Tag: PETA

PETA brings Lola Basyang to New Generation

The Philippine Educational Theater Association is currently restaging “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…” at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City, ahead of an extended run in February 2027 and a national tour.

Severino Reyes introduced Lola Basyang in Liwayway Magazine back in 1925. Over a century later, her famous rocking chair returns to the stage. First adapted for PETA by Christine Bellen in 2005, this revival is a lively, interactive response to a modern world dominated by short attention spans, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.

The lineup features two of Reyes’ classic tales adapted by Bellen, “Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong” (which touches on self-worth beyond physical appearance and standing up to bullying) and “Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari” (a story showing how wit and intellect can challenge arbitrary authority). Joining them is a third piece by PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag entitled “Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan.”

Katanyag introduces Uriel, a curious young girl living in a world filled with smartphones, vlogs, and constant online noise. When Uriel encounters Lola Basyang, ancient myth collides directly with digital culture, tackling media literacy, misinformation, fake news, and the mythic Bakunawa through a lens of critical thinking and community action.

“The children who first encountered PETA’s Lola Basyang in 2005 have grown up. Some may now be parents, teachers, artists, and storytellers themselves. The children encountering her today are growing up in a slightly different world, where stories arrive through screens, feeds, memes, videos, and algorithms,” Katanyag revealed.

For director Phil Noble, who helmed earlier iterations of the production, staging Lola Basyang for today’s young audience presents a distinct creative challenge. “Today’s children live in a world of vlogging, AI, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and so much more. They can create their own worlds with just a screen. This time, I want them to discover another kind of world – the world of live theatre. I want them to open themselves to other possibilities, to immerse themselves in the stories, and to become part of the magical world of Lola B,” he explained.

Noble’s team, including associate director and choreographer Gio Gahol, set designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Carlo Pagunaling, musical director Kabaitan Bautista, composer Noel Cabangon, and lighting designer Satya Edilo, has revitalized the production. The performance builds on fresh choreography, updated visual elements, and expanded musical arrangements crafted specifically to hold the attention of kids used to fast-paced digital media.

The production breaks down the distance between the stage and the seats. Lola Basyang directly speaks to the kids in the audience, asking questions and drawing them into key decisions throughout the show.

Maribel Legarda, director of the show’s mobile excerpt version with designers Boni Juan, Siglo, and Ian Torqueza, considered this direct audience participation as vital for development. “Reviving a classic does not mean reproducing it exactly as it was. Stories live because they are able to speak to changing generations. As PETA always does, we take the time to finesse certain elements so they can speak more meaningfully and responsibly to children and audiences today,” she shared.

As PETA approaches its 60th year, “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…” proves that folklore is a live, dynamic space where generations can gather, question assumptions, and imagine new possibilities together.

Kiki Baento stars as Lola Basyang with CB Garrucho, Yhuan Gatbunton, Belle Mendoza, Leo Lapitan, Thor Ganchero, Nyla Festejo, Roi Calilong, Ayla Garcia, Mico Esquivel, and JC Sunto providing support as cast members. Yhuan Gatbunton, Ericka Peralejo, Carlon Matobato, James Pe Lim, and Icee Po are part of the excerpt cast.

For inquiries and bookings, contact King Joshua Nalupa via Viber at 09936436018 or email kingjoshuanalupa@petatheater.com.

October 7, 2026
PETA Opens “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4,” Bringing the Franchise’s Signature Satire to Live Theater

After months of anticipation, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) officially opens the first live theatrical installment of the iconic satirical franchise, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sht! It’s Live sa Cheter!”, running from June 19 to August 16, 2026 at the PETA Theater Center.

The production embraces everything audiences have come to love about the “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” universe: humor, larger-than-life personalities, outrageous situations, and a meta look at the messy business of making art. The result is a theatrical experience that is hilarious, self-aware, and chaotic.

At the center of the story is a play within a play—a wildly ambitious adaptation of Aurelio Tolentino’s “Kahapon, Nga kill yon at Bukas,” one of the most significant works in Philippine theater, first staged in 1903. Somehow, against all odds and perhaps better judgment, it finds itself inside the world of “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” where questions of power, resistance, and revolution are refracted through celebrity, spectacle, and theatrical chaos.

