By Marvie C. Paraiso

When I first signed up for the MVPO Broadway musical competition, I had no idea how transformative the experience would be. It wasn’t just about singing, acting, or dancing—it became a journey of growth, camaraderie, and shared dreams.

In July, when our workshop began, I walked into a room full of strangers. As we exchanged nervous introductions and impromptu singing and shared our love for music, the ice melted. Over time, these strangers became friends and eventually, something more—a family.

We laughed through the awkward first sing-throughs, struggled together through challenging choreography and blockings, and celebrated small victories, like nailing At the End of the Day harmony or refining a tricky transition. Each rehearsal brought us closer, not just as performers but as people with shared aspirations.

From July to October, our days were filled with dedication and passion. The grind of rehearsals on top of our daily work tasks tested our patience and perseverance but also brought out the best in us. We supported each other during moments of doubt, cheering and making each other laugh to lighten the mood and make our rehearsals fun and stressful days more bearable.

October arrived, and with it, the competition. During our huddle, we were reminded of how great and generous our God is for bestowing upon us these gifts, and we were deeply humbled by the opportunity to use our talents to inspire, uplift, and bring joy to the audience through our craft. As the curtain rose, we felt a wave of nerves—but also a deep sense of pride. We weren’t just individuals anymore; we were a team, a family, soulmates telling a story together. Every note we sang and every step we took felt like a celebration of our journey.

The audience’s applause was the icing on the cake. Regardless of the outcome, we knew we had already won—because we had each other.

As remembrance before we part ways, I asked my Broadway Fam what they were grateful for with being part of MPTC’s MVPO Broadway Team. These were the heartfelt messages from my co-actors and mine.

These words reminded me that the true prize wasn’t the medal but the friendships and memories we created along the way.

As I look back, I realize how blessed I am to have been part of something so special. The Broadway musical competition was more than a performance; it was a testament to the power of connection, teamwork, and the magic of theater.

While the curtain may have closed on this chapter, the bonds we formed will last a lifetime. We might go our separate ways, but we’ll always carry a piece of this family in our hearts.

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