GUIDE: The Virgin Labfest 2026 Synopses, Cast, and More Details Announced

May 03, 2026

Share this article

Now in its 21st year, the Virgin Labfest (VLF), the festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays, returns to the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez from June 3 to 28, 2026.

Entitled VLF XXI: Hubo’t Hubad, the Cultural Center of the Philippines said that this year’s theme is “a celebration of adulthood, raw energy, and fearless storytelling, where the Filipino voice and spirit are laid bare to tell stories without restraint.”

This year’s festival features 12 new one-act plays, three revisited plays from last year, and six new staged readings. It includes a total of eight “Virgin” (first-time participants in the festival) playwrights and six Virgin directors.

Also returning to the festival are its educational components: the VLF Writing Fellowship Showcase, now under the new umbrella titled Special Staged Readings, Theater Talks, and the VLF Playwrights Fair, all to be held at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.

The Special Staged Readings feature reading performances of works from the diaspora, as well as the showcase from the VLF Writing Fellowship Workshop. On June 20 at 5 PM is the reading performance of How Romantic: A Guide to Modern Pangcah Life by Ihot Sinlay Cihek, from the Prologue Center for New Plays, directed by Caisa Borromeo. On June 21 and 24 at 5 PM are reading performances of the National Arts Centre’s (NAC) Prison Dancer. Based in Ottawa, Canada, the NAC is a major producer of Canadian theater, fostering new works and hosting diverse performances; it is also the only multidisciplinary, bilingual performing arts center in North America. Finally, on June 28 at 5 PM is the Writing Fellowship Showcase, a culmination of a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage under the mentorship of award-winning playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, directed by Rafael Jimenez.

Theater Talks is a forum series on creative and production processes in theater and performance. It will be held on June 11 (Topic: Prologue Center for New Plays; Speaker: Cheng-Han Wu; Moderator: Caisa Borromeo), June 18 (Topic: Asian Producers’ Platform; Speakers: Jin Yim and Cui Yin Mok; Moderator: Soc Amon), and June 25 (Topic: Shizuoka Performing Arts Center; Speaker: Takuya Maehara; Moderator: Alison Segarra).

The VLF Playwrights’ Fair is a venue for conversations with playwrights, curated by award-winning writer Rody Vera. It will be held on June 13 (Topic: Saan ang Tagpuan? The Space and Time Elements in Emerging Plays in Bikol, 2018–2026; Speaker: Sari Saysay; Moderator: Rody Vera), June 20 (Topic: Herstories on Hosting the WPI Conferences; Speaker: Dessa Quesada-Palm; Moderator: Liza Magtoto), and June 27 (Topic: Lab-as: Sustaining the Craft and the Future of Visayan Theater; Speaker: Tanya Lopez; Moderator: Glenn Sevilla Mas).

This year’s staged readings are stripped-down reading performances of selected scripts from the VLF 21 submissions. They will be held on June 12, 19, and 26, also at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet. The schedules are as follows:

Set 1: June 12 at 5 PM
Mga Tatsulok by Jose Victor Torres
Director: Zoë de Ocampo

The Devoured by M. Manalastas
Director: Monty Uy

Set 2: June 19 at 5 PM
Manang by Dingdong Novenario
Director: Jonathan Tadioan

Suor by Rafa Jimenez
Director: Sarah Facuri

Set 3: June 26 at 5 PM
Kasal (anan) by Juan Ekis
Director: Gab Pangilinan

Ang Huli by Jay Fernando
Director: BJ Crisostomo

Marco Viaña returns as co-festival director for the fifth year, now with new co-director Toni Go-Yadao. They are joined by Sandie Javier, who serves as head production manager; Clottie Gealogo-Lucero, Nikki Torres, Nice Hervas, and Monique Trinidad, who serve as production managers; Daniel Gregorio as assistant production manager; and Rafa Lubigan and Camilo De Guzman as head stage managers.

