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We Aren’t Kids Anymore Cast Shared Their Life Lessons and Reflection on the Musical Play

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<p>Barefoot Collaborative Theatre presents its rendition of <strong><em>We Aren’t Kids Anymore</em></strong> by <strong>Drew Gasparin</strong><em></em><strong>i</strong><em></em>. It features a poem by<strong> </strong><strong>Keith White</strong>, with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by <strong>Justin Goldner </strong>and <strong>Drew Gasparini.</strong> This musical performance, directed by<strong> Rem Zamora</strong>, tackles themes of growing up, adulthood, and confidently facing life challenges.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGhZrnfBmWk/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A249518.90000009537%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong></strong><em>We Aren’t Kids Anymore</em><strong></strong> isn’t just a musical—it’s a reflection on life and the hardships intertwined with it. A production audiences can relate to, this theater offering is like a prick of a needle to the heart, shattering our realizations and leaving a lasting emotional imprint.</p><p>The cast includes professional theater actors <strong>Myke Salomon</strong>, <strong>Gio Gahol</strong>,<strong> Luigi Quesada</strong>,<strong> Gab Pangilinan</strong>, and<strong> Maronne Cruz</strong>. Known for their talent and powerful character portrayals, these actors have received nods of approval from theater enthusiasts.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGcVgRYTwF9/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A608452%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br id="isPasted"/></div><p>In an exclusive interview with <strong>Metro.Style</strong>, the cast shared their insights and personal journeys, explaining how this musical resonates with them, offering a unique interpretation of the piece.</p><p>Our childhood is an inevitable yet memorable part of our lives—it’s where our perceptions and dreams begin to take shape. As we grow, those dreams evolve depending on our environment. With this, the cast reflected on the aspirations they had as children and how those dreams changed over time.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGkAbSTzoPk/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A774086.9000000954%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>Luigi </strong>was the first to share a simple yet concise answer, saying, “My childhood dream was to be an actor as a teenager, and that’s what I’m doing.”</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGj-UYDv9vv/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A828140.8000001907%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>Gio</strong>, meanwhile, recalled how most of his childhood dreams were shaped by the environment he grew up in, saying, “When I was a kid, most of my dreams were built around what I saw in my family. And my family didn&#x27;t have a lot of artists, so it’s like either being an architect, a lawyer, or a doctor, one of those things. So where I am now, doing this profession for more than a decade—at this point, I’m happy that I really didn’t go after that dream when I was a kid, because it wasn’t really mine. Now I’m living my dream, it doesn’t come easy at all times, but it is what it is, and I’m glad to be here.” </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGpLFdfSE9z/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A872757.3000001907%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>Myke</strong> described his desire to be different from the start, “I wanted to be unique, and I don’t want to be a doctor or a lawyer—a common dream for everyone. So I was so happy I became a theater and a musical composer.” Additionally, he also described the show in one line: &quot;It’s about facing uncomfortable facts about life in every song.”</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGmjGLtSkbp/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A921013.9000000954%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p><strong>Gab</strong>, on the other hand, had always dreamed of being a theater actor since she was a child. &quot;My childhood dream was to become a theater actor. And I’m a theater actor—achieved!&quot; However, beyond the polished facade that audiences see on stage, she recalled the criticism she received when she was younger.</p><p>“When I was a kid, I was told that <em>walang</em> future <em>sa pag-teatro—</em>that life would be very unstable. And while there is some truth to that, especially in today’s world, there are now so many ways to become a theater actor with stability and a practical approach. <em>Pero kailangan maging ma-diskarte</em>. So yes, there is some truth—but it’s not the whole truth. There is a possibility of building a life as a theater actor,” Gab reflected.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGmjL6MT2K7/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A963703.600000143%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>As kids, our minds were mainly focused on playful colors and having fun, and for<strong> Maronne</strong>, her childhood dream was all about wearing fun costumes and dresses. “I never actually had one specific dream in mind. All I knew was that I wanted to wear fun costumes and fun dresses—that’s basically being a theater actor.”</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DITcfJuNnvl/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A1036921.3000001907%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Diving into a more substantial discussion about <em>We Aren’t Kids Anymore</em>, the cast expounded on the concept behind the musical. Gab shared an insightful reflection on the rejection she faced as a theater actor and how she handled it with grace.</p><p>“As a theater actor, as an actor in general, we receive, or it’s part of being an actor to have rejections in life. So in a way, that’s why they say it’s not for the faint-hearted, because it’s part of our life, and things not going according to plan is part of the life we chose, I guess. So in a way, we build that resilience, we build that perseverance as a person. But I think it’s the softness that’s harder to hold on to. But it’s really just staying soft for the world that forces you to be hard.”