In response to the fast-selling two-city performance of TOAST the Best of Bread in Manila and Cebu, Ovation Productions has added a third city; Davao. The three-city Philippine Tour dates are now August 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, August 13 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao, and August 15 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
TOAST the Best of Bread has faithfully re-created all the hits of the 1970’s legendary band, Bread, as well as the solo works of its founders David Gates and James Griffin. Concertgoers and die-hard fans consistently praise the band for their strikingly accurate recreations of Bread’s warm, sentimental tracks and complex harmonies. The band tours internationally, often packing major venues and bringing a feel-good, emotional experience to audiences worldwide.
The expanded itinerary gives more Filipino fans a chance to experience the band’s live renditions of timeless classics and hits by Bread like “Make It With You”, “If”, “Baby I’m-A-Want-You”, “Everything I Own”, “Aubrey”, “Sweet Surrender”, “It Don’t Matter To Me”, “Clouds”, “Mother Freedom”, “Everything I Own”, “Guitar Man”, “Games Of Magic”, “Lost Without Your Love”, “Goodbye Girl”, among many other Filipino favorites.
Toast the Best of Bread is composed of Jeff Clark, Brett Hart, Rich Bischoff, Robbie Lopez, Davie Rocks, and Troy Jolley. Their three-city Philippine Tour also features Noel Cabangon as special guest. Tickets available through ovationtickets.com. Presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Blast TV.
Visit Ovation Productions’ website and social media accounts for more updates on the seat map, ticket prices, and other official announcements.
On June 26, 2026, the Filinvest City Events Grounds will transform into the epicenter of Filipino youth culture as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival returns in partnership with Nescafé.
This year, the festival leaps beyond the format of a traditional concert to become a true cultural movement, all anchored on the rallying cry of Nescafé’s campaign: “Gisingin ang Mundo.” Nescafé Fusion is not just about putting on a show, it is awakening the youth to take action, to stand for what they care about, and to be one in support of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Nescafé Awakens the Filipino Youth
We live in an age of uncertainty where economic pressures and digital fatigue often leave the youth feeling disconnected. Yet, a new generation of “Gleamers”, radical optimists who find power in small wins, is rising to combat the chaos.
For decades, Nescafé has been the daily companion that helped generations of Filipinos start their mornings and power through long nights. Now, it is using its legacy to fuel the youth with the language that resonates best with them: music. By merging Nescafé’s global scale with Fusion’s deep roots in Filipino music culture, we are rousing a movement that champions local artistry and human connection over the isolation of the digital world.
Democratizing the Stage and Empowering Voices
At the heart of Nescafé Fusion is a festival experience that belongs to the community. Students are no longer just spectators to history-in-the-making; they are co-creators of the movement. By working in deep synergy with student organizations, we are bringing together the brightest youth to build a festival that reflects the true spirit of today’s generation.
This commitment to the future is best exemplified by the return of Nescafé Fusion FreeJam, an intercollegiate battle of the bands. Supported by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP), FreeJam is a pillar in nurturing the next generation of Filipino musicians. Finalists receive financial support for their music journey and mentorship from the industry’s best directors and partners. They don’t just warm up the stage, they perform back-to-back with our headliners during the prime segments of the festival.
The movement is also bolstered by an unprecedented unity of media organizations. Cignal, a major media partner, brings the movement from the music community to the sports community through properties such as the UAAP to connect with youth culture even further. Myx, one of the country’s iconic music platforms, remains a long-time partner of Fusion, sharing our vision of promoting our very own music.
Walking the Talk: Sustainability and Community
Nescafé Fusion believes that global ambitions must be matched by local, tangible action. We are moving beyond the “table stakes” of sustainability to create a truly resourceful event that today’s consumers trust and champion. We are partnering with Briyo Energy to power parts of our festival using solar power, directly addressing the environmental impact and carbon footprint delivered by large-scale entertainment events.
We are also working with The Plastic Flamingo to ensure that concert plastic waste, which is significant in events of this scale, is upcycled into useful products, such as school chairs, that circle back to serve the student communities that define our roots.
