When a Wooden Puppet Dreams: Pinocchio comes to life at Ayala Malls Feliz

A familiar “Buongiorno!” will soon fill the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Feliz as Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. brings Carlo Collodi’s beloved Pinocchio to life on October 9 to 11, 2026.

 

This musical adaptation follows the journey of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. Through music, movement, colorful costumes, and a lot of adventure, the story explores honesty, courage, responsibility, and the choices that help shape who we become.

Directed by seasoned musical theater artist Sweet Samaniego Buchanan, with musical arrangements by Pipo Cifra, the production features Brie Mosquito as Pinocchio, Red Nuestro as Geppetto, Buchanan as the Blue Fairy, Sheila Gamo as Angelina, Bhen Espina as Antonio, Nazer Salcedo as the Coachman, and Dusty Suarez in multiple roles.

 

The production also highlights a young ensemble of emerging performers, reflecting Ephesus Teatron’s commitment to giving new artists opportunities to train, perform, and connect with live audiences.

Bringing Theater Closer to East Metro Manila
One of the most interesting things about this production is its choice of venue. Instead of a traditional theater, Pinocchio will be staged at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig.

While an unconventional theater venue, the mall offers a unique opportunity to bring live performance closer to communities east of Metro Manila, including audiences from Marikina, Rizal, and nearby areas. Some of the actors and members of the production team are also from the vicinity of Rizal and Marikina, making the production a source of pride as they represent their communities on the Philippine theater scene.

More importantly, staging the musical in a familiar community space can help make theater feel more accessible, especially to young audiences and families who may not regularly visit traditional theater venues.

A Story for the Social Media Generation
Although Pinocchio is a classic story, its lessons remain surprisingly relevant today. In the age of social media, Pinocchio’s struggles with lying, peer pressure, poor decisions, and the desire to fit in can easily connect with young audiences.

The story also offers a timely reminder about authenticity and responsible choices in a world of misinformation, online pressure, and carefully curated versions of ourselves. At its heart, Pinocchio asks a simple question: What does it really mean to become a good and responsible person?

For Ephesus Teatron, the production is not only about entertainment. It is also about education, community, and encouraging the next generation to discover the value of live theater.
Pinocchio will be staged on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026, at the Activity Center, 2nd Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Marcos Hiway corner J.P. Rizal, Barangay Dela Paz, Pasig City.

For ticket reservations and inquiries, contact Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. at 0945-991-1840.

This October, follow Pinocchio’s journey from a wooden puppet to a real boy—and discover how a classic story can still speak to audiences today, especially to the young people who are finding their own place in the world.