Photos: Take A First Look at the World Premiere of NIA AND ANWAR AND THE WHALE SHARK TALE

Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte--The spotty thunderstorms on the evening of December 1, 2018, failed to deter the crowds from leaving the Gloria's Fantasyland's open-air theatre where the new Filipino musical, "Nia And Anwar And The Whale Shark Tale," was performed before the general public for the very first time.

The principal cast of three sets, Mark Jason Java (Anwar), Alma Reina Sarita (Nia), Jomar Abjelina (Father), Ella Duhaylungsod (Mother), Roel Acaylar (Storyteller 1), Lady Rose Alia (Storyteller 2), Cydrimen Millan (Daawe), Ericho James Rino (Goi), Christian Jake Darunday (Kai), Misty Wathskin (Rahna), Mark Zyril Java (Little Anwar), Sarah Sarita (Little Nia), and Mark Steven Java (Anwar Body Double) led the production's premiere. Svetlana Jalosjos de Leon, the show's executive producer (who also plays the goddess Rahna at certain performances) also joined the whole company during the finale and their first bows.

Worthy of note, veteran theater actors Caisa Borromeo (Nia), Noel Rayos (Daawe), Reb Atadero (Anwar), and Ms. Jalosjos (Rahna) provide the speaking and singing voices of the principal characters.

Rounding out the cast are Jaynel Omaguing, Mae Angelica Caidic, Danika Dagooc, JC Abordo, Noor Abbas Yaseen Rssa, Noriel Obnimaga, Ericho James Rino, Gene Maglangit, Princess AJ Jamarolin, Mitchie Eleccion, Mark Joseph Balladares, Lady Rose Alia, Ivy Joy, Dexter Gerbolingo, Jomar Dionsay, Danika Dimasuhid, Candido Acoymo Jr., Abby Calabroso, and Abel Terenal.

This musical spectacle, meant to be experienced by the theme park's guests on the weekends, starting December 1, 2018, is the first of its kind for Gloria's Fantasyland. Besides Ms. Jalosjos, the people behind the show also include Romeo Jalosjos, concept, imagination, and producer; Cathy Azanza, book and lyrics; Rony Fortich, music and musical director; Xeric Tan, musical arrangements; Rolando de Leon, scenic and costume design; Joseph Matheu, lighting design; Bene Manaois, together with Arnold Jallores, technical and sound design; Joshua Sombrio, hair and makeup design; Marcos Ukul, associate director and choreographer; Jeza Mae Galleposo, along with Mark Jamelo, production manager; Dean Lacquio, production supervisor, and Daniel Cabrera, creative, choreographer, and director.

"Nia And Anwar" tells the local legend of the whale shark or butanding through the story of Nia, the young daughter of Indri, a great voyager. Nia stays at the top of the mountain to guard the goddess of night and day Rahna's Cape of Stars, which guides the voyagers' boats home. Distracted from her duty, Nia inadvertently leaves the Cape of Stars unprotected, which enables the trickster, Daawe, to steal the Cape of Stars in order to overthrow Rahna. Opposing Daawe, Nia and her warrior friend, Anwar, are determined to save the day!

"Nia And Anwar And The Whale Shark Tale" now plays at Gloria de Dapitan's Gloria's Fantasyland (Sunset Boulevard, Dawo, Dapitan City). For more information and tickets, check out TheWhaleSharkTale.com.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros

Ella Duhaylungsod, Alma Reina Sarita, Jomar Abjelina

Alma Reina Sarita

Alma Reina Sarita, Cydrimen Millan

The Company of NIA AND ANWAR

Cydrimen Millan

Mark Jason Java, Alma Reina Sarita

Alma Reina Sarita

Mark Jason Java, Alma Reina Sarita

Mark Jason Java, Alma Reina Sarita

Alma Reina Sarita

Misty Wathskin

The Company of NIA AND ANWAR

The Company of NIA AND ANWAR

The company of NIA AND ANWAR

Fire warrior

The whale shark, Misty Wathskin, Alma Reina Sarita

The whale shark

Svetlana Jalosjos de Leon

Bonus Video: The Cast of NIA AND ANWAR take their first bows!