The Star-studded Cast of The Sandbox Collective's "People, Places and Things"

Get to know the cast in Duncan Macmillan's acclaimed play about addiction, recovery, and the search for one’s truth and identity.

The Sandbox Collective returns with another production, this time a staged reading, bringing Duncan Macmillan's celebrated play PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS to Philippine audiences for a strictly limited engagement this August.

Directed by Sab Jose, the production follows Emma — a successful actress whose carefully constructed life unravels as she enters a rehabilitation center and confronts addiction, memory, and the difficult process of recovery. Alternating in the lead role are acclaimed actresses Bela Padilla and Gabby Padilla.

Bela Padilla makes her theatrical debut in this year’s staged reading of People, Places, and Things. She is a Filipino actress, host, singer, writer, and director. She is best known for her roles in television dramas on GMA and ABS-CBN, as well as critically acclaimed films such as 100 Tula Para Kay Stella and Meet Me in St. Gallen.

Gabby Padilla is an acclaimed and awarded theater, film, and television actress. She is recognized for her leading role in the coming-of-age film Billie and Emma, and in the Cinemalaya film Kono Basho. Her recent theater credits include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Tiny Beautiful Things.

Joining them is an exceptional ensemble drawn from the country's finest theater and screen performers.

Award-winning actor Jake Cuenca returns to the stage and takes on the role of Mark.

Jake Cuenca is a Filipino actor known for appearing in ABS-CBN television series Los Bastardos and Tayong Dalawa. He won Best Actor awards for his performance in Mulat at both the International Film Festival in Manhattan, New York, and the 2016 World Cinema Festival in Brazil. He was last seen on stage in The Sandbox Collective’s Lungs.

First Lady of the Philippine Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo takes on the roles of the Doctor, Therapist, and Mom. Alongside her is King of Philippine Theater Audie Gemora who will appear as Paul and Dad.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo is a multi-awarded actress with extensive stage credits. Her iconic roles include Eva Peron in Evita, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Fantine in Les Misérables, Maria in West Side Story and The Sound of Music, and Miss Hannigan in Annie, among many others. Her onscreen work includes the television series One Good Day and films such as Ang Larawan and EDJOP. Most recently, she played Maria Callas in Masterclass and Adult Woman in Spring Awakening.

Audie Gemora’s name is synonymous with the performing arts. Hailed the King of Philippine Musical Theater, he has appeared in over 70 plays, spanning Broadway and West End productions to original Filipino works. His acclaimed performances have earned him major accolades, including Gawad Philstage awards for Sweeney Todd and The Producers, and a Philstage Gawad Buhay for La Cage Aux Folles. He is the current President of PHILSTAGE. He recently starred in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, and Spring Awakening.

Completing the cast are acclaimed director, actor, and writer Robbie Guevara as Foster; Gawad Buhay Award-winning performer Reb Atadero as T; award-winning actor and fight choreographer Brian Sy as Shaun and Mark (Understudy); actor and arts executive Mariella Laurel as Laura; performer and writer Pamela Imperial as Charlotte; actor, director, and teacher Miel Abong as Jodi; and writer and the production’s dramaturg Salve Villarosa van Schoonhoven as the Narrator.

 

Robbie Guevara and Reb Atadero

Brian Sy and Pam Imperial

 

Miel Abong and Mariella Laurel

Widely regarded as one of the most important contemporary plays of the last decade, People, Places, and Things is Duncan Macmillan's searing, compassionate, and darkly humorous exploration of addiction, rehabilitation, and the fragile, often painful journey toward healing.

Through Emma's story, the play asks profound questions about identity, truth, and what it really means to recover when the lines between performance and reality begin to blur.

Known for championing bold, contemporary works that challenge and move audiences, The Sandbox Collective continues its commitment to presenting urgent, thought-provoking storytelling through this special staged reading event.

The Sandbox Collective's staged reading of People, Places, and Things will have a strictly limited run at The Blackbox at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati, with four performances only on August 15–16, 2026.

PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS was first presented at The Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre London, in a co-production with Headlong on 1st September 2015.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok – @TheSandboxCo. You may also visit our website at www.thesandboxco.com.

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Celebrating 12 Years of OLED Excellence, LG Showcases “Fragments” by Isaiah Cacnio at the National Museum of Natural History

LG pays homage to the 127th Philippine Independence Day and launches the next generation of OLED and QNED TVs with Affectionate Intelligence, partnering with Isaiah Cacnio for a groundbreaking digital art exhibit that brings the nation’s rich culture, heritage, and biodiversity to life

"What Breaks, Flows" by Isaiah Cacnio, 12000 x 6000 px Digital on six (6) 55" LG OLED C5 AI TVs

LG Philippines brought together art, technology, and heritage at the National Museum of Natural History through a special partnership that exemplifies the beauty and diversity of Philippine geography and identity. The centerpiece of the event was “Fragments”, a solo art exhibition created in collaboration with Isaiah Cacnio, the first digital and motion graphics artist to be featured at the National Museum.

