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.
REVIEW - Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet
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.
SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL Announces Final One-Day-Only Extension!
Due to insistent public demand, The Sandbox Collective has just announced Side Show: The Musical’s final extension on August 24, 2025 with two shows – 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
The afternoon show will include Krystal Kane, Molly Langley, CJ Navato, Tim Pavino, and Joshua Cabiladas, while the evening show will include Tanya Manalang, Marynor Madamesila, Reb Atadero, Vien King, and Marvin Ong.
The company will include Jon Santos, Arion Sanchez, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.
Award-Winning Filipino Musical Walang Aray Returns with Refreshed Staging and Inclusive Cast Lineup
As the flagship production of PETA’s 58th season, themed Love and Power, this revival features a more comedic, more subversive, and bolder and biting Walang Aray while retaining its heartwarming core.
Director Ian Segarra reprises his role at the helm, now joined by Norbs Portales as Associate Director, who brings a fresh and daring creative pulse to the production. “His insight, energy, and collaboration helped shape this new version into something sharper and, in many ways, braver,” Segarra shares.
A New Stage, A Bold First Act: Rockwell’s Proscenium Theater Opens with The Bodyguard The Musical
This September, the spotlight turns to Rockwell’s Proscenium Theater as it prepares to debut—not just as a new stage, but as the setting for immersive, unforgettable experiences in the heart of the city. With quiet confidence and unshakable flair, Rockwell proudly presents its first-ever production: a 9 Works Theatrical staging of The Bodyguard The Musical.
A gripping blend of romance, suspense, and spectacular music, The Bodyguard takes center stage in its Manila debut. Inspired by the 1992 cinematic phenomenon starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical reimagines the story of global superstar Rachel Marron and the former Secret Service agent assigned to protect her. As danger draws near, so too does an unexpected love—set to a soundtrack that defined a generation.
Side Show: The Musical Announces Full Company
Set in 1930s America, SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s.
Featuring a stellar mix of Philippine theater’s veterans and rising stars, the show is set to captivate audiences with a brand new staging of the original 1997 version of SIDE SHOW.
THE HILTON TWINS
Alternating in the role of the conjoined twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, are powerhouse pairs Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley.
"Maria Makiling, The Musical " Is All Set To Open On October 8
Kids Acts Philippines is opening its 19th Season of Musical Theatre with a famous Philippine Mythology written by our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal entitled MARIA MAKILING”, which will run from October 2024 until April 2025.
This musical adaptation is under the artistic collaboration of two award-winning Filipino directors, Luigi Nacario and Eugene Belbis who are also named the Fathers of Philippine Childrens Theatre because of pioneering the childrens musicals for kids, and by the kids and advocating training and augmenting the interests of the children in performing arts.
KAPIs stage version of the beautiful young maiden of Mount Makiling will highlight the true and enchanting love story of Maria and the fine-looking farmer, who lived at the foot of Mount Makiling, named Juan.
Seussical Set To Open Feb. 24-25
2TinCans Philippines, Cebu’s premier theatre communications company, proudly announces the much-anticipated 10th-anniversary celebration with a spectacular production of the whimsical musical extravaganza, "Seussical" set on February 24 to 25 at the CENEWOF Theater of the Marcelo Fernan Press Center in Lahug, Cebu City.
"Seussical" is a fantastical journey into the colorful universe created by the iconic Dr. Seuss, featuring beloved characters from his timeless stories including “The Cat in the Hat”, “Horton Hears a Who”, “Gertrude McFuzz”, among many others, which promises to enchanting audiences with its vibrant characters, imaginative storytelling, and unforgettable music.
Featuring the 2TinCans Theatre Company and the musical theatre students of 2TinCans Theatre Lab, this milestone production not only marks a decade of excellence in the theatre arts for 2TinCans Philippines, but also serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality productions that captivates audiences of all ages.