Julio Garcia serves as head set designer, alongside Io Balanon, Errold Enriquez, Mark Lorenz, Carlos Siongco, Jerome Aytona, and Wika Nadera as set designers. Monica Sebial and Sam Quizon serve as costume stylists, with Richard Chua, Kurt Valero, Angela Mikhaila Cepeda, and Ciriaco Jan Clarion as production assistants for costume styling. Jessie James Bertumen (to be assisted by Eloida Borela) serves as wardrobe custodian.

TJ Ramos serves as head sound designer, with Arvy Dimaculangan, Matthew Chang, Joshua Cadeliña, Angel Dayao, NAYR, and Carlos Hombrebueno as sound designers. Roman Cruz and Loren Rivera serve as lighting designers, with CJ Despuez, Martin Del Rosario, and Third Salamat as associate lighting designers.

JM Jimenez serves as head video designer, with Justin Santiago as associate video designer, and Danica Reyes, Tofie Falcon, Jada Bartolome, and Gab Carmelo as video designers. Roldan Lozano and Renz Sevilla serve as technical directors, with William Guillermo and Rico Gonzales as associate technical directors.

Here are the featured works and the festival’s full schedule. Ticketing information can also be found below.

VLF Festival Schedule

SET A – TENGANG KAWALI

1. Password 123, Pilipinas 321 by Anthony Kim Vergara
Director: Norbs Portales

SYNOPSIS:
Blackteam runs a massive underground cyberspace operation disguised as a legitimate technical support center- an enterprise worth millions. On this crucial day, they are set to carry out a high-stakes transaction with an important client, one that requires the client’s physical presence at their office. The timing couldn’t be more critical. It is also the day the company’s new owner arrives – the person who will shape its future in the years to come. Seeing an opportunity, the team leader prepares to demonstrate the group’s skill and importance firsthand. For Nix, the newest member of the team, this day marks a turning point. For the first time, he witnesses up close the group’s carefully orchestrated yet deeply troubling operation – led by his own cousin, someone he has long admired in the world of cybersecurity. As the day unfolds, what Nix sees forces him to confront difficult questions about loyalty, ambition, and identity. The choice placed before him will ultimately shape his path – not only as a cybersecurity expert, but as a brother, a cousin, and a Filipino.

CAST AND ROLES:
Earvin Estioco as Nix
Noel Rayos as Bert
Nicole Manlulo as Jae
Miguel Delos Reyes as Gado
Gio Gahol as Andre
Gie Onida as Mr. Garcia

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Set Designer: Io Balanon
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial and Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Matthew Chang
Lighting Designer: Loren Rivera
Associate Lighting Designer: Third Salamat
Video Designer: Tofie Falcon
Choreographer: Reggie Ondevilla
Stage Manager: Sum Suwamoto

2. Human Rights Story of the Year by Elijah Felice Rosales
Director: Nelsito Gomez

SYNOPSIS:
Ish is a few days away from traveling to New York to receive an international award and pursue a one-year fellowship in recognition of her human rights reporting. During her farewell party, she reunites with her former colleague Doy, who now works for a state agency being investigated for anomalous projects. Doy stayed at the party until everyone had left. This is when he confronted Ish to tell her how he feels, that she does not deserve to win the award.

CAST AND ROLES:
Justine Peña as Ish
CJ Navato as Doy

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Set Designer: Io Balanon
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial and Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Matthew Chang
Lighting Design Supervisor: Loren Rivera
Lighting Designer: Third Salamat
Video Designer: Justin Santiago
Stage Manager: Pia Ysobel Cruz

3. Patayin ang mga Surot by Floyd Scott Tiogangco
Director: Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan

SYNOPSIS:
On the final night of Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, as another violent Oplan Tokhang operation unfolds across Manila, Mommy and Daddy wait for their son to come home for his 18th birthday, scratching at a bedbug infestation that refuses to go away.

As they wait, the couple revisits their past and the choices that shaped their lives, while tension quietly builds between them and the violence outside begins to feel uncomfortably close.

