‘One More Chance’ musical leads see John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo as inspiration

(From left) Sam Concepcion, Anna Luna, CJ Navato, and Nicole Omillo. Images: Courtesy of Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)

One of the biggest factors behind the success of “One More Chance” was the chemistry of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo as Popoy and Basha, which the leads of the film’s musical adaptation believe are “big shoes to fill.” But they would rather see their “daunting” roles as an opportunity to showcase their talents to the audience.

Seventeen years after the 2007 cult-classic film hit theaters, a musical adaptation based on “One More Chance” featuring the songs of folk-pop band Ben&Ben by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) will be staged from April 12 to June 30.

Taking on Cruz’s Popoy will be Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato, while Alonzo’s Basha will be portrayed by Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo.

“It’s a daunting task. We have big shoes to fill. There’s a big pressure that comes with the role, but it’s a good kind of pressure. Hopefully, it produces diamonds,” Concepcion told reporters at a press preview for the musical. He also shared that a tedious audition process was held before it was decided who would star as Popoy and Basha.

READ: ‘One More Chance: The Musical’ with music by Ben&Ben coming in April 2024

The theater actor and singer noted that finding the balance between “staying true to the character and original material” and adding his own flavor to the classic role are some of its challenges, but he’s excited about discovering more of the character through his lens.

“One of the challenges is to stay true to the character and material. At the same time, it’s adding our truthfulness to the role without deviating from the personality of Popoy,” he said. “It’s exciting to discover the parts of Popoy and hoping to be able to relate to it in my own way.”

Meanwhile, Navato drew laughter from the press after he compared his “Goin’ Bulilit” roots to Cruz’s acting prowess. “I mean, it’s John Lloyd Cruz. Then me, ‘Goin ‘Bulilit.’ Parang suntok sa buwan (It’s impossible to find the connection).”

“I’m so amazed sa team na nag-assemble nito. Ang laki ng gagawin namin pero it’s going to happen talaga (I’m so amazed with the team who assembled this. We’re doing something really big but it’s going to happen),” he continued. “I’m just taking everything day by day.”

Luna and Omillo, on the other hand, were all praises for Alonzo’s ability to turn Basha into a timeless movie character that transcends generations. But they believe they’re “lucky” they were trusted with such a beloved role.

“May pressure talaga and at the same time, excited kami kung paano mapoportray ang iconic roles na ‘to. Sa totoo lang, grabe ang pressure since movie ito ng generation namin,” added Luna.

(There’s pressure. And at the same time, we’re excited about how we’ll portray these iconic roles. Honestly, I feel so much pressure because this is the movie of our generation.)

The leads of “One More Chance” musical at a press preview. Image: Courtesy of Philippine Educational Theater Association

Omillo, who considers Basha as her first lead role in theater, shared the musical adaptation of “One More Chance” was supposed to be staged before the pandemic before it was halted. She’s nonetheless thankful to the Lord for “allowing” it to happen.

“It’s surreal. I’m just really lucky that I’m with PETA and I’m with these people. We were going to work pre-pandemic and hindi natuloy. So ngayon, matutuloy na siya,” she said. “I guess the Lord allowed this to happen. I hope matuwa si Ms. Bea, sir John Lloyd and everyone who treasures the film.”

(It’s surreal. I’m just really lucky that I’m with PETA and I’m with these people. We were going to work pre-pandemic but it didn’t push through. I guess the Lord allowed this to happen. I hope matuwa si Ms. Bea, Sir John Lloyd, and everyone who treasures the film. Everyone can relate to the film and it’s what I want to hopefully, emulate Basha.”

Popoy and Basha in the film vs musical

Speaking on behalf of his fellow leads, Concepcion said the thought of “One More Chance” having a musical is an “unexpected” feat in itself. But incorporating the music of Ben&Ben makes the upcoming staging even more monumental.

“We’re very grateful and looking forward ako sa magagawa namin ‘to together. With the story of ‘One More Chance’ and [music of] Ben&Ben, nothing will go wrong,” he said. “Never in a million years. I don’t think any of us expected na ‘One More Chance’ will be staged in PETA, so it’s monumental. We’re happy and grateful.”

(We’re very grateful and I’m looking forward to us doing this together. With the story of “One More Chance” and the music of Ben&Ben, nothing will go wrong. Never in a million years. I don’t think any of us expected that ‘One More Chance’ would be staged in PETA, so it’s monumental. We’re happy and grateful.)

WATCH: The cast of “One More Chance: The Musical” treated members of the press to a sample performance, saying this is what viewers can expect from its staging during a mediacon at the PETA Theater Center last Feb. 29. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/SF18qLD9g2

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When asked what the leads would take from their characters, Luna said she relates to the “straightforward” nature of Basha especially when it comes to reaching her dreams.

“Siguro ‘yung pagiging straightforward ni Basha and kung paano niya gustong abutin ang pangarap niya. Despite everything, uunahin muna niya ang sarili niya (I guess Basha’s straightforward, even when it comes to her desire her dreams. Despite everything, she will put herself first,” she said.

Omillo agreed with Luna’s response, saying that she sees herself as Basha who’s hungry for more opportunities in life.

“In the film, Basha is finding herself. At the age of 25, I think there’s so many things I need to explore,” she said. “Kung meron mang pipilit sa’kin na huwag mag-explore, gan’un din ang mangyayari (If someone forces me to stop exploring, I would do the same as Basha did).”

The leads of “One More Chance” musical at a press preview. Image: Courtesy of Philippine Educational Theater Association

For his part, Navato said many scenes of the film hurt him even as a child, although he didn’t disclose which exact moments captivated him the most. “I’m excited to see kung paano ito-touch ang memories on things that hurt. Excited akong makita kung gaano kalalim ang kailangan kong ihukay to pull it off,” he added.

(I’m excited to see how well I touch on the memories, even on things that hurt. I’m excited to see how deep I’ll dive to pull off the character.)

Concepcion admitted that Popoy’s ambitious nature struck a chord for him, although he sympathizes with his character’s “turbulent” side.

“Si Popoy kasi, meron siyang ambition (is known for his ambition) and he works really hard for it. Pero turbulent siya. He’s very sensitive. He’s turbulent in the sense that leads him to be very controlling. On the sensitive and ambitious part, I can relate to that,” he said.