Several celebrities and personalities attended the gala night of Theater Group Asia’s The Notebook: The Musical on September 2 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
Among those who were present during the event were Alex Diaz, Sam Concepcion, and Gab Pangilinan, who praised its cast, music, and staging.
Actor Alex Diaz, who has worked with several members of the cast, described the production as “such a beautiful experience.” “To see some of the best singers in Manila with that material—iconic material, legendary material, such a classic—it’s just such a treat,” he said.
Alex praised his fellow Bar Boys The Musical actors Benedix Ramos, who plays Young Noah, and Omar Uddin, who plays Johnny. “He just portrays the youth so well,” he said of Benedix, while describing Omar as “a scene-stealer.”
He also spoke highly of Sheena Belarmino, who was likewise part of Bar Boys The Musical, calling her “absolutely brilliant.”
When asked about his favorite song or part of the musical, Alex shared that Morissette’s performances stood out to him. “Nilamon niya. Super, super good,” he said.
Likewise, Bongga Ka, Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical actor Sam Concepcion expressed his appreciation for the production, particularly its story about love and returning home. “I absolutely loved it. It’s amazing. It’s such an amazing story about love and going home. It really hit me in ways that I did not expect,” he said.
“It’s such an amazingly beautifully staged The Notebook with our very own performers that are outstanding in the show. Morissette, of course, is fantastic… The cast work so well together,” he said, adding that he hopes everyone gets the chance to see the musical.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Morisette Amon returns to theater in The Notebook: ‘I’m more than just a biritera’
Sam revealed that the ending was his favorite—and most emotional—part of the show. “The last bit is the part that I love and hate the most. I was bawling, bawling my eyes out. I was a wreck. I hate it, that’s why I love it,” he said.
Theater actress Gab Pangilinan was equally impressed by the production. “My jaw was hanging open the entire time. I was at the edge of my seat. The story is beautiful, the music, the cast—everything about it,” she said.
Gab believes the musical is particularly suited for Filipino audiences. “It will tug at every Filipino’s heartstrings. Like, perfect musical to be shown here in Manila talaga,” she said.
“My favorite song from the musical is ‘What Happens.’ I know everybody loves ‘My Day,’ which I love also, and [Morissette] absolutely kills it, but what she does in ‘What Happens’—like how she tells the story—beautiful,” Gab said.
Photo courtesy theatregroupasia IG
Directed by Filipino-American theater director Nicholas Polonio, The Notebook: The Musical features music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter.
The cast is led by Philippine theater icon Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie and acclaimed theater actor Rody Vera as Older Noah. Morissette stars as Middle Allie, opposite Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah, while Sheena Belarmino and Benedix Ramos play Young Allie and Young Noah, respectively.
Also part of the cast are Carla Guevara Laforteza as Mother, Floyd Tena as Father, Shaun Ocrisma as Fin, Jillian Itaas as Georgie, Felicity Kyle Napuli as Sarah, Markki Stroem as Lon, Kathleen Francisco as Nurse Joanna, and Omar Uddin as Johnny.
The Notebook: The Musical runs from September 3 to 20, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.