Caught in the middle of it all is Eugene Domingo, who recruits the “Ugeng-gengs” (a troupe of aspiring performers personally recruited by Eugene), rallies an eclectic team of collaborators, and pushes the project far beyond the limits of practicality. Visionary, charismatic, exasperating, and impossible to ignore, she becomes the driving force behind a production that threatens to spin gloriously out of control just as she tries harder and harder to keep it under her full control.

Yet the production deliberately resists easy or didactic conclusions. As playwright Chris Martinez explains: “The play doesn’t try to resolve that. It just puts it onstage.” The production invites audiences to laugh at them, wrestle with them, and continue the conversation long after the curtain falls.

That philosophy has always been central to the “Septic Tank” franchise. Previous installments challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about independent filmmaking, commercial cinema, and historical revisionism. This latest chapter continues that tradition by exposing the tensions within contemporary theater and the society it reflects.

As Marlon Rivera, director of the first three “Septic Tank” installments and now a cast member in the fourth, puts it: “Once the tyrant is expelled and the star is covered in shit, does the audience walk out clean, or are they left holding the ticket stubs of their own complicity?”

Audience demand has already translated into strong ticket sales, starting with two sold-out weeks and several other performances fully booked throughout the run.

Tickets are still available via TicketWorld at bit.ly/SepticTank4Tickets and through Showbuyers at bit.ly/SepticTank4Showbuyers.

For more information and updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

June 26, 2026
PETA’s Control + Shift: Changing Narratives StudioLab

With a decades-long commitment to telling Filipino stories, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is once again redefining the power of People’s Theater. This April, PETA’s Control + Shift: Changing Narratives returns to the PETA Studio Theater from April 10 to 19, 2026. Featuring a “StudioLab” of fresh stories and restaging classics, the showcase invites audiences to reclaim the Filipino narrative.

Since its successful 2024 debut, followed by a month-long festival in 2025, Control + Shift: Changing Narratives has been pushing the boundaries of what theater can be. Through a unique collaboration between PETA artists, students, and community partners, this year’s StudioLab continues to tackle the tough questions of our time. It’s a creative space designed for crafting stories that confront the present, hold space for healing, and envision more humane and democratic futures.

This year, Control + Shift: Changing Narratives StudioLab presents two new works, a product of the PETA Artist-Teacher Training, alongside two returning pieces from last year’s festival, including one developed with a theater group from a community partner. The lineup includes:

Set A: When Power Falls into our Hands

In a classroom and a workplace, people discover how easily violence, corruption, and silence can become normalized. But when power falls into our hands, we also face a choice: to comply with the system or to interrupt it.

CLEANERS
Playwright: Jhudiel Clare Sosa
Director: Julio Garcia

A group of senior high students discovers that their graduation depends not just on cleaning classrooms but on how far they’re willing to go when violence, power, and truth land in their hands.

MONIT-OH! MONIT-AH! (Restaging)
Playwright: Herlyn AlegreDirector: Norbs Portales

A forum theatre piece that follows Jaylord, a rookie waiter hoping to win his boss’s favor through a Christmas monito-monita gift, only to uncover how seemingly harmless acts can feed into the larger, corrupt palakasan system—until one brave decision challenges the cycle.

Set B: When Care Becomes Survival

In war-torn landscapes and communities living at the edge of disaster, care becomes something embodied… shared through faith, ritual, play, and collective endurance.

Tanghalang Bagong Sibol’s AT NAGKATAWANG-TAO ANG VERBO (Restaging)

Playwright: Mikaela Regis
Director: Anthony Cruz

In a small urban fishing community along Ilog Tullahan, religious icons and biblical imagery come alive—not as distant saints, but as reflections of the people themselves—revealing how faith becomes flesh in the daily struggle for dignity, livelihood, and hope.

BAGA NG GUMUGUHONG LANGIT
Playwright: Anj Heruela
Director: Ian Segarra

Amid the chaos of war, orphaned children fight to survive in a world that has forgotten them, begging for care from communities pushed to the fragile edges of survival.

