Monica Cuenco Lets her Star Shine Bright in Resorts World Manila’s Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical

During the auditions for the role of Dorina Pineda in Resorts World Manila’s upcoming theater production Bituing Walang Ninging: The Musical, many of the candidates had their headphones on as each one studied the assigned audition piece. All except for one young lady who was listening to Christian music as she prayed for her dream to finally come to fruition.

Monica Cuenco, the grand winner of the search for the new Dorina Pineda (the main role in the Nerissa Cabral classic previously portrayed by Sharon Cuneta and Sarah Geronimo), bested other hopefuls for the stage adaptation of Bituing Walang Ningning at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater in June 2015.

The win not only earned her an exclusive movie and recording contract with VIVA Communications, Inc. worth Php1 million and as a contract artist for Full House Theater Company Entertainment and Productions, Inc., it also paved the way for the simple girl to live out her dream in the industry.

Honing her singing talent at the tender age of three, Monica has joined such celebrated talent competitions such as the Little Big Star-Cebu and Star Power where she ranked second behind another great talent, Angeline Quinto.

But the new star of the stage has come a long way to reach her dream. She first had to surpass life’s hurdles before reaching greater heights.

Coming from a humble home in Cebu City, Monica had lost her father when she was just four, and her mother by age eight. She then came to Ormoc City in Leyte, where her aunt then raised her while supporting her dream of becoming a well-known singer. “In all that I do, I owe my mama (aunt) everything. She has become an inspiration to me ever since,” relayed Monica.

Despite her aunt’s presence, financial challenges became a hindrance to Monica’s path to stardom. She had to put her singing career on hold and concentrate on her schooling with the aim of becoming independent. To earn additional income, Monica even sold her homemade puto cheese and siopao at the supermarket and even at school.

“Ever since I started singing, I’ve always wanted to explore theater,” Monica shared citing the iconic Ms. Lea Salonga as one of her influences. In 2011 Monica came back and lived with her sister in Cebu. From there, her singing career took off and in due course led her to win the coveted role of Dorina.

“I realize that I have big shoes to fill,” confessed Monica pertaining to the role previously played by Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo. “All I can promise is that I will do my best for everyone to come out of the theater satisfied each time,” she added.

The spiritual Monica says she also owes everything to God and believes that her service and praise to the Almighty granted her blessings in her career path. “I’m very happy, excited, and blessed for this opportunity. This is the star I’ve always been praying for,” she said. Monica went on to say that her constant prayer was for God to tell her that the time has finally come for her to face the challenges in the industry. Based on what we’ve seen of Monica’s exceptional talent, many can attest that she is indeed ready to be the new star of the stage.

Monica Cuenco will be playing the role of Dorina Pineda alongside Filipino stage stars Mark Bautista and Cris Villonco in Resorts World Manila, VIVA Communications, Inc. and Full House Theater Company Entertainment and Productions, Inc.’s Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater this year.

Visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (02) 908-8833 for more updates on the premiere of Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical.