
Edwin Quinabo
Back to breathe life onto stage for charity is the 10th production of Doctors-on-Stage (DOS), produced by Dr. Charlie Sonido, who is also the concept originator of this year’s theme: “Love: Found & Lost, ‘It’s Better to Have Loved and Lost than Never to Have Loved at All.’”
Concert, musical and theater enthusiasts can catch DOS’s latest production on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawaii. Tickets are $100, $50 and $25. For more information, call 808-518-8929, 808-387-8297.
DOS’ theme this year
This proverbial pearl of wisdom – “better to have lost love than never to have loved at all” — was penned by the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson during the Victorian era, and popularized in mainstream cinema over time to embody the anguish caused by love lost and separation.
The full meaning of past DOS productions always came through loud and clear with the concept of love – and its many shades, expressions and complexities — as a recurring theme. In DOS’s 2018 “Noblesse Oblige” it explored love for community as a moral economy. In “Butterflies & Kisses” (2008) and “Love Stories” (2010) euphoric romantic love shone as a theme while DOS’s first production “In Tune with War & Peace” (2004) aroused love for family, country, and service.
“This present production of a love that’s lost is a sadder side of love. The storyline reflects reality, that people fall in love and at some point, there is separation by death or divorce, followed by grief and the challenge to climb out of it, a journey toward redemption. This is real life,” Dr. Sonido said. “Some in our cast like in every population in society have had issues of separation and we found this production as a healing process for all of us. Love Found and Love Lost — is similar to our previous productions of love stories in that love is a universal feeling and that love never dies,” he adds.
Love of charity for BCWW
The very purpose of DOS is an expression of love itself as all Doctors-on-Stage productions are the main fundraisers for the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls (BCWW), a clinic that offers free medical and dental services to newly arrived legal immigrants who cannot afford health insurance. “The proceeds from DOS helps to defray medical expenses of legal immigrants seeking healthcare,” said Dr. Sonido, a co-founder of BCWW, which is a non-profit community-based healthcare organization that was established by the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH) on April 17, 1997.
Ariel “Jay” Flores, President of BCWW and cast member of DOS said, “Doctors-on-Stage has been the primary fundraising arm of BCWW since the organization’s inception. 100% of the net proceeds of our concerts are used by BCWW for its day-to-day operations.”
He explains, “BCWW reimburses participating physicians and dentists for their services to uninsured immigrants. We also have negotiated discounted rates for laboratory services at Diagnostic Labs and imaging services at Hawaii Diagnostic Radiology Services. We are unable to fully provide for all the needs of newly arrived uninsured immigrants but kind-hearted providers and organizations who are willing to see these patients for a minimal administrative fee have helped us make a difference on the lives of these patients in a small but significant way. The professional service of the physicians itself is free.”
The Production and Cast
Artistic director JP Orias said following its tri-media format in all its 10 productions, “Love Found and Lost is presented with singers, dancers and video clips on rear projection screen. Its production staff include writers, IT experts, live musicians in the theater atmosphere of the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Ewa.”
Orias adds, “selected by producer Dr. Charlie Sonido, the love songs are romantic. They are dramatic, inspirational and tear jerkers from various composers ranging from Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Bacharach, Gibbs, Sondheim, Loui Ocampo, and Puccini. They span through the ages of puppy love and immortalized concepts of love of Evita Peron. It was fun stringing them all together into a new musicale of top hits which is as of this writing, not known to have been done on Broadway.”
He mentions some of the showstoppers. “Song ranges from contemporary songs like Die with a Smile, APT, classics like O Mio Babbino Caro, Kahit Isang Saglit, all-time favorites like Alfie Endless Love, How Can You Mend a Broken Heart by the Bee Gees.”
