VIEN KING, ALEXA ILACAD AND KHALIL RAMOS SHINE IN 'LIWANAG SA DILIM'

By seamlessly blending the timeless music of Rivermaya with the enduring narrative of Noli Me Tangere, "Liwanag sa Dilim" is more than just a musical—it is a revolutionary theatrical experience.

- By CARLO OROSA

Under the visionary direction of Robbie Guevara, the production takes Jose Rizal's classic and infuses it with a modern energy that speaks to today's audience while remaining faithful to the novel's themes. With a brilliant creative team that includes dramaturg Jonjon Martin, producer Santi Santamaria and scenographer Mio Infante, this production is an audacious and vibrant reimagining of a literary masterpiece. But what truly elevates "Liwanag sa Dilim" are the performances of its leads—Vien King, Alexa Ilacad and Khalil Ramos.

The heart of "Liwanag sa Dilim" beats strongest through the chemistry between Vien King as Ibarra and Alexa Ilacad as Clara. From their first encounter to their most emotionally charged moments, the two command the stage with a connection that is both tender and intense.

Every glance, every dialogue and every duet between them feels authentic, drawing the audience into their love story. Their romance is not merely performed—it is lived on stage. Whether in moments of joy, longing or despair, their connection never falters, making their scenes together some of the most compelling in the entire production.

Vien's portrayal of Ibarra exudes charisma, effortlessly balancing the character's idealism with the weight of his struggles. His vocals soar in Rivermaya's anthemic songs, lending them both passion and depth.