"Stories in Stone" by Isaiah Cacnio, 6480x2160px Digital on three (3) LG 77" OLED AI TVs

"Where Fire Begins" by Isaiah Cacnio, 6000x6000px Digital on four (4) LG OLED C5 AI TVs

This immersive exhibit harnesses cutting-edge LG OLED display technology to reinterpret the Earth’s story, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary geological and ecological richness of the Philippines. From volcanic beginnings to weathered stone and flowing water, the exhibit captures the powerful natural forces that have shaped both the physical landscape and the spirit of the Filipino people.

Digital and motion graphics artist Isaiah Cacnio during the reveal of the "Fragments" solo art exhibit with the LG OLED AI TVs at the National Museum of Natural History

Running for an entire month, the exhibit invites visitors to the Ayala Reception Hall on the second floor of the National Museum of Natural History to explore the nation's rich biological history through three captivating digital pieces: “Where Fire Begins,” “Stories in Stone,” and “What Breaks, Flows”, all brought to life by LG OLED AI TVs. These works seamlessly blend art, science, and emotion to reflect the Philippines' geological and cultural evolution. As Cacnio explains, “Even in fracture, there is flow. Even in separation, there is connection.” His work reminds us that, just as nature molds the Earth, shared history and resilience continue to shape our identity as a people.

"Fragments" exhibit brought to life by LG OLED AI TVs at the Ayala Reception Hall of the National Museum of Natural History

Cacnio also reflects on his milestone, saying, “It’s a great honor to be one of the few artists to use LG OLED for art, joining global artists like Refik Anadol, Steve Harrington, and many others.” Through LGOLEDArt.com, LG continues to support digital creators worldwide by offering OLED as a canvas for artistic expression, ushering in a new era of immersive media art. “New media and digital art are growing internationally, and I’m proud to be the first artist from the Philippines to take part in this movement,” he adds.

LG StanbyME

Following the unveiling of these innovative digital art pieces, LG reaffirmed its steady commitment to the preservation and celebration of Filipino culture through a donation of over ₱500,000 worth of display technology, ranging from TVs, including LG StanbyME units, and monitors, to the National Museum of Natural History. With the installation of LG’s latest displays, the museum now offers a more immersive and dynamic way for visitors to engage with its galleries, blending cutting-edge technology with the Philippines’ vibrant culture and natural history.

National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Mr. Jeremy Barns, CESO III and LG Philippines Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong

From its initial donation at the museum’s opening in 2018 to recent support for the National Museum of Fine Arts, and now to its latest donation to the National Museum of Natural History, LG hopes to continue enriching communities by blending technology, education, and cultural appreciation. This latest effort reflects LG’s dedication to honoring the past while embracing the future, marking a milestone as the world’s No. 1 OLED TV brand for 12 consecutive years.

LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong shares his welcome remarks

Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines, emphasized the significance of the celebration and the strong partnership between LG and the National Museum of the Philippines. He reflected on the meaningfulness of marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the National Museum of Natural History, surrounded by the country’s rich biodiversity.

Highlighting the creative collaboration, Mr. Seong shared, “That spirit comes alive in our partnership with the very talented and young motion graphics artist, Mr. Isaiah Cacnio, whose art beautifully bridges nature, technology, art, and geology, bringing the natural world to life through digital creativity.”

Connecting the donation to LG’s milestone, he stated, “Today, we celebrate 12 years of LG as the world’s No. 1 OLED TV brand, a milestone built on innovation, passion, and trust. As a world-leading Korean brand, LG will continue to help make Filipino lives better—blending global technology with local culture, championing nation-building, and helping preserve the Philippines’ rich natural heritage and biodiversity.”

LG Philippines Product Director for Media Solutions, Mr. Yongwoo Park shares his insights on Affectionate Technology

LG’s Product Director for Media Solutions, Mr. Yongwoo Park, explained the brand’s philosophy behind its Smart Life Solutions, introducing LG’s vision of Affectionate Intelligence—AI that adapts thoughtfully and personally to human needs. “We don’t just build smart TVs. We build experiences that are warm, personal, and intuitive,” he said, noting how LG’s AI-powered OLED TVs transform everyday life into something more effortless and meaningful.

National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Mr. Jeremy Barns, CESO III, expresses appreciation for LG Philippines' meaningful donation

Director-General Jeremy Barns, CESO III of the National Museum of the Philippines, expressed deep appreciation for LG Philippines’ generous donation. He called the partnership “yet another milestone in a long-standing collaboration that has allowed us to push the boundaries of what a museum can be in the 21st century.”

LG UHD TV at the Ayala Reception Hall of the National Museum of Natural History

Barns emphasized the evolving role of museums in today’s fast-paced technological landscape, stating, “We are increasingly expected to be dynamic, engaging, and responsive, places where knowledge is not only preserved but brought vividly to life, often with the help of multimedia visuals and presentations.” He added that the donation enables the National Museum “to do more and do better in bringing our Filipino heritage, our Filipino stories, to life.”

