Pinoy talent is world-class: Ilongga actress

Everywhere a Filipino artist goes, he or she receives admiration, according to theatre actress and Ilongga, Shiela Valderrama, who plays the role of Anna in Resorts World Manila’s play “The King and I”.

Bo Cerrudo and Shiela Valderrama

Shiela started her theatre career at the age of 13 with Repertoire Philippines. One of her earliest stints was with Disney.

“I was able to tour Asia because of my work and it’s an amazing feeling for me ... doing it for Filipinos. Di tayo matatalo. When we work abroad, Filipinos are always honoured,” she told the Iloilo media during a press conference held at Al Dente Restaurant.

She came with actor Bo Cerrudo who plays the role of King Mongkuk, RWM’s Asst. Director for Membership Services and Operations Teddy Pojol and Chief Integrated Marketing Officer Martin Paz.

“The King and I, the fifth masterpiece of the celebrated tandem of Rodgers and Hammerstein, is the story of a widowed English school teacher who travels to Siam to serve as tutor to the many children of the King. Anna’s task of introducing the kingdom to the modern world brings about disputes with the King whom he learned to respect and love over time,” according to RWM’s website.

“Considered as one of the most beloved classics in theater, The King and I has garnered world-wide acclaim, including 5 Tony Awards for its original 1951 Broadway run, and 5 Academy Awards for its 1966 film adaptation. It is a story as beautifully intricate and multi-faceted as the culture it portrays, brought to life with timeless songs and melodies,” the site added.

“It’s a story of bridging two cultures amid a time when Siam begins to revolutionize,” said Cerrudo.

Cerrudo also corrected the misconception that the play is only for the rich.

“It may have a world-class ambience but it does not have a world-class price,” he said, referring to the Newport Performing Arts Theater where RWM’s plays are held.

“The King and I is the third musical of Resorts World,” Paz  said. “We had ‘Chaos’ and ‘Sound of Music’. After ‘King and I’ may niluluto na kami,” he added.

“With these shows, Resorts World Manila gets to support world-class Filipino talents. As our boss Andrew Tan said, the Philippines is leading when it comes to Broadway musicals. In fact, overseas foreign workers are going back to perform at Resorts World Manila,” he said.

With the increasing patronage of its musicals, RWM is going to build a 3,000-square-meter opera house to accommodate more guests, said Paz.

The play schedule of The King and I is: Friday, 8 pm; Saturday, 7 pm; and Sunday, 2 pm until May.

Resorts World Manila is located at Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay.*