A Unifying Celebration for the Future
Nescafé Fusion transforms the Filinvest Concerts Grounds into a vibrant, multi-sensory playground where the electric energy of the movement is felt in every corner. Elevating this experience is the Nescafé Mansion, a festival centerpiece that elevates on-ground experiences beyond the stage.
The festival’s lineup is a direct reflection of the youth’s own voices. Featuring a powerful roster of OPM icons like IV of Spades, Maki, Angela Ken, BGYO, Earl Agustin, and Arthur Miguel, the artist selection is meticulously guided by the performers that the youth listen to and relate to on their own journeys. Adding to the excitement, the Fusion FreeJam finalists are not only an opening act, they have a spot in the limelight, performing back-to-back with Fusion main artists during prime segments of the festival.
Beyond the music, Nescafé Fusion walks the talk in community support through the Nescafé Fusion Youth Village. This space will hold student entrepreneurs and youth artisans to sell their products without any concessionaire fees or commissions, providing a tangible platform for the next generation of young creators to thrive in a real-world setting.
The festival culminates in a powerful, unified moment when the audience gathers for the anthem, “Gisingin ang Mundo.” To be performed alongside university hitmaker Earl Agustin, this performance serves as the ultimate call to action, uniting the crowd in a collective chorus that champions Filipino music that we’re proud of.
Shared Rituals for a New Generation
The Nescafé Fusion experience is also a reflection of how the brand is evolving alongside the very audience it celebrates. As the culture of coffee shifts from a purely functional morning ritual toward personal “micro-moments,” the kind that defines one’s identity and social rhythm, Nescafé is meeting today’s generation exactly where they are.
Whether it’s through refreshing, on-the-go coffee experiences that fit a fast-paced festival lifestyle or accessible options for daily life, the brand is prioritizing versatility. By integrating into the social rituals of the youth, Nescafé aims to be more than just a drink; it serves as a companion to the moments, big or small, where young Filipinos continue to connect, dream, and shape their future.
Join us on June 26, 2026, as we transform the Filinvest City Events Grounds into a beacon of the Filipino youth’s creativity, hospitality, and hope. Together, we are building the next global cultural phenomenon in awakening the world to the heartbeat of Filipino culture.
Lock in your ticket on Ticketmelon and be part of the #GisinginAngMundo movement. Follow Fusion’s page for updates.
Theatre Group Asia (TGA) proudly announces that renowned playwright, screenwriter, actor, and singer Rody Vera will take on the role of Older Noah in its highly anticipated international premiere of The Notebook, The Musical.
A towering figure in contemporary Philippine theater, Vera has spent over four decades helping shape the country’s cultural landscape through his various artistic endeavors as a performer, writers and cultural voice. His career has traversed the worlds of theater, film, television, literature, and advocacy, making him one of the rare artists whose influence extends both onstage and behind the scenes.
As an actor, Vera has delivered memorable performances across generations of Philippine theater. He first gained prominence onstage in productions such as PETA’s Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas and the landmark musical 1896, where he portrayed Andres Bonifacio. Over the years, he has built a body of work encompassing both Filipino classics and international repertoire, appearing as Padre Damaso in Noli Me Tangere, The Musical, Edgar Jopson in EJ, Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson, Iago in Otelo, Reuven in Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto, Gov. Danforth in The Crucible, and Bobby Gonzales in Mario O’Hara’s Stageshow, a performance that earned him the Gawad Buhay! Award for Best Featured Actor. Audiences have continued to embrace Vera’s performances, from his role as Fernan in the hit musical Rak of Aegis to Tawfiq in the Philippine production of The Band’s Visit, and his performance in Tiny Beautiful Things. Most recently, he is most known for his role as The Narrator in TGA’s phenomenally successful staging of Into The Woods alongside Lea Salonga, Eugene Domingo, and Arielle Jacob.
Internationally, Vera has collaborated extensively with Singapore’s renowned The Necessary Stage, appearing in productions such as Mardi Gras, Top or Bottom, Good People, The Year of No Return, and most recently Old Gaze at Victoria Theatre in Singapore. His international work has also brought him to Hong Kong, Romania, Hungary, Tokyo, and New York, where he participated in productions and collaborative projects exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and performance across borders.