The DOS cast pulling off artful vocals and acting with persuasive talent over two decades have been comprised of physicians, those in the medical profession, family members and invited special guests. This year’s cast features: Nestor Del Rosario, MD, Ariel Jay Flores, DPT, Ritabelle Fernandez, MD, Sorbella Cielo Guillermo, MD, Noelani Hobbs-Jackson, MD, Dan Dan Lucero, MD, Benilda Luz Llena, MD, Mel Ona, MD, Karl Primero, MD, Alfie Y Riveral, MD, Ross Simafranca, MD, Shiloh Flores, Monica Lopez, Kainoa Jackson, Rosalie Woodson Dance Academy, Pike Velasco, Jeannette Trevias, Duane Padilla, Abe Lagrimas, Mark Arinosa, Harold Ibea, Change Ibea, producer Charlie Sonido, MD, artistic director JP Orias, Tim Llena, Tristan Mitchell, Kathy Adaoag, Jane & Company.
“The cast are excellent singers. There will be beautiful duets, and with a touch of [Bruno] Mars,” Dr. Sonido said, who has been the producer of all the DOS productions and selected songs and themes for all shows.
DOS’ first production was held at the Neal Blaisdell Center, was attended by over 1,200 people and raised over $80,000 for BCWW. Other DOS venues were the FilCom Center, Farrington HS Auditorium, Aulani Disney, Halekulani Hotel and Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Ed Polanco, Nuuanu, attended the first DOS production “In Tune with War & Peace.” “From start to finish, the show maxed out my attention. It was dramatic, soulful and entertaining. I was surprised at the vocal talent of the cast. We know many doctors, typically as children, played musical instruments and gravitated to the arts. DOS brought that passion forward to the stage back then in the early 2000s and has never let up. DOS is a generational project that our Filipino community should support, and proceeds of the shows go toward a great cause,” he said.
Offstage with Doctors-on-Stage
Flores, who was in five major productions and multiple small engagements with PMAH and OMM, said, “although this production has a small cast, we will still have an awesome production because of the involvement of guest performers and the Rosalie Woodson Dance Academy. There are no specific characters or roles in this show, but I will do my best to interpret the songs assigned to me.”
In 2011, Flores invited Dr. Charlie Sonido to the “King and I” at Diamond Head Theater where he performed as Lun Tha alongside Paolo Montalban, who played the King. Dr. Sonido invited him to sing at a PMAH event in January 2012 and Flores joined his first Doctors-on-Stage concert, “Believe” in October 2012.
A physical therapist, DPT, Flores has been in the local theatre scene having played Lun Tha in The King and I, Thuy in Miss Saigon, Bustopher Jones, Asparagus and Growltiger in CATS, the “All Good Gifts” soloist in Godspell, and Simon Zealotes and Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar. He was also in Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella, Kismet, and Elton John’s Aida. He was part of the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio at the Hawaii Opera Theatre and was cast in Pirates of Penzance.
Ross Simafranca, MD, a general surgeon, has been in multiple DOS productions. On this show, he said, “Who doesn’t like a good love story. Unfortunately, in life, it doesn’t always end on a good note. In this production, I play a few different characters. In ‘Found Tonight’ and ‘Tell Her’ I help to encourage others to act on their emotions and not to be afraid of being vulnerable. And if times get a bit rough, then reach out and I’ll be there to support you as best as I can. In ‘How Do You Mend a Broken Heart’ and ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me,’ I find myself struggling with sorrow and the despair that comes with realizing that love may not always be reciprocal. Finally, in ‘It Takes Two,’ I discuss what it truly means to be in a partnership — both willing to tackle life’s trials together.”
Simafranca first got involved with DOS shortly after opening up his practice at then St. Francis West in 2007. “Finding other physicians who had the same passion for medicine and music, it was an easy decision for me when asked to join. Even more so, it gives me great pleasure to know that I’m helping to support the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls as it strives to continue to help our Filipino community.”
