Surely Support Group

After an unplanned hiatus, The Surelys are back with an episode on Ang Balyena by Aninag Theatre. Join Anne and Dans as they attempt to unpack the layers of this tension-filled piece.Content Warning: This episode contains discussion on grooming, sexual assault, physical violence, and alcoholism. Listener discretion is advised.

How do theater companies decide the shows they put on? We asked the producers! Pau talks to GMG Productions’ Sam Sewell and The Sandbox Collective’s Toff De Venecia to get their insights on the Philippine theater scene today through a producer’s lens, the trends they’re excited about, and many of the considerations they have before a show even makes it to the stage.***This episode was completed as part of the ArtsEquator Fellowship 2024

With a very busy year just about to close, there's a lot to talk about in the world of theater. Join Pau as she catches up with Theatre Titas' Cheese Mendez and TheaterFansManila's Frida Tan about all things theater: from the Wicked film adaptation, revenge theater in the Philippines, thoughts about what the local industry needs right now, down to some dream prods we wish to see. This episode was completed as part of the ArtsEquator Fellowship 2024.

We talk to one of the most in-demand musical directors today, Ejay Yatco, and ask him all about the process, the misconceptions people often have about musical directors, as well as how he worked on some of our favorite musicals this year. Plus, some thoughts and hopes on the future of musical theater in the Philippines. This episode was created as part of the ArtsEquator Fellowship 2024.

We read everything, Justice Hernandez! Mula readings to feelings, sinamahan namin sina Chris, Erik, Torran, at Josh sa kanilang unang mga trial sa laro ng buhay bago pa man sila maging ganap na lawyer. Samahan sina Dans at Pau in cross-examining this musical adaptation of the 2017 film na isang classic coming-of-age story kung saan bida ang sacrifices, perseverance, principles, and friendship. Laban? Game!

Dami pang gustong sabihin, pero pinagkasya namin sa episode na ‘to emz. Samahan sa kuwentuhan (at honest takes) sina Anne, Dans, at Pau as they unpack lessons of love, career, friendship, mental health, and character development from the story of a cult classic movie, One More Chance, and one of the OPM icons of this generation, Ben&Ben.

First solo pod ep! Join me (please) as I muse on the relentless theater tradition of infusing storytelling for the stage with historical and political commentary. ...I mean, it's probably not a coincidence we're seeing more plays on historical figures, and martial law, and plays taking a jab at current political issues, right. What I first thought might be a "trend" turned out to be more deeply rooted. Mabuhay ang mga artista ng bayan! - Pau

Siguro narinig na natin ang pangalan na Emilio Jacinto o kaya naman “Pingkian” sa school o sa Hekasi class pero sino nga ba talaga siya? Sa huling produksyon ng Tanghalang Pilipino, mas nakilala natin si Emilio Jacinto, isang makabayang sa murang edad, ginamit ang armas pati panulat upang Rebolusyon ay ipag-alab. Hindi pa tapos ang laban with Anne, Dans, Pau, and Tonyo as we look at the hero’s overlooked story told in “Pingkian: Isang Musikal.” Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

The heat is on again – not just the weather! It’s been a while since Manila’s seen Dreamland in 1960s Saigon, and been taken by the romance between Kim, a South Vietnamese country maid, and Chris, a young American G.I. From its birth in war to modern reception, Dans, Pau, and Tonyo look at the hit musical Miss Saigon, and its impact as a tale of love in conflict. Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

Life is pan-de-mo-ni-um lately, so take a break with Dans and Pau as they share their fun time at the Bee. Find out what they discovered about their inner children through the spellers at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!