</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIyPNvXBVDP/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=864&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A18047020.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="638" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div></div><p><strong>Maronne</strong> further deepened the conversation about rejections, discussing times we feel like we&#x27;ve failed and believing our journey should always be perfect. But life isn’t like that; it’s a cycle of challenges and successes, where we encounter opportunities that test us and help us grow.</p><p>“I think if something doesn’t work out—if you’re not on the path you want to be on—try to see it as a redirection. Take a step back and ask yourself why you’re being redirected this way. If the path you want isn’t where you are right now, but it’s something you still want to pursue, then maybe this is a chance for you to become more ready for it. It’s not rejection—it’s redirection,” Maronne told Metro.Style.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIjAGX3tVoh/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A1170590.7000000477%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="587" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Furthermore, <strong>Luigi </strong>highlighted the significant events that happened in his life, noting how they can influence the way we act and how people can sense when we&#x27;re being inauthentic, especially if we keep trying to please everyone around us.</p><p>“You can’t keep pretending things are fine when they’re not. You can’t hide behind a certain persona. It’s not just people who will see you for who you are, but the people who love you the most will notice that you’re changing for a bunch of different people, which I learned the hard way. In reality, it shouldn’t matter at all, one hundred percent. Just be you,” Luigi shared.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-20" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIvA7BbT4TY/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A20%2C%22os%22%3A1206023.9000000954%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="566" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-20" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>On learning the hard way as an adult, <strong>Gio </strong>emphasized the importance of declining invitations when necessary, especially if it’s for your own well-being. He shared his personal experience in response to the question:</p><p>“It’s okay to say more &#x27;nos&#x27; than ‘yeses.’ Every day, we’re surrounded by people who expect us to say yes, but in recent years, I’ve learned how to say no. And the people who truly care about you will understand your ‘nos.’ They’ll respect it if you say no.”</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-22" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHsHBHXN28u/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A22%2C%22os%22%3A1244244.4000000954%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="611" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-22" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>The pressure social media brings affects not only the youth but adults as well, as we’ve become accustomed to the type of content we constantly absorb through our feeds. <strong>Myke</strong> recognized these dynamics, sharing that social media has played a pivotal role in connecting with loved ones, while also acknowledging its downsides: “Social media became a bigger-scale reunion–noisier, with more pressure. You have to please everyone, and if you don’t reach out, you’re seen as a bad character by your friends or family members.”</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-24" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHS8d0zN1G9/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A24%2C%22os%22%3A1287298.600000143%2C%22ls%22%3A247027.30000019073%2C%22le%22%3A249508.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-24" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p><strong></strong><em>We Aren’t Kids Anymore</em><strong></strong> is a performance you shouldn’t miss. With raw, emotional portrayals and life-affirming messages woven into musical brilliance, it’s a production that speaks directly to those undergoing transition, growth, or change. Maronne noted, “Whenever you’re experiencing a difficult transition or change [in life], there will be a song for you in this show.”<em><br/></em></p><div><br/></div><div><em>Barefoot Collaborative Theatre’s We Aren’t Kids Anymore by Drew Gasparini runs until May 25, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theatre in Circuit Makati. For tickets, </em><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVceCKPcql2pIrcK1hjWHUpBepHWjE8kRBZWd4UGf44UBG8A/viewform?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadUBWRGoWeVNN9mBgiJSPe39mc4gW2h7CAgvjNy46JGHgduvJiyDCX4d-TOiQ_aem_kniR7Pz7VRKmdEQsuz_j4w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>check this out</em></a><em>.</em></div><div></div>

<p>In an exclusive interview with Metro.Style, the cast shared their insights and personal journeys, explaining how this musical resonates with them, offering a unique interpretation of the piece.</p>

In an exclusive interview with Metro.Style, the cast shared their insights and personal journeys, explaining how this musical resonates with them, offering a unique interpretation of the piece.

'We Aren’t Kids Anymore' Cast Members Reflect on Their Childhood and the Lessons They Learned Growing Up

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'We Aren’t Kids Anymore' Cast Members Reflect on Their Childhood and the Lessons They Learned Growing Up

Arci Claveria

Published May 13, 2025 05:25 PM PHT

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Updated May 13, 2025 05:36 PM PHT

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We Aren't Kids Anymore

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