TGA Creative and Overall Artistic Director Clint Ramos remarks, “Rody Vera is one of the most important theater artists of our time. He is a master storyteller whose artistry is rooted in compassion, intelligence, and an extraordinary understanding of the human experience. As Older Noah, he brings a lifetime of wisdom, emotional truth, and theatrical excellence to a role that demands all three. We are honored to welcome him to The Notebook.”
For Vera, the role resonates deeply with the musical’s central themes of memory, devotion, and enduring love. “The Notebook reminds us that love is not only found in grand gestures but in the choices we make every day to remember, to stay, and to care with patience and loyalty ,” he reflects. “What moves me most is how the story finds beauty even in fragility. I am grateful for the opportunity to tell this story alongside Celeste Legaspi and this remarkable company of artists. And I’m very proud to be part of this musical’s international premiere.”
His casting as Older Noah alongside the previously announced Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie brings together two of Philippine theater’s most respected and beloved artists. Together, they anchor a multigenerational cast that also includes Morissette as Middle Allie, Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah, Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie, and Benedix Ramos as Young Noah.
Based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks and the beloved film adaptation, The Notebook, The Musical is a sweeping story of love that endures across decades, memory, and circumstance. Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter, the musical has captivated audiences worldwide with its intimate portrayal of a love that evolves through youth, adulthood, and old age.
With Rody Vera bringing his impassioned artistry, humanity, and lifetime of theatrical achievement to the role, TGA’s production promises a moving and unforgettable portrait of one of literature’s most enduring love stories.
Ayala Malls Cinemas is the home for fun family experiences as it showcases the latest chapter in a beloved franchise. Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5return for another big screen adventure, with toys meeting tech as shiny new tablets get kids hooked on screentime. Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), disrupts the peaceful life the toys have with their kid Bonnie, taking her attention away and changing what playtime is all about. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack lend their voices once more as Woody the sheriff, astronaut Buzz Lightyear and Jessie the cowgirl respectively.
Ayala Malls Cinemas is joining the celebration, welcoming families, longtime fans, and a new generation of moviegoers to experience the magic of Toy Story 5in premium comfort and state-of-the-art presentation. Years after the last film, Toy Story 5 is a chance for audiences to reconnect with a story that has been part of their lives for decades.
The Toy Story franchise was a childhood companion for many moviegoers, a film that grew alongside them throughout the years. Now, as Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the toys return to the big screen, Ayala Malls Cinemas offers the perfect setting to create new memories while revisiting old ones, bringing the film in exciting and immersive formats such as 4DX. To add to the experience, visit the Toy Story 5 activation at Glorietta activity center where kids and adults can experience both tech and play until June 21.
While Ayala Malls Cinemas is known for its premium moviegoing experience, the true luxury lies in sharing the moment with the people who matter most. Whether it’s parents introducing Toy Story to their children for the first time, siblings reliving the films they grew up with, or friends gathering to celebrate a franchise that raised them, Toy Story 5 becomes both entertainment and a shared experience.
At Ayala Malls Cinemas, the premium experience goes beyond the screen, becoming about laughter shared across generations, friendships rekindled through familiar characters, and memories made together in the dark of a cinema as a beloved story unfolds once more.
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announces the availability and pricing of the 2026 Strix G and Strix SCAR series gaming laptops in the Philippines. The ROG Strix G and Strix SCAR represent the pinnacle of gaming experiences, with the new 2026 models combining upgraded ROG Nebula Display technologies, refinements to ROG Intelligent Cooling, expanded high-speed connectivity, and the latest-generation hardware to deliver an even more immersive gaming experience in a sleek, upgrade-friendly chassis.
2026 ROG STRIX G – POWER UP TO THE LIMIT
The 2026 ROG Strix G raises the bar for mainstream gaming laptops with faster Nebula displays, expanded high-speed connectivity, and next-generation performance. Retaining its gamer-focused design and advanced thermal solution, the latest Strix G empowers users to game and stream like never before.
