REVIEW - Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet

It is actually refreshing and inspiring to see a regional theater group venture into the theater circle of Metro Manila in which the majority of stage plays are seen. YPC Stage is from Biñan City which started as a small group and now has grown to make a gamble to stage it on a bigger platform. Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet is written acclaimed playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, it is made up of 3 one act plays: “Ang Liknayan ng ating mga Katawan”, “Ilihan at Kalingaw”, and “Ganito ang Pinangarap kong Kasal.” Directed by BJ Borja, he pairs the actors of YPC Stage with established stage actors to show that they are on par with each other and makes great chemistry. Each play has its own charm and interpretation of the word “Mapanakit” (hurtful) which makes it relatable. And it would definitely wreck you if you find yourself in all three. They prove that there is potential talent beyond the Metro, new stories that are worthy to be told on stage, and elevates provincial theater to gain experience and exposure.

MAPANAKIT - Mga Dulang Bittersweet All Set to Open on July 25

Marking a significant milestone in the regional arts landscape, Biñan proudly announces its first-ever homegrown theatre production to be staged outside city borders. Following a highly successful community run in December 2025, Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet has officially transitioned into a touring-ready production, representing the highly anticipated maiden presentation of YPC Stage.

Directed by BJ Borja, the show celebrates community-rooted storytelling and professional staging discipline, making it both artistically compelling and accessible to diverse audiences nationwide.

Written by acclaimed playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, these 'three one-act plays' present deeply human stories told through intimate performances, poetic dialogue, and emotionally grounded storytelling that resonates strongly with modern audiences.

The staging serves as an artistic bridge, featuring a powerful collaboration that unites a dynamic new generation of performers with some of the most respected and seasoned names in Philippine theater. This synergy of fresh energy and professional experience delivers an exceptional standard of performance.

Viu launches first Pinoy original STILL

The first Viu Original musical created by award winner Pat Valera with a powerhouse cast and a production backed by the brightest in the Philippines' theater and music industries

Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, proudly launches its first original musical narrative series featuring a powerhouse cast of Filipino artists from the country’s music, film and theater scene.

STILL was created by Palanca-awardee Pat Valera, who is known for award-winning shows Dekada ‘70 the Musical and Mula Sa Buwan. Theater industry greats Giancarlo Abrahan and Nicco Manalo co-created the series with Valera. On the director’s chair is Treb Monteras II of the internationally-acclaimed rap musical Respeto. Multi-awarded screenwriter, director, producer and editor Monster Jimenez produced the series.

PLDT-Smart Gabay Kalikasan premieres a musical revue billed

‘Songs for a Changed World: COVID and Climate Change’ on June 5 on FB and YouTube

In celebration of World Environment Day (WED) 2020 this Friday, June 5, PLDT and Smart, through Gabay Kalikasan, premieres a timely and relevant all-original musical revue billed “Songs for a Changed World: COVID and Climate Change.”

The Gabay Kalikasan show will feature popular music interpreted by outstanding talents in Philippine theater, specifically the cast and production team behind the widely successful musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”

“Songs for A Changed World,” with concept and libretto by Floy Quintos, musical direction by Myke Salomon and direction by Dexter Santos, will be streamed on the Gabay Kalikasan Facebook page and YouTube channel at 8 p.m.