May mga pagsubok tayo sa buhay na naiibsan sa ating mga panaginip, katulad ng pagkakaroon ni Susie ng mga kaibigang sapatos sa kanyang paghimbing kahit na wala naman siyang mga paa sa tuwing gigising. Samahan sina Dans at Pau sa kanilang kuwentuhan ng pagpapahayag ng pag-ibig at pangarap sa aming episode sa Sandosenang Sapatos! Send in a voice message: https:/podcasters.spotify.com/ pod/show/ssgpodcast/message

Bumalik na nga ang hari sa entablado! At sa tuwing napapanood namin ang Rama, Hari, buhay na buhay talaga sa awit at sayaw ang isang alamat na mahal sa marami! Kahit si Rama at Sita pa rin naman sa huli, may mga ideya pa rin kaming nakuha mula kay Ravana, sa pagtupad ng bawat balak, at mula kay Soorpanakha, kahit na tsinapter siya. Makichika sa aming pagbabalik-tanaw sa aming pagbisita sa Ayodha! Send in a voice message: https:/podcasters.spotify.com/ pod/show/ssgpodcast/message

How lucky we were to be alive, and in the room where it happened! We, the people, were certainly satisfied with the story of Alexander Hamilton told like never before. It was slick, clean, American history like you’ve never seen. We dive into the smash hit musical’s Manila opening for its international tour. Join us as we relive our experience finally seeing it live after years of yearning and share our thoughts as to what can Philippine Theater learn from this production. Send in a voice message: https:/podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ssgpodcast/message

Curtain call na for 2023, and it’s also our last episode of the year! The return of live theater was a feast for the senses as local and international prods lit up stages all around the Metro. Join us in looking back on our favorite shows, and forward to what we know is coming for 2024! Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

Opo, may sequel nga po ang ating return to the Theater Review. Dito sa Part 2, we visit more of our favorite prod venues sa buong Metro, kasama ang aming mga bias (BIAS?) na lugar at mga first time naming dalawin. Mula Pasay, to QC at Taguig, tuloy pa rin ang chikahan! Makichismis so you know what’s new, what to expect, and how to make the most of your theater experience. Don’t forget to check out Part 1! Send in a voice message: https:/podcasters.spotify.com/ pod/show/ssgpodcast/message

Live theater is back—alive and kicking na nga, mga mhie! Dahil diyan, balik-teatro na talaga tayo, literally! Masaya naming binalikan ang mga lugar na halos 3 years naming hindi napuntahan habang dinidiskubre ang mga bagong-bukas na mga tanghalan. Pakinggan ang aming chikahan at makichismis kung ano nga ba ang aabangan, aasahan, at dapat paghandaan kung hindi pa ninyo nararating ang mga tanghalang nasa (CITIES) for the Part 1 of our Theater Venue Review!

At what point do we say we’ve had enough and it’s time to move on? Okay pa ba tayo, or are we still hurting? At sino ba talaga kasi may mali, si Jamie o si Cathy? Mahaba-habang chikahan na naman, with Anne, Dans, and Pau as they recount watching Barefoot Theater Collab’s The Last Five Years. Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

A milestone with so many questions. “What have I achieved?” “Am I running out of time?” And for a struggling artist, the clock is ticking away to his 30th birthday. Between getting by and getting that big break, Jonathan Larson’s story comes to life on stage in tick, tick…BOOM! In our 30th episode, Pau, Dans, and Tonyo go back to New York City 1990, to see the man behind the musical Rent and the existential crisis that lived rent-free in his head. And many of us can surely relate. Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

Intense po ang “revenge theater” this year! As much as we’re again enjoying theater’s magic with returning and new prods…we’re also reminded of things that can ruin the experience for us (and other audiences). Hayst. Friends, huwag naman ganun. Marami pang shows coming soon, so kung balak ninyong manood, remember these tips from Pau, Dans, Anne, and Tonyo! Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains themes such as trauma, depression, and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. Brilliant Thing Number 143: Theater productions that touch your heart, like “Every Brilliant Thing” and its Filipino adaptation, “Bawat Bonggang Bagay.” Here’s Part 2 of our deep dive into the recent Sandbox Fest! Pau, Dans, and Tonyo are back to talk about how this interactive play reflects realities like mental health, connections, and community. We even share a few of our personal brilliant things! Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected]

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains themes such as trauma, depression, and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. Having kids? In this economy? Their carbon footprint? That’s basically Duncan Macmillan’s “Lungs” for you. In this episode, Pau, Dans, and Tonyo weigh in on Sandbox Fest 2023’s production of “Lungs,” and share their own views on relationships, children, and even the future (wow, serious!). It’s Part 1 of our two-part dive into The Sandbox Collective’s recent twin-bill production. Take a deep breath, listen, and watch out for the next one! Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

