Review: REP’s Going Home to Christmas Takes Off with Heart and Holiday Chee

-

Repertory Philippines (REP) wraps up its 2024 season with Going Home to Christmas – A Jose Mari Chan Musical, a production that feels like a warm reunion at the arrivals gate. Running until December 15 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, this jukebox musical—REP’s first—celebrates family, love, and the uniquely Filipino magic of Christmas through the iconic songs of “Mr. Christmas” himself.

A Filipino Love, Actually at the Airport

The musical feels like a Filipino Love, Actually, with its interconnected stories unfolding in an airport during the holidays. From rekindling love to navigating unspoken feelings and eagerly awaited reunions, the narratives capture the joy, anticipation, and bittersweet emotions of the season. The airport setting is the perfect metaphor for the holidays: a hub of movement, emotion, and connection that mirrors the longing for home and family during Christmas.

Stories That Land Close to Home

The script, penned by Luna Griño-Inocian, Robbie Guevara, and Joel Trinidad, is rich with humor and heart. It highlights the uniquely Pinoy experience of Christmas: the excitement of balikbayans arriving with pasalubong, the joy of reconnecting with loved ones, and the enduring importance of family. The writing flows like a well-organized boarding queue, with each story given just enough time to shine without overshadowing the others.

Performances That Soar

The cast delivers standout performances that hit all the emotional notes. Carla Guevara-Laforteza is radiant as Pat, her voice and presence commanding every scene she’s in. Neo Rivera as JD exudes charm, pairing a powerful voice with sincere emotion that connects deeply with the audience. Krystal Kane, Floyd Tena, and Julia Serad add warmth and sparkle to the ensemble, bringing depth to their characters and ensuring the show never loses its emotional altitude.

Musical Highlights Worth the Trip

Jose Mari Chan’s timeless songs anchor the production, reimagined by Ejay Yatco with a fresh yet nostalgic touch. Tell Me Your Name feels like a whispered conversation in the middle of airport chaos, while Please Be Careful With My Heart brims with hope and vulnerability. These numbers, paired with heartfelt performances, elevate the show into something truly special.

A Fun Layover with “Christmas in Our Hearts”

The musical’s playful nod to the ubiquity of Christmas in Our Hearts is one of its highlights. By humorously poking fun at how overplayed the song can be, the show makes audiences laugh while celebrating the track’s enduring appeal. It’s a clever touch that balances the production’s self-awareness with its affection for the holiday classic.

Minor Delays, but a Smooth Flight Overall

Director Jeremy Domingo ensures the pacing remains steady as the show transitions between stories. However, moments where only props personnel are visible on stage, while necessary, briefly interrupt the emotional flow. These small delays feel like waiting for baggage to arrive—minor inconveniences in an otherwise seamless experience. The character of Mang Juan could also have been explored further to add more grounding and cultural depth to the narrative.

Final Boarding Call

Going Home to Christmas is a heartfelt celebration of homecomings, Filipino traditions, and Jose Mari Chan’s iconic music. With its airport setting, deeply relatable stories, and stellar performances—especially by Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Neo Rivera—the musical captures the essence of a Pinoy Christmas. REP’s first jukebox musical is a soaring success, offering audiences the perfect way to rediscover the joy of the season.

Catch Going Home to Christmas at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium until December 15. Don’t miss this flight into the heart of a Filipino Christmas. For tickets and updates, visit Repertory Philippines’ website or follow them on social media.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cinema Paradiso Al Fresco at MiraNila: A Concert and Outdoor Film Screening in Manila this February 2026

-
Image
Anyone searching for a unique February 2026 event in Manila will find something remarkable at MiraNila Heritage House . On February 5, 2026 , the historic 1929 home in Cubao opens its gates for Cinema Paradiso Al Fresco , a one-night blend of live music, heritage tours, and an outdoor film screening that feels crafted for those who want culture presented with intimacy and intention. Stepping into MiraNila already feels like entering a preserved chapter of Manila’s past. Guests begin the evening with a guided heritage house tour , moving through rooms that hold nearly a century of stories. This gentle immersion sets up the mood for the night, grounding visitors before the music and film unfold on the front lawn. The concert itself features two celebrated international artists. Violinist Alessio Benvenuti , widely recognized for his national and international impact, performs alongside pianist Mariel Ilusorio , an artist whose work has reached audiences across four continents. Their pro...
Read more

Brickman Wonders of the World Extends in Manila Until March 8, 2026

-
Image
You don’t need to leave Manila to see the world—just a little more time to stay with it. Brickman Wonders of the World , the globally acclaimed LEGO® exhibition presented by GMG Productions , has officially extended its Manila run until March 8, 2026 , at The Space at Solaire . Originally scheduled to close in February, the extension gives families, students, and LEGO fans an extra month to experience a world tour built entirely from imagination, precision, and bricks. It’s not just an extension of dates. It’s an extension of possibility. A World Reimagined Through LEGO Bricks Inside Brickman Wonders of the World , familiar landmarks rise in unexpected ways. More than 45 iconic sites from across the globe —including the Taj Mahal , Leaning Tower of Pisa , and Arc de Triomphe —are recreated in LEGO form, some towering as high as 3.6 meters . Up close, the spectacle softens into detail. Patterns emerge. Techniques reveal themselves. You begin to notice how each structure was assembled br...
Read more

Tones Through Time: A Free Piano Concert at FEU Tracing the History of Western Music

-
Image
Before a single note is played, there is already a journey waiting to unfold, one that moves not through space, but through centuries of sound. On January 21, the Far Eastern University Center for the Arts opens the doors of the FEU Auditorium to that journey with Tones Through Time: A Musical Odyssey , a free admission informational piano concert led by internationally acclaimed pianist and educator Dr. Raffi Kasparian . This is not simply a recital. It is an invitation to listen with context, to hear how Western music grew, shifted, and responded to the world across generations. Through carefully chosen works and thoughtful narration, the concert traces the evolution of musical language from the Baroque period to the 20th century, guiding audiences through Classical balance, Romantic emotion, Impressionistic color, and modern experimentation. The result is an experience designed not only to be heard, but understood. Listening as Learning Tones Through Time: A Musical Odyssey is buil...
Read more