In a system built on extermination, something always survives. But to what end—and at whose cost?

CAST AND ROLES:
Lian Silverio as Daddy
Donna Cariaga as Mommy
Janji Gamboa as Pulis/Bodyguard

SET B– KAPIT TUKO

1. Balos by Nik Azcuna
Director: Cholo Ledesma

SYNOPSIS:
A wounded fighter arrives at a small Marawi hospital on the first day of the siege. Four medical workers are forced to decide whether to stay silent and save everyone, or speak up and risk it all. Balos is a play about the impossible arithmetic of conscience in the middle of war.

CAST AND ROLES:
Vincent Pajara as Ishmael
Heart Puyong as Jeanie
Bong Cabrera as Dr. Abdul Gandamara
DMs Boongaling as Manong Tonton
Fred Layno and Iman Rahima as Ensemble

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Assistant Director: Dana Lee
Dramaturg: Fred Layno
Set Designer: Errold Enriquez
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial & Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Arvy Dimaculangan
Lighting Designer: Loren Rivera
Associate Lighting Designer: Third Salamat
Video Designer: Danica Reyes
Stage Manager: Quiel Campo

2. Haram by Alab Usman
Director and Production Designer: Mark Daniel Dalacat

SYNOPSIS:
Across borders and barriers, three queer Muslims struggle to reclaim faith, love, and belonging in a world that insists their existence is ‘Haram.’

CAST AND ROLES:
Jude Hinumdum as Cris
Eshei Mesina as Caim
Phil Noble as Thania
Joann Yap Co as Ommi/ Female Koro
Rey Correjado as Jan/ Male Koro

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Dramaturg: Ian Ramirez
Associate Set Designer: Errold Enriquez
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial & Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Arvy Dimaculangan
Lighting Design Supervisor: Loren Rivera
Lighting Designer: Third Salamat
Video Designer: Tofie Falcon
Dramaturgical Consultants: Hash Bin Abdulmalic & Teng Mangansakan
Stage Manager: Lyle Viray

3. Lualhati by Gab Mactal
Director: Mara Paulina Marasigan

SYNOPSIS:
At an almost secluded area of the courtyard, it is the last night of the wake of the late Reverend Mother of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn convent.

Jacinta, a former nun, now Philosophy professor, finds herself face to face with Lualhati, a nun from her time at the convent, after almost 20 years. As past and present collapse into one another, memories resurface of their faith, growing love, and a choice that would determine everything.

Between each of their callings and the shadow of the Church that shaped them, each woman must reconcile with the consequences of their actions all those years ago and decide whether or not unearthing the past deepens or heals their wounds.

CAST AND ROLES:
Jackie Lou Blanco and Banaue Miclat as Lualhati
Angel Aquino as Jacinta
Bea Garcia-Choy and Sarah Monay as Sister Lualhati
Iana Bernardez as Sister Jacinta

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Assistant Director: Baha Vergara
Set Designer: Errold Enriquez
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial & Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Arvy Dimaculangan
Lighting Designer: Loren Rivera
AssociateLighting Designer: Third Salamat
Stage Manager: Almie Layog

SET C – BALAT KALABAW

1. Elehiya by Dustin Celestino
Director: Ron Capinding

SYNOPSIS:
The play is a collection of monologues. It is an impressionistic montage of the important conversations that should have taken place between sons and their fathers, but never did.

CAST AND ROLES:
Yan Yuzon as Lalaki
John Sanchez as Ed
Dennis Marasigan as Gardo
Rafa Siguion-Reyna as Kulas
Carlos Siguion-Reyna as Nick

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Set Designer: Mark Lorenz
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial & Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Joshua Cadelina
Lighting Designer: Roman Cruz
Associate Lighting Designer: Martin Del Rosario
Video Designer: Gab Carmelo
Stage Manager: Sheña Parnoncillon

2. She’s Electric by Ron Evangelista
Director: JP Habac

SYNOPSIS:
Robert, a player who has long avoided the ills of romance, decides to bring over his friends to his house for dinner and to introduce them to his girlfriend, Rose. However, Andrew, Stacy, and Borgs are shaken to their very core when they discover that the woman in front of them is not exactly someone you should be romantically involved with—traditionally speaking. This leads to a hilarious but insightful inquiry into the sexual, romantic, and philosophical nature of their partnership.

