On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan arrives in Manila this July, bringing music and storytelling to the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center Makati. The production follows the real-life journey of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, from Cuban immigrants starting over in the United States to global music stars whose work influenced pop and Latin music worldwide.
Presented by Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical, the internationally acclaimed musical highlights the Estefans’ rise in the music industry and the personal story behind their success.
Music that tells the story
The production features songs such as Conga, Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, 1-2-3, and Get On Your Feet to tell the story of the couple’s lives, connecting key moments in their journey from struggles to success.
“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.”
Cast and creative team
Cuban-American actor Jason Canela plays Emilio Estefan. He has appeared in Palm Royale, The Rookie, Pitch, and The Young and the Restless. He previously played the role in Miami and now returns to it in Manila. Canela was also the first Cuban actor to portray Emilio Estefan during the Miami premiere of the musical and now returns to the role in Manila.
Gloria Estefan is portrayed alternately by Molly Langley and Kayla Rivera, each offering a distinct vocal range and emotional interpretation to the character.
The cast also includes 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, along with an ensemble inspired by Miami Sound Machine.
Behind the production is a creative team led and directed by Robbie Guevara, with music direction by Daniel Bartolome, choreography by Nunoy van den Burgh, scenography by Mio Infante, vocal supervision by Toma Cayabyab, lighting by Gabo Tolentino, sound by Aron Roca, and video design by Justin Santiago.
The musical preview at Rockwell
Ahead of its premiere, Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical recently held a press preview at Rockwell Club’s Palm Grove with a Havana and Miami-inspired theme, giving the venue a tropical vibe.
The event featured Cuban-inspired drinks, live performances, and a surprise flash mob performance of Conga. Guests also saw early performances of 1-2-3, Don’t Wanna Lose You, and Get On Your Feet, a sneak peek at the production’s choreography and musical direction.
Throughout the event, cast members and the creative team discussed the enduring themes in the Estefans’ story, including family, perseverance, identity, and ambition, and their continued relevance today.
Canela also shared his experience in Manila. “I’m far from home, but I feel at home here,” he said. “It’s flavorful, fun, and exciting. There’s no better place to experience it than the Proscenium Theater this July.”
On Your Feet!
With its mix of familiar songs, character-driven storytelling, and high-energy staging, On Your Feet! presents a theatrical interpretation of the Estefans’ journey filled with music and love.
The musical will run on weekends from July 10 to August 2, 2026, at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center Makati.
Tickets are available via TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.
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