PETA’s Control + Shift: Changing Narratives StudioLab A Brave Exploration on Narrative Change

With a decades-long commitment to telling Filipino stories, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is once again redefining the power of People’s Theater. This April, PETA’s Control + Shift: Changing Narratives returns to the PETA Studio Theater from April 10 to 19, 2026. Featuring a "StudioLab" of fresh stories and restaging classics, the showcase invites audiences to reclaim the Filipino narrative.

Since its successful 2024 debut, followed by a month-long festival in 2025, Control + Shift: Changing Narratives has been pushing the boundaries of what theater can be. Through a unique collaboration between PETA artists, students, and community partners, this year’s StudioLab continues to tackle the tough questions of our time. It’s a creative space designed for crafting stories that confront the present, hold space for healing, and envision more humane and democratic futures.

This year, Control + Shift: Changing Narratives StudioLab presents two new works, a product of the PETA Artist-Teacher Training, alongside two returning pieces from last year’s festival, including one developed with a theater group from a community partner. The lineup includes:

Set A: When Power Falls into our Hands
In a classroom and a workplace, people discover how easily violence, corruption, and silence can become normalized. But when power falls into our hands, we also face a choice: to comply with the system or to interrupt it.

 

CLEANERS
Playwright: Jhudiel Clare Sosa
Director: Julio Garcia

A group of senior high students discovers that their graduation depends not just on cleaning classrooms but on how far they’re willing to go when violence, power, and truth land in their hands.

MONIT-OH! MONIT-AH! (Restaging)
Playwright: Herlyn Alegre
Director: Norbs Portales

A forum theatre piece that follows Jaylord, a rookie waiter hoping to win his boss’s favor through a Christmas monito-monita gift, only to uncover how seemingly harmless acts can feed into the larger, corrupt palakasan system—until one brave decision challenges the cycle.

Set B: When Care Becomes Survival
In war-torn landscapes and communities living at the edge of disaster, care becomes something embodied… shared through faith, ritual, play, and collective endurance.

 

Tanghalang Bagong Sibol’s AT NAGKATAWANG-TAO ANG VERBO (Restaging)
Playwright: Mikaela Regis
Director: Anthony Cruz

In a small urban fishing community along Ilog Tullahan, religious icons and biblical imagery come alive—not as distant saints, but as reflections of the people themselves—revealing how faith becomes flesh in the daily struggle for dignity, livelihood, and hope.

BAGA NG GUMUGUHONG LANGIT
Playwright: Anj Heruela
Director: Ian Segarra

Amid the chaos of war, orphaned children fight to survive in a world that has forgotten them, begging for care from communities pushed to the fragile edges of survival.

BE PART OF THE SHIFT!

Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me or bit.ly/CS2026Tickets. Rates are at Php 700 per set. For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

Complete Show Dates

Set A
Fri, 10 Apr. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Fri, 10 Apr. 2026 - 7:00 PM
Sun, 12 Apr. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Sat, 18 Apr. 2026 - 7:00 PM
Sun, 19 Apr. 2026 - 7:00 PM

Set B
Sat, 11 Apr. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Sat, 11 Apr. 2026 - 7:00 PM
Sun, 12 Apr. 2026 - 7:00 PM
Sat, 18 Apr. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Sun, 19 Apr. 2026 - 2:00 PM

Read More

PETA Unveils the Lead Cast of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4

The wait is over! Meet the powerhouse cast headlining one of this year’s most anticipated productions.

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) officially announces the headlining cast of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! running from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.

From two iconic films to a hit series, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank has become beloved for its hyperreal, meta commentary on arts, culture, and society. The first film skewered the indie movie scene, the second tackled mainstream cinema, and the third confronted historical revisionism. This fourth installment turns its sharp gaze toward theater, but it doesn’t just peek behind the curtain; it tears it down entirely, exposing the messy, hilarious, and painfully relatable process of making theater in the Philippines today.

At the center of the mayhem is Eugene Domingo, returning as a gloriously amplified version of herself—navigating ego, ambition, and the beautiful absurdity of mounting a live show. Long celebrated for her fearless comedic brilliance, Domingo once again anchors the franchise with razor-sharp wit and impeccable timing.

Joining her is a powerhouse lineup of theater-makers, all portraying exaggerated reflections of their real-life roles in the industry. Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, and JC Santos step in as unapologetic artistas caught in the whirlwind of creative clashes and theatrical excess.