BE PART OF THE SHIFT!

Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me or bit.ly/CS2026Tickets. Rates are at Php 700 per set.

For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

March 11, 2026
Meet the Lead Stars of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4 as PETA Unveils Cast

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) officially announces the headlining cast of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! running from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.

From two iconic films to a hit series, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank has become beloved for its hyperreal, meta commentary on arts, culture, and society. The first film skewered the indie movie scene, the second tackled mainstream cinema, and the third confronted historical revisionism. This fourth installment turns its sharp gaze toward theater, but it doesn’t just peek behind the curtain; it tears it down entirely, exposing the messy, hilarious, and painfully relatable process of making theater in the Philippines today.

At the center of the mayhem is Eugene Domingo, returning as a gloriously amplified version of herself—navigating ego, ambition, and the beautiful absurdity of mounting a live show. Long celebrated for her fearless comedic brilliance, Domingo once again anchors the franchise with razor-sharp wit and impeccable timing.

Joining her is a powerhouse lineup of theater-makers, all portraying exaggerated reflections of their real-life roles in the industry. Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, and JC Santos step in as unapologetic artistas caught in the whirlwind of creative clashes and theatrical excess.

Behind the scenes—but very much in front of the live audience—is Melvin Lee as the ever-resourceful (and ever-stressed) producer attempting to keep the production afloat. Marlon Rivera, who directed the franchise’s first three installments, steps into the chaos as the director within the play, while Joshua Lim So takes on the role of the resident playwright caught between revisions, rewrites, and relentless creative debates—desperately trying to keep his script, and his sanity, intact.

The show is written by Chris Martinez, the creative force behind the first three Septic Tank installments. It will be directed by Maribel Legarda, who helmed PETA’s hit productions Rak of Aegis and One More Chance The Musical, with assistance from up-and-coming director Johnnie Moran.

Set and costume design is by Gino Gonzales, with music and sound design by Teresa Barrozo.

Metrobank credit cardholders will enjoy exclusive first access to tickets from February 27 at 10:00 AM to March 3 at 11:59 PM via TicketWorld. A Waitlist Sale follows from March 4 at 10:00 AM to March 5 at 11:59 PM for patrons who signed up last December 2025, with the General Public Sale beginning on March 6 at 10:00 AM.

Tickets will be available via TicketWorld or bit.ly/SepticTank4Tickets.

Ticket prices are P3,500 (VIP), P2,800 (Orchestra and Balcony Center), P2,500 (Orchestra Side), and P1,800 (Balcony Side). Audiences are encouraged to create their TicketWorld accounts in advance, as tickets are expected to sell out fast.For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

February 26, 2026
THEATER REVIEW: PETA’S Kislap at Algo

PETA’s twin bill – two one-act plays staged back-to-back – are both material that was tested at last year’s Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival 2025. The two plays, Kislap at Fuego and Children of the Algo, are now getting a revival that, according to PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag, aims to “challenge dominant narratives, revisit Filipino values, and explore how stories, past and present, shape power, identity, and action.” Directed particularly toward the youth, the twin bill of Kislap at Algo is meant for a younger generation but can still be enjoyed by older audiences.

Kislap at Fuego is a translation of Dominique La Victoria’s Palanca Award-winning play, Toward the Fires of Revolution, translated by Gentle Mapagu and directed by Maribel Legarda and J-Mee Katanyag.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) (@petatheater)

Set during the Spanish occupation, it tells the story of a young country girl escaping Spanish soldiers after being suspected of handing out seditious and subversive books.

PETA’S Kislap at Fuego | CJ Navato and Kyle Napuli | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

She hides in an enchanted forest, where she calls on a Kapre to whom her father owes a debt. She comes to repay that debt in exchange for sanctuary. What unfolds is a fairy-tale love story that realigns our perspective and references the contributions of women to our nationhood and revolutionary movement.

PETA’S Kislap at Fuego | CJ Navato and Kyle Napuli | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

Led by Felicity Kyle Napuli and CJ Navato, Kislap at Fuego disguises its feminist message and call to action within a love story that excellently plays up to the Filipino sensibilities of the kilig. Napuli is a strong presence onstage and manages to shift from the romantic and comedic aspects to the dramatic parts effortlessly.

