” and more as the classic Popoy-Basha love story unfolds live on the theater stage.

“One More Chance, The Musical” runs from April 12 to June 30, 2024, at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.

Visit PETA’s official Facebook page for more info about the ongoing show.

ALSO READ: 5 Filipina Artists to Listen to Right Now

Words and photos by Kenneth Valladolid
Edited by Emmy Borromeo

‍