Insider Spotlight
Backed by UnionBank in partnership with GMG Productions, the Manila run places Filipino artistry at the heart of a globally acclaimed theatrical event.
Why it matters
The Manila staging of Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular is more than a touring musical. It is a celebration of Filipino performers operating at par with the world’s best, proving that local talent continues to lead—not just participate in—international theater.
At the center of the spectacle are internationally recognized Filipino artists Lea Salonga, Rachelle Ann Go, and Red Concepcion.
Salonga, a Tony Award winner and Broadway icon, stars alongside Concepcion as the Thénardier couple, while Go reprises her celebrated West End role as Fantine. Their presence underscores how Filipino performers consistently shape global theater narratives through excellence, discipline, and star power.
The big picture
The production features a cast of 110 Filipino and international performers, supported by sweeping orchestral arrangements, powerful vocal performances, and evocative lighting.
The concert-style reimagining highlights vocal mastery and stage precision—areas where Filipino artists have long earned international recognition.
For Filipino audiences, the show represents a rare convergence of global theater excellence and national pride. For international producers and theatergoers, it reinforces why Filipino singers and actors remain in demand across Broadway, the West End, and major world tours.
What they’re saying
“Our partnership with GMG has allowed us to provide our valued customers with memorable experiences through productions that elevate Manila’s entertainment landscape,” UnionBank CEO Ana Delgado said in a Feb. 2, 2026 press statement.
“We look forward to this continued collaboration and co-creating occasions that delight our current and future cardholders.”
Between the lines
UnionBank’s involvement reflects a broader strategy of going beyond traditional banking by supporting culture-driven experiences.
Previous collaborations with GMG Productions, including Hamilton, Miss Saigon, and Dear Evan Hansen, have helped position Manila as a strategic hub for premium live entertainment powered by Filipino talent.
What’s next
Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular runs in Manila until March 1, 2026. UnionBank cardholders enjoyed exclusive presale access ahead of the public ticket release, along with special discounts and priority seating—perks that reinforced the bank’s commitment to delivering elevated, experience-driven value.
As the curtain rises night after night, it is Filipino talent that carries the show, proving once again that world-class artistry proudly sings from Manila. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