 

 
Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, and JC Santos

Behind the scenes—but very much in front of the live audience—is Melvin Lee as the ever-resourceful (and ever-stressed) producer attempting to keep the production afloat. Marlon Rivera, who directed the franchise’s first three installments, steps into the chaos as the director within the play, while Joshua Lim So takes on the role of the resident playwright caught between revisions, rewrites, and relentless creative debates—desperately trying to keep his script, and his sanity, intact.

 

Melvin Lee, Marlon Rivera and Joshua Lim So

The show is written by Chris Martinez, the creative force behind the first three Septic Tank installments. It will be directed by Maribel Legarda, who helmed PETA’s hit productions Rak of Aegis and One More Chance The Musical, with assistance from up-and-coming director Johnnie Moran.

Set and costume design is by Gino Gonzales, with music and sound design by Teresa Barrozo.

Metrobank credit cardholders will enjoy exclusive first access to tickets from February 27 at 10:00 AM to March 3 at 11:59 PM via TicketWorld. A Waitlist Sale follows from March 4 at 10:00 AM to March 5 at 11:59 PM for patrons who signed up last December 2025, with the General Public Sale beginning on March 6 at 10:00 AM.

Tickets will be available via TicketWorld or bit.ly/SepticTank4Tickets.

Ticket prices are P3,500 (VIP), P2,800 (Orchestra and Balcony Center), P2,500 (Orchestra Side), and P1,800 (Balcony Side). Audiences are encouraged to create their TicketWorld accounts in advance, as tickets are expected to sell out fast.

For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

Read More

Tickets for PETA’s Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4 Goes Live Starting Feb 27

Metrobank Credit Cardholders get first access to tickets for PETA’s most anticipated show of 2026

Ticket selling officially begins on February 27 for the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) biggest theatrical event of 2026, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! —with Metrobank credit cardholders enjoying exclusive first access to the highly anticipated production.

Excitement is already building as fans eagerly await their chance to see Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank come alive on stage. After two blockbuster films and a hit series, the beloved satire makes its long-awaited return—this time with sharper humor, bolder commentary, and all the chaos that can only happen in a live theater setting.

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic performers of her generation, Eugene Domingo reprises her role, bringing her sharp comedic brilliance and fearless energy back to live theater. Her comeback has been eagerly awaited by fans and theater lovers alike, making this production not just a new chapter in the franchise but a landmark event celebrating her enduring impact on Filipino storytelling.

As the Official Bank Partner of PETA’s 58th Theater Season, Metrobank marks its third year of partnership by continuing to champion original Filipino works that push creative boundaries, spark national conversations, and support local artists and homegrown storytelling.

 

Metrobank credit cardholders can enjoy exclusive presale access from February 27 at 10:00 AM to March 3 at 11:59 PM via TicketWorld.

A Waitlist Sale follows from March 4 at 10:00 AM to March 5 at 11:59 PM, open to patrons who signed up last December 2025, while the General Public Sale begins on March 6 at 10:00 AM.

 

Written by Chris Martinez and to be directed by Maribel Legarda, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! will run for 50 shows from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.

Ticket prices:

• P3,500 (VIP)
• P2,800 (Orchestra and Balcony Center)
• P2,500 (Orchestra Side)
• P1,800 (Balcony Side).

Audiences are encouraged to create their TicketWorld accounts in advance, as tickets are expected to sell out fast.

For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

Read More

Twinbill Show "Kislap at Fuego" and "Children of the Algo" returns at the PETA Theater Center

After their debut at PETA Control + Shift: Changing Narratives in 2024 and 2025, the bold experimental works “Kislap at Fuego” and “Children of the Algo” are officially making their return to the stage from January 27 to February 7, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center. Moving from the experimental fringes to the spotlight, these two productions will headline the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Main Theater Season as a highly anticipated twinbill performance.

Originally born in 2024 as raw pieces for the Control + Shift LIVE shows, both works evolved into fan favorites. Their success led to a featured showcase at the Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival 2025, where they cemented their reputation for challenging the status quo.

Now in its third installment and welcoming broader audiences from educational institutions and the public alike, this compelling double feature bridges historic mysticism with contemporary digital realities.

Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego,” directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, with Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu, revolves around an unexpected fairytale between a kapre and a country girl, set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This play explores how we talk about love, rebirth, and revolution.

Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo,” directed by Johnnie Moran, delves into the lives of Gen Z content creators, hiding their deeper realities while navigating the digital age with wit and vulnerability, challenging viewers to see beyond the algorithm.

In contrast, Children of the Algo casts audiences into the mediated world of Gen Z content creators, where identity is curated, justice is hashtagged, and meaning is constantly negotiated within and against the logic of the algorithm. Here, the contemporary quest for relevance, connection, and truth plays out in bite-sized feeds and viral narratives.

Presented as a twinbill, these works invite reflection on how Filipino values persist, adapt, or are contested across generations. By placing folklore beside feeds and myth beside memes, this pairing embodies PETA Control + Shift’s narrative change approach—asking how tradition and technology collide, converse, and co-exist, and how Filipinos continue to imagine revolution in a rapidly shifting world.

For more information on Kislap at Fuego and Children of the Algo, including performance dates, ticketing, and educational engagements, visit PETA’s official channels and social media.

Complete Show Dates
Tue, 27 Jan. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Wed, 28 Jan. 2026 - 11:00 AM
Thu, 29 Jan. 2026 - 11:00 AM
Thu, 29 Jan. 2026 - 4:00 PM
Fri, 30 Jan. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Fri, 30 Jan. 2026 - 4:00 PM
Sat, 31 Jan. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Sat, 31 Jan. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Tue, 3 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Wed, 4 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Thu, 5 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Thu, 5 Feb. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Fri, 6 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Fri, 6 Feb. 2026 - 3:00 PM

Read More

PETA Announces “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter!”

Eugene Domingo returns as herself in the franchise’s fourth and boldest installment yet

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) proudly announces the newest—and wildest—addition to the iconic “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank” universe. After two blockbuster films and one hit series, the franchise is finally leaping from screen to stage with its live theatrical installment, from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.

Bringing the beloved satire to an entirely new medium, PETA’s “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4” promises a chaotic, sharp-witted, and laugh-out-loud look at the world of Philippine theater-making. In true Septic Tank fashion, the show takes audiences behind the curtain—then tears it down—exposing the ego, ambition, absurdity, and beautiful mess that fuels the industry today.

The show’s official synopsis reads:
PETA unveils its newest satire, a theatrical adaptation of “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank,” as a chaotic, hilarious meta-comedy about ego, art, and the messy reality of making Philippine theater today. From macro to micro, from venue problems to ticket prices, from what the subject matter is to what’s on Broadway, from what we love to what we hate about theater, from the past, present, and future of our beloved art.

Returning to the role only she can play is the incomparable Eugene Domingo as herself, joined by everybody else in the theater world as themselves!

Serving as the franchise's boldest evolution, this stage adaptation embraces PETA’s signature approach: entertainment paired with razor-sharp cultural commentary. Expect a riotous experience that reflects the chaos of real-life theater-making while preserving the company’s teeth—its commitment to socially relevant, politically aware, and artistically daring storytelling.

As the home of smash-hit originals like “Rak of Aegis,” “Walang Aray,” and the musical adaptation of “One More Chance,” PETA is poised to deliver a production that’s as groundbreaking as the films that inspired it. Written by Chris Martinez and directed by Maribel Legarda, this installment is set to become as iconic as its predecessors, only bigger, bolder, and even more meta.

“Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4” is co‑presented by Metrobank, PETA’s official bank partner for 2026. Metrobank credit cardholders will have first access to tickets during a special presale when tickets launch in the first quarter of 2026.

Ticket waitlisters who sign up from December 2 to 7, 2025, via bit.ly/PETASepticTank4Waitlist will be next in line to purchase.

For more information about the show, follow PETA’s social media pages: @petatheater. For partnerships, contact Leloi Arcete at 0917-5765400 or email publicrelations@petatheater.com.

Read More

Theater Review: PETA’s “Walang Aray”

I was invited to the special press preview of PETA’s Walang Aray, a musical based on Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela Walang Sugat. While rooted in tradition, the show uses humor and updated punch lines inspired by today’s headlines, making it lively, entertaining, and easy for younger audiences to relate to.

The cast of PETA's "Walang Aray" 2025

The cast delivered performances that made the story fresh and engaging. Trans actress Lance Reblando gave a breakout performance as Julia. She not only showed powerful vocals but also an emotional depth that made her character unforgettable. Her ability to shift from comedic timing to heartfelt moments was impressive, and it’s the kind of stage presence that earns genuine standing ovations.