Ritabelle Fernandez, MD, was previously in DOS’ “Downtrodden” and “Fundemic.” She said, “Found and Lost is the storyline that many can relate to. C’est la vie – getting married and then sadly divorced, finding love and later breaking up. My character will bring out the ethos, pathos, and logos of love!” Dr. Fernandez has a music teachers’ diploma, Licentiate Trinity College of Music London, taught classical piano in Mumbai India and presently takes singing lessons from Kristian Lei, who played the lead role of Kim in the Cameron Mackintosh Production of “Miss Saigon” in Stuttgart, Germany.
For Mel Ona, MD, gastroenterologist, it’s his second DOS production. “I love the theme of this production – which is about LOVE (Found & Lost). I love having the opportunity to perform with amazing friends/colleagues and share the joy of music with others. Music truly heals the heart and soul! Dr. Sorbella Guillermo encouraged me to join the DOS production during the COVID pandemic and I feel grateful to be part of the DOS family,” he said.
Dr. Ona was a music/pre-med major in college and performed regularly with college choir, chamber singers, and various music groups. More recently, he participated in a concert for a four-song EP released in 2023 that he recorded with his vocal coach, Kristian Lei. He also performed at various local events with Kristian Lei.
Sorbella “Cielo” Guillermo, MD, internal medicine and pediatrics, is one of the original cast members of DOS, even predating DOS in community performance as one of the singers in one of PMAH’s Family Night Gala in Maui. “DOS was created after that Gala, with our first production at the Blaisdell Concert Hall when my youngest kid Erica Brenner was only three years old and was then a part of the show,” she said.
On preparation for a DOS production, Guillermo said it takes about six weeks. “DOS performers stick together to make a production happen despite our very hectic schedules in our clinics and family time. I hope to expect the best outcome from each of us since we will be singing and performing from the heart. DOS is also for a good cause. We’ve been helping a lot of uninsured immigrations.”
Benilda, Luz-Llena, MD, pediatrician, is another original DOS cast member who started in DOS’ first production. In Love Found and Love Lost, she will be in the ensemble songs, the “All Girls Song” and in a trio. “I got involved with DOS to help raise funds for BCWW of which I’m a member and a volunteer provider. DOS is a nice break from our busy work schedule. It’s stress relief. Being able to perform with my talented friends-colleagues is a privilege and the camaraderie among the DOS family is very good.”
Nestor Del Rosario, MD, internist, is a veteran performer of DOS who’s graced the stage for over two decades. He said besides the fundraising from the DOS performances, these same doctors are also the ones taking care of those patients, needing help with some ancillary services and medication. He’s been with BCWW “way back before the year 2000 when I was new here.”
On DOS, “I still love working with them. I am getting into the twilight years and as others lose their hair, mine has grown longer. Face is almost the same, still unable to grow beard. Belly’s gotten bigger making other things smaller. Don’t have a dirty mind, I am not talking about what you are thinking, I am talking about life. I am still the same guy I have always been, just slower with lots of aches and pains. And I still sing in the bathroom and in the car even when everyone’s looking at me.”
Comments on previous DOS productions
Dr. Rhea Bautista, Honolulu, watched four DOS productions, “I enjoy the way Doctors-on-Stage brings the community together to celebrate culture, song, and dance. Sharing the stage with fellow community members makes me feel connected and inspired. We’re not just performing, we’re coming together to fundraise for the greater good, keeping the mission of bayanihan alive and thriving.”
Dr. Rainier Bautista, Honolulu, attended four DOS productions, “I have always been absolutely blown away by the Doctors-on-Stage productions. The performances were deeply moving and inspiring, brilliantly capturing the heart and compassion of our healthcare community. Seeing our local physicians and healthcare workers step onto the stage with such impressive talent, humor, and creativity made each show unforgettable. The music, storytelling, and heartfelt message beautifully showcased our Filipino heritage and the incredible dedication behind Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls. Truly an outstanding and uplifting experience.”
