8 University-Based Productions this May 2026
Here are eight university-based productions across seven institutions, arranged chronologically this May.
1. Santa Juana ng mga Katayan by Ateneo ENTABLADO
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Ateneo ENTABLADO, the premier socio-political theater organization of the Loyola Schools, closes its 43rd season, “Paglilimi,” with Santa Juana ng mga Katayan, Guelan Varela-Luarca’s Filipino translation of Saint Joan of the Stockyards by Bertolt Brecht. Directed by Delphine Buencamino and Issa Manalo Lopez, the Brechtian straight play opened on April 19 and runs until May 3 at the Ateneo Blackbox Theater.
The play follows Juana Dilim, whose aspirations for goodness and justice are challenged by the harsh realities of the world, gradually dismantling her idealized worldview. As she confronts systemic forces, the question remains: will she resist becoming part of the system? Does she have the agency to push back, or will she inevitably give in?
The production is directed by Buencamino and Lopez, working alongside an artistic team composed of Katriel Garcia (associate director), Guelan Varela-Luarca (translator), Lora Batomalaque (technical director), Wika Nadera (set designer), Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang (composers and sound designers), Kaiser Cortina (SFX designer), Aldrie Valmonte (lighting designer), Tata Tuviera (costume and makeup designer), and Ness Roque (dramaturg).
The cast is composed of student actors, with Juana played by Tini Flores and Kelsey Bravo; Pedro Sakmal by Roldine Ebrada and Lee Gosuico; the Meat Packers portrayed by Melvin Calubiran (Soro), Dani Quinto (Garcia), Mik Cadag (Reyes), Paul Felias and Ron Abustan (both as Cruz), and Philippe Reyes (Flores/Paulo Sarmiento); supporting roles played by Claudette Galgana and Sam Saquilayan (both as Gng. Kinulangan), Embry Nucum (Dimanalo), Jam Asombrado (Martha), and Rej Atin (Mendoza); and the ensemble composed of Biya Maja, Sijey Canonigo, Therese Catapang, and KD San Juan.
2. Ang Paglilitis kay Mang Serapio by Dulaang ROC
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Dulaang ROC, the pioneering student theater organization of the University of Asia and the Pacific, returns to its roots for its 36th season ender with a staging of the postmodern Filipino classic Ang Paglilitis kay Mang Serapio by Paul Arvisu Dumol. The production is directed by Patricia Villacorta and Jomari Villanueva, both alumni of UA&P and Dulaang ROC, and runs from May 6 to 9 at the university.
The play follows the Federacion, an organized community of beggars that accuses Mang Serapio of violating its rules, laws, and procedures. Within this system, survival depends on strict adherence to shared codes, and any deviation is treated as a threat to collective order. A public trial is convened to judge and condemn him—its verdict seemingly predetermined. Interrogated by the Tagapagtanong and brought before the Hukom, Mang Serapio is charged for the act of caring for a child, a transgression that places him in direct conflict with the Federacion’s regulations.
The cast features Jorge Empinado as Mang Serapio, Jared Jezoar Pacheco as the Unang Tagapagtanong, Juliana Salonga as the Ikalawang Tagapagtanong, and Jacob Gutierrez as the Hukom. Completing the cast are Iggy Arevalo as the Guwardiya and understudy for Mang Serapio; Faith Mendoza as a Saksi and understudy for the Ikalawang Tagapagtanong; Stephanie Almario and Beatrice Belicia Tabije as Saksi; Ysabelle Beatriz Horca as Saksi and Ensemble; Marcus Tagum and MJ Abeleda as Pilay; and Jodee Alessi K. Antonio, Airyn Jace J. Santiago, Anika Jaye Avelino, and Sean Borja as members of the ensemble.
Joining Dumol, Villacorta, and Villanueva in the creative team are Junee Templo (technical director), Gio Escoto (lighting designer), Hanz Ibarra (sound designer and scorer), Nico Punzalan (scenic designer), and Riri Arcangel (costume and makeup head).
Performances are scheduled on May 6 and 7 at 8:00 PM, and on May 9 at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM at Telengtan Hall. Tickets are priced at P500 (VIP), P450 (Premium), and P400 (Regular). The production runs for approximately 45 minutes without intermission.
For more information, contact Ten Escara at [email protected] or 09496722272.
