teatro Pinas | CCP announces Writing Fellows of the Virgin Labfest XX Writing Fellowship Program

After intensive deliberation, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) proudly announces the eight (8) aspiring playwrights selected for the Virgin Labfest XX Writing Fellowship Program (VLF XX WFP), which will be held both online and onsite at the CCP Complex from June 17 to 29, 2025.

This year’s Writing Fellows are:

1. Ace Abu

2. Aldrine Anzures

3. Princess Joy Buenafe

4. Mark Joseph Briones

5. Laurence Miguel De Vera

6. Maleah Rae Frange

7. Bradley Jason Pantajo

8. Qashrina Musa

The VLF XX WFP is an intensive two-week mentorship initiative on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage. Under the guidance of multi-awarded playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, the program offers a platform for selected writing fellows to engage in lectures, workshops, and discussions on playwriting and script critiquing. 

Fellows will also be granted access to this year’s festival plays and take part in talkbacks and interactions with known playwrights and directors.

The Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program has produced notable playwrights in the country. Among the featured works in this year’s Virgin Labfest XX: HINOG, seven playwrights are proud alumni of the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program, including its regional iteration in the Visayas. These include Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo (Unang Araw), Chris Joseph Junio (Mga Magindara sa Siyudad), Harvey Rebaya Sallador / “Imuthis” (Ang Problema sa Trolley), Mikaella Yoj (TBT, Takbo Batang Tondo), Jobert Grey Landeza (Mommy G), and Jhudiel Clare D. Sosa, whose work Identité returns this year as a revisited play. Also featured is Andy Abellar, whose play Wala Ginakamatisan ang Itlog will be presented in a staged reading.

The VLF XX WFP will culminate in a showcase of stage readings featuring the Fellows’ original works to be held at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, 3/F Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex on June 29, 2025 (5:00 PM).

For inquiries, email artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call 8832 1125 local 1605.

For the full festival schedule and ticket prices of Virgin Labfest XX: HINOG, you may visit the official social media accounts of CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writers’ Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Tickets are available at the CCP Box Office, TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, and Ticketnet.