Gab Pangilinan to Star as Gabriela Silang in ‘Gabriela: The Musical’
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative has announced that Gab Pangilinan will star in the title role of Gabriela: The Musical, an original Filipino musical set to open on November 13, 2026 at Hyundai Hall, Areté in Quezon City.
Set in 18th century Ilocos, the musical reimagines the story of Gabriela Silang through myth, magic, and mystery. Rather than beginning after the death of her husband, the production presents Gabriela as a co-author of the revolution from the very beginning, later tasked with holding it together as it begins to fracture. As she reconnects with her Itneg roots, she moves between worlds, becoming both battleground and bridge. At its core, the musical is a love story about people who believed that a different life was possible.
Pangilinan, most recently seen as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, shares:
“It’s no secret that Gabriela Silang is a revolutionary heroine of the Philippines— the first female leader who fought against Spanish colonization. To portray this Filipina was never in my theatre actor bingo card and trust me when I say that I do not take this lightly. Isang malaking karangalan (at responsibilidad) ang gumanap bilang Gabriela Silang. Alongside the incredible company of Gabriela: The Musical, I’m looking forward to the journey we’re about to take on together. Immensely grateful for this opportunity to originate a new role and I promise to take care of her.”
Written by Pat Valera, Gabriela: The Musical marks his fourth original Filipino musical, following Mula Sa Buwan, Bar Boys: The Musical, and Dekada ’70. Valera says:
“I’ve spent more than five years researching Gabriela Silang, and the more I came to know her, the more questions arose. Why does Gabriela’s story begin only after her husband’s death? If she was such a revered general, could she have been an active part of the revolution from the beginning? Able to unite a divided people, could Gabriela have imagined the beginnings of a nation?
We explore these questions (and more) in the musical. In doing so, I believe we have shaped a nuanced and complex journey for Gabriela—a story of a woman in love, a grieving warrior, and the kind of leader we continue to yearn for today.”
The production is directed by Mikko Angeles, who previously helmed Bar Boys: The Musical, with music by Myke Salomon. Angeles shares:
“With Pat Valera’s script and Myke Salomon’s music, bringing Gabriela Silang’s narrative to the stage means looking beyond the familiar historical figure and discovering the myth, magic, and mystery that surround her.
On the page, the scale encompasses time, reality, and the cosmos. Ang dami agad elements and demands na kailangang paghandaan. Plus, iba din yung responsibilidad na kaakibat sa pangangalaga ng kultura.
Apart from tracing history, we are shaping Gabriela: The Musical as a reimagination of her love and revolution through the lens of rage and sacrifice — a woman transformed by loss, drawn toward destiny, and compelled to confront her identity.
Alam na ba namin kung paano gawin? Hindi pa — that’s what makes it an exciting challenge.”
Gabriela: The Musical begins performances on November 13, 2026 at Hyundai Hall, Areté in Quezon City. Tickets for the opening weekend are now available via the group’s Google Form. Ticket buyers from July 13 to August 17, 2026 will receive a complimentary souvenir program as an early-bird keepsake.
Ticket prices for Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, Sunday afternoon, and the closing performance on December 6 are:
VIP Orchestra – ₱3,199
Orchestra 1 – ₱2,699
Orchestra 2 – ₱2,199
Mezzanine 1 – ₱2,199
Mezzanine 2 – ₱1,699
Mezzanine 3 – ₱1,299
For Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evening performances (except December 6), tickets are priced at:
VIP Orchestra – ₱2,999
Orchestra 1 – ₱2,499
Orchestra 2 – ₱1,999
Mezzanine 1 – ₱1,999
Mezzanine 2 – ₱1,499
Mezzanine 3 – ₱999
Additional casting and production announcements will be released soon. For more information, follow Barefoot Theatre Collaborative on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
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