I still remember in high school, way back 2006, when I first picked up the guitar, Ang Huling El Bimbo was one of the firsts songs I learned to play. Yesterday, social media was abuzz about this musical as it was streamed on YouTube. As a lover of musicals, it immediately piqued my interest. I don't know anything about the Philippine Theater and Arts but wow, this musical delighted me in so many ways.

The beginning was slightly off because I didn't really know what it was about. I don't know any of the actors except for one, I recognized Giancarlo who played as Hector. It was all fresh for me.

As I was watching the musical, I was reminded of Mamma Mia and how it utilized Abba's discography. Same with this one as it used Eraserheads songs. I grew up with this music and I can't help but feel nostalgic.

The plot centers around three friends - Emman, AJ, and Hector, and how their lives intertwined with a girl named Joy. These guys were roommates in college, that's how they became close friends. They met Joy, a simple girl working in Toyang's Canteen who cannot afford to go to school. Hector fell in love with Joy and the rest of the crew developed a special friendship with her. 

As the years passed, the guys were almost through with school. They were graduating students who were ready to take flight and reach for their dreams. They decided to have one last hurrah to celebrate - a road trip with the gang. It was fun until it turned into something traumatizing. That's when the friendship started disintegrating.

What saddened me and aroused my emotions was how the guys abandoned Joy and how they ignored her calls when all she wanted was for them to meet her child. What did Joy do wrong that these guys just turned a blind eye when something wrong happened to her? Is it because they had so much to lose? Is it because they didn't want to be held responsible for what happened? I'm sad that this can happen in real life. I'm sad for Joy and for what happened to her. She deserved better.

At the end of the show, the guys repented and regretted what they did - or in this case, what they didn't do. And I felt it. I felt the regret like it was my own. Life really is fleeting. It can be gone in just a snap. And it's sad because it took them a long time to come to their senses. It's sad because it was a little too late. Joy had to die before they could learn the severity of their mistake. 

I want to give props to the cast of this musical. Everyone was immersed in their roles. Young Hector, Joy, AJ, and Emman came to life because of these amazing actors. The present characters were also commendable, especially Jon Santos as AJ. And shoutout to Sheila Francisco who played as Tiya Dely, I loved her. I loved Bibo Reyes, the acting, the singing, the funny antics, ohmy. And finally, Gab Pangilinan, wow, what a performance! 

The stage and runs were smooth and well-executed. Everything was really good. I wish I could have watched this live.

Do I recommend you to watch this? Absolutely. Head to YouTube NOW, today is its last day of streaming! And also, if possible, please donate to the foundation, all details are in the description box. The proceeds will go to the different LGUs in the PH for food packs and help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Your donation, no matter how small, will go a long way. 💓 Enjoy! xx