3. Ang Turo ng Tinuruan by Artes Global, STI College Global City
Artes Global, the artes repertoire and theater ensemble of the STI College Global City Performing Arts Guild, is set to stage Ang Turo ng Tinuruan from May 6 to 9 at the school’s Multipurpose Hall.
The play is about the meaning of education, told through the lives of a mother and her son who are both teachers. Norma Salvador is a dedicated teacher about to retire, while her son, Ensoy, is just starting his teaching career in a public school, even though he finished law. Their story shows the difference in their views but also their shared belief in teaching as a calling.
As Norma looks back on her years of service, Ensoy begins to teach in his own way—more hands-on and focused on students’ real-life experiences. His journey deepens when he meets Bingo, a poor student facing hunger and abuse. Through Bingo’s story, the play highlights the struggles many students face and shows that teaching goes beyond the classroom.
The cast features Demegillo III Rebadio, Juan Miguel Ramos, and Yuri Agraviador alternating as Ensoy; Jenelle Odiong and Shanice Lira as Norma; Shaun Caril and Vector Lantaco as Samuel; Ivan Layno and Gil Sebastian Fernandez as Ping; Lloyd Reynoso and Brine Lago as Tisoy; and Cedrick Lazaro and Nor Hussien Ibrahim as Bingo. Also in the cast are Ryan Timothy Guzman as Fr. Ryan, Kesiah Sophia Rodriguez as Mrs. Bernales, Chloe Vivo as Gina, and Alyssa Ariola, Bryle Gutierrez, Angel Nacario, Bella Espares, Khyla Nicole, Louisse Ralph Apilado, Mark Mirandilla, Sheily Rodriguez, and Mithzi Lagunsad as members of the koro.
The production is directed by Wilfredo Nagar Uriarte Jr., with musical direction by Jhunrick Daniel Yanos. Set design is by Roxanne Mae Rosas, Jan Emmanuel Villaruz, John Vic Fabiano, Reese Hannah Dolencio, Princes Ann Grace Teves, Sofia Ezra Dalisay, and Althea Nicole Murillo. Makeup and imagery are handled by Uzziah Eliaquim Lo-ar, Aaliyah Jhudiel Madrelejos, Janystyn Pantig, and Samantha Dela Cruz.
4. Baon by Mediartrix-UST
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Mediartrix – UST presents Baon, an original Filipino musical written by Rook James Garcia and Maritoni Jean Caridad, directed by Jeri Ramos, and managed by Loelle Tobias and KC Borjal. The 1-hour-and-45-minute production runs on May 11 (2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM), May 16 (7:30 PM), and May 17 (10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM) at the Education Auditorium UST Albertus Magnus Building.
Set in the vibrant yet intimate community of Barangay Mabukal, the musical follows a group of residents brought together after the sudden death of their beloved neighbor, Lolo Nestor. As they gather to share the food he left behind, they are confronted with the emotional baon they carry—turning the moment into a reflection on grief, memory, and healing.
Rooted in the everyday yet deeply personal concept of baon, the musical moves beyond its literal meaning of packed meals to explore something heavier: the memories we keep, the words left unsaid, and the parts of ourselves we carry in silence.
The cast features Gyrome Dagondon as Lolo Nestor; Charlotte Mateo and Sophia Carasig as Lai; EJ Recalde and JP Coinsunji as Adan; Enrico Sacramento and Troy Victoria as Erick; and Lianne Sibal and Chelsea Derla as Shaira.
The production features 12 original songs performed by a live band. Tickets are available via the group’s Google Form, priced at ₱350 (Regular), ₱250 (UST Alumni), and ₱300 per person for the Family Bundle (minimum of four)
5. Nawawala 2026: Time Machine by Umalohokan, Inc., UPLB
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This May 13 to 15, the annual arts laboratory of Umalohokan Inc. returns to the NCAS Auditorium with Nawawala 2026: Time Machine. The production asks: what if you could explore the complexities of the past, reflect on the present, and confront the future—would you take the chance?
The production features three one-act plays: Ka Sisa, written by Andrew Estacio and directed by Jessie Huyo-a; Love Locally, written by Andrew Estacio and directed by Marl Garchitorena and Nezerene Malabug; and Para Sa Thesis, written by Kyle Saldonido and Kovi Billones and directed by Hans Cortes and Isabel Macalalad.