Nandiyan ka pa pala? Dapat lang! Huwag nang mang-unfriend, dahil Unity tayo rito! Woooh! Bawal din mapikon, dahil titiklop ang Cariño Brutal sa hirit ng A Gay! Balikan natin ang Walang Kamatayang Rosas ni Nica del Rosario moments at makisalo kanila Dans at Pau over The Reconciliation Dinner! Bon Appétit!

Dalaga (o Hinog? haha) na ang paborito nating pista ng mga dula, kaya’t hindi natin pinalampas ang masaganang pagdiriwang nito! Pakinggan ang mabungang talakayan nina Anne, Dans, at Pau tungkol sa kanilang mga paboritong one-act plays mula sa Virgin Labfest 18: Hitik!

Does love win at its own game? We try to answer that by looking at three plays featuring the triumphs, heartaches, and mysteries of both straight and LGBTQIA+ relationships. “20 Questions”, “Unica Hijas”, and “Laro” each had us dive into interconnected, lived realities, and the meaning of loving differently. #20Yearsof20Q #20QTitas #BTCPridePlays Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Tiktok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

We’re back with the final part of our Ang Huling El Bimbo 2023 deep dive. Di talaga maiiwasang mapag-usapan ulit ano bang issues ng mga characters sa musical na ‘to? Should they have gone to therapy? At ano ‘tong fan theories ng Surelys?!

Huling pagsama pa-alapaap! In this two-part episode, the Surelys go back to the musical that started it all—Ang Huling El Bimbo. In this episode, we talk about what’s changed in the 2023 version of the beloved jukebox musical, and bits of what we loved about the show.

Tunay ngang walang sakit, walang hapdi, walang sugat sa aming dibdib paglabas namin ng Teatro Zorilla matapos tunghayan ang pagtindig at pag-ibig ni Julia at Tenyong. Ma… marami raw humihiling ng cast recording ng Walang Aray? Weh? Well, isa (o dalawa 😜) na kami doon! Find out why in this episode as we reminisce our favorite songs and scenes in Walang Aray!

Meron pa bang kokontra sa tagumpay ni Zsazsa(o Ada?) Listen to Dans and Pau as they discuss thoughts about the nuances and sensibilities in a seemingly (extra)ordinary superhero story—Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical…’Yun Lang! Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

Everyone’s over the moon with the musical about love and defiance. Now, join Dans, Pau, and Tine to discuss their thoughts and favorites in this episode about the musical that struck our hearts most, Mula sa Buwan. #HulingLipad #MSBproshot Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

Pa-rant isa lang? We’re baaack, because of a hot topic that soon evolved into a heated discussion online! The Surelys share random thoughts on Hamilton, the accessibility of Philippine theater, and a slew of other connected topics. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Kumu, TikTok: @surelysgroup!

What happens if you only have 140 words a day? In a long-overdue deep dive episode, Dans, Pau, Tine, and Tonyo talks about Sam Steiner's play, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, tackling a world where the British government introduced "The Quietude Bill" or Hush Law which limits the citizen's speech to 140 words a day and was recently streamed by C.A.S.T (Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre) featuring Nelsito Gomez and Gabby Padilla. Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Kumu to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

Theater folk are some of the most versatile people we know, and two of our guests are no exception. They're theater actors, singers, and even commercial talents. But another interesting thing is how the careers they started in weren't exactly in the same field as theater. In this episode, we chat with one of the in-demand leading men of theater, Floyd Tena, and The Voice of the Philippines season 2 finalist and theater artist Jep Go to find out more about their crossing over from corporate to arts. Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Kumu to be updated on our upcoming content! For collaborations and sponsorships, email us at [email protected].

WE'RE BACK WITH ANOTHER EPISODE! We briefly talked about our projects that were made before our hiatus and what's in store for the group this year. Follow @surelysgroup on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Kumu to be updated on our upcoming content! 