Lance Reblado as Julia and Gio Gahol as Tenyong

Gio Gahol, who is no stranger to the role of Tenyong, once again proved why he fits the part so well. His familiarity with the character allowed him to bring ease, confidence, and natural charm to the stage. As the leading man, he remains a strong presence to watch out for, balancing humor and sincerity in his delivery.

Jolina Magdangal, in her first musical theater role as Juana, proved she can hold her own on stage. She owned every scene she was in and showed great promise. Similarly, Ice Seguerra’s take on Lucas was heartfelt and engaging, reminding the audience of his strength as both singer and actor. It was clear both Jolina and Ice brought their personal stamp to their characters, making them stand out despite limited spotlight.

The rest of the ensemble also gave strong support: Kiki Baento (Monica), Johnnie Moran (Padre Alfaro), Bene Manaois (Miguel), and Gie Onida (Don Tadeo) each brought humor and energy that made the show fun from start to finish.

Ensemble

Fans can now also enjoy Walang Aray beyond the theater with the official cast recording, now streaming on Spotify. Produced in partnership with Soundesign Manila, the album features songs by Vince Lim such as “Front Act,” “Pangako ’Yan,” “Huwag Mo Akong Saktan,” “Tipo Kong Lalaki,” “Luv U 4 Ever,” “Walang Aray Finale,” and the newly released “Tumindig at Lumaban” with “Bayan Ko.” It’s a fun way to relive the show and sing along with the cast anytime.

Overall, Walang Aray proves how a classic can be retold in a way that feels both timeless and modern. With Lance Reblando’s powerhouse performance, Gio Gahol’s confident leading man turn, and the delightful presence of Jolina Magdangal and Ice Seguerra, the show is both entertaining and meaningful—a must-watch on the PETA stage.

Walang Aray runs until October 12, 2025, at the PETA Theater. For more show information, follow PETA’s social media pages: @petatheater. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net.

Read More

Karne: A Darkly Delicious Feast from FEU Theater Guild’s 91st Season

A darkly delicious twist on Roald Dahl’s classic, staged with Filipino classics: laughter and Adobo

This year, the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) is serving something bold, flavorful, and impossible to forget. Now on its 91st season, FTG presents Karne—an interactive dark comedy written and directed by Dudz Teraña, Senior Artist-Teacher of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and FTG’s artistic director.

Step into the aromatic, simmering home of a 1980s Filipino couple, where every look hides a secret, every silence is heavy, and the kitchen’s simmering pots hold more than just stew. Karne invites you to pull up a chair to a feast where humor, tension, and mystery blend in perfect, if unsettling, harmony.

A Filipino Twist on a Classic
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter, Karne moves the action to Lubotan, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental in 1980, infusing the story with the textures, rhythms, and flavors of rural Filipino life. It’s absurd yet sincere, light yet laced with dread—a genre-bending mix of comedy, mystery, and intimate social commentary.

Full cast

Seamlessly blending Bisaya, Tagalog, and English, the play creates a living, breathing household you can almost smell and hear. “This play holds up a mirror to the lived realities of an individual, grounding itself in raw humanness,” says director Dudz Teraña. “It offers a more layered and flavorful approach to staging—bold in form, grounded in truth, and unapologetically relevant. Karne is not just something to look forward to; it’s an experience that lingers.”

What’s Cooking?
At the heart of the story is Mary and Police Captain Patrick Patrosa, a seemingly ordinary couple whose quiet evening at home begins to unravel—turning a simple dinner into a tangled reflection on love, expectations, and the fragile connections holding their lives and their community together.

Mary is portrayed by Maria Mayano (IAS’26), with Julia Nicole Ramas (FIT’26) and Janae Dionisio (IAS’28) alternating the role. Patrick is brought to life by RB Pascua (IAS’25), Aaron Bayani (IAS’25), and Arvin Javier (IAS’28).

