Cover Eugene Domingo is back in the theatre with the fourth iteration of ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank’ this June to August 2026 (Photo: Courtesy of PETA)
Eugene Domingo is back in the theatre with the fourth iteration of ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank’ this June to August 2026 (Photo: Courtesy of PETA)
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The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) finally reveals the powerhouse cast for its highly anticipated upcoming production, ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live sa Cheter!’
Running from June 19 to August 16, PETA’s Ang Babe sa Septic Tank 4 promises to expose the messy, hilarious and painfully relatable reality of making theatre in the Philippines today. Following its sharp critiques of independent films, mainstream cinema and historical revisionism in the franchise’s first three instalments, this fourth chapter takes a decidedly meta turn. Rather than just peeking behind the curtain, the production aims to tear it down entirely.
Read more: Reimagining the revolution: how PETA’s visionary twin-bill captivated the digital generation
Above Eugene Domingo brings her iconic film and later television series onto a new platform—theatre—of which she is deeply rooted in (Photo: Paw Castillo)
Eugene Domingo brings her iconic film and later television series onto a new platform—theatre—of which she is deeply rooted in (Photo: Paw Castillo)
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At the heart of the mayhem is Eugene Domingo, who returns to anchor the franchise. Equipped with a degree in Theater Arts from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Domingo steps into the role of a gloriously amplified version of herself. She will be navigating the ego, ambition and beautiful absurdity required to mount a live show.
What sets this production apart is its ingenious casting: an ensemble of distinguished theatre practitioners playing exaggerated versions of themselves. This creative choice directly marries the franchise’s trademark satirical storytelling with the lived realities of the Philippine stage.
Above Andoy Ranay (Photo: Paw Castillo)
Above Meann Espinosa (Photo: Paw Castillo)
Andoy Ranay (Photo: Paw Castillo)
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Above Marlon Rivera (Photo: Paw Castillo)
Above Melvin Lee (Photo: Paw Castillo)
Marlon Rivera (Photo: Paw Castillo)
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The cast features a formidable lineup of industry veterans stepping into the spotlight as “artistas”. The lineup includes PETA’s senior artist-teacher Meann Espinosa, whose extensive multidisciplinary practice is deeply shaped by a feminist lens; stage veteran Stella Cañete-Mendoza, whose career spans over three decades and was recently honoured at the 37th Aliw Awards as Best Lead Actress; widely recognised television and film actor JC Santos, who remains deeply rooted in live performance, boasting an Outstanding Male Lead Performance award from the Gawad Buhay Awards; and acclaimed director and mentor Andoy Ranay, who continuously brings his performance-driven approach back to the stage, like in Jean Genet’s The Maids and recently, Jun Robles Lana’s About Us But Not About Us.
Above JC Santos (Photo: Paw Castillo)
Above Joshua Lim So (Photo: Paw Castillo)
JC Santos (Photo: Paw Castillo)
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The chaos extends to the production’s fictionalised creative team. Melvin Lee, PETA’s newly elected president and a seasoned actor and director, plays the ever-stressed producer desperately trying to keep the show afloat. Marlon Rivera, the award-winning film director who helmed the franchise’s first three film instalments, playfully steps in as the play’s director. Meanwhile, Joshua Lim So, a Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards Hall of Fame recipient and Asian Cultural Council fellow, takes on the role of the resident playwright, caught in a relentless cycle of revisions and creative clashes.
The actual creative team steering this ambitious project includes playwright Chris Martinez, the creative force behind the previous Septic Tank scripts. PETA hitmaker Maribel Legarda will direct, with assistance from Johnnie Moran. Set and costume design will be handled by Gawad CCP Para sa Sining recipient Gino Gonzales, with music and sound design by Teresa Barrozo.
Above Stella Cańete-Mendoza (Photo: Paw Castillo)
Stella Cańete-Mendoza (Photo: Paw Castillo)
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With such an ambitious crossover of screen satire and live theatre, tickets are expected to sell out rapidly. The presale of tickets for Metrobank credit cardholders began last February and will run until March 3. Patrons who registered in December 2025 may expect to be able to book their tickets on March 4 and 5. General public ticket sales commence on March 6.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
