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| Dave Ezra |
It's just a couple of days before "Jeproks The Musical" debuts at GSIS Theater and while Gen Xers who revere OPM rock icon Mike Hanapol are super excited about it, letting Gen Z know why this is so could be paramount.
The musical is based on the music of Hanopol, one third of the legendary Juan de la Cruz Band. Together with Pepe Smith and Wally Gonzales, the singer, bass guitarist and songwriter was part of the force that pioneered and paved the way for Pinoy rock bands to be played on mainstream radio, eventually "legitimizing" the genre in local pop culture.
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| Jett Pangan |
The list of their hits written by Hanopol is the soundtrack of a generation. Among these are "Titser's Enemi No. 1," "No Touch," "Balong Malalim," and, of course, the anthemic "Laki Sa Layaw Jeproks." Often irreverent and always tongue-in-cheek, the songs reflected and buoyed the rebelliousness and youthful spirit of the Filipino identity.
Later, Hanopol would embark on a successful solo career to produce more hits, including "Buhay Amerika." You could not miss him everytime he made a public appearance: His trademark is the beret, leather clothing, and muscled biceps totting Steinberger guitar.
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| Geneva Cruz |
Hanopol has so far produced 20 albums, three of which having earned Gold Record aaard. Another three received the Aliw Awards. At 80 years old, he is still at it and continues to gig here and abroad whenever this rock star pleases.
As for "Jeproks, The Musical," it follows the wild, winding journey of three friends—Mico (David Ezra), Willi (Jeffrey Hidalgo),and Paulo ( Nino Alejandro) as they form the legendary Sikatuna Band.
At its core is Mico’s fight to chase his rock-and-roll dreams against the fierce disapproval of his father, Tatay Paking (Jett Pangan). In his moments of doubt, he finds an unlikely muse in Liwayway, the enchanting Diwata of Rakenrol (Geneva Cruz), who embodies both magic and memory.
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| Nino Alejandro |
But fame is fleeting. After a disastrous gig in Japan, the band splinters—Willi returns to a warm but freeloading family, and Paulo drifts through the beaches of Siargao, numbed by a life without purpose. When Mico meets Paz (Sheila Ferrer) in a protest rally, their lives take a turn as they realize how powerful music can be.
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| Jeffrey Hidalgo |
Set in the vibrant 1970s, Jeproks captures the soul of a generation during a time of political and social upheaval—when music was both rebellion and refuge.
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| Sheila Ferrer |
Through soaring rock anthems, bittersweet ballads, and the unbreakable bond of friendship, the Sikatuna Band becomes the voice of dreamers hungry for freedom, identity, and change.
The musical runs at the GSIS Theater on Roxas Boulevard from Nov. 20 to 29, 2025. The creatives behind "Jeproks" are director Frannie Zamora, writer Nick Pitchay and musical director Jed Balsamo.
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| From left: Musical director Jed Balsamo, writer Nicholas Pitchay and director Frannie Zamora |
Produced by Tanghalang Una Obra and The Hammock Productions, Inc., tickets for "Jeproks, The Musical" are at Ticketworld and on www.ticket2me.net
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