FEU Theater Guild’s 90th Year Celebration
The Far Eastern University Theater Guild’s (FTG) 90th season opened by exploring the intricacies of love in Tamdula VI: Love-Oratory and now restages Liza Magtoto’s “Agnoia” inspired by Eli Rueda Guieb III’s short story “Horoscope”. First performed in FEU in 2013, “Agnoia” delves into the fateful webbing of relationships and destiny and will be restaged in a more intimate setting. Witness how the themes of love and circumstance take on the characters of the Zodiac signs as the FTG marks this significant milestone in its illustrious history.
CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives - PETA’s Bold Collection of New Theater Performances
With an unwavering commitment to empowering and enriching society, PETA continues to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in the realm of socially relevant theater. PETA welcomes 2024 with a bold collection of new theater performances that puts the spotlight on the theme of narrative change with CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives, Reclaiming and Reshaping Stories of the Filipino People.
PETA artists, together with creative partners and collaborators, have created fresh works that hope to provoke curiosity, spark conversations, challenge assumptions, interrogate, and transform the toxic narratives and harmful depictions that hold society back.
CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives features eight new works, devised performances, and the re-staging of KUMPRONTASYON at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14, 19-21, 2024.
Shorts & Briefs 9 At Draper Start Up House This August 6-27, 2023
Shorts & Briefs 9 by EKSENA PH, is an independently produced “THEATRE FESTIVAL” of short and brief Plays (10-12min plays) that features ONLY 1st time theatre makers and performers. It’s been running for 9 years. This year they are back to the LIVE theatre scene celebrating 9 years with 8 live shows on all Sundays of AUGUST. Debuting this season are 8 set of Plays featuring New faces in the theatre Scene. This year SNB 9 will also feature original stories from New and Upcoming Playwrights.
It will be staged at DRAPER STARTUP HOUSE in Poblacion Makati, All Sundays of August starting August 06-27. Showtime is at 2pm and 7pm every Sunday. DRAPER is a 80-seater venue, is located at 5048 P. Burgos Street, Poblacion, Makati, Philippines.
This year SNB 9 will feature original stories from New and Upcoming Playwrights.
Experiencing “Milestone Anxiety”? tick, tick…BOOM! is your safe space
Adulting sucks; thank God for tick, tick…BOOM!
According to ExploringYourMind.com, milestone anxiety is defined as “the psychological pressure that people experience when they perceive that they haven’t yet met many of their expectations and life goals.” Some life milestones include buying a home, getting married, having kids and more. Just last year, UK-based organization Relate discovered that this milestone anxiety is rising among millennials and Gen Z members. The early 30s seem to be a real “crunch point”—by age 30, young adults are expected to have their lives together.
Anxious about turning 30 (or getting older)? Say less.
There’s a musical that says it all—one that was written decades ago, but is still relevant to our milestone anxiety-ridden generation.
9 Works Theatrical presents Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick… BOOM!
Fear or Love, Baby?
tick, tick…BOOM!: A Must-Watch for All Artists and Creatives
If you’re a struggling artist or creative, odds are, you’ve found yourself asking this question: Will you pursue the passion that makes your life worth living? Or will you pursue a career that makes a living?
This is the story of our protagonist Jon in the musical tick, tick… BOOM! Jon is an aspiring composer who is about to turn thirty and is growing increasingly anxious about his future in theater. Pressure mounts when his girlfriend, Susan, hounds him about leaving New York to start a family and seek a more stable profession. Tensions also rise when his best friend Michael—an erstwhile actor-turned marketing executive—tries to convince him to join the fold.
Amidst it all, Jon hears a constant ticking–a reminder that he is getting older, with little to show.
Meet the Cast of 9 Works Theatrical’s tick, tick…BOOM!
tick, tick…BOOM! restaging to star Jef Flores and Khalil Ramos
Jonathan Larson’s rock monologue comes alive once more!