Tickets are priced at ₱150 and may be purchased through the group’s Google Form.
6. Hanggang Humupa by Artistang Artlets
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Celebrating 45 years, Artistang Artlets, the official theater guild of the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Santo Tomas, brings its major production Hanggang Humupa to the stage this May.
Performances are scheduled on May 14 at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM; May 15 at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM; and May 16 at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines National Headquarters.
Written by Kyte Villanueva, directed by Chloei Angeleine Fornea, and managed by Erah Laurice Alcaraz, Hanggang Humupa is a play that follows a community forced to live in floodwaters.
Director Fornea shares that the play confronts a difficult reality: “They’re resilient because they have no choice. They shouldn’t be used to it—because otherwise, nothing will change.”
Scriptwriter Villanueva underscores that the focus lies on the human cost rather than the disaster itself: “Mahirap na mabuhay bilang isang Pilipino, pero lalo itong pinapahirap ng kapabayaan na ibinibigay sa atin ng gobyerno. Hanggang Humupa is a call for justice for all the lives lost due to neglect.”
The cast features Selah “Ike” Francisco and Kyte Villanueva as Nora; Yssa Esmeria and Samantha Agbayani as Mylene; Julia Cruz and Fatima Rivera as Myra; Erah Laurice Alcaraz and Juliana Domingo as Joan; Harison Tambasacan as Luis; Choelo Astete as Kapitan Lito; and Rio Baylon Arguelles as Tiya Nita. The ensemble includes Jersey Anne Marie Lazo, Rhea Liza Galang, Alexia Chandra Ramos, Jerica Aguila, Ma. Isabelle Keziah Alfonso, Bryan Joseph Arcangel, Jann Mariae Ciriaco, Zamantha Nicole Iyana, Bianca Anestine Loyola, Jann Francis Lugtu, Maria Natasia Natividad, Natalie Reign Pacat, Benhur Rafer, Kristine Cyrille Ramos, Jessie Angellie Rivera, and Elric John Superales.
Seats are limited for this run, and early reservations are encouraged. For ticket reservations and inquiries, audiences may follow and message Artistang Artlets through their official social media platforms.
7. MITOS: Theater Festival by Teatré Phileo
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Teatré Phileo presents MITOS: Theater Festival, led by Jhay Hernandez, coach of the organization, and Khiara Mae Salvador, its current president. Inspired by the Theory of the Psyche by Carl Jung, the production premieres on May 14 to 15, 2026, at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium.
The festival explores three core archetypes—Persona, Shadow, and Anima/Animus—through the genres of comedy, drama, and romance, reflecting different facets of human identity and the complexities of the self. Each segment presents a distinct narrative, representing the masks we wear, the hidden aspects we conceal, and the balance we strive to achieve within ourselves.
Through these stories, the production brings to life the concept of “mito,” or personal mythologies that shape one’s identity, allowing audiences to connect with relatable experiences and deeper emotional truths. Performed by Teatré Phileo’s new members, the festival highlights fresh perspectives, creativity, and collaborative storytelling.
The production also supports BantuPH, an organization that empowers at-risk youth by developing their skills and potential while supporting families in need. Audiences attending the festival may bring donations of non-perishable goods such as canned food, instant noodles, rice, and other essentials, which will be collected at the venue and distributed to BantuPH’s partner communities.
8. D’yan sa May Hintayan by Tanghalang Batingaw
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Tanghalang Batingaw presents its 49th Season Ender Production, D’yan, Sa May Hintayan, running on May 15 and 16, 2026 at the JPL Hall of Freedom.
The play is written by Jeleana Jalisan, directed by Clarenz Tyra Tumabcao, with co-direction by Eco Navarro. Performances are scheduled at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on both days.
Set in a world that feels like a waking nightmare, the play follows five individuals struggling to survive: a man trapped by his own mistakes, a young woman burdened by the weight of the world, an elderly woman searching for what has been lost, an older sister left to care for her sibling on her own, and a young girl frozen in time. As their paths intersect, each is drawn toward a place they can call home—a space to endure, to rest, and to find people who understand them.
Tickets are priced at ₱120 for Lyceans, ₱200 for non-Lyceans and alumni, and ₱300 for VIP (front seats). Payments may be sent via GCash (09623213766, Agnes R.), and tickets may be reserved through the group’s Google Form.
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