When the lights dimmed and the curtains rose on Going Home to Christmas, I knew I was in for something special. Set entirely in Liberty Airline on Christmas Eve, this musical play by Repertory Philippines is a love letter to Filipino Christmas traditions and the universal experience of family and love. The creative storytelling, exceptional performances, and a soundtrack stitched together with Jose Mari Chan’s iconic songs made this play a must-watch for the holiday season.
A Peek into Personal Lives
The play’s genius lies in its premise: a series of airport scenarios unfolding among diverse sets of characters. It’s like eavesdropping on intimate conversations and witnessing personal moments—something we could never do in real life. Each scene felt like a window into the lives of people we pass by but rarely notice. It was amazing to see and hear their stories brought to life with such authenticity.
Celebrating Filipino Christmas Traditions
“Going Home to Christmas” was deeply rooted in Filipino culture. The play underscored cherished traditions like Simbang Gabi, the anticipation of Christmas starting as early as September, and, of course, the omnipresent Jose Mari Chan. These elements localized the story, making it more relatable and heartwarming for the audience. It reminded us that in the Philippines, Christmas is not just a holiday; it’s a way of life. The play highlighted the importance of going home to family for a festive reunion, emphasizing that Christmas is the most important and celebrated day of the year.
Memorable Storylines and Characters
The plot weaved through various personal issues, from marital challenges to father-son bonding, and new and old loves. Each story was unique yet interconnected by the common thread of Christmas.
P.S. I loved all the characters and how they were portrayed, but among all the sets of characters presented, below are my favorites:
My Favorite Scenes?
- The Dad and Son Moments: These lighthearted yet heartfelt exchanges were refreshingly relatable, especially for Gen Z audiences. The playful banter and evolving relationship struck a chord with everyone.
- The Husband and Wife Scene: Watching their dynamic was like seeing my own parents—raw, funny, and deeply touching.
- The Producer’s Entrance: This comedic moment was a perfect palate cleanser, adding levity to the narrative. More direk Allan! (tatay namin to!!!)
- The Pilot and Flight Attendant Plot Twist: This storyline had great chemistry, humor, and an emotional punch, especially when the flight attendant exclaimed, “Siraulo ka talaga!” repeatedly to her husband. Their scenes were a testament to how love can endure through challenges.
Mang Juan’s Role
Mang Juan, the janitor, served as the bridge between scenes, seamlessly transitioning the audience from one story to another. His presence added a grounding element to the play, symbolizing the unnoticed yet essential roles people play in our lives.
Themes of Love and Family
The play tackled various personal issues—husband and wife misunderstandings, father and son camaraderie, lovers reuniting, and the bittersweetness of old and new love. Despite these differences, the stories all converged on one universal truth- Christmas is a time for love and giving. The play reminded us that we should treat every day as Christmas by showing love and kindness to everyone, most especially to those who matter most.
It also emphasized that during Christmas, we easily forgive and tend to forget—even if just for a short while—our problems, losses, and life’s biggest burdens. The season becomes a time of joy, happiness, and festive laughter, making it an opportunity to focus on love and family.
Airport Realities as a Catalyst
The setting of Liberty Airline amplified the drama and humor, with relatable scenes of long lines, poor customer service, and delayed flights. These airport realities added a layer of authenticity and heightened the audience’s connection to the story.
Jose Mari Chan’s Iconic Songs
The musical’s soul was undoubtedly Jose Mari Chan’s music. His songs, filled with love and familial warmth, beautifully stitched the story together. Whether it was a tender moment of reconciliation or a joyous celebration, the music elevated every scene. The final number, Christmas in Our Hearts, left the audience in awe and filled with gratitude, a fitting conclusion to this heartwarming story.
The Production
From the set design to the choreography, dialogue, and acting, everything was well executed. The few mistakes were so minor that they went unnoticed. The creative team’s dedication was evident in every detail, making the play a delightful visual and emotional experience.
While the production was largely impressive, there were a few dragging parts, possibly due to long lines or the formulaic nature of some scenes. However, these minor shortcomings were quickly overshadowed by the brilliance of the characters and the delivery of their lines. The set design, choreography, and acting shone brightly, ensuring an overall delightful experience for the audience.
Final Thoughts
Going Home to Christmas masterfully captured the essence of the Filipino holiday spirit—a celebration of love, family, and the enduring joy of being together. It’s a story where every thread found closure, leaving the audience with full hearts and a renewed appreciation for the season. Congratulations to Repertory Philippines for this creative success. I went out of the auditorium inspired, smiling and already humming Jose Mari Chan’s timeless tunes.
Find out more about this amazing musical here: www.facebook.com/repertoryphilippines
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