PETA’S Kislap at Fuego | CJ Navato and Kyle Napuli | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

Navato also shares this duality, allowing his Kapre to feel menacing and powerful, while revealing a tenderness just beneath the surface.

PETA’S Kislap at Fuego | Ekis Gimenez and Carlon Matobato | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

Their chemistry makes the show work, as the disguise of a love story becomes the hook that draws us in while setting upa powerful message about fighting back when needed.

PETA”S Kislap at Ulap | Carlon Matobato | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

Legarda and Katanyag make full use of Boni Juan’s charming design. A great big tree stands tall on stage left, equipped with a mechanism that allows Navato to hang from the tree’s branches, effectively creating the image of a Kapre.

PETA’S Kislap at Fuego | CJ Navato and Kyle Napuli | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

His mask further transforms him into the creature, as Navato seems to fully embody the role well, making full use of his costume to render himself otherwordly.

PETA’S Kislap at Fuego | CJ Navato, Kyle Napuli, and Ensemble | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

It’s a lovely use of traditional theater techniques, coming together in a charming play that has the entire audience reacting exactly where they wanted them to.

PETA | Otep Madriaga, James Pe Lim, Nyla Festejo, Frances Akol | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

I actually saw an earlier version of Children of the Algo by Mixkaela Villa and director Johnnie Moran. Set in the world of social media, four content creators share video posts and even livestream their daily lives and curated thoughts. Performed by Otep Madriaga, Nyla Festejo, Frances Marie Akol, and James Pe Lim, the four characters jump from posts that resemble what we always see on our feeds – a day in the life, dating advice, a day at work, meditations, random thoughts – and there’s a dizzying effect as each scene shifts from one character to the next. The play truly feels like scrolling through your social media apps. Unfolding like a satire, it creates a commentary oh how we perceive the world through these curated posts. It all builds momentum toward a call to action that urges us to reexamine our social media habits and the content we consume online.

PETA | Otep Madriaga, James Pe Lim, Nyla Festejo, Frances Akol | Photo Courtesy of PETA Theater

The play makes full use of video wall projections while the characters jump in and out of a wheeled, two-storey scaffold. This setup allows each performer to achieve height or cower into a confined space. It’s quite simple yet inventive. Unfortunately, the scaffold has a tendency to squeak and bend, so it doesn’t give us the security as the audience worry about the actors’ safety. I’m sure they have rehearsed extensively and can vouch for its safety, but it can get distracting, especially when the actors are jumping in and out of the scaffold or climbing up and down. It would be ideal if it were sturdier and drew less attention to itself.

Photo Courtesy of PETA theater

The four actors are strong, portraying their characters more as caricatures than real people. They exaggerate and over dramatize their lines, parodying the people we see online. The intended effect is apparent, but I wonder what the texture would be if they played it more grounded, more serious? Would it become a stronger commentary if performed with a little bit more serious? It might not be as crowd-pleasing if they did it that way. After all, the play targets a younger audience who quickly gets the parody.

My Rating: 4 Stars

The magic isn’t over yet! Don’t miss what PETA has lined up next, keep an eye out for their upcoming productions and experience theater that challenges, inspires, and captivates audiences of all ages!

February 9, 2026
Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Royce Cabrera Brave the Fragility of Love Amidst Uncertainty in ‘Endo’ Stage Adaptation

For the first time ever, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Royce Cabrera are sharing the stage in the theater adaptation of the 2007 Cinemalaya hit Endo. Presented by Ticket2Me in partnership with PETA Plus, the much-awaited stage adaptation runs from April 10 to May 10 at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Theater Center, where audiences will finally get to experience the compelling story of Endo live on stage, with the new pairing of Jasmine and Royce bringing fresh energy and intimate depth to the beloved characters.

Almost two decades ago, Endo the movie captured hearts in the independent film scene, winning awards like the Special Jury Prize, the Gawad Urian Award for Best Screenplay, and the TANGLAW Award for Best Picture for its honest portrayal of ordinary Filipinos navigating love while living paycheck to paycheck under the uncertainty of contractual work.

