Jon Santos in cast of ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ musical

Jon Santos

Comedian Jon Santos is ecstatic to be in the cast of the Eraserheads musical, “Ang Huling El Bimbo.” It has been a wonderful journey so far, he related, “from the exploratory readings to the unforgettable opening weekend.” Santos told the Inquirer: “I am truly grateful to be part of this musical. All of us know the iconic band and the iconic songs, but no one could’ve imagined the songs told in a story like this. For the fans, it will be a surprise … an experience they shouldn’t miss.”

He volunteered that his fave Eheads song is “Toyang”—his theme song as a young adult in the 1990s. “I loved the wordplay and the wit. I had just moved into my first, very little, apartment and it was my song. ‘Maliit lamang, pero pero pero malinis ’to, kahit sa kusina.’”

He described the rock band’s music as “timeless.” “Their songs are the great equalizer. Sing it, play it or just turn your gadget speaker volume high. Everyone can enjoy their songs … all the many generations in the room, men and women, rich and poor. These are universal hits and no one will be left awkwardly humming. Imagine the power of these songs translated to a great story on stage.”

He recommended the show to both ardent fans and fresh recruits. “Go if you are a kid discovering Eheads for the first time. Go if it defined your coming-of-age, and you want to feel nostalgic. Go for the shockingly beautiful story and immerse yourself in brilliant music along the way. Go because you have seen it already but you just have to see it again. Go because there will be nothing like it for a long time.”

“Ang Huling El Bimbo” is now running at Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila until Sept. 2.—BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.