The value of this music goes beyond the theme of the APO Hiking Society; being their music was one of those who shaped the local music industry back in the day is just one of the main threats that this production can remind us of. 9 Works Theatrical and Globe Live! 's ETO NA! MUSIKAL nAPO! offers a jukebox spectacle, which somewhat exceeds our expectations. During a time when jukebox musicals breed like rabbits in Manila theater, this one effectively stretches nostalgia without being overly sentimental and manages to connect both with APO fans and new audiences.

The story couldn't get any simpler. It tells about the beginnings of a group of seven young artists who chase their artistic ambitions amidst the adversity of Martial Law in the 70s. Rick, Butch, and Sonny try to balance their music and personal lives, each hoping to get the best of both worlds. Ray, a med student, is trying to pursue his passion while obliging to his parent's wishes that he pursue a medical career. And then we have Jaime, Donnie, and Bobby, a lone trio at the backdrop supporting their friends with enthusiastic glee. As they journey from an unknown campus singing group to making it to the big stage, all seven friends question their dreams and align their purposes. Set in a time of uncertainty and social injustices, will they have the guts to face what's in store for them?

Working with dramaturg Jonjon Martin, writer, and director Robbie Guevara has woven subtle yet effective elements to drive home his point. ETO NA! blooms on the playful dynamics of adolescence, its era, music, and feels. Guevara offers just the right ingredients to balance his varying themes without being too dogmatic, thus, making ETO NA! an ultimate feel-good and a testament to how jukebox musicals should be. Like APO's music, it is fun, dashing, and nostalgic. And it doesn't stop there. Here, we sit back and simply take everything in, without us knowing that behind each scene is a telling moral about our early years and a glimpse at a people's history during a time of violence and oppression.

'ReyMendoza'ss set design shows how such a simple platform can do so much for the material's themes and characters. With minimal sets, we are drawn closer to the characters, making us a part of the group and ultimately becoming part of the narrative, without dismissing that needed'‘unAPOlogetically’ nostalgic pull. That is why we silently sing along when we hear those familiar tunes, laugh at old-school jokes, and even cry when tragedy strikes.'Rey Mendoza’s set design shows how such a simple platform can do so much for the material’s themes and characters. With minimal sets, we are drawn closer to the characters, making us a part of the group and ultimately becoming part of the narrative, without dismissing that needed ‘unAPOlogetically’ nostalgic pull. That is why we silently sing along when we hear those familiar tunes, laugh at old-school jokes, and even cry when tragedy strikes.

Mark Bautista, Jef Flores and Jon Abella play Rick, Jaime, and Donnie, respectively, with considerable enthusiasm. As the group's story develops, Alfritz Blanche's Sonny grows into that adorable lad we have in our group of friends. Like Blanche, Jon Phillipe Go as Ray also has moments as his character balances Guevara's plot.

Worthy of mentioning is Jobim Javier as Butch and Sab Jose as Michelle. Here, Javier surprises his audiences with a debut performance that will be worth your while. As Butch, Javier depicts that typical self-absorbed, overly-confident college jock who soon finds himself kneeling for a girl named Michelle. And what a girl Michelle is. With an undeniable swooning stage charisma, Jose hypnotizes – not just Butch – but also her audiences. Here, Jose shows what ensemble acting should be: critical yet well-blended, attached yet individual.

Despite whatever generation we come from, this musical speaks and sings about our younger years. Though it uses the 70s backdrop, language, and look, we still see our silly selves and laugh at our forgotten absurdities and small triumphs. Beyond the dashing APO Hiking Society repertoire, ETO NA! MUSIKAL nAPO! reminds us of our journeys to being who we are. Like Rick, Butch, Sonny, Jaime, Donnie, and Bobby, we, too, once found ourselves in the middle of crossroads wearing a far too-unlikely hat, only to choose a new path that honed our present individualities.

Further, it talks about change and transformations. As we and our societies develop, we find new meanings and purposes, making us set newer directions to prove our undying ability to change for, what we think, is best for us all.

And that makes this original Filipino musical a class of its own.