CAST AND ROLES:
Joshua Cabiladas as Robert
Glaiza De Castro as Rose
Aldo Vencilao as Andrew
Yesh Burce as Stacy
Ybes Bagadiong as Borgs

3. Betamax by Faith Ferrer Lacanlale
Director: Sheenly Gener

SYNOPSIS:
After a minor road accident, Brenda claims that she is now seeing “human pigs. ” The older sister, Brianna, grows increasingly concerned as Brenda descends further into panic after seeing that their youngest, Brian, starts to “look like” a pig in her eyes, too. These pig sightings have already driven her to avoid one particular relative. This has triggered friction between the siblings, which then leads to the revelation of a much deeper and darker truth about the family.

CAST AND ROLES:
Jam Binay as Brianna
Jorrybell as Brenda
Sean Innocencio as Bryan

SET D – PUSONG MAMON

1. Footprint by Jerom Canlas
Director: Mikko Angeles

SYNOPSIS:
In a virtual archive of memories, a grieving family keeps returning time and again to the traces left by a boy they loved but did not fully understand. As they search for answers, each memory reveals a harder truth: the tragedy was not only what they didn’t know — but what they felt and left unspoken.

CAST AND ROLES:
Elijah Canlas as Rap
Pappel as Mal
Jojo Cayabyab as Rick
Meryll Soriano as Liz
Omar Uddin as Teenage Ram

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Assistant Director: Carlo Gianan
Set Designer: Carlos Siongco
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial & Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Angel Dayao
Lighting Designer: Roman Cruz
Associate Lighting Designer: Charlotte Despuez
Video Designer: Justin Santiago
Stage Manager: Vinzar Jhon Rubi

2. Taksyapo by John Lapus
Director and Production Designer: Tuxqs Rutaquio

SYNOPSIS:
Taksyapo—a Kapampangan expression used to release anger or frustration—is also the name of a rage booth inside a popular Filipino restaurant in Tarlac. When JM, a middle-aged gay man reeling from a painful breakup, stops there for a late-night meal, he becomes intrigued by the booth and the elderly woman who runs it, Maya. What begins as a simple attempt to smash plates and vent his anger evolves into a lively and revealing conversation between two strangers. Through humor, sharp wit, and shared confessions about love, loyalty, and disappointment, JM and Maya discover an unexpected connection—proving that sometimes healing can begin with a single shout of “TAKSYAPO!”

CAST AND ROLES:
Mosang as Maya
Christian Bables as JM

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Associate Set Designer: Carlos Siongco
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial & Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Angel Dayao
Lighting Designer: Roman Cruz
Associate Lighting Designer: Charlotte Despuez
Stage Manager: Keith Bautista

3. Buhaghag by Gerald Manuel
Director: Tess Jamias

SYNOPSIS:
It shows up again. It’s the same day, from a different week, when it feels like Phoebe just has to finish one thing. She wakes up covered in a room drowned by vines made of hair, bursting from the cracks and crevices in the walls of her room. Unsurprised, uninterested, and under-rested, she wrestles with the presence of a long-haired enigma offering a way beyond her choice between self-preservation and self-destruction.

