Coming this October: 'Cory' the Musical

Former Miss Saigon star Isay Alvarez still finds it hard to believe that she was given the honor of portraying the role of the Philippines' first female president.

"My initial reaction was 'yes, go' because I'll be working again with Nestor Torre…and to play Cory was a great honor. But after a while nung nag-sink in na sa akin na ako yung magiging Cory, bigla akong natakot. I wanted to back out. It's not an easy role, it's very demanding…she's President Cory," said the singer-stage actress.

Written and directed by Nestor Torre, the "Cory" musical presents the life story of Ms. Corazon Aquino from her childhood until her installment as president by the much-admired 1986 People Power Revolution.

Given this time frame, Alvarez mentions how there will be numerous costume changes, as well as an illustration of another side of Cory Aquino, a side that the public eye has never seen. She said, "People usually see Cory Aquino as very composed…here you'll see a different side of her."

The libretto was created by Bing Pimentel, songwriter and wife of Senator Koko Pimentel. After learning of Cory Aquino's colon cancer, she was inspired to create a musical in her honor.

"This musical is a tribute to President Cory," Alvarez adds.

The musical cast of "Cory" also includes Robert Sena as former President Ferdinand Marcos, Pinky Marquez as wife Imelda, and Sherwyn Sozon as Ninoy Aquino.

It is to be staged at the Meralco Theater this October. -- report from MARIO DUMAUAL, ABS-CBN News