Vivoree Esclito, BGYO's JL and Akira make stage debut in 'Tabing Ilog the Musical'

MANILA, Philippines — Star Magic and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) have joined forces to bring to the stage once more "Tabing Ilog the Musical," based on the popular series that ran from 1999 to 2003.

The original show starred the likes of John Lloyd Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria, Kaye Abad, Baron Geisler, Paolo Contis, Patrick Garcia and Desiree del Valle. It helped kickstart their popularity into the 21st century.

A musical adaptation of "Tabing Ilog" was staged at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater in 2020, following initial plans to reboot the series. It was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the nearly four years after its initial run, the musical was reworked to reflect the new environment of the youth so much so that only three of the 24 songs in the production were carried over from the 2020 edition, and even those saw some changes in the lyrics.

WATCH: The new cast of “Tabing Ilog the Musical” — including Vivoree Esclito, Anji Salvacion, BINI’s Jhoanna Robles, and BGYO’s Akira Moroshita and JL Toreliza — perform an excerpt from the production to be staged next month. @PhilstarShowbiz @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/70SwsGG462

"Tabing Ilog the Musical" will serve as the stage debuts of Kapamilya singer-actress Vivoree Esclito; the leader of girl group BINI, Jhoanna Robles and BGYO members Akira Morishita and JL Toreliza. They are just a few of the Star Magic talents appearing in the production.

Esclito and Robles will alternate in the role of Eds, originated by Abad, alongside Sheena Belarmino from "Tawag ng Tanghalan," while the BGYO boys will alternate as Rovic, originally played by John Lloyd Cruz — coincidentally the JL in Toreliza's name stands for John Lloyd.

Kiara Takahashi, Chaye Mogg and "Pinoy Big Brother: Connect" runner-up Andi Abaya will alternate in the role of George (Sta. Maria's former role). Takahashi previously played Eds in the musical's prior run with Gab Pangilinan and Abi Kassem.

Former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemates Jordan Andrews and Kobie Brown will play James, Garcia's former role. Miah Canton, also from "Tawag ng Tanghalan," will alternate with "Pinoy Big Brother" winner Anji Salvacion as Corrine, originally played