The Strix G series are more ready than ever to accelerate your victories. Both the ROG Strix G16 and Strix G18 feature stunning 2.5K ROG Nebula Displays, now upgraded with an ultra-fast 300Hz refresh rate that delivers exceptional motion clarity and responsiveness, allowing gamers to stay ahead in even the fastest-paced competitive titles.
Both models are capable of ultra-high framerates for all the latest AAA games, thanks to the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. Advanced ROG Intelligent Cooling technology featuring end-to-end vapor chambers, ROG Tri-Fan Technology, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal reduces internal temperatures by up to 15°C, keeping the Strix G performing at its best for uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and demanding professional workloads.
2026 ROG STRIX SCAR 18 – ULTIMATE POWER
The 2026 ROG Strix SCAR continues ASUS ROG’s pursuit of uncompromised gaming performance, combining flagship-grade hardware with premium display technologies and advanced thermal engineering.
TheROG Strix SCAR 18 features the world’s first 18-inch 4K 240Hz Mini LED laptop panel with over 2,000 dimming zones, delivering stunning visual fidelity and ultra-smooth gameplay. ROG Nebula ELMB provides up to 16x greater motion clarity, while up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and AGLR technology reduce reflections and enhance contrast by up to 4.5x for exceptionally vivid visuals.
Armed with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus, the Strix SCAR 18 delivers exceptional graphics fidelity, enhanced by DLSS 4, Multi-Frame Generation, and GPU-accelerated technologies for the latest AAA titles
Engineered for peak performance, the 2026 Strix SCAR 18 boosts total system power to 320W in Manual Mode and features a 20% thicker vapor chamber, now 3.5mm versus 2.5mm on the previous generation. Upgraded Liquid Crystal Polymer fans increase total airflow by 91%, while the chassis sides and bottom serve as dedicated intake zones and exhaust airflow is directed toward the rear hinge to keep mousing hands cooler during extended gaming sessions. These advanced cooling features reduce internal temperatures by up to 15°C, while a new graphite-and-copper heatsink solution exclusive to the Strix SCAR 18 lowers SSD temperatures by up to 12°C.
TOOL-LESS UPGRADES AND ICONIC ROG STYLING
The 2026 Strix G and Strix SCAR feature a patented tool-less design to make upgrades easier than ever, and allows for simple access to RAM, SSD, and fans, and even includes our latest Q-latch system for the SSDs. A specially designed frame covers the rest of the mainboard to protect the other components, but it can be easily removed with a few screws for users who want to tinker further.
Gamers can also showcase the sleek ROG aesthetic on the Strix G and Strix SCAR 18 with a full-surround Aura RGB light bar, customizable through the Armoury Crate app. Originally pioneered on the Zephyrus series, the Strix SCAR 18 also features an AniMe Vision display on the laptop lid. With an array of 810 LEDs shining through 8,522 precision-milled holes, users can express their style with a wide selection of pre-made animations, import a GIF of their choice, or create custom animations from scratch.
ASUS NO. 1 QUALITY & SEVICE AND MORE
Available through authorized retailers, the ROG Strix G and Strix SCAR laptops will come with the ASUS No. 1 Quality & Service Program, featuring a 3-year International and Local Warranty with a 1-year Local Accidental Protection, as well as up to 6x claim of the Premium Care package.
The series will also include the following out-of-box: ROG Universal Backpack, ROG gaming mouse, 3-months PC Game Pass, Office 2024 Lifetime License, 1-year access to Microsoft 365 Basic with free 100 GB cloud storage, and up to 700 GB ASUS Cloud Storage Bundle.
LIFE WITH ROG
Celebrating 20 years of gaming leadership, ROG Philippines continues the festivities with the Life with ROG campaign. Get a chance to win exclusive prizes, visit the official Life with ROG website to learn more: https://rog.asus.com/ph/content/life-with-rog-ph/.
Stay updated on the latest gaming machines by following ROG Philippines on Facebook,Instagram, and TikTok.
Apart from the must-see main features, the Virgin Labfest (VLF) continues to expand its offerings with stripped-down reading performances of selected scripts from the VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD submissions, reading performances of works from the diaspora, and a showcase from the VLF Writing Fellowship Workshop.