LG TVs seamlessly integrated into the galleries of the National Museum of Natural History, enhancing exhibit experience

He also noted that these new technologies will transform the visitor experience across the museum’s network, shifting from static displays to immersive storytelling and from passive learning to active exploration. “At the core of our work here at the National Museum is the desire to connect—to bring people closer to their heritage, to foster understanding, and of course, to inspire curiosity,” Barns said. “When thoughtfully integrated, technology becomes an instrument through which these goals can be achieved more effectively and with greater reach. We are grateful to LG Philippines not only for the material support but for sharing in our belief that innovation must serve education, access, and cultural preservation. Your partnership with us affirms that the museum experience is continually enhanced and enriched by the tools and technologies of our time.” The donation will expand the museum’s ability to deliver public programs that are more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful to a broader audience.

During the program, LG Philippines Product Manager for TV, Natasha Morano, and LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager, AG Constantino, introduced the innovative features of the new LG AI TVs. Natasha highlighted the AI Magic Remote’s voice-responsive technology, explaining how users are greeted with a personalized welcome message and that the TV recognizes individual voices, eliminating the need to manually switch profiles. AG emphasized customization, noting users can rearrange apps for a fully personalized home screen with tailored content recommendations.

LG Philippines Product Manager for TV, Ms. Natasha Morano, presents the latest lineup and features of the Next Generation LG AI TVs

LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager, AG Constantino, presents the exciting features of the Next Generation LG AI TVs

Together, they showcased how LG OLED and QNED TVs deliver more than stunning visuals—“Every frame tells a story, every color sings, and every moment comes alive, bringing the future of entertainment into your home.”

(Front L-R): National Museum of the Philippines Deputy Director-General for Museums, Mr. Jorell Legaspi; National Museum Director-General Mr. Jeremy Barns, CESO III; LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong; Motion Graphics Artist Isaiah Cacnio; LG Philippines Product Director for Media Solutions, Mr. Yongwoo Park
(Back L-R): Celebrity and host, Robi Domingo; Professional basketball player and Batang Gilas coach, LA Tenorio; LG Philippines Product Manager for TV, Ms. Natasha Morano; Actress and filmmaker, Bela Padilla; Athele, Mika Reyes; LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager, AG Constantino

Robi Domingo with "What Breaks, Flows" by Isaiah Cacnio on LG 55" OLED C5 AI TVs

TV host and an avid LG user Robi Domingo revealed how the new LG OLED G5 has enhanced his home experience. “At home, my LG OLED G5 TV has been with me through binge-watching weekends and bonding moments with my wife. The AI Picture Pro is amazing, it makes every frame sharp and bright,” he shared. Powered by AI Super Upscaling, Object Enhancer, and Dynamic Tone Mapping, AI Picture Pro brings out stunning clarity and lifelike detail in every scene, making each viewing experience feel more immersive than ever.

Bela Padilla with "Where Fire Begins" by Isaiah Cacnio on LG 65" OLED C5 AI TVs

Actress and filmmaker Bela Padilla highlighted the LG OLED C5’s immersive display technology, saying, “I play Hogwarts Legacy, Little Big Planet, and God of War, and the graphics let me see every detail and texture with smooth, lag-free gameplay. With Perfect Color technology, you get 100% Color Volume and Color Fidelity.” For gamers like Bela, the LG OLED C5 delivers a serious competitive edge with G-Sync compatibility, 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ultra-fast 0.1ms Pixel Response Time, AMD FreeSync Premium, and ClearMR 9000 certification—ensuring smooth, blur-free visuals perfect for high-performance gaming.

Mika Reyes with "Stories in Stone" by Isaiah Cacnio on LG 77" OLED G5 AI TVs

Volleyball star and content creator Mika Reyes spoke of the convenience of the LG OLED B5’s AI Magic Remote and lauded its ‘Multi View’ feature, which allows simultaneous streaming and multitasking on the big screen.

LA Tenorio with the LG 100" QNED TV

Professional basketball player and Team Philippines Gilas Youth coach LA Tenorio shared how the LG QNED TV has become an essential tool during his strategic game review sessions. "Watching the replays on the big 100-inch screen, it really helps when I’m reviewing even the smallest movements or gaps in defense. The clarity and motion smoothness make it feel like you’re right there on the court," he shared. "With the 120Hz refresh rate, every fast play, every quick pass is so smooth and clear. It’s perfect for someone like me who needs to study the game closely."

LG Philippines Head of Corporate Marketing, Ms. Mayan Salapantan, highlights the message of "Life's Good" and optimism

Closing the program, LG Philippines Head of Corporate Marketing, Ms. Mayan Salapantan, emphasized the significance of the donation and LG’s mission. “By integrating LG OLED TVs, where cutting-edge technology meets timeless artistry, we create immersive experiences that connect people to our nation’s cultural treasures. With LG, you’re connected to a world of vibrant colors, positivity, and optimism.”

Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph/tv-soundbars/ and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.

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