October 26, 2025 | 12:25pm
MANILA, Philippines — Imagine supernatural beings like “kapre,” “tikbalang” and “duwendes” from our Filipino folklore breathed into new life in a musical play.
This is the premise of the original musical play “Kaning Itim,” which dabbles on themes of friendship, family and embracing your truth.
It has been gaining positive word of mouth since Studio A Productions launched it last September 2025.
Philstar.com talked with the musical’s writer, Danna Bernardino, who described the play in three words as “magical, novelty and enchanting.”
Its talented cast, led by Albert Concepcion (youngest brother of beauty queen actress Alma Concepcion) plays as the leader of the engkantos, “Apo Hiking,” while Cherry Morena plays the protagonist, Sugar, the daughter of Apo Hiking. These two actors gave commendable performances with powerful voices that left a mark to their audiences.
Albert, who is also the play’s musical director, was initially hesitant to accept this role.
“Nagpe-perform din ako sa stage kaso it’s been years, years but ‘Kaning Itim’ is the first professional theater experience ko and I’m very fulfilled,” Concepcion said.
He was a singer, who took inspiration from his grandmother, Cora Madrid, who was also a singer in the 1960s.
In Philippine folklore, “Kaning Itim” refers to the color of rice given by “engkantos” to human beings they desire to lure into their world.
“Kaning Itim” is an enjoyable watch with its funny script peppered with Gen Z and gay lingo. One of the scene stealers in the play is Ampa (played by Kim Marasigan), a vain “tikbalang” who belted out his song by popular R&B artists like Mariah Carey and Aaliyah.
Moreover, the “engkantos” wear beautiful costumes, inspired by the “Lord of the Rings” movies, especially that of “Apo Hiking.” The musical’s set design has an immersive mystical vibe that aims to depicts the world of the supernatural.
The musical play also has easy to listen songs that provide an extra layer of enchanting experience in the world of the supernatural beings as it highlights their point of view.
A proudly original Filipino play that highlights our signature supernatural beings, “Kaning Itim” is definitely a good and fun watch.
They will have extended shows this November 2025 and limited run in Cebu.
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