John Lapus says ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’ musical will prepare him for Ishmael Bernal biopic

John Lapus believes that his return to the musical stage through “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” will help him prepare for his role in the upcoming Ishmael Bernal biopic.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the musical’s press conference on Tuesday, July 7, in Pasay City, Lapus shared that the stage production is scheduled before filming begins for the movie, which is written by Ricky Lee.

“Ito Bongga Ka Day, The Annie Batungbakal Musical, gagawin ko siya before kami mag-start ng Bernal movie ‘yung kay Sir Ricky. Hindi biro ang role na ibinigay sa akin, Bernardo, Bernardo, isang award-winning theater actor. Tito Bernis did theater, bago siya nag-pelikula at TV,” said the comedian.

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“’Yun naman ang sinabi ni Sir Ricky, kaya sa akin yung inoffer, nag-agree naman ‘yung producer, na dapat ako si Bernardo, Bernardo, kasi pareho kami nagsimula sa theater bago nag-film and TV. So hopefully, by the time mag-shoot kami ng Bernal, nakapag-open na ako for Bongga Ka Day, The Annie Batungbakal para mahasa na tayo,” he continued.

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READ: How Gen Z Atasha Muhlach plans to bring ’70s Annie Batungbakal to life

Lapus plays dual supporting roles in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.” He alternates with Dindo Divinagracia as Tarurit, the proprietor of the iconic Coco Banana disco, and Tito Tambay, the Batungbakals’ humorously portrayed neighbor.

During the press conference proper, Lapus jokingly remarked that the production could be his last musical. Asked later what he meant by the statement, the actor admitted that the physically demanding choreography has taken a toll on him.

“Kasi hindi ko naman na-experience ‘yung sing and dance na audition sa Delia D. Eto, buong katawan. Pag-uwi ko ng bahay, sobrang sakit ng katawan ko, nagpamasahe ako. Ganong level ’yung sakit ng katawan. Aminado naman ako. Fifty-three na ako today. May kakaibang pagod ang ’80s dance music,” he said.

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He later clarified that he was only joking, but nevertheless acknowledged the challenge of returning to a dance-heavy production.

“Nagjo-joke lang ako kanina, pero hindi pa kasi kami nag-i-start ng dance rehearsal. Pero at least, nag-statement na ako na baka last musical ko na ito. Balik na ako doon sa straight play,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the upcoming “Bernal” biopic chronicles the life and career of National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal, known for such classics as “Himala,” “Manila by Night” and “Relasyon.”

Written by Lee, the film stars Jericho Rosales as Bernal, Judy Ann Santos as Nora Aunor, Atom Araullo as Spanky Manikan, and Iza Calzado as Rita Gomez, among others. /ra

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