The staged readings are composed of three sets, each featuring two scripts selected from the VLFXXI submissions. For Set 1, Jose Victor Torres’ Mga Tatsulok and M. Manalastas’ The Devoured will take the VLF stage on June 12, 2026. Set 2 takes the stage on June 19, 2026, featuring Dingdong Novenario’s Manang and Rafael Jimenez’s Suor. Set 3, meanwhile, will spotlight Juan Ekis’ Kasal(anan) and Jay Fernandez’s Ang Huli on June 26, 2026.
Mga Tatsulok follows the lives of three characters: Beng, a single mother struggling to cope with the death of her only son; Allan, her live-in partner who tries to keep their relationship together despite the tragedy; and Marky, Beng’s deceased son, whose memory continues to haunt her.
The Devoured centers on Raymond, a celebrated author and esteemed professor, whose world is turned upside down when his wife, Gloria, reveals that she is leaving him.
Manang explores themes of domestic labor, gratitude, and the unspoken tensions within families.
Suor tells the story of Francis, an atheist conductor mourning the death of his grandfather, who meets Anna, a nun with a deep interest in music. As they grow closer, they begin to navigate and make sense of their intersecting worlds.
Ang Kasal(anan) follows Xandra and Simon as they prepare for their wedding. The story explores the complexities of relationships, marriage, unraveling, and love, suggesting that love is more than just an emotion, it is a decision that is not easy to make.
Ang Hulicenters on a confrontation between Andy and Bene in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring how the crisis reshaped their lives, intensified the struggle for daily survival, and left their “situationship” suspended in uncertainty.
The special staged readings will feature works of Ihot Sinlay Cihek’s How Romantic: A Guide To Modern Pangcah Lifefrom the Taiwan International Play Reading Festival on June 10, 2026 and Prison Dancer from the Canada’s National Arts Centre on June 21 and 24, respectively.
All staged readings will be at 5pm, at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, 3/F Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). Admission is free to the public, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also part of the lineup is the culminating presentation of the VLF Writing Fellowship, a two-week mentorship program focused on the study and practice of writing for the stage under the guidance of award-winning playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas with direction by Rafael Jimenez, slated on June 28, 5pm, at the TIG Bulwagang Roberto Chabet.
The VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD main features are scheduled at 2 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. gala from June 3 to 28, 2026, from Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets are priced at Php1,000(regular) and Php1,200 (premium), available for purchase at the CCP Box Office and Ticket World.
For more updates on the festival schedule and ticket-selling, visit the official pages of VLF, CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc., and Writers’ Bloc across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Translating the intricate language of the human soul into words requires an insurmountable amount of dedication and courage. The process is not for the faint-hearted, as it often makes writers shed blood, sweat, and tears for simply wishing to execute a vision that has been haunting them for days, months, or years.
The Virgin Labfest (VLF), the country’s pioneering theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays, has turned these daydreams and ambitious ideas into reality since its establishment in 2005. Carrying the theme “Hubo’t Hubad” in its 21st edition, it transforms into a sanctuary for narratives that unwrap humanity’s innate hunger to be desired, seen, and celebrated.
Among the first-timers or “virgin” playwrights this year are Elijah Felice Rosales of HUMAN RIGHTS STORY OF THE YEAR, Alab Usman of HARAM, Ron Evangelista of SHE’S ELECTRIC, and Gab Mactal of LUALHATI.
The harrowing but rewarding writing process for VLFXXI: Hubo’t Hubad
“My first love talaga is writing for theater,” Mactal confessed, her journey beginning in 7th grade.
While writing Lualhati, the Theater Arts student faced the roadblock of not knowing the conclusion. She visited the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Chapel situated in Ateneo de Manila University despite not being religious: “It was a low point, then may random girl na nakakita sa akin. Niyakap ako. I just surrendered to the fact that I didn’t have everything figured out.”
Media and philosophy teacher Evangelista confessed to falling into the same rough patch while drafting She’s Electric. “Pagdating sa scripts, naramdaman ko kasi na there’s a certain freedom. Doon ako talagana-hook. I have so much to tell,” he shared, noting how the absence of catharsis in academic papers led him to theater and fiction.
