Cover In ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’, Martin Del Rosario debuts on a stage play alongside revered theatre actors Elora Españo and Ross Pesigan (Photo: Yan Caringal)
In ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’, Martin Del Rosario debuts on a stage play alongside revered theatre actors Elora Españo and Ross Pesigan (Photo: Yan Caringal)
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The IdeaFirst Company’s co-founder Jun Robles Lana revives his award-winning play ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’ for the content creation company’s first foray into live theatre. Here are our initial thoughts about it and why you should not miss it this October 2025
In an unnamed rural town, assumed to be amid earth’s natural wonders, is a nondescript shack that, together with its neighbouring trees and the ever-loyal moon, has provided refuge for three individuals who chose to mask their identities for mere survival. Caught in an ensuing armed conflict between communist insurgents and the Philippine military governing the area, Emma, Nardo, and Joel form a bond among each other. But behind the luminous glow of the moon that watches over each of their every move is a shadow that is deceptive, manipulative, and lustful. This very shadow they carry daily unravels itself as time passes by. The clock ticks as the night continues to deepen... until they reach their tipping point and finally reveal who among them has the upper hand.
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Above Martin Del Rosario, Ross Pesigan, and Elora Españo breathe life anew to the characters of Jun Robles Lana’s stage play-turned-film ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’
Martin Del Rosario, Ross Pesigan, and Elora Españo breathe life anew to the characters of Jun Robles Lana’s stage play-turned-film ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’
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Acclaimed in the field of content creation, The IdeaFirst Company has proven its might in film, television, and online content. Established by internationally-recognised filmmakers Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan, The IdeaFirst Company has produced around 40 films and original series to date, including blockbuster hits such as The Panti Sisters, Die Beautiful and Ang Dalawang Mrs Reyes, among others.
This year, it dives back into its theatrical roots as it opens IdeaFirst Live!, a unit dedicated to producing stage plays and musicals—something that Lana was not a stranger to. Nonetheless, this foray into live theatre still counts as a new endeavour for the company. And what better way to begin it than by bringing back to the stage Lana’s Bulwagang Gantimpala Playwriting Contest award-winning 1993 play Anino sa Likod ng Buwan, which was adapted into a film in 2015.
Above Martin Del Rosario plays Joel, a military man seducing married woman Emma, portrayed by Elora Españo, to get intel from communist insurgents without knowing that his target is two steps ahead of him.
Martin Del Rosario plays Joel, a military man seducing married woman Emma, portrayed by Elora Españo, to get intel from communist insurgents without knowing that his target is two steps ahead of him.
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Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, the play version of Anino sa Likod ng Buwan gets updated with stunning scenography and impeccable execution of mise-en-scenes and intimate movement direction heavily laden with metaphors that effectively reveal each of the characters. Complementing its explorative text that uses various techniques to deceive and hook the audience with intricate world-building, Rutaquio’s direction and the actors’ surrendering provide audiences an immersive theatrical experience that touches themes of power, sexism, radicalism, and more.
Martin Del Rosario, who marks this production as his baptism of fire in live theatre, commendably bared his soul in the character of Joel, a calculating military man set on a mission to draw out the communist insurgents hiding in the town and plotting for the escape of their leader. Meanwhile, Elora Españo, who plays Emma and Ross Pesigan, who plays Nardo, showcase their acting prowess and indomitable presence on stage. As each scene unfolds their characters, the two actors easily navigate through their dynamics from a married couple to friends in the movement to individuals with profound respect and admiration for each other.
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Above The politically-charged and extremely affecting play ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’ takes us into the personal lives of people caught in the middle of armed conflict who found friendship, affection, and loyalty among each other—that is until secrets get unraveled.
The politically-charged and extremely affecting play ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’ takes us into the personal lives of people caught in the middle of armed conflict who found friendship, affection, and loyalty among each other—that is until secrets get unraveled.
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Deeply focusing on the raw power of storytelling and the urgent relevance of the themes it tackles, IdeaFirst Live! proved that it can dabble into a more intensive form of performative arts.
During the talkback held immediately after its press preview, Lana announced that a musical version of Die Beautiful is in the works. However, fans of the production company should catch first the rerun of Anino sa Likod ng Buwan this coming October. Understudies for the role Edward Benosa (Joel), Denise Esteban (Emma), Vincent Pajara (Nardo) had a chance last March 15 to showcase their unique approaches to the characters. We hope to see more of them in the October run.
Above For its provocative scenes, intimacy director Missy Maramara aided the actors in breaking through their vulnerabilities and fears to deliver a raw, unhinged performance.
For its provocative scenes, intimacy director Missy Maramara aided the actors in breaking through their vulnerabilities and fears to deliver a raw, unhinged performance.
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Exquisitely executed, this intricately written play didn’t fail to deliver a riveting performance befitting of the moon’s mysteriousness and lunacy with which it had long been associated. Deeply thought-provoking and, at times, shocking, Anino sa Likod ng Buwan dares to push everyone’s buttons.
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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.
