Family, Love, and Whitney Houston: Why The Bodyguard: The Musical Resonates with Filipinos
The hit musical inspired by the 1992 movie opened last September 26 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell
For many Gen X and Millennials, the movie The Bodyguard, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, became memorable because of its songs. “I Have Nothing” and “I’ll Always Love You” became anthems and staples in karaoke, and “Queen of the Night” was always recreated as a showstopper performance.
Two decades after the movie’s release, it was adapted for the stage and became a musical featuring even more songs that Whitney Houston popularized. The Bodyguard: The Musical opened last September 26 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, featuring Christine Allado as Rachel Marron and Matt Blaker as Frank Farmer. More than the love story, it also tackles family—a theme that deeply resonates with Filipino audiences.
If you’re still unsure about watching the show, here are five reasons why it’s the perfect musical to experience with your partner or teenager.
Photo from 9 Works Theatrical
1. Reminisce by listening to Whitney Houston’s classic songs
More than “I Have Nothing” and “I’ll Always Love You,” the musical is a treat packed with Whitney Houston’s greatest hits—from “Run to You” to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” These are songs that defined an era and still inspire sing-alongs today, making the experience both nostalgic and joyful.
2. Frank’s “fatherly” relationship with Fletcher
The musical dives deeper into Frank’s background and why he remains so guarded in his job. As he protects Rachel Marron, he also steps into a protective, almost father-like role for her son Fletcher and Rachel’s sister Nicki. Fletcher, fascinated by Frank’s job as a bodyguard, bonds with him over cars—a detail that reflects the kind of evolving closeness familiar in many guardian or non-traditional parent-child relationships.
Photo from 9 Works Theatrical
3. Exploring sibling rivalry and unspoken love between sisters
Rachel has always been the superstar, but the musical also explores the dimension of her sister Nicki, played by actress Sheena Palad. Rachel clearly loves her sister, but Nicki often feels like she’s living in Rachel’s shadow—especially when it comes to Frank’s attention. In one scene, Frank visits Nicki at a bar, where she delivers a heartfelt performance. Moved by her talent, he praises her, and Nicki confides her long-standing feelings of comparison and invisibility.
In a previous interview with Modern Parenting, Sheena Palad reflected on the dynamics between Rachel and Nicki.
“There are a lot of love languages, right? However, the type of love Rachel is showing her sister is not being appreciated because she’s not speaking the same love language. She’s not speaking the love language of the sister, and she feels like she’s undervalued.”
This emotional nuance is something many families—especially those with multiple children—can deeply relate to.
Photo from 9 Works Theatrical
4. The Filipino pastime: Karaoke
In a delightful twist for local audiences, the Philippine production adds a uniquely Pinoy touch: karaoke. Actor Matt Blaker previously teased that Frank would immerse himself in a Filipino tradition. True enough, during one scene, Frank grabs the mic and belts out a tune in a playful dare from Rachel—offering a humorous and endearing moment that’s not part of the original film.
Filipinos are known for singing their hearts out, and this scene is a charming nod to that cultural pride.
5. The musical’s emotional rollercoaster ride
From the euphoric energy of a full-blown concert to the devastation of unspoken heartbreak, The Bodyguard: The Musical takes audiences on an emotional ride. One moment, you’re dancing in your seat; the next, you’re feeling Nicki’s anguish over Frank’s rejection.
The show is more than a tribute to Whitney’s iconic catalog—it’s a reminder of how music can tell powerful stories of love, loss, and family bonds. For music lovers, it’s a nostalgic journey. For families, it’s a celebration of connection through every note and lyric.
Photo from 9 Works Theatrical
Groove to the music of The Bodyguard: The Musical
Bring your partner or teen to the show, and groove to the music of The Bodyguard: The Musical. It’s more than just a night out—it’s bonding time wrapped in a heartfelt celebration of music, love, and family.
The Bodyguard: The Musical runs until October 19 at the Proscenium Theater.
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FAQs: The Bodyguard: The Musical
The musical is adapted from the 1992 movie, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.
Yes, the musical has 16 songs, with one medley. Some of the songs include “Greatest Love of All,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and “One Moment in Time.”
The show runs for 2 hours, including the break.
Filipino West End star Christine Allado plays the role of Rachel Marron in the Manila production of The Bodyguard. She is also joined by actor Matt Blaker, who plays Frank Farmer.
