Star Powerhouse

Keeping true to its commitment to nurture Filipino talent, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) proudly begins a new chapter of the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program (VLF WFP). Now in its 15th year, the fellowship program has selected eight (8) talented and passionate aspiring playwrights to participate in the educational component of the theater festival from June 16 to 28, at the CCP Complex. This year’s Writing Fellows are: Daniel John Augusto Rhea Kyla Dionisio Angela Nicole Divina Enrico Figueroa Reinhardt Patrick Orillos Rosemarie Uy Gio Alfonso Vega Kier Andrei Yonson In a span of two intensive weeks, VLF XXI WFP immerses its fellows in the craft of dramatic writing for the stage. Under the guidance of multi-awarded playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, the program offers a rich curriculum of lectures, workshops, and discussions on playwriting and script critiquing for the selected aspiring playwrights. They will also be granted access to Virgin Labfest XXI: Hubo’t Hubad...

  Ron Evangelista's SHE'S ELECTRIC Direction: JP Habac feat. Joshua Cabiladas, Glaiza De Castro, Aldo Vencilao, Yesh Burce, and Ybes Bagadiong Catch their shows on June 5, 11, 17, & 28 (2:00 PM) & June 5, 10, 21, & 27 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Faith Lacanlale's BETAMAX Direction:  Sheenly Gener feat.  Jam Binay, Jorrybell and Sean Inocencio Catch their shows on June 5, 11, 17, & 28 (2:00 PM) & June 5, 10, 21, & 27 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Dustin Celestino's ELEHIYA Direction: Ron Capinding feat. Yan Yuzon, John Sanches, Dennis Marasigan, Rafa Suguion-Reyna and Carlos Siguion-Reyna Catch their shows on June 5, 11, 17, & 28 (2:00 PM) & June 5, 10, 21, & 27 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Tickets are available via TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, or through the festival’s showbuyers.

  Gab Mactal's LUALHATI Direction: Mara Paulina Marasigan feat. Jackie Lou Blanco, Banaue Miclat, Angel Aquino, Bea Garcia-Choy, Sarah Monay and Iana Bernardez Catch their shows on June 4, 10, 21 & 27 (2:00 PM) & June 4, 14, 20, 26 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Niel Arkhe Azcuna's BALOS Direction: Cholo Ledesma feat. Vincent Pajara, Heart Puyong, Bong Cabrera, DMs Boongaling and Fred Layno Catch their shows on June 4, 10, 21 & 27 (2:00 PM) & June 4, 14, 20, 26 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Alab Usman's HARAM Direction: Mark Daniel Dalacat feat.  Jude Hinumdum, Eshei Mesina, Phil Noble, Joann Co and Rey Correjado Catch their shows on June 4, 10, 21 & 27 (2:00 PM) & June 4, 14, 20, 26 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Tickets are available via TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, or through the festival’s showbuyers.

  Floyd Scott Tiogangco's PATAYIN ANG MGA SUROT Direction: Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan feat. Lian Silverio, Donna Cariaga and Janhi Gamboa Catch their shows on June 3, 14, 20, & 26 (2:00 PM) & June 3, 13, 19 & 25 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Elijah Felice Rosales’ HUMAN RIGHTS STORY OF THE YEAR Direction: Nelsito Vomez feat. Cj Navato and Justine Peña Catch their shows on June 3, 14, 20, & 26 (2:00 PM) & June 3, 13, 19 & 25 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Anthony Kim Vergara’s Password123, Pilipinas321 Direction: Norbs Portales feat. Earvin Estioco, Noel Rayos, Nicole Manlulu , Miguel Delos Reyes, Gio Gahol, and Gie Onida Catch their shows on June 3, 14, 20, & 26 (2:00 PM) & June 3, 13, 19 & 25 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Tickets are available via TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, or through the festival’s show...

 The cast and crew of Virgin Labfest XXI: Hubo’t Hubad SET E - DILANG MATALIM (REVISITED) during their DTR last May 27, 2026. Siege Malvar’s PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2 Direction: Johnnie Moran feat. Eric Dela Cruz, Michelle Ngu-Nario (alternating with Kiki Baento), Emilio Macabantad (alternating with MC Dela Cruz), Ariel Diccion, Charm Aranton, Clottie Gealogo-Lucero Catch their shows on June 7, 13, 19, & 25 (2:00 PM) & June 7, 12, 18, & 24 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Rolin Migyuel Obina’s THE LATE MISTER REAL Direction: Maynard Manansala feat. Bene Manaois and Shé Maala Catch their shows on June 7, 13, 19, & 25 (2:00 PM) & June 7, 12, 18, & 24 (8:00 PM) at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. Ade Valenzona’s POLAR COORDINATES Direction: Paolo O’Hara feat. Jack Denzel, Michael Hilao, Chloe Dominique, Randy Villarama, Martha Comia, Sheryll Villamor Ceasico Catch their shows on June...

  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...

  The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) , through its Artist Training Division , in partnership with The Performance Laboratory, Inc. , is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program (VLFWFP) in the Visayas Year 4, open until August 30, 2025. The VLFWFP is a two-week mentorship program designed to nurture and develop aspiring playwrights from the regions, focusing on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage. This year’s edition runs from November 4 to 15, 2025, featuring both online sessions via Zoom and onsite meetings at The Negros Museum in Bacolod, Negros Occidental. Throughout the program, selected fellows will take part in lectures, discussions, and workshops on playwriting and script critiquing. They will gain access to recordings of selected past Virgin Labfest plays and have opportunities to engage in talkbacks and conversations with prominent playwrights and directors. The fellowship will culminate...

  Following a fruitful and successful run, Virgin Labfest: Hinog is finally set to premiere its special one-night-only extension on August 21, 8 PM, at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), after postponement last July. Dubbed VLF XX: Extended, the one-night-only performance will feature selected plays from its recently-concluded 20th edition – MINATING NI MARIAH ANG MANTO NG MOMMY NI MAMA MARY by Eljay Castro Deldoc , MOMMY G by Jobert Grey Landeza and PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2 by Siege Malvar .  In Deldoc’s one-act play, former con artist Mariah repents his sin by joining the annual Lenten Exhibit. However, things turn when Mariah is accused of stealing the antique veil of St. Mary Magdalene. Replacing Ryan Machado’s Don’t Meow For Me Catriona, Landeza’s play sets the stage with anticipation during a family dinner. Turning 65, Mommy G stirs her children’s beliefs, tests their relationships, and confronts their tolerance in accepting a new “member” of th...

Queer representation has always had a home in Filipino theater. Over the years, it evolved from subtle innuendos and comic relief to a more nuanced, empowering portrayal that challenges societal norms and celebrates diverse identities. These plays assert the importance of inclusive human narratives and provide an opportunity for self-discovery – both for LGBTQIA+ individuals and audiences. Today, a growing number of playwrights, directors, and theater companies in the Philippines have embraced the responsibility of telling queer stories with authenticity and depth. For years, the Virgin Labfest puts the spotlight on queer characters, particularly their struggles, joys, and triumphs. Their stories are brought to full bloom in the 20th edition of the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays. Mga Magindara sa Siyudad In the play written by CJ Junio, two friends Maureen and Maylene are known as the magindara (mermaids) of the local carnival. Together with their ...