Star Powerhouse

  Repertory Philippines (REP) enlivens the local theater scene as it brings the inspiring and beloved story of literary hero Don Quixote to the stage in the much-anticipated production of the seminal classic Man of La Mancha . With a limited four-weekend run from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater , the 2026 staging of Man of La Mancha not only harks back to REP’s legacy but also offers a revitalized take for today’s theatergoers. The musical will be brought to life by young director Nelsito Gomez , known for his fresh, creative, and relevant (and mostly lauded) takes on the masterworks of literary pantheons, from Shakespeare to Goethe. With him at the helm, one can expect this Cervantine musical about one man’s refusal to give up his impossible dream to be even more impactful and meaningful to the new generation.  The cast of 2026 REP staging features Nonie Buencamino ,  Katrine Sunga ,  Marvin Ong , Tarek El Tayech, Alfredo Reyes, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, ...

Photos courtesy of PETA, shot by Paw Castillo. The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is set to captivate theatergoers once again with the highly anticipated staging of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! , a daring and razor-sharp theatrical satire headlined by Eugene Domingo . Following the success of its critically acclaimed film trilogy, the iconic franchise officially transitions from screen to live stage performance, offering audiences a fresh yet familiar exploration of Philippine entertainment culture through comedy, spectacle, and fearless social commentary. The production will run for 50 performances from June 19 to August 16, 2026 at the PETA Theater Center , with matinee shows scheduled at 2:00 PM and evening performances at 7:30 PM. Written by acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Chris Martinez and directed by celebrated theater director Maribel Legarda , the newest installment shifts its focus toward the evolving landscape of Philippin...

  The Virgin Labfest (VLF) officially comes of age in its 21st edition, stripping down all pretense of innocence while showcasing the bold Filipino voice and spirit. As it nurtures emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, it revels in the artistic and creative desires expressed through fearless storytelling.   Guided by the theme Hubo’t Hubad , this year’s VLF reflects on the many ways people reveal themselves. It invites audiences to engage with works that expose layers of identity, memory, and vulnerability.   Offering a deeper understanding of the human experience, the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns with 12 “virgin” scripts this June 3 to 28, 2026, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).   Unrestrained tales of the human experience   Featuring new works by eight “virgin” playwrights and four returning playwrights, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD elaborates on the unbri...

Embodying the spirit of interconnectedness this National Heritage Month, the CCP Channel curates a thoughtful selection of digital content that highlights the rich Philippine heritage. Aligned with this year’s theme, “ Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future, ” symbolized by the banig (woven mat), the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ online streaming platform weaves together stories that bridge generations to shape national sensibility.  This May, the CCP Channel presents select films from the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, entries from Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, Virgin Labfest (VLF) one-act featured plays, and  CCP T(A)YONG Dalawa: Indak sa Saliw ng Pusong Umiibig instructional videos on folk and indigenous dances.   Dive into VLF, Gawad Alternatibo, and Cinemalaya through the CCP Channel Catch filmmaker Iar Arondaing’s Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma on the CCP Channel. This Cinemalaya 2018 entry...