Aside from being excited preparing to release his first single under Star Music this year, former BidaMan finalist Vien King shared he is proud to be part of the cast of the Liwanag Sa Dilim musical which is running on stage this month. 

"Actually this is my first time to release a single kaya sobrang nakaka-excite yung 2025 kasi marami pang kakaabangan. Sobrang happy ako kasi I got to do this project Liwanag Sa Dilim with 9 Works Theatrical again, my home theater. I have events here and there, kahit papaano, so I’m happy. and grateful,” he told PUSH ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview.

In the original Filipino musical, Vien plays alongside cast members like actress Alexa Ilacad, whom he had previously met in other Kapamilya projects.

“I’ve worked with her before sa mga series like Run To Me. Siya pati si KD (Estrada, Alexa’s love team partner) nakatrabaho ko na. Ang first impression ko kay Alexa, medyo nakakahiya kasi napapanuod ko siya sa TV before and bukod dun, nakakasabay ko din siya mag-workout sa Sparta (laughs). But she’s really nice and chill and very giving, which is yun yung hinahangaan ko sa kanya. Ako naman, kasi if your co-actor is very giving, yun yung importante eh, yung very open lang to communication. So madali i-build yung chemistry namin,” he shared. 

READ: Khalil Ramos proud to sing Rico Blanco songs in new musical: ‘His songs are just really genius’

Their show, which runs for two hours and 45 minutes, is also a showcase of OPM icon Rico Blanco’s songs through the years. Vien said he finally got to meet Rico for the first time when he surprised the cast during one rehearsal day.

“Dito ko lang siya na-meet in person nung nag-attend siya at one of our music rehearsals and sobra akong na-starstruck. Sobrang nakaka-honor ma-meet siya in person!” he recalled. 

Along with the challenge of doing justice to a Rico Blanco song, Vien admitted one specific song also tested his acting abilities onstage.

“I think yun yung song niya na 'Yugto.' Isa yun sa mga talagang laban talaga. Yun yung pag-pinerform mo nag-aalab na damdamin talaga. Mararamdaman ng mga tao yun kapag nakita nila yung number na yun. Sobrang makikita nila kung paano nagkakaroon ng pagkakaisa para ipaglaban yung katotohanan at justice,” he explained. 

READ: Rita Daniela admits getting starstruck with Rico Blanco

When asked which musical artists he would love to work with if given the opportunity, Vien said he admires a lot of veteran OPM singers and producers. “Madami my gosh. Napakadami. Siguro si Erik Santos, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Morissette, and siguro composers like Louie Ocampo. May pagka-old soul ako eh, ganun,” he added. 

Watch the newest original Filipino musical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco Liwanag Sa Dilim at the RCBC Plaza, Makati City. The cast also includes Alexa Ilacad, Nicole Omillo, Khalil Ramos, CJ Navato, Anthony Rosaldo, and Rita Daniela. Directed by Robbie Guevarra and produced by 9 Works Theatrical.  Tickets are available via ticket2me.net/LiwanagSaDilimMusical.