Cover Lance Rebrando debuts as Julia opposite Gio Gahol, reprising the role of Tenyong, in the rerun of ‘Walang Aray’ this 2025 (Photo: PETA)
Lance Rebrando debuts as Julia opposite Gio Gahol, reprising the role of Tenyong, in the rerun of ‘Walang Aray’ this 2025 (Photo: PETA)
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Iconic OPM artists Jolina Magdangal and Ice Seguerra join the cast of ‘Walang Aray’ as it returns to the stage this August 29 to October 12
Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) invites theatregoers to witness and experience once more its critically acclaimed musical Walang Aray, a reimagining of Severino Reyes’s zarzuela, Walang Sugat. Promising to be a fiercer and sharper iteration, this year’s Walang Aray runs from August 29 to October 12 at the PETA Theater Center, serving as the flagship production of the esteemed company’s 58th season titled ‘Love and Power’.
“When we first staged Walang Aray, we knew we were taking a risk,” says director Ian Segarra. “We were reviving a form as traditional as the zarzuela and throwing it into a whirlwind of comedy, meta-theatre and commentary.”
Uncertain how audiences would receive the contemporised classic, Walang Aray proved to be a success with its multiple runs, full-house shows, and eventually received numerous awards at the 14th Gawad Buhay, including Outstanding Musical - Original or Translation/Adaptation.
Above Some of the new cast members of ‘Walang Aray’ during the press conference (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
Some of the new cast members of ‘Walang Aray’ during the press conference (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
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“As PETA’s new artistic director, my commitment to PETA is to curate with/by/through care and change,” says J-mee Katanyag, one of the company’s longstanding members and now stepping into the role of artistic director. “This season, we explore how love and power intersect, examining how our romantic, familial and national relationships are shaped and often wounded by systems of control.”
The 2025 version is embracing a revolutionary and inclusive casting. PETA embraced a bold vision and purposefully gave centre stage to diverse voices and identities. Among the most notable casting choices is that of Lance Reblando (Rent, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Mula sa Buwan), who takes on the role of Julia.
Joining Reblando are new cast members bringing their own flair to beloved roles: Rendell Sanchez as Miguel, Divine Acucina as Monica, Gold Villar-Lim as Juana and Roi Calilong as Padre Alfaro. The ensemble also features James Lanante, MC Dela Cruz, Bomba Ding, Otep Madriaga, Miah Canton, Matel Patayon and Zoe Damag.
Above The alternating cast members for the roles of Tenyong and Julia: Lance Reblando, Jon Abella, Gio Gahol, Marynor Madamesila, Shaira Opsimar (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
The alternating cast members for the roles of Tenyong and Julia: Lance Reblando, Jon Abella, Gio Gahol, Marynor Madamesila, Shaira Opsimar (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
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“This run now features two sets of actors—double the brilliance, double the chaos, double the heart,” Segarra says. “Working with them in the rehearsal room has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. They’ve brought fresh interpretations to beloved characters, and the chemistry that unfolds onstage is both surprising and electric. Watching the show transform through their choices has been one of the greatest joys of this process.”
Adding even more star power to this run, Philippine pop culture icons Jolina Magdangal and Ice Seguerra join the cast. Magdangal takes on the role of the outrageous Doña Juana, while Seguerra brings charm and comic flair as Lucas, Tenyong’s loyal sidekick.
Read more: PETA’s ‘Walang Aray’ bags 8 awards at the 14th Gawad Buhay
Above Marynor Madamesila and Jon Abella return onstage for the 2025 run of ‘Walang Aray’ (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
Marynor Madamesila and Jon Abella return onstage for the 2025 run of ‘Walang Aray’ (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
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They will be joining the original cast: Gio Gahol, Job Abella, Shaira Opsimar, Marynor Madamesila, Bene Manaois, Kiki Baento, Carlon Matobato, Neomi Gonzales, Gie Onida, Csairus Habla, Johnnie Moran, and the quick-witted and sharp supporting cast, Jarred Jaicten, Gerard Dy, Yeyin de la Cruz, Ayla Garcia and Ada Tayao.
“This rerun gave us a rare opportunity: the chance to return and dig deeper into the material with new eyes,” says Segarra. “We revisited scenes, questioned previous choices, and refined what needed refining. We added new songs and revisited the old ones. We even looked into our creative processes and ensured that everyone in the production had a safe space within our rehearsal halls and theatre. The process was both humbling and thrilling. With Norbs Portales joining me as associate director, the show has taken on a fresh pulse. His insight, energy, and collaboration helped shape this new version into something sharper and, in many ways, braver.”
Above The alternating cast members for the roles of Monica and Lucas: Divine Acucina, Ice Seguerra, Kiki Baento and Carlon Matobato (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
The alternating cast members for the roles of Monica and Lucas: Divine Acucina, Ice Seguerra, Kiki Baento and Carlon Matobato (Photo: courtesy of PETA)
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PETA finds Walang Aray more relevant than ever, hence seeing the rerun as a much-needed theatrical offering this year.
“In the current Philippine social and political setting where divisions and prejudice still run deep and voices on the margins often struggle to be heard, Walang Aray offers an important counter-narrative,” the company said in a statement. “It reminds us that at the centre of our struggles are varying stories of affection, defiance and hope. The play’s message of love and revolution urges us to fight for a world where everyone belongs and love without fear of aray [pain]. It’s a wake-up call, wrapped in laughter, proving theatre is still a potent force for understanding the world.”
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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.
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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.
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