This April, the critically acclaimed story comes alive once again through its stage adaptation, directed by Melvin Lee and written for the stage by Liza Magtoto, bringing the characters and their struggles to life in a fresh, personal way that allows audiences to connect with the story all over again.

Jasmine stars as Tanya, a spirited dreamer who wants more out of her life. Royce plays Leo, a young man caught in a cycle of temporary jobs and fleeting relationships, searching for stability in love and life. Meanwhile, a figure from Leo’s past, Candy (portrayed by Kate Alejandrino) complicates the path Leo and Tanya must navigate.

Supporting the leads as alternates are Rissey Reyes‑Robinson as Tanya, Esteban Mara as Leo, and Iana Bernardez as Candy – ready to bring the same intensity and heart to every performance.

This stage adaptation of Endo is set to bring heightened tension and raw romantic emotion to the story of Tanya and Leo. Every personal moment, choice, and hesitation draws the audience in, leaving them hooked to a story that is impossible to forget.

Experience Endo live on stage from April 10 to May 10 at the PETA Theater Center. Tickets are available through Ticket2Me, with prices ranging from ₱1,600 to ₱2,700. Secure your tickets now at ticket2me.net and follow Ticket2Me on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

February 9, 2026
PETA Partners Up with Metrobank for 2026 Workshops
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), the country’s pioneering theater organization committed to artistic excellence and creative education, is opening its doors once again to creative minds with the return of its much-anticipated workshop season from February to June 2026.

In partnership with Metrobank, PETA continues to make world-class theater training more accessible by offering an exclusive 10% discount to Metrobank credit cardholders on select workshop programs. This special offer underscores both organizations’ commitment to fostering artistic growth and expanding opportunities for creative learning in the Philippines.

This special offer applies to PETA’s Workshop Weekends (scheduled from February to March 2026) and the intensive Summer Workshop for all ages (running from April to June 2026). Whether you’re a beginner or experienced performer, PETA’s workshops are designed to inspire creativity, sharpen skills, and deepen your appreciation for the theater arts.

This collaboration between PETA and Metrobank supports the ongoing effort to bring transformative arts education to more participants across Metro Manila and beyond—encouraging learners to express, create, and connect through the performing arts.

Here is the complete list of workshops where the discount applies:

Workshop Weekends Lineup (February to March 2026)

*As of January 9, 2026, these are the only adult workshops with slots available:
- Meisner Technique Level 1 (PHP 13,000)
February 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, March 2, 4, 6 | 7:00 to 10:00 PM
- Introduction to Writing for Performance (PHP 13,000)
February 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8 | 3:00 to 8:00 PM

Claim the last few slots for the Workshop Weekends with your Metrobank credit card through bit.ly/PETAww2026

Summer Workshop Lineup (April to June 2026)

*Enrollment begins February 1, 2026. Pre-registered participants with Metrobank credit cards can avail of their discounted slots through bit.ly/PETASWS2026.
- Children’s Theater 1 (6 to 8 years old)
- Children’s Theater 2 (9 to 12 years old)
- Teen Theater (13 to 17 years old)
- Musical Theater for Teens (13 to 17 years old)
Adult Workshops (18 years old and above)
- Theater Arts (AM & PM Class)
- Acting 1 (Batch 1 and Batch 2 classes available)
- Creative Musical Theater
- CMT Production Workshop (*Exclusive for PETA Workshoppers who have previously taken Creative Musical Theater)
- *NEW* Meisner Technique Level 2
- *NEW* Acting for Screen
Rooted in PETA’s creative pedagogy and the integrated arts approach, their workshops are guaranteed to equip participants with the necessary theater skills that are applicable both on and off the stage without sacrificing the fun that goes behind the creative process.