“Umabot ako ng 12drafts,” Usman, a full-time freelance artist, said in between chuckles. Haram was derived from his college thesis. Before affixing stage directions, Usman started with character sketches of his protagonists inspired by the real struggles he stumbled upon online: “Doon ako nagsimula talaga, since wala pa akong background dati sa pagsusulat.”
Rosales, on the other hand, has been a journalist for almost a decade. With Human Rights Story of the Year,he steps into the world of Philippine theater as a playwright. “Kahit sabihin mo na the piece is meant to be watched by hundreds of people at the same time, na collaboration makes it work, the writing process is a lonely act,” he lamented, stressing the need to find fellow artists who believe in the same vision.
Presenting humanity’s flaws and gray areas as its strength
Rosales’ Human Rights Story of the Year captures the eternal dilemma that media practitioners face. “May mga sitwasyon kasing naghihilahan ‘yong tama at mali. Kapag ginagamit sa balita ang kuwento ng marginalized, sila ba ‘yong nakikinabang o ang media?” he expressed, hoping the audience would entertain the questions that fueled his script.
As he comes to terms with the natural yearning for love and acceptance in She’s Electric, Evangelista weaves an absurd circumstance after falling into a depressive episode: “Napaisip ako na parang mahihirapan akong makahanap ng taong matatanggap ako for who I am, dahil sa perceived eccentricities ko. Everybody just wants to be understood.”
“My play [Lualhati] naman is an invitation for older queer people to reconcile with how they were raised. I’m sure sobrang iba sa how I was raised,” Mactal expounded. While dedicating her work to those who feel the need to justify their existence and box their identities into societal conventions, she highlights the religious guilt that stems from the imposed belief that nonconformity is an anomaly.
Meanwhile, Usman emphasizes kindness as the core of all religions in intertwining the fates of three queer Muslims in Haram. “I believe na shared experience ‘yong pag-come out, pero marami akong friends sa province na nagtatago pa rinuntil now,” he narrated, acknowledging the heartbreaking disparity he witnessed in the city compared to his hometown, Zamboanga City.
The VLF stage as a manifestation of every artist’s dream
Back in VLF 2024, Usman served as the dramaturg to Neil Arkhe Azcuna’s Si Hesus Na’a Sa US. He now shares the festival stage with Azcuna as a playwright, a profound full-circle moment for the mind behind Haram. “I believe angVLF ay isa sa mga medium para ipakita sa mga tao ‘yong kultura at religion ko [Islam]. Nabibigyan kami nito ng espasyo,” Usman explained.
Rosales, an avid VLF audience member since 2013, mounted his first work in the culmination of the Writing Fellowship Program in 2023. Captivated by the theater festival’s ins and outs, he felt immense joy to be among the mainstage playwrights of VLF XXI: “Alagang-alaga kami sa puna. Ang writer, mahal ang mga tauhan niya pero para sa ‘kin, mahalaga ang kritisismo, ‘yong disiplina.”
As a complete outsider to the world of theater, Evangelista discovered the prestige of VLF to be the passion poured by every hand and mind that goes into mounting it. “It’s cheesy, pero no’ng na-experience ko siya, I realized I love this. The first time na nag-full run kami [ng She’s Electric], naluha ako nang kaunti,” Evangelista recalled needing a moment after seeing his work come to life.
“Is this a dream?” was Mactal’s initial thought upon receiving news that Lualhati had been accepted to VLF. She wrote it during the COVID-19 pandemic, blissfully unaware that it would someday be staged. She continued, “The VLF reveals parts of yourself and undresses the work. Hubad ka talaga sa harap ng keyboard para sa play mo.”
Unwrapping the soul in VLFXXI: Hubo’t Hubad
In its 21st year, the Virgin Labfest confronts humanity’s grit and shortcomings that often invite devastating but poignant consequences. While granting playwrights the opportunity and freedom to share their narratives, it dares its spectators to bask in the beauty, brilliance, and filth that make up the human soul.