CAST AND ROLES:
Krystle Valentino as Phoebe
Adrienne Vergara as Lala
Jigger Sementilla as Francis/ Hibla
Gena Suelto as Jo/ Hibla
Ethan King as Hibla

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Dramaturg: Nikka de Torres
Set Designer: Carlos Siongco
Costume Stylists: Monica Sebial & Sam Quizon
Sound Designer: Angel Dayao
Lighting Designer: Roman Cruz
Associate Lighting Designer: Charlotte Despuez
Video Designer: JM Jimenez
Stage Manager: Phalie Medina

SET E – DILANG MATALIM (REVISITED SET FROM LAST YEAR)

1. Polar Coordinates by Ade Valenzona
Director: Paolo O’Hara

SYNOPSIS:
Igo failed his Math summative assessment. He can only make up for it in the final exams— otherwise, he’ll have to repeat Grade 10. What even is the point of studying polar coordinates?

Why does it feel like his finals will determine the fate of his already fragile family? Bobbie, Igo’s friend, said he’d tutor him, but Igo only ended up more confused. He already has so much on his mind— why are these confusing feelings piling on too?

What does Igo really want to do with his life? Who is he in all of this?

CAST AND ROLES:
Jack Denzel as Igo
Randy Villarama as Mannt
Martha Comia as Risa
Chloe Dominique as Sab
Michael Hilao as Bobbie
Sheryll Villamor Ceasico as Ma’am Onqui

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Fight Choreographer: Carlon Matobato
Set Designer: Jerome Aytona
Costume Stylist: Allie Eguia
Sound Designer: Angel Dayao
Lighting Designer: Roman Cruz
Video Designer: Justin Santiago
Dramaturg: Adrian Fajardo
Stage Manager: Jiana Velasco

2. The Late Mister Real by Rolin Cadallo Obina
Director: Maynard Manansala

SYNOPSIS:
Boyet and Raquel have long been separated. Yet Boyet still holds on to the hope of reconciliation, for the sake of their only child, Carl. During the pandemic, Raquel returns to the Philippines to bring Carl with her to Canada, Carl being the sole reason Boyet finds meaning in life. In an isolation facility, with rooms side by side each other, the two revisit memories of old: what went wrong in their marriage, their clashing views on life, and Raquel’s decision to take Carl.

In the play *The Late Mister Real*, we witness Raquel and Boyet’s simultaneous struggle to hold on—and to let go—of hope.

CAST AND ROLES:
Bene Manaois as Boyet
Shé Maala as Raquel

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Set Designer: Wika Nadera
Costume Stylist: Allie Eguia
Sound Designer: NAYR
Lighting Designer: Roman Cruz
Dramaturg: Aivee Badulid
Stage Manager: Pat Gascon

3. Presidential Suite #2 by Siege Malvar
Director: Johnnie Moran

SYNOPSIS:
Senator Zaragoza continues to recover after suffering a heart attack in today’s Senate hearing. The senator, who authored the landmark bill “Zara-Gulay Act of Carrot Importations”, is accused of laundering money through various charitable institutions. With her are her children: Constantino, Gertrude, and Richie.

We’ll keep you updated with our correspondent live from the Presidential Suite # 2.

CAST AND ROLES:
Eric Dela Cruz as Constantino
Kiki Baento and Michelle Ngu-Nario as Gertrude
MC Dela Cruz and Emilio Macabantad as Richie
Ariel Diccion as Andy
Charm Aranton as Doctor
Clottie Gealogo-Lucero as Wilma

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Set Designer: Io Balanon
Costume Stylist: Allie Eguia
Sound Designer: Arvy Dimaculangan
Lighting Designer: Loren Rivera
Dramaturg: Mikaundre Gozum-Santos
Stage Manager: Hyojin Kim

SET 1: STAGED READINGS

1. Mga Tatsulok by Jose Victor Torres
Director: Zoë de Ocampo

SYNOPSIS:
The play revolves around the story of three characters: Beng, a single mother whose only son dies in a freak accident; Allan, her live-in partner who tries to continue their relationship in spite of the tragedy; and Marky, Beng’s dead son, whose tragedy continues to haunt her. It is a story of the pain of living through grief and the attempts of trying to recover, only to find out that there are some things that remain even as time passes.

CAST AND ROLES:
Maita Ponce as Beng
Brian Sy as Allan
Kaiser Cortina as Marky

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Sound Designer: Carlos Hombrebueno
Stage Manager: Enzo Canon

2. The Devoured by M. Manalastas
Director: Monty Uy

SYNOPSIS:
Raymond, a celebrated author and esteemed professor, is blindsided when his wife, Gloria, announces she’s leaving him—permanently. Amidst the backdrop of Raymond’s monumental achievements and Gloria’s stark contrast remembering of the past, their quaint afternoon unfolds into a tumultuous struggle of love, ambition, and betrayal. As the shadows of their shared past loom large, Raymond must confront the devastating reality that his remaining chapters left to write may unravel before his eyes.

CAST AND ROLES:
Roselyn Perez as Gloria
Soliman Cruz as Raymond

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Sound Designer: Carlos Hombrebueno
Stage Manager: Sofie Lleander

SET 2: STAGED READINGS

1. Manang by Dingdong Novenario
Director: Jonathan Tadioan

SYNOPSIS:
In a hotel room, Greg prepares to return the ashes of his lifelong yaya, Manang, to her Philippine province. As they converse, the complex dynamics of their relationship emerge; Manang served Greg’s family for decades, enduring sacrifices that Greg’s husband views as modern slavery. Despite this, Greg was closer to Manang than his own mother. Through emotional exchanges and a rehearsed eulogy, Greg grapples with guilt over Manang’s “stolen” life and his inability to be honest with his deceased parents about his identity. The play explores themes of domestic labor, gratitude, and the silence between family members. Greg’s tribute to Manang ultimately serves as a conduit for his unresolved love and regret toward his own mother, highlighting the tragic consequences of unspoken truths.

CAST AND ROLES:
Peewee O’Hara as Manang
Jamie Wilson as Greg

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Sound Designer: Carlos Hombrebueno
Stage Manager: Janix Bernardino

2. Suor by Rafael Jimenez
Director: Sarah Facuri

SYNOPSIS:
A conductor. A nun.

Francis, an atheist conductor, is mourning the death of his grandfather. He meets Anna, a nun with an interest in music. He begins going to mass every Sunday, just to see her.

They slowly get closer and try to make sense of their intersecting worlds.

CAST AND ROLES:
Jon Abella as Francis
Matel Patayon as Ana

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Sound Designer: Carlos Hombrebueno
Stage Manager: Nicole Chua

SET 3: STAGED READINGS

1. Kasal(anan) by Juan Ekis
Director: Gab Pangilinan

SYNOPSIS:
A few days before their wedding, Xandra and Simon busy themselves with guest lists, suppliers, and packing for their upcoming trip. But as they work through their checklist, the real reason they are there slowly comes to the surface—to confront the conversations they have long avoided.

Ang Kasal(anan) is an inquiry into relationships, marriage, unraveling, and love. It suggests that beyond emotion, love is a decision—one that is not easy to make.

CAST AND ROLES:
Teetin Villanueva as Xandra
Esteban Mara as Simon

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Sound Designer: Carlos Hombrebueno
Stage Manager: Maja Desuasido

2. Ang Huli by Jay Fernandez
Director: BJ Crisostomo

SYNOPSIS:
As the Covid 19 pandemic ends, Andy, after losing employment as a dancer and choreographer, asks for help from Bene, a long-time friend, as she moves into a small dilapidated apartment. In the course of her transfer, the two confront the changes in their lives brought upon by the pandemic, the pressing concern of daily survival, and the stagnant status of their “situationship.” With things getting more unsure in the world, both Bene and Andy contend if the ambiguity they share continues or ends.

CAST AND ROLES:
Bea Racoma as Andy
Paul Jake Paule as Bene

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:
Sound Designer: Carlos Hombrebueno
Stage Manager: Rena Lazaro

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets are priced at P1,200 (Premium) and P1,000 (Regular) and are available for purchase via TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Box Office.

GUIDE: The Virgin Labfest 2026 Synopses, Cast, and More Details Announced