Workshop slots run out fast, you can secure yours today. For workshop inquiries, contact Mr. Yel dela Cruz at 0960-240-0897 or yeldelacruz@petatheater.com

Follow @petaworkshops on Instagram for the latest workshop updates and schedules.
February 9, 2026
PETA’s Walang Aray Returns: A Riveting Revival That Redefines Love and Revolution for a New Generation

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) proudly announces the triumphant return of its award-winning musical Walang Aray, a poignant reimagining of Severino Reyes’ sarsuwela, Walang Sugat. The fiercer and sharper iteration of the well-loved musical runs from August  29 to October  12, 2025, at the PETA Theater Center, as the centerpiece of PETA’s 58th season, themed Love and Power.

Walang Aray proves that classic stories can be timeless when reinforced with a daring spirit that speaks to the pulse of today’s society. Now on its third run, PETA bares a more comedic, more subversive, and bolder and biting Walang Araythat speaks directly to today’s generation of Filipinos. It calls to rise, to love fiercely or as the spirit of the musical urges, Tumindig at Umibig… pa more!

PETA’s new Artistic Director, J-mee Katanyag explains the necessity of a rerun: “Walang Aray remains to be a relevant theatrical piece for every Filipino trying to live, love, learn, heal, and fight back in a world full of aray.”

The musical delves into how love and power intersect, examining how our romantic, familial, and national relationships are shaped and often wounded by systems of control. She adds, “This version doesn’t pretend we are unhurt. It acknowledges na may sugat, may aray mula sa kasaysayan, sa lipunan, sa pamilya, and that these wounds may change form over time, but they remain.”

Director Ian Segarra reflects on the initial staging of Walang Aray, acknowledging the risk involved in reviving a traditional form like sarsuwela and infusing it with comedy, meta-theater, and commentary. The show resonated deeply by mirroring collective experiences, proving that a story seemingly set in the past could reflect the pains, absurdities, and courage of the present.

As Segarra puts it, “Walang Aray became a bridge between the past and the present and for many, a realization that the wounds of our history are still open.”

At the heart of Walang Aray‘s new iteration is its revolutionary and inclusive casting. PETA embraced a bold vision and purposefully gave center stage to diverse voices and identities. This is an artistic choice that redefines storytelling. By featuring members of the LGBTQIA+ community in pivotal roles, PETA broadens the lens through which we understand identity, relationships, and community.

The inclusion of new cast members further adds to the excitement, with two sets of actors bringing “double the brilliance, double the chaos, double the heart.” Their fresh interpretations and electric chemistry have transformed the show.

This approach really drives home Walang Aray‘s main points: Love and Revolution. It asserts that true revolution begins with radical empathy and the courageous act of loving regardless of social constructs. This production advocates a non-binary way of looking at the world, where identity is celebrated, and love transcends conventional boundaries. We embrace and we accept.

The whole cast of Walang Aray is full of amazing original and new cast members, and each one adds their own unique touch that enriches the narrative. The casting choices are organically woven into the fabric of the production, making the love story resonate with an unprecedented immediacy. Artistry meets advocacy, which is embedded in the beating heart and DNA of PETA.For Ian Segarra, the rerun offered a rare opportunity to “dig deeper into the material with new eyes.” The team revisited scenes, questioned previous choices, and refined what needed refining, adding new songs and revisiting old ones. They also focused on ensuring a safe space for everyone in the production during rehearsals.

He shares that “the process was both humbling and thrilling”, especially with Norbs Portales joining as Associate Director, bringing “fresh pulse, insight, energy, and collaboration.”

Why is Walang Aray needed now more than ever? 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. It reminds us that at the center 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 can love without fear of “aray.” It’s a wake-up call, wrapped in laughter, proving theater is still a potent force for understanding the world.

For Katanyag, “Walang Aray reminds us na kahit may sugat, may saya. Kahit may aray, may pagmamahal. At kapag tumindig ka at umibig ka pa more, may pag-asa… May paghihilom.” When artists and audience, past and future, come together to tell these stories of healing, “baka sakali… Walang Aray becomes more than a title and a play. It becomes a way forward.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) (@petatheater)

The return of Walang Aray is more than a theater run. It’s a cultural moment. It is a celebration of identities, a call to remember together, and a reminder that love will always be the most powerful revolution.