9 Works Theatrical (9WT), one of the Philippines’ premier production companies, is reopening its theater doors after a three-year hiatus with a restaging of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…BOOM! After a successful run in 2016, and hot on the heels of the critically-acclaimed Netflix adaptation, 9WT has chosen Larson’s rock monologue as its comeback production. Theater fans and even film enthusiasts couldn’t be more excited!
tick, tick… BOOM! follows the story of Jon, a struggling musical composer who is turning 30 but has yet to make his mark. Uncertain if pursuing his artistic ambitions is worth the struggle, he navigates life by composing musicals while juggling his relationship with his girlfriend, Susan. Susan—a dancer, who teaches ballet to “wealthy and untalented children”—experiences the same artistic/existential crisis, and longs to move out of New York to find a more stable and secure future. The show also introduces Michael, Jon’s best friend, an erstwhile actor who has chosen to pursue a more lucrative path as a marketing executive.
PETA Summer Workshop 2023 Brings In-Person Theater Learning Back
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is back to offering its face-to-face summer theater workshops starting May 2023!
The year marks an important milestone for Philippine theater as this is the year stages reopened and live performances returned for Filipino audiences post-pandemic. As PETA celebrates its 56th year in the industry, and wraps up its last month of the successful and highly-anticipated run of its newest original musical, Rody Vera’s Walang Aray (a farcical adaptation of Severino Reyes’ class zarzuela Walang Sugat), we can expect more theater activities in store for everyone in the coming months!
Dulaang UP’s Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba
After two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to a global health crisis, Dulaang UP reopened its doors through the staging of Floy Quintos’ The Reconciliation Dinner at the University Theater Main Hall Stage in November 2022.
After the successful run of The Reconciliation Dinner, Dulaang UP’s first offering for its 45th theatre season, we are excited to be back on stage with an adaptation of Dean Francis Alfar’s How Rosang Taba Won a Race, a children’s story that amplifies the voices of the oppressed. The adaptation Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba is written by award-winning playwrights Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera, and directed by José Estrella in collaboration with her mentees Issa Manalo Lopez and Mark Dalacat. Lopez is currently DUP’s Artistic Director while Dalacat is a graduating BA Theatre Arts student from the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts.
Xavier School Nuvali is Philippine Theater’s New Breeding Ground
Xavier School Nuvali, the youngest Jesuit school in the Philippines, is the latest breeding ground for the future of Philippine theater. The Jesuits, known for their affinity for the arts - especially drama - are seriously investing in honing the talent of their students.
As face-to-face schooling comes back, so do the curtains rise in Xavier Nuvali. Almost every day of the week, the school is abuzz with student-actors singing, dancing, and acting in the corridors. Apart from the daily grind of academics, which each student-actor prioritizes, the excitement of after-school theater programs is a favorite of many a Xaverian.
PETA marks theater comeback with Batang Rizal
The return to the theater features no less than a PETA classic, Christine Bellen’s Batang Rizal! First to launch online via streaming from October 14-16, the well-loved musical will be the first show to open PETA’s theater stage in November.
Co-written, directed for stage, and choreographed by Dudz Teraña, with musical direction, arrangement, and composition by Vincent de Jesus, Batang Rizal is a remarkable piece because of its ability to resonate with audiences across generations. Its power rests in its simplicity and relatability, while carrying a deep challenge for audiences to become everyday heroes.
Even after a decade and a half, the magic of Batang Rizal has not wavered. PETA artistic director, and Batang Rizal video director, Maribel Legarda, says that one of the most powerful aspects of the show is “how Rizal’s story is told not through the eyes of an adult but that of a child’s.”
Tanghalang Pilipino rolls out new online productions this August to celebrate Buwan ng Wika
The beauty of the Filipino language takes centerstage as Tanghalang Pilipino releases performances that are based on Philippine literary works, in celebration of Buwan ng Wika. These performances will be streamed online under 'PansamanTanghalan', found at the official TP Youtube channel.“13th of SEPTEMBER” - Official Entry To the 9th Festival International de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier
“13th of September” - the Philippine’s official entry to the 9th Festival International de Theatre De Mont-Laurier is all set for its international gala performance on September 9 – Monday 4 pm at the Espace Theatre located at 543 Rue du Pont Local, Quebec, Canada.-
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