“Virgin” playwrights Evangelista, Rosales, Usman, and Mactal had graciously accepted this challenge. They navigated the emotional whiplash of excitement upon being accepted to VLF, facing nerve-wracking critiques and relishing in the best versions of their work during premiere week. But besides their talent and commitment, these playwrights’ bravery deserves to be lauded for how they undressed and dissected their personal tales onstage for all the world to see.
Catch Usman’s HARAM, Rosales’ HUMAN RIGHTS STORY OF THE YEAR, Mactal’s LUALHATI, and Evangelista’s SHE’S ELECTRIC at VLFXXI: Hubo’t Hubad shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. from June 3 to 28, 2026, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).
For the latest updates on the festival schedule, ticket-selling, and accredited showbuyers, visit the pages of VLF, CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc., and Writers’ Bloc across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
PEPPA PIG Fun Day Out! is coming to Manila for a special three-day run at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center from August 7–9, 2026. Featuring Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and friends, the live show brings Peppa’s world to the stage through songs, dancing, laughter and interactive moments designed for young audiences. Tickets are now on sale at prosceniumtheater.com.
Families can join Peppa and her friends as they head to the zoo and the beach for a special party. Packed with music, fun and muddy puddles, the show encourages children to sing, dance and join in throughout the performance, making it an ideal and exciting introduction to live theater.
“PEPPA PIG is one of the world’s most loved preschool brands, and we’re excited to be sharing PEPPA PIG Fun Day Out! with Manila audiences for the first time, ” said Nicolas Renna, Chief Executive Officer at Proactiv Entertainment. “This show is designed to welcome young audiences and their families to live theater, bringing Peppa’s world to life in a way that is interactive, accessible, and truly memorable.”
Presented at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center Makati, the production offers families the opportunity to experience Peppa Pig in a live setting at one of Manila’s leading performance venues.
“At Rockwell, some of the most meaningful family memories begin with a child’s first experience—whether it’s their first Easter egg hunt or their first Halloween celebration. We believe a first live show can become one of those lasting memories families cherish for years to come, and PEPPA PIG Fun Day Out! is a joyful and accessible introduction to the magic of theater for both children and parents, ” said Tracey Castillo, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Rockwell Land, and Executive Producer of the Proscenium Theater.
Families planning to attend together can also take advantage of a special early booking offer. From June 15 to 21, guests who purchase four or more tickets in a single transaction will receive 15% off their total ticket purchase, making it the perfect opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the show together.
PEPPA PIG Fun Day Out! runs at the Proscenium Theater from August 7–9, 2026. With limited performances across the weekend, families are encouraged to secure their seats early.
Tickets are now available via prosceniumtheater.com. For more information and updates, follow the Proscenium Theater on Facebook and Instagram.
Celebrate Pride Month this June 19 at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, featuring standout performances by the Divine Divas: Vinas Deluxe, Brigiding, Precious Paula Nicole, and Bombading.
Let your true colors shine and come to life on a night filled with entertaining, spectacular drag performances, endless laughter, and live music and entertainment hosted by Buknoy Gonzales.
Honor the diverse and vibrant spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, as it lives out its mantra to Love All and Serve All in a celebration of love, equality, and self-expression.
The show starts at 9:00 PM at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, S Maison Conrad. Tickets are priced at P2,500 Per Head (P2,000 entrance | 500 consumable)
For inquiries & reservations: (02) 8990-9809 or 0917 144 9400
Snack time just got a whole lot better in Manila. The Bistro Group’s La Lola settles down on at Robinsons Place Manila, serving crispy golden churros, and a variety of beverages.
Golden, fried, crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside. This best describes La Lola’s freshly fried churros that are crave-worthy and extremely satisfying.
Paired with 9 dips that include the classic chocolate, ube, pistachio, salted caramel, and more, you just can’t get enough of the crisp treat! La Lola also served up new twists like Soft Serves, Churro Bites, Churro Dogs, as well as Iced and Hot beverages like the Yakult Iced Tea.
La Lola is also coming to Robinsons Galleria this June — stay tuned! Follow @LaLolaChurrosPH for more exciting new openings and updates
