Celebrating two decades of championing fresh voices in Philippine theater, the Virgin Labfest (VLF) returns to the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez from June 11 to 29, 2025.

Now in its 20th year, VLF 2025 carries the theme Hinog!—a testament to the maturation and ripening of ideas, voices, and storytelling. This year’s lineup includes twelve (12) brand-new one-act plays, three (3) returning favorites from last year’s edition, and four (4) new staged readings.

True to its spirit of discovery, VLF welcomes 8 “Virgins” (first time to be participating in the festival) playwrights and 4 debuting directors. The festival also highlights the growing presence of women in theater, featuring works by 3 female playwrights and direction by 8 women. Also returning to the festival are the VLF Writing Fellowship Showcase, the VLF Playwrights Fair, Theater Talks, Staged Readings and the Dramaturgy Fellowship Exhibit.

Here are the featured works and the whole festival’s corresponding schedules. You can also find ticketing information below.

![rrrr.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/rrrr_f850e2743a.jpg)

**SET A – BUBOT**

**1.	**Takbo, Batang Tondo by YOJ****

Director: Chic San Agustin-De Guzman

**2.	Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga by Liane Carlo Suelan**

Director: siglo

**3.	Polar Coordinates by Ade Valenzona**

Director: Paolo O’Hara

![ppp.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/ppp_cbc9d3a457.jpg)

**SET B – MANIBALANG**

**1.	Minating Ni Mariah Ang Manto Ng Mommy Ni Mama Mary by Eljay Castro Deldoc**

Director: Dexter M. Santos

**2.	Unang Araw by Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo**

Director: Cholo Ledesma

**3.	Presidential Suite #2 by Siege Malvar**

Director: Johnnie Moran

![jjjjj.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/jjjjj_b85a56d6a6.jpg)

**SET C – KINALBURO**

**1.	Mga Magindara sa Siyudad by Chris Joseph Junio**

Director: Riki Benedicto

**2.	Ang Problema sa Trolley by Imuthis**

Director: Adrienne Vergara

**3.	The Late Mister Real by Rolin Migyuel Obina**

Director: Maynard Manansala

![kkk.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/kkk_44ba93c3c0.jpg)

**SET D – MAY ASIM PA**

**1.	Anniversary by Nelsito Gomez**

Director: Sarah Facuri

**2.	Mommy G by Jobert Grey Landeza**

Director: Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan

**3.	Don’t Meow for Me, Catriona by Ryan Machado**

Director: Toni Go-Yadao

![jjj.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/jjj_cb631309c3.jpg)

**SET E – PANGHIMAGAS**

**1.	Identité by Jhudiel Claire Sosa**

Director: Meann Espinosa

**2.	Pagkapit sa Hangin by Joshua Lim So**

Director: José Estrella

**3.	Sa Babaeng Lahat by Elise Santos**

Director: Caisa Borromeo

![gggg.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/gggg_8f2eae9fe3.jpg)

**SET 1 & 2 – STAGED READINGS**

**1.	Wala Ginakamatisan Ang Itlog by Andy Abellar**

Director: Kyrie Allison Samodio

**2.	Patay na si Rizal by Matt Ordoñez**

Director: Kat Batara

**3.	Isang Malaking Tipak ng Bato sa Gitna ng Ilog by M.E. Mejaro**

Director: Victor Deseo

**4.	Ganimide by Rex Sandro Nepomuceno**

Director: Arlo De Guzman

![uuuu.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/uuuu_699225201a.jpg)

**Ticketing Information:**

Tickets cost P800 for Regular Seats and P1,000 for Premium Seats, granting access to one set of three one-act plays. They can be purchased via Ticketworld, Ticket2Me, and at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.

A 20% discount for Senior Citizens, PWD, Government/Military Personnel, and National Athletes is available only at the CCP Box Office in Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.

Festival passes, valid for a selected week, cost P3,200 (Regular) and P4,000 (Premium), offering perks like priority entry, preferred seating, and a souvenir program. Passes are sold onsite at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with cash and card payments accepted.





large_ggggjj.jpg

medium_ggggjj.jpg

small_ggggjj.jpg

thumbnail_ggggjj.jpg

ggggjj.jpg

The Virgin Labfest 2025

The theater is a wonderful place—full of emotions, stirring vocals, clever dialogues, and packed with stories of joy, sorrow, hope, frustration, relevance, and beauty. As the love for live performances continues to grow in the Philippines, more and more musical plays and theater shows ranging from local originals to well-loved adaptations are being brought to the Filipino stage. From saccharine love stories to magical adventures, these musicals and theater shows promise a good time. Let these upcoming live performances this 2025 awaken your love for the stage once more—they are waiting for you!

### **INTO THE WOODS**

![7343080b-3eef-423d-a657-f8d307d24818.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/7343080b_3eef_423d_a657_f8d307d24818_514a947405.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: Theater Group Asia_

The way is clear, the light is good, and the stage is set for Into the Woods musical to open in the Philippines. The dark comedy musical, based on several fairy tales and adapted into a film in 2014, will be staged locally by the Theater Group Asia.

Leading the cast is the renowned Filipino musical theater legend Lea Salonga as the Witch. The musical will open its curtains this August 7 to 31, 2025 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Circuit Makati. 

