TAMPA PRODUCTION OF PHILIPPINE MUISCAL “BISPERAS NG PASKO” A BIG HIT

On December 7th, more than four hundred people from the Tampa Bay area were treated to a spectacular musical entitled “Bisperas ng PASKO” produced by the Cultural Affairs of the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), directed and put together by Nhick Ramiro Pacis and Connie Chanrasmi, featuring about eighty local and imported talents consisting of the Philippine Choral Group, the Musikong Kawayan Bamboo Ensemble, and the Philippine Performing Arts Company dancers, all in one two-and-a-half-hour production of songs and music.

>

“Bisperas ng Pasko” (The night before Christmas) is the Filipino adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” that was presented in a world where music, dance, and storytelling intertwine to celebrate compassion, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas.

The musical concert featured exceptional guest singers from out of town and many of our best-of-the-best local talents. The enchanting production that was enjoyed by everyone featured the mesmerizing performances by the Philippine Choral Group, alongside a stellar cast of artists such as Don Bronto as Romeo Nicolas, Vic Omila, Jr. as Binatang Romeo/Greg,

Bituin Escarcha as Gloria, young Nolan Trier as Batang Romeo,

Raffy Bleu as Magmamanok/Ginoong Aldea, Lorelei Uy as Magpuprutas, Melissa Santiano-Martinez as Magkakastanyas,

David Martinez as Maglolobo, PhilFest Tawag ng Tanghalan 2024 winner and Asian Pacific IDOL 2025 champion, Dodie Rabanso as William Kua, PhilFest Tawag ng Tanghalan 2025 champion, Ronel Suarez as Multo ng Paskong Nagdaan, Graham Longakit as Multo ng Pasko Ngayon, Ernie Roque as Multo ng Paskong Darating, and

Carissa Chanrasmi as Julieta. Philippine Choral Group conductor

Connie Chanrasmi played as Ina, and Abby Aldas played as Claudia.

“Bisperas ng Pasko” is written by Edna Mae Landicho and features 22 original Filipino songs arranged by Nhick Ramiro Pacis that capture the Filipino spirit.

Set in the bustling district of Tondo, Manila, the story reimagines Dickens’ characters within Filipino culture and contemporary social realities. Ebenezer Scrooge becomes Romeo Nicolas, a miserly man shaped by poverty, early loss, and years of hardship as a house-help under an abusive usurer.

The musical was first staged in 1995 by Dulaang UP and the UP Concert Chorus at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Bisperas ng Pasko continues to touch hearts with its timeless message and uniquely Filipino charm.

To all the cast, Nhick Ramiro Pacis, Connie Chanrasmi, and the entire cast, BRAVOOOOO! KUDOOOOOS! CONGRATULATIONS!

KUDOS also to PCFI for another outstanding cultural production and for continuing to preserve the Philippine cultures and traditions in Florida for generations to come.

(Photos courtesy of JOJO FLORES)