Star Powerhouse

  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 ...

Celebrating two decades of nurturing emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, the Virgin Labfest (VLF) continues to foster its garden of brave narratives with 12 new scripts ripe for the picking. The country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns from June 11 to June 29, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).  NEW SCRIPTS, NEW CONVERSATIONS Featuring 12 new scripts by 8 virgin male and female playwrights and 4 returning playwrights in its milestone year, VLFXX: HINOG blooms into a passionate community of unheard voices and untold stories, bringing people closer through truthful and compelling storytelling. A group of friends makes the most of their summer vacation with a mystery game in YOJ’s TBT: TAKBO, BATANG TONDO . Albin, the policeman in their little world, is baffled when the real “suspect” isn’t punished. Liane Carlo Suelan’s ANG BATA KAG ANG ILAGA is set in St. Jerome’s Home for...

  Celebrating two decades of nurturing emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, the Virgin Labfest (VLF) continues to foster its garden of brave narratives with 12 new scripts ripe for the picking. The country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns from June 11 to June 29, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).  NEW SCRIPTS, NEW CONVERSATIONS Featuring 12 new scripts by 8 virgin male and female playwrights and 4 returning playwrights in its milestone year, VLFXX: HINOG blooms into a passionate community of unheard voices and untold stories, bringing people closer through truthful and compelling storytelling. A group of friends makes the most of their summer vacation with a mystery game in YOJ’s TBT: TAKBO, BATANG TONDO . Albin, the policeman in their little world, is baffled when the real “suspect” isn’t punished. Liane Carlo Suelan’s ANG BATA KAG ANG ILAGA is set in St. Jerome’s H...