The couple is joined by a colorful ensemble of friends, neighbors, and colleagues:
Dante – Jonas Cunanan (IAS’25), Renz Dotillos (IAS’26), Jharelle Villalobos (IAS’27)
Ellen – Dianne Andallo (IAS’26), Maria Ysabelle Delos Reyes (IAS’27)
Maloi – Bjorn Pestaño (IAS’26), Margarita Barrameda (IAS’26), Sheila Peralta (IABF’26)
Police Lt. Elnar – Arvin Javier (IAS’28), Shawn Tarala (IAS’27)
Patrolman Enopia – Kristian Samson (IAS’26), Justin Abalos (IAS’28)
Patrolman Credo – Dave Bambang (IARFA’29), Kirstan Orbegoso (IAS’27)
Mrs. Poblacion – Cassandra Herilla (IAS’27), Irish Oliveros (IAS’28), Trisha Tan (IAS’28)
Estong/Estang – Lorenze Moral (IAS’26), Nash Desonyo (FIT’28), Heleina Li (IAS’26)
Samuel, the market vendor – Julian Anabo (IAS’26), Migi Mesina (IAS’27)

Show Dates & Venue:
📍 FEU Center for the Arts Studio

Performance Schedule
September: 11–13, 18–20, 25–27
October: 2–4, 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, 30
November: 6–8
House Opens – 6:00 PM | Show Starts – 6:30 PM

Ticket Prices
₱200 – Students from outside FEU Manila
₱500 – Regular Guests
₱700 – VIP

Connect with FEU Theater Guild
Facebook: Far Eastern University Theater Guild
Instagram & TikTok: @feutheaterguildofficial
Twitter/X: @ftg1934

Whether you come for the laughs, the suspense, or the rich slice of 1980s Filipino life, Karne promises a meal—and a memory—you’ll carry long after the curtain falls.

Read More

Ice Seguerra Joins Cast of PETA’s “Walang Aray” as the Lovable Lucas

Adding a fresh dose of star power and musical charm, Filipino music icon Ice Seguerra officially joins the cast of Walang Aray, the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) award-winning hit comedy musical. In his return to the theater stage, Seguerra takes on the role of Lucas—the witty and loyal sidekick of Tenyong—in this much-anticipated rerun running from August 29 to October 12, 2025, at the PETA Theater Center.

Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt performances, Seguerra brings his signature sincerity and humor to the role, further elevating the already dynamic ensemble. Sharing his excitement with fans, he posted:

"Ito na guys! I’m excited to share with you all that I will be playing as Lucas in Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) hit comedy musical Walang Aray this August 29–October 12, 2025 sa PETA Theater Center! Abangan n’yo dahil tickets will go live on June 28 at Ticket2Me! Kitakits sa tanghalan!"

Seguerra joins fellow pop culture icon Jolina Magdangal, who is making her musical theater debut as Doña Juana, in this critically acclaimed production that seamlessly blends humor, history, and social commentary. With this powerhouse pairing and refreshed staging, Walang Aray is poised to once again captivate audiences with its irreverent wit and powerful message of love and resistance.

Read More

Jolina Magdangal Makes Her Musical Theater Debut in PETA’s “Walang Aray”

Pop icon Jolina Magdangal takes on a bold new stage as she makes her much-anticipated musical theater debut in PETA’s hit comedy musical Walang Aray. Known for her iconic roles in film, television, and music, Magdangal brings her signature charm to the role of the quirky and flamboyant Doña Juana in the award-winning production. This marks a new milestone in her celebrated career, as she joins an acclaimed cast for the show’s highly awaited rerun from August 29 to October 12, 2025, at the PETA Theater Center. Her entry into the theater scene adds a fresh layer of excitement to the crowd-favorite musical, which returns sharper, funnier, and more powerful than ever.

Jolina Magdangal as Dona Juana

Adding even more star power and heart to the production is singer-songwriter and stage veteran Ice Seguerra, who plays Lucas—the loyal and witty sidekick of Tenyong. With Magdangal and Seguerra sharing the stage, Walang Aray promises to deliver not just laughs but also a nostalgic and delightful theatrical experience that blends pop culture flair with PETA’s signature brand of socially resonant storytelling.

Ice Seguerra as Lucas

Tickets for the show will be available starting June 28 via ticket2me.net.

An exclusive and discounted pre-sale for Metrobank credit cardholders will run from June 28 until July 1, 2025. The public sale starts on July 2, 2025. Ticket prices are as follows: P2,500 (VIP Front and VIP Elevated), P2,000 (Orchestra Center and Balcony Center), P1,500 (Orchestra Side), and P1,200 (Balcony Side).

Walang Aray is produced by PETA in partnership with Indie.Go Media, together with Metrobank.

For partnerships and show-buying inquiries, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112 or email PETA at petatheater@gmail.com. For more information about Walang Aray, follow PETA’s social media pages: @petatheater.