We're back! To kick off our new season, we talked to classical singer, theatre actor, and vocal coach Arman Ferrer. In this episode, he shares his experiences from being a choir member, his beginnings in theater, and his many new projects this year! Follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @surelysgroup. | Photo from Arman Ferrer's Instagram page

One of the industries most heavily affected by the pandemic is the performing arts industry, which includes theater. More than a hundred days into quarantine, how has the theater world adapted? How will they move forward? Black Box Production's Pat Valera and Full House Theater Company's Michael Williams join us in our final episode to answer these questions. Follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @surelysgroup. | Photo grabbed from Vlad Gonzales and Repertory Philippines

(Trigger warning: This episode features mentions of sensitive themes related to sexual assault and death.)    Long overdue deep dive on Ang Huling El Bimbo. Anne, Dans, Pau, and Tine go over the various topics and issues discussed after the nationwide streaming of AHEB, with new realizations and more. Follow our Twitter and Instagram, @surelysgroup. | Photo grabbed from Full House Theater Company's social media page

(Trigger warning: This episode features mentions of sensitive themes related to sexual assault and death.)    Long overdue deep dive on Ang Huling El Bimbo. Anne, Dans, Pau, and Tine go over the various topics and issues discussed after the nationwide streaming of AHEB, with new realizations and more. Follow our Twitter and Instagram, @surelysgroup. | Photo grabbed from Full House Theater Company's social media page

My golly gosh miss niyo na ba Ang Huling El Bimbo?! Kami rin miss na namin. So we invited some of the cast to talk (mostly gush) about the production, what went on behind the scenes (including bloopers during the run!), AND THE UPCOMING STREAM OF ANG HULING EL BIMBO. Yes, ya heard that right. Watch along with us and join the discussion using the hashtag #AngOnlineElBimbo.  More details on the AHEB stream in the episode! Follow us on twitter and Instagram @surelysgroup. | Photo grabbed from Full House Theater Company's social media page.

We're back! It's Day 49 of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Manila due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How have we been coping? How has the theater industry been coping? What will theater look like after this crisis? We try to answer these questions and relive the theater moments we miss. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @surelysgroup.

Sino bang tama? Muslim? Kristiyano?  Tanghalang Pilipino’s Batang Mujahideen explores the two sides and more. In this bonus episode, we discuss the most striking points of the play, from the documentary-like approach to the company’s directing decisions. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @surelysgroup.

It’s 2020, why are people still using their phones in theaters? We talk about our theater-going pet peeves and more. | Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @surelysgroup.

Tonyo, Pau, Anne, and Tine talk about the first play in this year’s season of C.A.S.T. (Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre)—Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus.” It’s our first time to watch a staged reading, so we had a lot of thoughts (hence this episode going on overtime). We talk story, acting, and music—plus a surprise something for Gian Magdangal fans! | Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @surelysgroup.

ELY! ELY! EL BIMBO NAMAN DYAN! Pau and Tonyo give us a gist on what happened last December 8, 2019 at the Ely Buendia: A Night At The Theater concert featuring the Ang Huling El Bimbo Cast as guests while reliving the feels and the songs that were played! Follow @surelysgroup on Twitter & Instagram!

We're back with another episode! This episode contains spoilers as we continue reliving the scenes from the musicals Mabining Mandirigma, Rak of Aegis and Himala. Follow @surelysgroup on Twitter & Instagram!

WARNING: Spoilers | We're back with another episode! Join us as we go back in time(-ish), talking about our first and favorite musicals! | Follow @surelysgroup on Twitter & Instagram!

First bonus episode! Join Ella and Tine as they talk about the cast announcement for Black Box Productions' Dekada '70 and the upcoming ONS Cabaret: As Seen On TV! | Follow @surelysgroup on Twitter & Instagram!

For our first episode, we talk about the history of Surely Support Group and our love for  Philippine Theater. Since this is our first episode, there's a lot of dead air and moving of the mic so you can hear sounds (that's actually me checking if it's still recording since we don't have equipment yet). Disclaimer: It's very very makalat. | Follow @surelysgroup on Twitter & Instagram!