Art/Style/Travel Diaries

The rhythm arrives in Manila —On Your Feet! this July

Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan comes to Proscenium Theater

Cast and artistic team of 'On Your Feet!,' coming this July at Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center

This July, audiences are invited to experience the music, passion, and inspiring true story behind one of the most influential couples in music history as On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan comes to the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center Makati. 

Presented by Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical, the internationally acclaimed musical traces the extraordinary journey of Gloria and Emilio Estefan—from their humble beginnings as Cuban immigrants to becoming global music icons whose sound transformed the landscape of pop and Latin music.

Featuring beloved hits such as Conga, Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, 1-2-3, and Get On Your Feet, the production is a vibrant celebration of music, perseverance, family, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.

“We watch On Your Feet! because of the music, but more than that, it’s about family, resilience, love, and finding the strength to get back up after life’s biggest challenges,” said Tracey Castillo, vice president and chief marketing officer of Rockwell Land and executive producer of the Proscenium Theater. “Even if you don’t know every Gloria Estefan song, these are themes that resonate with all of us. This is something we owe to ourselves to watch—it’s a breath of fresh air.”

Tracey Castillo, Rockwell Land VP of marketing and CMO and executive producer of the Proscenium Theater

Leading the production is Cuban-American actor Jason Canela as Emilio Estefan. Known for his work in Palm Royale, The Rookie, Pitch, and The Young and the Restless, Canela made history as the first Cuban actor to play Emilio Estefan in the Miami premiere of On Your Feet!. Now, he reprises the role in Manila, bringing authenticity and personal connection to the story that helped shape generations of Latin music.

Alternating in the role of Gloria Estefan are acclaimed musical theater performers Molly Langley and Kayla Rivera. Together, they bring extraordinary vocal power, charisma, and emotional depth to the role of the music icon whose determination and talent propelled her onto the world stage.

‘On Your Feet!’ cast performs for media.

Joining them are Ayen Laurel as Gloria Fajardo, Pinky Marquez as Consuelo Garcia, John Joven-Uy as Jose Fajardo, Vien King as Young Jose, and Jani Magadia as Rebecca Fajardo, alongside a dynamic ensemble that captures the infectious energy of the Miami Sound Machine.

The production is directed by Robbie Guevara, musical direction by Daniel Bartolome, choreography by Nunoy van den Burgh, scenography by Mio Infante, vocal supervision by Toma Cayabyab, lighting design by Gabo Tolentino, sound design by Aron Roca, and video and projection design by Justin Santiago.

Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical recently hosted an exclusive press preview at Palm Grove at Rockwell Club, giving media, content creators, and industry partners a glimpse into the vibrant world of On Your Feet!.

Inspired by the colorful spirit of Havana and Miami, the venue came alive with tropical details, Cuban-inspired cocktails, live music, and a surprise flash mob performance of the iconic hit Conga. Guests were also treated to song excerpts from the musical, including 1-2-3, Don’t Wanna Lose You, and Get On Your Feet, showcasing the production’s dynamic choreography, powerful vocals, and emotional storytelling.

The atmosphere mirrored the spirit of the musical itself—joyful, vibrant, and impossible to sit still through—giving guests a taste of the energy that will soon fill the Proscenium Theater stage this July.

‘On Your Feet!’ director Robbie Guevara

Cast of ‘On Your Feet!’ gives sneak peak of the vibrant energy they will bring to the stage this July.

In the media meet, the cast and the creative team shared insights into the enduring appeal of the Estefans’ story, discussing themes of family, perseverance, identity, and ambition that continue to resonate with audiences around the world today.

Newly arrived in Manila, Jason Canela spoke of the warm welcome he has received: “I’m far from home, but I feel at home here.” About the production, Canela added, “It’s flavorful, fun, and exciting. There’s no better place to experience it than the Proscenium Theater this July.”

Jason Canela, who  portrayed Emilio Estefan in the Miami premiere of ‘On Your Feet!,’ meets the press.

Filled with chart-topping hits, exhilarating performances, and an inspiring true story, On Your Feet! promises to be one of the year’s most uplifting theatrical experiences. Whether audiences come for the music they know and love or discover the remarkable story behind it, they can expect an evening of resilience, community, and the power of dreaming big.

‘On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan’ runs weekends only from July 10 to August 2, 2026, at the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center Makati. Tickets are available via TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema. For more information, updates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, follow the Proscenium Theater on Facebook and Instagram.

Media welcomes cast and enjoys hits ‘Conga,’ ‘Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,’ ‘1-2-3,’ and ‘Get On Your Feet!’


Newsletter
Sign up for our Newsletter

Sign up for Diarist.ph’s Weekly Digest and get the best of Diarist.ph, tailored for you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *