Nicole Laurel Asensio holds special performance on September 19

Just as there is farm to table, there is songwriter to audience — a return to the source, where nothing comes between the hands that create and the hearts that receive.

For two decades and across 16 countries, Nicole Asensio has inhabited many stages and many genres — Rock, Jazz, Classical, Soul, Blues — earning her place as a multi-awarded performer and recording artist.

 

But beneath the lights and glamour, there is another Nicole.

This is an invitation to meet her, to peel away the personas. Strip the music down to its bones — find a space somewhere between pen, paper, and soul.

Over one intimate evening, Nicole opens a collection of 20 songs, chosen from hundreds written through the years.

The first set, “Pen to Performance,” traces ten compositions that have been released over the last decade, replaced and reimagined in a mire intimate form.

The second set, “Unspoken and Unseen,” ventures into spoken word, unfinished compositions, fragments of ideas, and a few reimagined songs you may never have known Nicole wrote.

Some songs might be familiar.

Some will be hearing themselves aloud for the first time.

And perhaps, in the spaces between them, we might remember something of our own unfinished selves.

This intimate gathering of spirits — for those longing to rekindle the embers of creativity within — takes place at the official opening weekend of the brand-new second-floor space at 78 Salcedo. A larger room for larger-than-life performances, designed without sacrificing what matters most: intimacy, presence, and the rare luxury of truly listening.

On September 19 - 7pm at 78-45-33 San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village Makati — Come closer.

From songwriter to audience. From pen to performance. From the unseen to the finally heard.

For seat reservation, call 0917 597 6661.

Read More

Make It a Day to Remember with Lolo and Lola at SM Malls in the East Metro

Max out Lolo and Lola’s day out at SM Malls in the East Metro with memorable activities just for them.

Grandparents’ Day is a wonderful time to bring the family together and celebrate Lolo and Lola with the people who mean the most to them. Make the day extra special with good food, fun activities, music, and plenty of opportunities to create new memories together at SM Malls in the East Metro.

Start the celebration with memories you can look back on. Take Lolo and Lola to a photo booth and capture candid smiles, funny poses, and classic family photos that they can treasure at photo booths like Life Four Cuts in SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo and Photo Objet at SM City Marikina.

Tag your lolo and lola to take photos at Life Four Cuts in SM City San Mateo.

For active Lolo and Lola, enjoy a friendly game of pickleball or badminton together at the fun courts in SM City Marikina and SM Center Antipolo Downtown. Whether they’re seasoned players or simply up for trying something new, it’s a fun way to stay active and bond with the family.

Play pickleball with the entire family at SM City Marikina.

Of course, no family celebration is complete without a shared feast. Gather around the table at your favorite restaurants and let the stories flow between bites. From family favorites to new dishes everyone can discover, mealtimes are always better when shared with Lolo and Lola.

Something for everyone in the family especially for Lolo and Lola at Viking’s in SM City Marikina.

For a little nostalgia, catch music buskers performing songs from the yesteryears. Sing along to familiar tunes, reminisce about old memories, and maybe even have an impromptu dance. A Public Piano is also free to play, giving Lolo and Lola a chance to enjoy a tune, play a favorite song, or share a musical moment with the family.

Remember good old memories with music from talented buskers and enjoy a tune of your own at the free-to-play Public Piano in SM City Masinag.

For a classic bonding experience, head to SM Cinema and enjoy a little cinema nostalgia. Rediscover the magic of watching a great story together, just like the good old days.

Philippine Cinema classics for Lolo and Lola at SM Cinema Marikina, Masinag and San Mateo.

From photos and feel-good activities to family meals, familiar songs, and nostalgic movies, there are plenty of ways to max out the celebration. After all, the best gifts for Lolo and Lola are often the simplest ones: time, laughter, and moments spent together.

Make Grandparents’ Day an all-for-you celebration for the people who have given so much to your family. Spend Lolo and Lola’s special day at your most-loved malls in the East Metro: SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown, where every family moment can become a memory worth keeping.

Read More

SM Group receives 15 Philippine Quill Awards for stakeholder communications

SM Foundation's health and wellness programs continue to bring basic healthcare services directly to communities nationwide.

SM Group companies received 15 Philippine Quill Awards, including six Excellence Awards, for communications programs spanning community engagement, customer service, financial education, investor relations and digital communications.

The awards went to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, and businesses across the Group, including SM Foundation, Inc., SM Supermalls (Shopping Center Management Corporation), BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation and Signature Series by SM Residences (Signatures Development Corp).

“Good communication helps people understand what our businesses do and why it matters to them,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “These awards reflect the work across the Group to communicate clearly with the customers, investors, partners and communities we serve.”

SM Foundation received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. Its “Utilizing Social Good as a Force for Transformation” campaign received Excellence Awards for Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, while #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online: Transforming Lives Through Heartfelt Storytelling received an Excellence Award for Social Media. Its social good report was also recognized under Publications.

“Communication is an important part of strengthening the impact of development programs,” said Debbie Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation. “It helps communities understand the opportunities available to them, gives people a voice, and brings partners closer to our mission. That is what spreading social good means to us, using communication to help social good initiatives reach and engage more people.”

BDO received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. “Life Insurance: The Key to Heaven?” and “Tuloy ang Plano: Making Plan B a Family Necessity” received Excellence Awards for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, while “Your Child’s Dreams Need a Plan B” received an Excellence Award for Audio/Visual Communication. BDO Remit’s “Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs” was also recognized for Social Media.

SM Investments was recognized for SM In Focus, a group-wide online channel as part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to provide timely, structured, and relevant insights on the group’s operations and impact.

SM In Focus host Rico Hizon (center) visits the Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s Tiwi site to gather groundbreaking business initiatives and sustainability stories for the online channel.

SM Supermalls received three awards for Active Hub, Mindanao and International Coastal 2025, coveringCommunity Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Through Mindanao Art, SM Supermalls provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase Mindanao's diverse creativity and cultural heritage.

“Our programs begin with understanding what our customers and communities need,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Communication helps us listen, respond and keep improving how we serve them.”

Chinabank received two awards. Its Investor Relations: Focused on Value campaign was recognized for Financial Communication and Investor Relations, while My CBC Campaign: An App Fit for Beauty Queens was recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Signature Series was recognized for “Setting a New Mark in Premium Residential Living” under Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC), the Philippine Quill Awards recognize communication programs and practices across organizations in the country. This year’s winners were selected from more than 800 entries evaluated against IABC standards.

Read More

Sunlight Air and The Henry Resort reveal a slower side of Siargao

As more Filipinos trade packed itineraries for the unhurried pace of slow travel, Siargao is emerging as one of the country's premier destinations to experience it. Best known for its world-class surf, buzzing nightlife, and café culture, the island also holds a quieter side, one that rewards travelers who choose to slow down, especially from April to August when the waves are calmer.

Last July, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels and Resorts welcomed a curated group of guests from the travel, tourism, film, and creative industries for Where Stories Stay Still: A Siargao Changemakers Trip. The four-day immersive experience brought together individuals whose work influences how Filipinos discover destinations and engage with local communities, earning them the title Changemakers for their ability to inspire more thoughtful and meaningful ways of traveling.

Beyond curating the itinerary, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels also partnered with Hertz Philippines to provide seamless land transfers between Manila and Clark, as well as throughout Siargao, allowing guests to focus on experiencing the destination at an unhurried pace. Rather than racing through a checklist of attractions, the itinerary invited guests to linger and connect with the island through its people, culture, cuisine, and natural landscapes.

Exploring Siargao Beyond the Tourist Trail

In partnership with Galatea Tours Siargao, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels led guests beyond the island's usual tourist trail to Corregidor Island, originally known as Casulian Island. Roughly a 45-minute boat ride from Siargao, the island rewards visitors who take their time. A gentle 20- to 30-minute hike leads to sweeping panoramic views, though the journey there is just as memorable.

The group later made their way to the Malinao Mangroves, tucked into the quiet village of Malinao near Secret Beach. Part of Siargao’s expansive mangrove ecosystem, Malinao Mangroves showcases the island’s quieter side, with lush waterways, serene surroundings, and sightings of fruit bats that highlight the area’s natural charm. Exploring the calm waterways by paddleboard, kayak, or traditional baroto revealed an entirely different side of Siargao, defined not by adrenaline, but by silence, birdsong, and the peaceful embrace of the mangrove forest.

It was a fitting reminder that some of the island's most rewarding places reveal themselves only to those willing to slow down and learn from the people who know the island best.

Learning From Siargao's Local Community

Some of Siargao's most meaningful experiences aren't found in its landscapes but in the people who shape its culture and sustain its traditions. To offer guests a deeper connection to the island’s way of life, Lokal Lab in The Hub, General Luna, led an immersive kinilaw workshop that began with a visit to the local public market. The experience highlighted the importance of Siargao’s community-to-table practices, where locally sourced ingredients support small-scale fishermen, farmers, and producers whose livelihoods are closely tied to the island’s natural resources. At the workshop, guests prepared Siargao’s signature kinilaw using tuba vinegar and freshly squeezed coconut milk, deepening their appreciation for the stories, people, and sustainable practices behind every flavor.

Discovering Siargao's Culinary Scene

Like many who visit Siargao, the people behind some of its most celebrated restaurants first came for the island and stayed because they fell in love with its way of life. They brought their craft, creativity, and passion for cooking with them, helping turn Siargao into one of the country's most exciting food destinations.

To showcase this evolving culinary scene, the four-day itinerary allowed for multiple restaurants to become a destination in its own right. Each restaurant offered unique flavors and creative menus that left guests wanting to savor the moment longer:

Kanin Baboy – known for its generous servings of Filipino classics led by its signature spicy lechon

LOKA Siargao – a beachfront spot by Cloud 9 known for its wood-fired pizzas and laid-back cocktail menu

ROOTS Siargao – multi-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal ingredients, thoughtful flavors, and meticulous presentation

Wild Siargao – where inventive, globally inspired flavors showcase the creativity that has made the island a destination for chefs and food lovers alike

CEV Siargao – one of the pioneers of Siargao's dining scene, known for reimagining kinilaw and ceviche

Kermit Siargao – the island's go-to destination for handmade pizzas and fresh pasta

By lingering over each meal and getting to know the people behind them, the group experienced firsthand how the island's dining scene is as much about its stories as it is about its flavors, inviting future travelers to discover these restaurants not simply for what they serve, but for the stories they tell.

The Changemakers' Takeaway

By the end of the four-day Where Stories Stay Still: A Siargao Changemakers Trip, the guests left with more than a full itinerary, but with a deeper understanding of what makes Siargao worth slowing down for. By bringing together this group of changemakers, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels hope to provide another perspective of the island’s quieter side to the people who shape how Filipinos travel, eat, and tell stories. Through meaningful conversations, local encounters, peaceful landscapes, and memorable meals, the group discovered a side of Siargao that goes beyond tourism.

The experience was also a reminder that meaningful change happens when people come together. “Alone, an airline, a hotel, a tour operator, or a local business can only do so much. But together, as a village with people who believe in the destination and its communities, every effort can help move the needle and create a greater impact,” said Lee.

Sunlight Air CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia shared, "This trip reminded us that travel isn't just about bringing people to a destination, but about helping travelers connect with the communities that call these places home. We, as an airline, also play a key role in the ecosystem –supporting local businesses, celebrating local culture, and creating opportunities for destinations and the people behind them to thrive."

That shared commitment continues to shape Sunlight Air’s partnerships and collaborations with local communities, championing experiences that create meaningful connections between travelers and destinations.

Sometimes, the best way to see Siargao isn’t by doing more, but by slowing down. For travelers inspired to experience the island beyond its well-known attractions, Sunlight Air Vacations, in partnership with The Henry Hotels and Resorts, offers thoughtfully curated packages that showcase the stories, people, and places that make Siargao worth savoring. Learn more at sunlightair.ph/vacations.

This trip was made possible in collaboration with Hertz Philippines, Galatea Tours Siargao, Lokal Lab, and restaurant partners Loka, Kanin Baboy, CEV Siargao, Wild Siargao, and Kermit Restaurant. Adding thoughtful touches of comfort and craftsmanship to the journey were Messy Bessy, Bagoyan, Abel PH, and Primer Group of Companies.

Read More

Spring Returns: The Sandbox Collective opens its 2027 Slate with Spring Awakening

The Sandbox Collective announces the highly anticipated and limited rerun of the award-winning rock musical, SPRING AWAKENING. The production is set to open in February 2027 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

The staging recently received 17 citations from Gawad Buhay Awards, cementing it as one of the most celebrated local productions of the season.

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Duncan Sheik, SPRING AWAKENING is a contemporary rock masterpiece based on the controversial Frank Wedekind play of the same name.

Set in 19th-century Germany, the musical follows a group of teenagers navigating their burgeoning sexualities and rapidly changing bodies. As they seek answers to the mysteries of life, they clash with uncommunicative parents, rigid institutions, and a deeply conservative society. Driven by an electrifying alternative rock score, the show channels its characters' adolescent repressions into the timeless angst and power of modern youth.

It is an illuminating, unforgettable fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

With direction by Gawad Buhay nominee Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan (Muli, Lungs, Sa Wakas, Fringe Manila) and musical direction by multi-awarded Ejay Yatco (Side Show, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors), the SPRING AWAKENING rerun promises to reignite vital conversations while championing The Sandbox Collective’s ongoing education and advocacy initiatives.

Pamintuan and Yatco are joined by Nunoy Van Den Burgh (Choreographer), Missy Maramara (Intimacy Director), Wika Nadera (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer), Gabbi Campomanes (Assistant Director), and D Cortezano (Lighting Designer).

Ticket information will be announced soon.

SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok.

Read More

Gourdo’s Reclaims Rest in Metro Manila with “The Dream Oasis” Sleepcare x Healthguard Pop-Up at The Podium

To combat the growing sleep crisis facing urban professionals, Gourdo’s announces the launch of The Dream Oasis: Sleepcare x Healthguard, an interactive, sensory pop-up running from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Central Atrium of The Podium Mall in Ortigas.

As Metro Manila's fast-paced lifestyle increasingly compromises personal well-being, Gourdo’s is redefining urban rest by orchestrating a powerful synergy between three renowned sleep technology leaders: Sleepcare, Healthguard®, and A-Fontane®. Developed as Gourdo's signature line for holistic sleep wellness, Sleepcare focuses on precision ergonomic design and tailored contouring to relieve spinal strain and daily posture fatigue. Partnering with Sleepcare is Healthguard®, a global pioneer in advanced biocide and anti-dust mite treatments engineered to create permanent, medical-grade barriers against microscopic allergens, bacteria, and dust mites. Completing this sleep sanctuary ecosystem is A-Fontane®, an internationally acclaimed home textile pioneer with over five decades of fabric innovation. Known for its revolutionary, award-winning home solutions, A-Fontane brings its flagship StayClean technology—a self-cleaning, stain-resistant, and liquid-repellent fabric barrier that keeps bedding hygienic, fresh, and effortlessly low-maintenance.

Recent studies reveal that 74% of Metro Manila professionals report critical sleep depravity, driven by intense traffic congestion, long commutes, and round-the-clock corporate connectivity.

Gourdo’s is addressing this head-on by transforming luxury bedding from a mere household purchase into an essential lifestyle rescue.

"In a fast-paced metropolis that rarely stops to breathe, the ultimate luxury we can reclaim is a deeply restorative night's rest," says the Gourdo’s Sleepcare team. "By combining Sleepcare’s ergonomic pressure relief, Healthguard®’s allergy protection, and A-Fontane®’s high-performance fabric technology, The Dream Oasis offers a complete sanctuary where guests can actively test, touch, and discover personalized sleep solutions tailored to their exact daily stressors. Notably, the breakthrough protection of Heathguard® is available in the Philippines exclusively through Gourdo’s.”

An Interactive, Experiential Sanctuary

Visitors begin with a personalized Sleep Profile Quiz before embarking on a four-stop sensory journey:

1. Sleep Sanctuary Suite: A trial bed zone to test matched Sleepcare pillows.
2. Touch Bar: A hands-on display to compare raw Sleepcare filling materials.
3. Aromatherapy Bar: A scent station featuring custom local essential oils and takeaway samples.
4. Tea Station: A calming zone offering sleep-promoting herbal tea samples.

 
Sleep Sanctuary Suite

Touch Bar

Tea Station

Aromatherapy Bar

The venue also features A-Fontane StayClean products, along with daily Speed Bedding Challenges for a chance to win top-of-the-line Sleepcare pillows.

Ergonomic Pillow Solutions for Every Sleep Profile

The Gourdo's Sleepcare pillow collection targets four distinct urban sleep profiles with specialized engineering:

Sleepcare Memory Comfort Pillow: Tailored for professionals suffering from severe neck tension and posture fatigue after long hours at a desk. Built with high-density, open-cell memory foam and an ergonomic contoured design, it cradles the cervical curve to align the spine, relieving pressure points across the neck and shoulders.

Sleepcare Memory Gel Pillow: Engineered for sleepers struggling with tropical heat and night sweats. Features an integrated Cool Gel membrane layer combined with a breathable Bamboo cover. While the gel layer actively absorbs and dissipates body heat away from the head and neck to regulate surface temperature, the countered memory foam also addresses cervical posture for optimal spinal alignment during deep sleep.

Sleepcare Anti-Mite Anti-Bacterial Anti-Bed Bug Pillow: Designed for exhausted commuters suffering from lower back stiffness and allergen exposure. Encased in a premium 200-thread count, air-permeable fabric, this full-length body pillow opens up hips to align the lumbar spine.

This pillow is Healthguard® treated, featuring an advanced biotech formula developed in Australia that permanently inhibits dust mites, bacteria, and bed bugs to create a cleaner, medical-grade sleeping environment.

Hotel Atelier Premium Queen Pillow: Engineered to provide immediate physical relaxation for late-night mobile phone users experiencing digital fatigue. Wrapped in 100% combed cotton with high-loft microfiber fill, it delivers staycation-grade, plush support that mimics five-star hotel bedding.

To ensure optimal sleep wellness, this pillow is Healthguard® treated. Originating from Australia, this premier biotech treatment prevents the colonization of harmful microbes, mold, and odor- causing bacteria for a fresher, hypoallergenic rest.

Read More

MORYON: Behind the Mask of Faith Lies a Mother’s Reckoning with Grief

Based on Guy de Maupassant’s Mother Sauvage, and set within the Japanese Occupation of Marinduque, MORYON explores a community where faith, memory, and the search for justice are tested in the shadow of war.

The Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) opens its 93rd season with MORYON, a striking Filipino reimagining of Guy de Maupassant’s Mother Sauvage, written and directed by Dudz Teraña.

Set during Holy Thursday in Mogpog, a small town in Marinduque under Japanese occupation, the story revolves around the island’s traditions, struggles and people. At the heart of the play is the Moriones tradition. As devotees fill the streets in acts of penance and devotion, the realities of occupation quietly reshape the lives of those who call the island home.

Marinduqueños

Japanese soldiers

At the center of the story is Caridad, a mother waiting for her son Joaquin, a young guerrilla driven by a need to prove his worth in a world that has long underestimated him. When war reaches her doorstep, Caridad is forced to confront a choice that tests the limits of faith, justice and a mother’s love.

Caridad

What Lies Beneath the Masks?
Beyond its historical setting, MORYON examines the tensions that emerge when personal suffering collides with collective beliefs. In a town bound by tradition and faith, questions of justice become increasingly difficult to answer, especially when grief demands its own form of reckoning.

By placing Maupassant’s moral dilemma within the cultural and historical realities of Marinduque, MORYON offers a distinctly Filipino perspective on a timeless story. It asks enduring questions:

1. Where is faith in moments of violence?
2. What becomes of justice when grief takes hold?
3. How far can a person go before survival begins to challenge their deepest convictions?

Behind MORYON stands a collaborative team of student artists whose work extends beyond the stage. From production management and technical execution to design, publicity, marketing, and audience engagement, the production is shaped by the collective efforts of Assistant Director Kirstan Erin Wayne Orbegoso, Executive Director Maria Ysabel R. delos Reyes, Finance Director Trisha Tan, Production Manager Marjorie E. Uson, Head Stage Manager Danielle Schwartz, Production Designer Althea Carla H. Sibulo, Technical Director Martin Gabriel L. Mesina, Multimedia Director Johann Edgar S. Oliveros, Marketing Director Edrud Adriyel Madalan, Publicity Director Irish Jane L. Oliveros, and House Manager Zoe Trinity C. Sisam, whose dedication helps bring the story of MORYON from page to stage.

Bringing MORYON’s lead characters to life, Maria Alexandra Mayano and Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes alternately portray Caridad, while Dave Bambang and Aldin Covarrubias take on the role of Esteban.

 
Alexandra Mayano, Ysabel Delos Reyes (Caridad)

 
Aldin Covarrubias, Dave Bambang (Esteban)

MORYON will run at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on the following dates:

• October 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, & 30
• November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28

The house will open at 6:00 PM. The performance begins at 6:30 PM.

Guests are encouraged to arrive 30–60 minutes before the start of MORYON to enjoy a free guided walk around FEU’s Art Deco Campus, recognized by UNESCO and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for its cultural and architectural significance.

Ticket Prices

• ₱150 : FEU Students / Faculty / Staff and FEU/FTG Alumni with Alumni ID
• ₱250 : Non-FEU Students (with valid ID)
• ₱500 : FTG Alumni without Alumni ID, PWD / Senior Citizen Discount
• ₱700 : General Public

For updates and announcements, connect with the Far Eastern University Theater Guild on Facebook, follow @feutheaterguildofficial on Instagram and TikTok, and @ftg1934 on Twitter/X.

Read More

PETA x Move to Change Foundation, Inc. bring audiences into a world where they call the shots in “Gen G: GG na ’to!”

Because change does not begin only when young people become leaders, it begins when they recognize that their choices already matter.

What’s next for PETA? Aligned with its continued commitment to advocacy and educational theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents “Gen G: GG na ’to!”—a new interactive play about choice, survival, and community.

Created in partnership with Move to Change Foundation, Inc. (M2C)—a social purpose organization creating opportunities for young people to lead positive change—the production is part of Project GG: Game Changers for Good Governance, a youth-centered campaign that transforms civic education into lived experiences where young people learn that every voice matters and every act of participation helps shape more accountable communities and stronger democratic systems.

But this isn’t your usual sit-back-and-watch kind of play, the audience gets to participate, make choices, and help shape the experience.

Show Synopsis:
Set in an alternate Philippines submerged in flood waters, Gen G follows a group of young people placed in “Balangay Gen Zones”, temporary communities for youth who are adaptable, flexible, and have high chances of survival. They were to remain safe in the Balangay while adults sought solutions elsewhere.

But when the supposed return date arrives, the adults are nowhere to be found. Left to fend for themselves, the young people must figure out how to run their Balangay—and this time, the audience gets a say. Through votes, choices, negotiations, and unexpected consequences, audiences become part of the community and help determine what happens next.

As the story unfolds, Gen G asks: Who gets heard? Who gets left behind? What do we prioritize? Survival isn’t just about making the “right” choice. And when the system we inherit doesn’t work anymore, do we simply adapt—or do we dare to change it?

Through the world of the Balangay, Gen G invites young people to see participation as something that extends beyond elections, and agency beyond choosing among options given to them. It encourages them to question, imagine, and act together.

For co-playwright and PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag, the starting point was the seemingly simple question, “G?”

“Every time we say yes to something, we are also making a choice. And whether we realize it or not, our choices reveal what we value, whom we care about, and what kind of community we are helping create.”

At the helm is an exciting creative team led by director Ian Segarra (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), playwrights J-mee Katanyag (Nobody is Home, 2025 - PETA) and Jhudiel Sosa (Identité, 2024 - Virgin Labfest 19), musical director Kabaitan Bautista (Si Faust, 2025 - Areté), set and props designer Julio Garcia (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), and costume designer Johnnie Moran.

The cast features a mix of emerging and established performers, including Lyle Viray as New Character, Johnrick Noynay as Dex, James Lanante as Sid, Camille Fabian as Chloe, Francheska Andaya as Achi, Cb Lagapa as Achi/Chloe, and Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker.

 
Lyle Viray (New character), Johnrick Noynay (Dex)

 
James Lanante (Sid), Camille Fabian (Chloe)

 

Francheska Andaya (Achi), Cb Lagapa (Achi/Chloe)

 

Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker

The show will be touring 12 schools from September to December 2026.

Beyond the performance, “Project GG” will create opportunities for young people to engage through interactive experiences, workshops, community conversations, and other participatory activities designed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and collective decision-making.

From September to November 2026, the campaign will bring together partners and communities through initiatives focused on Global Citizenship Education, narrative change, and youth participation—from Reclaiming Democratic Spaces for Children through GCED in partnership with Terre des Hommes and Dachser, to the Narrative Change Education Series with DAKILA, Misereor, and FNF Philippines, culminating in Control + Shift Live! Narrative Change StudioLab and the Narrative Change Forum, which will extend conversations around narrative, power, care, and social change through performances, dialogue, and community exchange.

Read More