Read More

PILATO - a new musical, takes stage this April at PETA

ANO BA ANG KATOTOHANAN: An all-original Filipino musical all set to unveil a new perspective on the greatest story ever told

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than light and truth seems to wear many faces, the question asked over 2,000 years ago by one of the most divisive persons in history still reverberates with haunting relevance: “Ano ba ang katotohanan?” This serves as the heartbeat of Pilato, an all-original Filipino musical set to captivate audiences this April at the PETA Theater Center.

With its daring perspective and poignant relevance, the production revisits the so-called “greatest story ever told”--the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ--through the eyes of Pontius Pilate, a man caught at the crossroads of power, faith, and duty.

Jerome Ferguson (Pilato) and Onyl Torres (Josepo)

The musical traces Pilato’s journey from his early ambitions in Rome to his appointment as prefect of Judea, a province brimming with religious and political unrest. There, Pilato’s every decision is scrutinized by a constellation of figures: the enigmatic historiographer, Josepo; the calculating high priest, Caiaphas; his wise and foreboding wife, Procla; and Hesus, a mysterious and magnetic presence rumored to be the King of the Jews.

Jerome Ferguson (Pilato), Jeremy Manite (Caiaphas), and Noel Rayos (Hesus)

In a time when Holy Week invites reflection and as the country approaches the critical 2025 elections, Pilato emerges as a vital meditation on truth in all its complexity.

Through haunting melodies and powerful storytelling, it challenges us to confront the choices we make as individuals and as a society.

“Information comes to us in countless forms and modes. But how do we sift through the chaos to uncover the truth? Would we even recognize the truth if we meet it face-to-face?” shares writer-director Eldrin Veloso. “Essentially, that is what the play hopes to put out there--a journey that dares to unravel the mystery of truth’s many faces. With our society on the brink of a post-truth era, I believe this is a story that demands to be told, now more than ever.”

With a cast of seasoned musical theater artists and gifted newcomers, Pilato offers an emotional and intellectual journey unlike any other. It is a poignant reminder that even after two millennia, the search for truth remains both our greatest burden and our ultimate salvation.

This marks the inaugural theatrical venture of The Corner Studio, a creative agency renowned for weaving compelling narratives through its expertise in branding, production, marketing, and design. Now, it steps boldly onto the stage, bringing its storytelling vision to life in a new dimension.

Don’t miss Pilato on April 4 at 8pm for its world premiere and on April 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 3pm and 8pm, at the PETA Theater Center.

Tickets are now available at pilato.helixpay.com.

Read More

"Sari-Sali Portal Cafe" a familiar place that unites two different cultures

Don’t miss the captivating collaborative performance between the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Kyoto-based theater group BRDG, Sari-Sali Portal Cafe, running until TOMORROW, December 8 with shows at 3pm and 8pm at the PETA Theater Center!

The cast of Sari-Sali: Hiroyuki Kozaka, Julio Garcia, Hitomi Nagasu and Zoe Damag

This remarkable production creates a bridge between Filipino and Japanese cultures, inviting the audience into a cozy, intimate cafe setting where stories from both countries unfold. Through vibrant storytelling, themes, music, and engaging dialogue, Sari-Sali Portal Cafe offers a unique lens into the everyday lives, dreams, and struggles of people from different walks of life, making it a deeply relatable experience for anyone in the audience.

What truly sets this performance apart, however, is its innovative approach to audience interaction. The show doesn’t just involve the audience as passive observers—audience members are woven into the narrative through participation, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel like a part of the characters' world. This integration of the audience enhances the emotional depth of the performance, making every moment feel more personal and alive.

The true magic of Sari-Sali Portal Cafe is how the actors and creative team have masterfully navigated the potential challenges of language and cultural differences. Despite these barriers, there is a seamless cooperation between the performers, allowing for an emotionally rich, cross-cultural exchange. The universal themes of connection, belonging, and understanding transcend language, and it's evident that the cast and crew have put in an extraordinary amount of effort to ensure that every moment resonates across cultural lines.

Thank you to The Japan Foundation Manila, Philippine Educational Theater Association and Kyoto-based theater group BRDG for a wonderful experience.

If you’re looking for a theatrical experience that not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding of two rich cultures, Sari-Sali Portal Cafe is an absolute must-see. Be sure to catch it before it’s gone!

Read More

ONE MORE CHANCE, THE MUSICAL Rerun Tickets available starting July 1

The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) hit musical, One More Chance, The Musical, featuring the songs of Ben&Ben, is set to return from August 22–October 27, 2024 at the PETA Theater Center, due to insistent public demand.