Walang Aray is produced by PETA in partnership with Indie.Go Media, together with its official banking partner, Metrobank. The show runs for 38 shows at the PETA Theater Center from August 29-October 12, 2025. Tickets are now on sale via Ticket2Me.net

For partnerships and inquiries, contact PETA at publicrelations@petatheater.com. For more information about Walang Aray, follow PETA’s social media pages Facebook, Instagram.

September 2, 2025
PETA’s Walang Aray Cast Recording Now Streaming on Spotify for All Pinoy Theater Fans
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is giving theater lovers a reason to celebrate: the Official Cast Recording of the hit musical Walang Aray is now streaming on Spotify! These LSS-worthy tracks let fans relive the magic of the stage anytime, anywhere.

A Contemporary Classic Reimagined

Rody Vera’s Walang Aray is a modern take on Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela Walang Sugat, bringing sharper satire, bolder humor, and deeper emotional stakes to the stage. Blending romance, political commentary, and heartwarming moments, it continues to resonate with audiences as it explores the intersection of love and resistance.

As the flagship production of PETA’s 58th season, themed Love and Power, this revival promises a more comedic, subversive, and biting version of Walang Aray while retaining its emotional core.

IN PHOTO: Cast & Artistic Team of Walang Aray’s 2025 run, taken during the Press Conference event last July 2025.

Tracklist That Will Keep You Singing

The original cast recording features popular compositions by award-winning musical director Vince Lim, including:
- “Pangako ‘Yan”
- “Luv U 4 Ever”
- “Tipo Kong Lalaki”
- “Walang Aray Finale”
- “Wag Mo Akong Saktan”
- “Front Act”
- “Tumindig at Lumaban” mashed with the rousing Act 1 ender, “Bayan Ko”
Whether you’re revisiting your favorite songs or discovering new ones, these tracks capture the energy and spirit of the stage production.

Crafting the Sound of Walang Aray

This recording is a proud collaboration with Soundesign Manila, one of the country’s premier full-service audio production houses. Celebrated for sound design, engineering, composition, arrangement, voice casting, and soundtrack production across multiple musical genres, Soundesign Manila has been at the forefront of audio production in the Philippines since 1997. Their expertise brought Walang Aray’s vibrant musicality to life.

IN PHOTO: The Walang Aray cast at Soundesign Manila’s Studio

“At Soundesign Manila, we believe in the transformative power of music and sound. Walang Aray’s cast recording was a way for us to support the arts and the art of doing original music for theater,” said Raul Blay, Soundesign Manila’s President and Founder.

Where to Listen

Stream the Walang Aray Official Cast Recording on Spotify by searching “Walang Aray Cast Recording” or follow this link: bit.ly/WA2025CastRecording

Catch the Musical Live

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) (@petatheater)

Walang Aray runs from August 28 to October 12, 2025, at the PETA Theater Center. For show schedules and updates, follow PETA’s social media pages @petatheater. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net.

A Show That Captured Hearts and Awards

IN PHOTO: A portrait of Severino Reyes, writer of Walang Sugat

Walang Aray is a poignant reimagining of Severino Reyes’ classic sarsuwela, Walang Sugat, magnifying themes of love and revolution while keeping its core essence intact. Its 2023 run alone featured 58 shows, with two runs due to overwhelming public demand. The musical also dominated the 2024 Gawad Buhay Awards, winning eight major awards, including:
- Outstanding Musical
- Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical
- Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical (Ian Segarra)
- Outstanding Book of a Musical (Rody Vera)
- Outstanding Original Score (Vince Lim and Rody Vera)
- Outstanding Choreography (Gio Gahol)
In the female performance categories, Neomi Gonzales won Female Featured Performance in a Musical, while Shaira Opsimar took home Female Lead Performance in a Musical.

Produced by PETA in partnership with Indie.Go Media and official banking partner Metrobank, Walang Aray promises 38 shows from August 29 to October 12, 2025, a must-see for theater fans and music lovers alike.

Don’t just hear the music, experience the heart of Walang Aray on Spotify and on the PETA stage this season.
August 29, 2025
PETA Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival 2025 – Reimagining Filipino Stories for the Stage
Kickstarting 2025 with a bang, PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association) is back with a fresh line-up of innovative works! Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival promises a vibrant exploration of Filipino stories retold for the theater stage.

