REVIEW: 'Mula sa Buwan' 2024 soars higher with a sharper, more resonant narrative
As the curtains rise on Mula sa Buwan 2024, a sold-out audience buzzes with excitement. For some, this is their first experience, while others are returning to see it again. Personally, I wasn’t sure what to expect after having seen it in 2022. The cast promised a new focus this year, emphasizing defiance, though I felt they already captured that theme well in the previous production.
Based on Edmond Rostand's classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, Mula sa Buwan was created by Pat Valera and William Elvin Manzano in 2010. Drawing from the Filipino translation by Soc Rodrigo, the play reimagines the original French narrative within the context of pre-World War II Philippines. Since its official debut in 2016, Mula sa Buwan has garnered widespread praise and has become a cornerstone of contemporary Philippine theater.
The 2024 staging begins as the lights dim. Intricate textures are projected onto the stage. The curtain rises, revealing a more minimalist set design. The lighting is now more subtle, drawing greater attention to the actors and the unfolding drama. Set pieces are more polished, enhancing the authenticity of the 1941 Philippine setting. With improved background elements and architectural details, the period truly comes to life. Even the muted color palette, a stark departure from the slightly brighter hues used in 2022, works to deepen the somber atmosphere of a country on the brink of war, while allowing the characters and their story to take center stage.
'Best version yet'
This year’s production feels more streamlined, trimming some of the complexity from the 2022 version. The core themes of unrequited love, fitting in during uncertain times, and adapting to a post-war world remain intact, but with sharper focus. This refinement allows the humor to feel brighter, and the emotional moments hit harder, leaving a more profound impact.
What truly makes Mula sa Buwan 2024 shine, however, is the cast. Gab Pangilinan’s Roxane is as captivating as ever, while MC Dela Cruz, now playing Christian after previously portraying Maximo, brings a fresh vulnerability to the character. His awkward but heartfelt portrayal draws audible gasps from the audience during a critical scene.
Brian Sy’s performance as Maximo is also a standout. His nuanced portrayal brings new depth to a character that was previously more one-dimensional. Once arrogant and power-driven, Maximo now feels like a victim of his own circumstances, navigating the cadet life while his world crumbles under the weight of war.
One unexpected change on opening night was Paw Castillo stepping into the role of Cyrano, as Myke Salomon was sidelined by a minor injury. Castillo delivered a masterful performance, portraying Cyrano’s contradictions with grace and intensity—arrogant yet intelligent, charismatic yet broken. Despite the short notice, Castillo rose to the challenge and proved more than worthy of the role.
Cast of Mula Sa Buwan. Photo by Erickson dela Cruz
Jerom Canlas plays Tato, Myke Salomon plays Cyrano-by Myra Ho
Phi Palmos plays Rosanna. Photo by May Celeste
Paw Castillo plays Cyrano, Gab Pangilinan plays Roxane. Photo by Kyle Venturillo
Myke Salomon plays Cyrano. Photo by Kris Rocha
Gab Pangilinan plays Roxane. Photo by Kris Rocha
Jill Ita-as plays Gabriel, Jerom Canlas plays Tato. Photo by Jaypee Maristaza
Myke Salomon plays Cyrano. Photo by CJ Ochoa
Cast of Mula Sa Buwan. Photo by CJ Ochoa
Brian Sy plays Maximo. Photo by CJ Ochoa
Cast of Mula Sa Buwan. Photo by Erickson dela Cruz
Jerom Canlas plays Tato, Myke Salomon plays Cyrano-by Myra Ho
Phi Palmos plays Rosanna. Photo by May Celeste
Paw Castillo plays Cyrano, Gab Pangilinan plays Roxane. Photo by Kyle Venturillo
Myke Salomon plays Cyrano. Photo by Kris Rocha
Gab Pangilinan plays Roxane. Photo by Kris Rocha
Jill Ita-as plays Gabriel, Jerom Canlas plays Tato. Photo by Jaypee Maristaza
Myke Salomon plays Cyrano. Photo by CJ Ochoa
Cast of Mula Sa Buwan. Photo by CJ Ochoa
Brian Sy plays Maximo. Photo by CJ Ochoa
CLOSE
Mula sa Buwan 2024 is, without a doubt, the best version yet. The production has retained its heart—the search for identity, the solace found in art and music, and the bonds formed during extreme hardship—while achieving a new level of focus and emotional resonance. Gone is the heavy exposition, replaced by subtle inference, allowing the themes to breathe and the story’s emotional beats to land with greater impact.
By the time the show reaches its heartbreaking climax, the audience is visibly moved, with sniffles heard throughout the theater. While I’m still unsure if defiance has truly become the central theme, the production’s emotional highs and lows feel more intense and earned than ever before. In this sense, Mula sa Buwan 2024 has surpassed its predecessors, offering a more focused, emotionally resonant narrative that continues to honor its original themes while evolving in ways that keep it fresh and impactful. It stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of Philippine theater and its ability to surprise and connect with a growing audience on a deeply emotional level.
We are fortunate to witness it.
Get to know the cast and director of the 2024 run below.