Benilde’s ‘REX’ reimagines Sophocles’ Tragedy through Corruption and Political Dynasties in the Philippines

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of Arts, Culture and Performance (SACP), brings a contemporary Filipino adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex to the stage with REX, running from November 12 to 22, 2026, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

Written by Palanca Hall of Famer and DLS-CSB Digital Film faculty member Joshua Lim So and directed by acclaimed theater director, set designer, and Theater Arts program chair Tuxqs Rutaquio, REX transforms the ancient Greek tragedy into a story that confronts pressing issues in Philippine society, including flood control failures, questionable public infrastructure, and political dynasties.

A Classic Tragedy Rooted in Philippine Realities
Set in the city of Tebes, REX follows the Po family and their construction company, St. Paul the Apostle Constructions, as torrential rains leave more than a hundred citizens dead. As the family struggles to protect its interests, long-buried truths begin to surface, revealing how corruption and the pursuit of power among those in leadership can lead to widespread suffering.

Instead of centering on a plague brought about by divine forces, the production examines the consequences of systemic corruption and failed public accountability. Through this contemporary retelling, REX connects the timeless themes of Sophocles’ tragedy with realities that continue to affect Filipino communities.

A Collaboration Across Benilde’s Creative Disciplines
Beyond its social commentary, REX highlights Benilde’s commitment to community-driven and socially relevant theater. The production brings together students, faculty members, alumni, and industry professionals, bridging academic disciplines such as Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management.

Its creative team includes movement designer Christine Crame of the Dance program; lighting designer Jose Joaquin Aranda of Theater Arts; sound designer and engineer TJ Martinez, a Music Production faculty member and alumnus; costume designer Phillip Domingo, a Production Design alumnus; and projection designer Ces Valera, a Production Design faculty member and alumna.

Leading the production team are project manager Baha Vergara, production manager Irene Romero, deputy production manager Hazel Gutierrez-Marges, marketing and promotions manager Erri Rojo, stage manager Kate Loreno, deputy stage manager Axl Fernandez, technical director Renz Sevilla, and assistant technical director Dexter Sy.

Through the combined work of its creative and production teams, REX demonstrates how classroom learning and collaboration across disciplines translate into professional theater practice.

Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario Reunite on Stage
Leading the ensemble are veteran actors Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario, who reunite on stage 12 years after both received Gawad Urian awards for their performances in the critically acclaimed independent film Dagitab (2014).

 

They are joined by professional actors Bong Cabrera, a member of the Benilde Theater Arts faculty; Sheryll Ceasico; Emilio Macabantad, a Theater Arts alumnus; and EJ Jallorina, a former Goin' Bulilit cast member.

Jallorina continues to champion authentic queer representation through a transgender woman character in the production, contributing to ongoing conversations about breaking stereotypes and creating more meaningful portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in the performing arts.

EJ Jallorina

Together with student performers from Benilde’s BA Theater Arts program, the ensemble brings together emerging talent and experienced theater practitioners in a production that explores the human consequences of power, secrecy, and corruption.

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
REX runs for approximately one hour and 45 minutes at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

Performance dates: November 12–15 and November 19–22, 2026

Show schedule:
November 12: 7:00 PM (Opening and Press Night)
November 13: 7:00 PM (Gala Night)
November 14, 15, 21, and 22: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
November 19 and 20: 7:00 PM

The production has a total seating capacity of 300, with the following seating sections:
Trono ni Rex: VIP Center Elevated Bleachers
Tanaw ng Tebes: Front Floor Level
Sa Gilid ng Lihim: Side Seating

Tickets are open to the general public, as well as Benilde students, faculty, and alumni. They are available online through Ticket2Me.net.

Ticket claiming begins one hour before each performance, while theater doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

For updates on REX, other DLS-CSB theatrical productions, and institutional activities, follow Benilde Arts on Facebook at facebook.com/benildearts and Instagram at @benildearts.

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MUNDO MAN AY MAGUNAW bids farewell to fans

the stars of the hit TV series Mundo Man ay Magunaw looks back to the success and moments making the teleserye at the set. the series makes its closing in two weeks time only at ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network.

the cast of Mundo Man ay Magunaw

present at the press conference are the main cast led by the empress of drama, Empress Schuck, together with Nikki Gil, premiere actresses Eula Valdez, Sylvia Sanchez, Ms. Tessie Tomas Ejay Falcon, Emilio Garcia and Jason Gainza. each actor had bonded with each other and letting go the show is very difficult for them. the exchange of ideas and dialogues has been very memorable. veteran actors applaud the young talents in their professional character and skills and saw greater potential as ABS-CBN will provide them with prime roles that will help them shine.

Empress Schuck, Eula Valdez, Sylvia Sanchez, Ejay Falcon

young stars, on the other hand were very thankful in the experience that they were able to work with Tessie Tomas, Eula Valdez and Sylvia Sanchez. most of them got teary-eyed discussing the precious moments in the set and that all of it will come to an end. Empress Schuck even asked if it's possible to have a book two after almost 2 seasons that Mundo Man ran.

Mundo Man ay Magunaw creator and writer, Salvador Royales, is very impressed with the outcome of this teleserye and how it was embraced by the viewers in its 6 months of running. the impressive skills of the actors were a revelation to him as well.

catch the last two intensifying weeks of Mundo Man ay Magunaw from Monday-Friday at 2:30PM after It's Showtime. for more information, you can visit www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter or like the Mundo Man ay Magunaw Facebook page.

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