Cover Virgin Labfest Pintog (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
Virgin Labfest Pintog (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
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Promising narratives that deal with the complexities of the human experience, this year’s Virgin Labfest blooms onstage
The Virgin Labfest (VLF) celebrates its 19th anniversary with four sets of unseen one-act plays from up-and-coming and veteran playwrights and directors. As a festival that gives aspiring artists a space to collaborate and tell their stories, the VLF allows writers, directors, actors, and production crew to experiment and grow.
Following the theme of Pintog—directly translating to swelling—the festival promises explosive narratives meant to make you laugh, cry, and become ecstatic with joy. Each set contains three plays themed around dilemmas, desperation, morally grey areas, and uncertainty.
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Above Bembol Roco and Crispin Pineda in a scene from J Dennis Teodosio's 'Rosas' (Photo: Aggy Mago/Virgin Labfest)
Bembol Roco and Crispin Pineda in a scene from J Dennis Teodosio's 'Rosas' (Photo: Aggy Mago/Virgin Labfest)
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Set A: Dilemma
Written by Hans Pieter Arao and directed by Hazel Gutierrez-Marges and the Anino Shadowplay Collective, Vengeance of the Gods is based on a supernatural possession in Cagayan. The town mayor’s chief of staff claims to know the reason behind the phenomenon, but the father of the possessed opposes him, trying to bring the staff along in his quest for justice.
A story that explores the duality of science and tradition and its connection to poverty, class struggle, and the division caused by diverse beliefs, Vengeance of the Gods urges the audience to remember our heritage. “If we forget, then how do we know there is even a problem?” says Arao.
Penned by Lino Balmes, under the direction of BJ Borja, Ningas follows a woman asking a man to give her a name. The story opens a meaningful conversation that’s still considered taboo in the Philippines—the debate about having children. “It was written for people who can’t decide if they want kids or not, so they can have their story out there,” shares Balmes.
Telling the story of two ex-lovers who face the harsh reality of modern gay dating and the implications of dating someone with HIV, Love on the Brain addresses the stigma about sexually transmitted diseases. Director John Mark Yap and playwright Rick Patriarca wish to educate the audience and give a voice to those afflicted with the virus. “There’s more to you than being a person living with HIV. Yes, the virus is in you, but your life doesn’t revolve around that,” says Yap.
Above Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Ricci Chan, and Guelan Luarca in a scene from Carlo Vergara's 'Edgar Allan Hemingway' (Photo: Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest)
Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Ricci Chan, and Guelan Luarca in a scene from Carlo Vergara's 'Edgar Allan Hemingway' (Photo: Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest)
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Set B: Bingit
Written by Herlyn Alegre and directed by Ian Segarra, Sentenaryo follows the relatives of a man turning 100. They arrive at the centenarian’s birthday party hoping to get a share of his free government money but are shocked when the celebrant dies before the barangay captain arrives to award the cash. Alegre highlights greed and desperation when backed into a corner in a story about opportunistic values.
The Divine Family navigates the complex dynamic of family members forced to stay home for extended periods due to the pandemic. Playwright Dip Mariposque and director Roobak Valle explore what joined isolation does to everyone.
Written by Jhudiel Clare Sosa and directed by Meann Espinosa, Identité examines the strained relationship between a mother and daughter.
Also see: Cultivating opera and orchestra music in the Philippines
Above Edna Vida in Rolin Migyuel Obina's 'Ang Pag-uulyanin ni Olivia Mendoza' (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
Edna Vida in Rolin Migyuel Obina's 'Ang Pag-uulyanin ni Olivia Mendoza' (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
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Set C: Pu-Tim
Set during the COVID-19 delta wave in 2021, Pagkapit sa Hangin, written by Joshua Lim So under the direction of José Estrella, follows the relative of a patient who catches a doctor’s scheme to limit the oxygen supply of patients nearing their deaths to save resources.
Ara Jenika Vinzon’s Lipistik at Pulbura with director Charles Yee opens with a censor for the Japanese who plans to unearth her guerilla fighter friend. As she finds charred scraps of paper in the printing press where she works, she reveals memories of their friendship before the war.
The Foxtrot revolves around a middle-aged woman and her reputable dance instructor who rehearses for an amateur ballroom dance competition. It shows audiences how dancing can highlight the complex nature of relationships. The play is written by Chesie Galvez-Cariño and directed by Paul Alexander Morales.
Above Mayen Estañero, Marj Lorico, and Meann Espinosa in Herlyn Alegre's 'Fangirl' (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
Mayen Estañero, Marj Lorico, and Meann Espinosa in Herlyn Alegre's 'Fangirl' (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
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Set D: Di-Tiyak
Following three young girls reflecting on religion, sexuality, and identity, Sa Babaeng Lahat elaborates on the limitations imposed on women by society and the shame related to faith and homosexuality.
Playwright Elise Santos shares that she came from an all-girls Catholic school and wrote the play because she believed her former school was filled with potential waiting to be seen. “People feel shamed. You are not allowed to talk about what you are going through when you are a teenager,” shares director Caisa Borromeo.
In a conversation between two psychology professors on love, marriage, and privilege, Ang Munting Liwanag sa Madilim na Sulok ng Isang Serbeserya sa Maynila examines the general view of Filipinos towards sex workers. Playwright Dustin Celestino and Director Toni Go-Yadao invite the audience to question how society’s notion of sex and purity affects them. “I feel like we’re in the middle of a transition. Some people think that sex workers are victims, while others think that they’re empowered. They have autonomy over their body. That’s one reason why I wanted to do it,” shares Celestino.
Telling the story of two separated lovers revisiting their past on the way to the airport as one contemplates immigrating to the United States, Si Hesus Na’a Sa US pays homage to playwright Neil Azcuna’s grandparents. The play paints the uncertainties in the characters’ families and relationships, and director Phil Noble wishes the audience to root for the two after witnessing their struggles.
Read also: The CCP’s ‘Pulso Pilipinas: Mga Likhang Sayaw’ explores the rich heritage of Philippine dance
Above Joshua Martin Tayco and Sabrina Basilio in Anthony Kim Vergara's 'A Family Reunion' (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
Joshua Martin Tayco and Sabrina Basilio in Anthony Kim Vergara's 'A Family Reunion' (Photo: The Virgin Labfest/Facebook)
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The 19th edition of the VLF also revisits three plays from VLF 18: Hitik in 2023. Set E, titled ‘Sagad’ includes Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol by playwright Andrew Estacio, directed by Nazer Salcedo; Dominador Gonzales: National Artist by Dingdong Novenario and director George De Jesus; and Room 209 by Zheg Arban, directed by Delphine Buencamino.
In addition to the one-act plays, VLF will present four staged readings selected from the script submissions: Huling Salita by Christina De La Cruz, Pabili ng Christmas Tree by Dia Sales, Shiver by Atria Pacana, and Patayin Ang Mga Surot by Floyd Scott Tioganco.
VLF 19 will also feature discussions with veteran playwrights and writers and the festival’s founders, Herbie Go and Rody Vera, at the Playwrights Fair. The VLF Writing Fellowship Program continues with eight fellows to be mentored by Glenn Sevilla Mas on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage, with CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan directing the culminating programme on June 30.
VLF 19: Pintog runs from June 12 to 30 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Visit the social media accounts of CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino, and the Writers’ Bloc for more details on the schedule and ticket prices.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