Nikka Aquino, Ewa Beach, a four-time attendee, said “DOS production allows physicians, APRNs, nurses to showcase their talents while raising funds for a great cause. One of the things I enjoy most about this production is the camaraderie and bond built and formed among colleagues until the end of curtain call. It is also immense fun to see our well-esteemed health care workers in a different type of spotlight and arena. It’s a joy to see them on stage without their stethoscope, scrubs, and whitecoats performing numbers of dance and song. It’s like seeing a different side – a side not seen within the walls of a clinic.”
Dr. Ian E. Guerrero, Kapolei, attended three DOS productions, “DOS has always been a blockbuster and an audience drawer. Every production has a theme and a story to tell like the FUNDEMIC which is a production made out during COVID that captures the struggles, the emotions and the triumphs of the physician work force and the community during those critical times. DOS happens once every 2 -3 years that showcases the talents in singing, dancing and storytelling of our local physicians and healthcare partners despite their busy schedules, all united and committed for a cause for the mission and vision of the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls.”
Chris Yamada, Mililani Town, watched almost all the DOS productions, “I enjoy all types of musical performances, but the DOS productions are unique because the doctors are the performers and their singing, dancing are fun to watch. Most of all, this is all for a good cause and all proceeds go to fund medical assistance for our needy population.”
Teresita Bernales, Kailua, watched eight DOS productions, “DOS productions are a heartfelt and innovative initiative born from a desire to merge the artistic talents of healthcare professionals with their unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable communities. The inspiration behind Doctors-On-Stage stems from the need to address healthcare disparities while fostering community involvement and awareness. Through musicals performed by physicians and healthcare workers, these productions highlight the human side of medicine, encouraging audiences to support BCWW’s cause. They also celebrate the artistic talents of healthcare professionals —many of whom excel in singing, dancing, and acting. Rooted in cultural values such as bayanihan (community spirit), these performances reflect the Filipino ethos of collective action and selfless service. Dr. Charlie Sonido, a multi-talented physician and co-founder of BCWW, has been instrumental in conceptualizing themes, managing logistics, and ensuring the continuity of these performances. Over the years, these productions have brought themes of conflict resolution, diversity, hope, love, resilience, faith, personal growth, and community connections to life.”
Sponsors
As of press time, sponsors of “Love: Found & Lost” are Diagnostic Laboratories of Hawaii, Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Filipino Healthcare, Primary Care Clinic of Hawaii, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle, Ohana Medical Missions, Aloha Care/Ritabelle Fernandes, Kuakini Health System, l, Drs. Elizabeth Abinsay & Hazel Abinsay, Dr. Perlita Lampitoc, Manawa Lea/Maria Rabago, Primary Tax Services/Dory Villafuerte, Financial Benefit Insurance/Klem Unciano, Rosenberg, McKay, & Hoffman, Armas Financial Services, ABC Transport, Dr. Ray Romero of Westshore Neurology, Richard Pecson of Wealth Strategies Group, Ming Chen MD, Hawaii Dermatology/Dr. William Wong, Hawaii Diagnostic Radiology Services, Jojie Waite-Ansdell, Dr. Gary Okamura, Mario Garcia/Windows Hawaii Inc., Dr. Benilda & Tim Llena, Dr. Sorbella Guillermo/MD Rejuvenation Center, Home Away From Home/Ema Arellano, Dr. & Mrs. Fortunato Elizaga, Dr. Nestor del Rosario, Dr. Russell Tacata, Waipahu Therapy Center, Dr. Mel Ona, Dr. Ross Simafranca, Dr. Corrine Hobbs, Hobbs Medical Group, Dr. Carolina Davide, Dr. Aurora Mariani, Dr. Emma Avila, McMann Eye Institute/Dr. Michael McMann, Pediatric Medical Group, LLC, Dr. Alfie Riveral, Westside Surgical Services, LLC, Kapolei Primary Medical Clinic, Dr. Nicanor & Imelda Joaquin, Alfredo’s Medical Acupuncture & Massage, Dr. Gavino Vinzons, Retuta Care Home, Cayabyab Care Home, Dr. Alberto Santos-Ocampo, Drs. Ankur and Shilpa Jain and Movement Plus.
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