"The Votes of the Philippines": Reality in Check

I received a text message from a good friend of mine, Crystal, last Wednesday, informing me that our friend, Frida, is giving complimentary tickets of the repeat of their successful run of their show, “The Votes of the Philippines”. I hesitated at first because I did not know if I have urgent schedule on a Friday, but thinking of the opportunity to watch it free, I decided to come over whether or not my other friends will come to watch it with me. I agreed to the invitation because I know, the show’s worth.  Good thing, my friends took time to come and watched the show as support to our dear friend, Frida.

Aside from the show’s worth, it was my first time to see my friend, Frida, perform live, in front of a big, paying audience in a satirical presentation. It was a rare opportunity for me, so I grab this once in a lifetime chance to witness my friend’s brilliance.

“The Votes of the Philippines” is a parody of local politics in the Philippines.  Inspired by the talent show, “The Voice of the Philippines”, “The Votes of the Philippines” showcased presidential aspirants who expressed their intent to become the next president through singing.  Similar to the talent show’s concept, a blind election was done (blind audition in the original show) to determine who deserve to replace the Philippine President, PNoy, after his term in the government office.  Lookalikes of Apl de Ap, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo were the panel of judges who did their verdicts for these presidential wanna-be’s.  I commend the team for pulling off a good job in executing this concept, because even the hand sign (Laban sign of the Aquino with indelible ink) was aligned to the true essence of the show.

See the "Laban Sign" with indelible ink? Nice spoof!

Master Impressionist, Willie Nepomuceno, portrayed these presidential hopefuls namely: former president and current Manila mayor, Joseph Estrada and Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas with special participation of the late actor, the King, Fernando Poe Jr., and the president himself, Pres. Noynoy Aquino. His daughter, Frida, played Senator Grace Poe.

His Excellency, President Noynoy Aquino

PNoy delivers his introduction.

First presidential hopeful: Mayor Erap Estrada

Mayor president Erap defending himself in front of the judges.

Senator Grace and her dad, Fernando Poe, Jr. reunited on stage

DILG Sec. Mar Roxas shows his singing prowess.

The show did not fail me. I was entertained from start to finish. The Master Impressionist, Willie Nepomuceno, did it again. His profound characterization of different political personalities provided valuable entertainment at its finest. He proved that he is the master impressionist by bringing to life famous celebrities with his artistic command in putting prosthetics, wigs as well as changing costumes in a snap. Yes, he mastered the art of mimicking these big names in politics and entertainment world, yet he never ran out of ways in continuously improving his craft he had been doing for decades.

After the “The Votes of the Philippines” presentation, Nepomuceno did another character portrayal. This time, he played as Pope Francis, which I believe, the best highlight of the show. The final act gave the audience a hearty laugh. His homily-inspired delivery tackled topics on poverty, corruption and the youth. During his homily, he even stated the lyrics of the song, “The Greatest Love of All”.  His portrayal of the holiness, Pope Francis, was very timely for it paved engaging yet thought-provoking wisdoms about the present situation of the country after his papal visit last January.

His Holiness, Pope Francis

Willie NePOPEmuceno delivers his homily.

Prior to the staging of “The Votes of the Philippines”, Nepomuceno gave tribute to world’s legendary music icon, the Beatles. He brought to life the members of the band in the persons of George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Ringo Starr. A video documentary was shown in every gap, which provided new learning to the viewers, especially the young audiences, on how this group rocked the music scene. I was not only entertained but also learned something new from this UK-based band.  

Paul McCartney

Ringo Starr

John Lennon

George Harrison

Apart from the international icon, the Beatles, Nepomuceno spoofed other local icons

who made remarkable contributions in the country. He did his comic performance of the late Comedy King, Dolphy.  Also spoofed were Freddie Aguilar, Hajji Alejandro and Tom Jones, at the start of the show. A video spoof of the three opposition senators: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Bong Revilla and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile who are now in detention for their involvement in PDAF scam, tickled my funny bones.

Meanwhile, I want to commend my dear friend, Frida, for doing a delightful job in masterfully imitating the presidential sister, Kris Aquino in a solo performance. From Kris’ laughter, appearance and voice, she was able to do justice to her role. Job well done, sis!  Love, love, love!

Frida as Kris Aquino

Frida's solo act

True to his craft, Sir Willie Nepomuceno will always be the man with many faces and voices whose impressions not only aim to entertain but also to remind us to be vigilant members of the country.

Again, I congratulate the hardworking people who worked on and off stage for the successful repeat performance of the Votes of the Philippines.  

the girls with Frida  (extreme left). Nice meeting you, Nanz (beside Frida)

Riz, Frida & Tin

Photo opportunity with Sarah G and Sen. Miriam lookalikes.

With Willie NePOPEmuceno. Thank you for entertaining us.

Until my next shoot and scribble.

~Riz~