Since it opened in April, PETA has added 29 shows to its original run to accommodate more audiences after tickets sold out months before the musical opened.

For its rerun, PETA will open 50 additional shows.

Tickets for the feverishly anticipated show will be made available via TicketWorld.com.ph starting July 1.

Metrobank pre-sale
From July 1–3, a pre-sale will be made exclusively available for credit cardholders of Metrobank, PETA’s co-presenter and official bank partner.

To join the pre-sale, Metrobank credit cardholders must enter the first six digits of their card as the passcode. Each cardholder can enjoy a maximum of four (4) tickets per transaction.

Waitlist and public sale
The Metrobank pre-sale will be followed by a special sale for the TicketWorld waitlist from July 4–5.

The general public sale starts on July 6.

To sign up for the waitlist, go to https://bit.ly/OMCRerunWaitlist.

The TicketWorld waitlist registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

For more information, follow PETA's social media accounts at @petatheater (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok).

For partnerships, contact PETA’s Marketing and Public Relations Office at 0917-5765400 or petatheater@gmail.com.

Read More

CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives PETA’s Bold Collection of New Theater Performances

With an unwavering commitment to empowering and enriching society, PETA continues to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in the realm of socially relevant theater. PETA welcomes 2024 with a bold collection of new theater performances that puts the spotlight on the theme of narrative change with CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives, Reclaiming and Reshaping Stories of the Filipino People.

PETA artists, together with creative partners and collaborators, have created fresh works that hope to provoke curiosity, spark conversations, challenge assumptions, interrogate, and transform the toxic narratives and harmful depictions that hold society back.

CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives features eight new works, devised performances, and the re-staging of KUMPRONTASYON at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14, 19-21, 2024.

The line-up includes:

• Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, and Gold Villar-Lim’s “Momsilogues,” directed by Gold Villar-Lim. Single mom foodie vloggers collaborate on an interactive vlog about tapsilog, uncovering a savory journey of career, love, and motherhood.
• Sabrina Basillo’s “Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z,” directed by Norbs Portales. A journalist interviews two recovering “halimaw” about their reintegration into society and discovers a shocking revelation that could alter humanity's destiny forever. This play explores the construction of monster myths and their impact on young Filipinos' mental and social well-being.
• “Albularyo,” direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato, dramaturgy by Ian Segarra. A movement performance that journeys into the world of Filipino folk healing of the ills of our body and our nation.
• Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo,” directed by John Moran. Gen Z content creators hide their deeper realities while navigating the digital age with wit and vulnerability, challenging viewers to see beyond the algorithm.
• Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego,” directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu. An unexpected fairytale between a Kapre and a country girl, set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This play explores how to reshape the way we talk about love, rebirth, and revolution.
• Liza Magtoto’s “/” (Slash), directed by Meann Espinosa. When an influencer’s best friend is “canceled,” her seemingly neutral stance is put to a test. As these two friends grapple with the idea of re-entering the industry, Xendy (the influencer) tries to balance loyalty, righteousness and branding.
• “Ang Parangal," direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario. In this adaptation of Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball, a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration in tribute for their retired barangay captain but crumbles in the face of their dire ineptitude. Spectacles and good intentions are not enough to make up for incompetence in governance.
• Glecy Atienza’s “Nakatala Sa Tubig” (Staged Reading), in collaboration with Anthony Cruz & Bobet Mendoza. A performance discourse on water and the lives and roles of women in times of war.
• Kyle Saldonido’s “Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?” a devised performance by Umalohokan, Inc., directed by Kovi Billones with directing guidance from Ian Segarra. The residents of Barangay Pinapili woke up in an obscure playground. To leave, they must beat a series of childhood games, each with a dark twist.
• Melvin Lee’s “KUMPRONTASYON” This production, which boasts three plays: Allan Palileo’s “Lakambini,” Guelan Luarca’s “The Impossible Dream,” and Joshua Lim So’s “A Color for Tomorrow,” uses theater as a platform for difficult but necessary conversations on unresolved historical and political events.

These shows hope to use the power of theater as a platform to reclaim spaces for collective meaning-making and social transformation. After all, changing the world can all begin with experimenting with a story, a frame, a narrative.

PETA invites everyone to join and watch these empowering stories come to life! For more information and ticket reservations, go to tinyurl.com/PETAControlShift.

Read More