J-mee Katanyag, the festival director and PETA’s newly appointed artistic director, has curated a compelling selection of original works. Get ready to be challenged and surprised by diverse performance forms including puppetry, movement, interactive elements, and even digital theater. These creative forces combine to breathe new life into traditional Filipino folklore, values, and contemporary issues. The result? Powerful narratives that weave together the past, present, and future.

The festival’s centerpiece is a highly-anticipated remounting of Melvin Lee’s critically-acclaimed trilogy, Kumprontasyon. But that’s not all! Control + Shift also features a dynamic mix of new and experimental works, improv performances, live music jams, and more. Mark your calendars because the festival runs from February 6 to 23, 2025, happening live at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits theatergoers:

Main Theater Performances

Kumprontasyon (February 6-9, PETA-Phinma Theater)
Hailed by critics as a ‘theatrical masterpiece,’ Kumprontasyon delves into unresolved historical and political events through three powerful one-act plays. The stellar cast includes Teroy Guzman, Sherry Lara, Romnick Sarmenta, Ron Capinding, Missy Maramara, Adrienne Vergara, Gillian Vicencio, and Uzziel Delamide. Prepare to be transported as these talented actors bring to life Allan Palileo’s Lakambini, Guelan Luarca’s The Impossible Dream, and Joshua Lim So’s A Color for Tomorrow.

Twin Bill (February 14-15, PETA-Phinma Theater)
Travel back in time and explore the future with Twin Bill! This exciting program features two revisited plays from Control + Shift 2024. Dominique La Victoria’s Kislap at Fuego will whisk you away to a revolutionary love story, while Mixkaela Villalon’s Children of the Algo tackles the digital age and the struggles of a generation obsessed with technology.

Control + Shift + SPIT: An Improvised Show (February 16, PETA-Phinma Theater)
Calling all fans of spontaneous hilarity! Don’t miss this one-night-only show featuring The Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT), Manila’s top improv group. Get ready for an evening of laughter and unscripted fun as SPIT takes the stage at the Control + Shift 2025 Festival.

Studio Theater Performances

PETA’s Studio Theater transforms into a platform for eight brand-new works, running February 7 to 16, 2025. Here’s a quick look at the featured productions:

Studio Theater Set A: Unboxing – Felinda V. Bagas’ The Little Girl in a Box invites audiences on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This captivating story follows a young girl’s search for her true home.

Studio Theater Set B: Time and Tide – Sig Pecho’s Failed Puppeteer and Felinda V. Bagas’ Noche Buena offer a thought-provoking look at how Filipino family values evolve through generations and navigate times of crisis.

Studio Theater Set C: Codes of Corruption – Herlyn Alegre’s Monit-oh! Monit-ah! and John Custer’s hUst1Sy@.exe pose a challenging question: can Filipino values withstand the temptations of corruption? These productions explore both classic and modern ethical dilemmas.

Studio Theater Set D: Breaking Free – Teatro Balagtas’ Ang Kuwento ni Babae, PETA ARTSZone Youth ARTvocates’ Taya! Sabay Yakap, and Tanghalang Bagong Sibol and Mikaela Regis’ At Nagkatawang-Tao Ang Verbo all tackle the theme of breaking free from societal constraints, exploring gender roles, childcare, and faith.

Exclusive Offer for Metrobank Cardholders

Planning to catch a show? Metrobank cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts! From January 15 to 19, 2025, avail of a 10% discount on tickets to any Control + Shift Arts Festival event when you purchase through TicketWorld. Metrobank is proud to be PETA’s official 2025 theater season bank partner and a platinum partner of Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival.

Don’t miss out on this exciting festival! Tickets are now on sale via bit.ly/PETACS2025Tickets.
- Studio Theater: Tickets start at Php 700
- Main Theater: Tickets start at Php 1,000
For more updates, follow PETA on social media:
@petatheater (Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok).

Visit the PETA Theater Center at New Manila, Quezon City, this February and be part of this transformative theatrical experience. See you at the Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival!
January 23, 2025