**Where:** Samsung Performing Arts Theatre, Circuit Makati

**When:** August 7 to 31, 2025

**Presented By:** Theater Group Asia

**Tickets:** Starts at Ph. 1,500 via TicketWorld

### **DELIA D: A MUSICAL**

![92e7de68-355f-41aa-908e-470061fe1ea2.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/92e7de68_355f_41aa_908e_470061fe1ea2_46be45be6f.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: NWR Musicals_

This vibrant and fantastic musical, featuring six new songs written by the songwriter and music producer Jonathan Manalo, follows the story of Delia, a dazzling drag performer with big dreams to chase. As the creative minds behind Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical and Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical bring another exciting production to the Philippine stage, this new theatrical spectacle is surely one to see live.

**Where:** Newport Performing Arts Theater, Pasay City

**When:** April 25 to June 8, 2025

**Presented By:** Newport World Resorts Musicals and Full House Theater Company 

**Tickets:** P1000 - P3500

### **COME FROM AWAY**

![b3fea471-5e71-4001-9185-4ed78946174e.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/b3fea471_5e71_4001_9185_4ed78946174e_fb53dec6eb.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: GMG Productions_

GMG Productions and STAGES will be staging their own take on the Broadway musical, Come From Away, from June 6 to 29, 2025 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.

Set in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Come From Away tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers unexpectedly grounded in Gander, Newfoundland. The generosity of the town’s residents highlights the power of kindness and unity in times of crisis. Premiering on Broadway in 2017, the musical garnered seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and won the Tony for Best Direction of a Musical for Christopher Ashley. It was also nominated for eight Olivier Awards and won four, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music.

**Where:** Samsung Performing Arts Theater 

**When:** June 6 to 29, 2025

**Presented By:** GMG Productions and STAGES

**Tickets:** Ticketworld starting at P900

### **CHOOSING**

![ec8c2a7b-1fed-462f-a1f5-2a184d6a26bc.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/ec8c2a7b_1fed_462f_a1f5_2a184d6a26bc_cc4b49ef8a.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: Paw Castillo_

Choosing, a play written by Liza Diño-Seguerra, is set to return to the stage from June 6 to 15, 2025 at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

This two-person drama features real-life couple Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra, blurring the lines between reality and fiction by drawing from their personal experiences alongside stories from the LGBTQIA+ community. The production marks Liza’s debut as a playwright, with Ice also contributing original monologues to the piece.

**Where:** Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University

**When:** June 6 to 15, 2025

**Presented By:** Fire and Ice LIVE!

**Tickets:** P2,200 (VIP), P2,000 (Platinum), P1,800 (Gold), and P1,500 (Silver) through Ticket2Me

### **DALAGA NA SI MAXIE OLIVEROS: A DRAG MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA**

![c39dbf46-eac6-4081-98b8-4d784e6d87ac.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/c39dbf46_eac6_4081_98b8_4d784e6d87ac_4263b7dc46.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: J+Productions_

Puksaan na! Dalaga na Si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza, a sequel to the 2013 Maxie the Musical, is here!

Timed perfectly for Pride Month, this reimagined take on Maxie’s story invites audiences to immerse themselves in her sparkling, heart-tugging, and wonderfully complex world. Set five years after Maxie the Musical, the narrative follows Maxie Oliveros as she continues to explore love, self-discovery, and strength in a world that has yet to fully embrace her brilliance.

**Where:** Illumination Studio, Makati City

**When:** June 13 to 22, 2025

**Presented By:** J+Productions

**Tickets:** Ticket2Me at P2,500

### **ART**

![bc78a578-6654-4286-aaea-3ad49ff7c927.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/bc78a578_6654_4286_aaea_3ad49ff7c927_ebeda037bf.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: Repertory Philippines (REP)_

Repertory Philippines (REP) has just announced the full cast and creative team for its next production in 2025—Yasmina Reza’s Art, translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Victor Lirio.

Written by French playwright Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton, this comedy explores the art of friendship through three longtime friends whose bond is tested when one buys an all-white painting. As they argue over the meaning of art, tensions rise, with one friend caught in the middle trying to keep the peace.

**Where:** REP Eastwood Theater, Quezon City

**When:** June 13 to 21, 2025

**Presented By:** Repertory Philippines (REP)

**Tickets:** Ticketworld and Ticketmelon

### **BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY**

![f0f2bdc0-606b-4ca7-9c57-5b79327bc431.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/f0f2bdc0_606b_4ca7_9c57_5b79327bc431_7400a4a813.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: The Sandbox Collective_

Bawat Bonggang Bagay, the Filipino adaptation of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing, is making its return to the stage this June in honor of Pride Month 2025, with Jon Santos once again taking on the solo role in this one-act, one-man performance.

The production is being brought to life by Sandbox Co.labs, a new arm of The Sandbox Collective, in collaboration with Ayala Land and Circuit Makati. This intimate, interactive play tells the story of a child navigating life with a parent who struggles with mental illness. It aims to keep the dialogue around mental health alive by highlighting urgent real-world issues in a shared, safe space where the audience becomes a part and parcel of the storytelling.

**Where:** Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati

**When:** June 14 to 22, 2025

**Presented By:** Sandbox Co.labs & The Sandbox Collective

**Tickets:** TicketWorld 

### **GRACE**

![c8a5d1af-c1b9-4a58-b785-1a6ab4287690.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/c8a5d1af_c1b9_4a58_b785_1a6ab4287690_d65f3e8fef.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: Encore Theater_

Floy Quintos’ work returns for its final run at the PETA Theater Center this June. The show previously ran at the PMCS Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati and at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté of Ateneo de Manila University in 2024. 

Grace is a fictionalized narrative based on the alleged apparitions of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace at Lipa Carmel in 1948, as well as the miracles and controversies that have surrounded these events to this day. 

**Where:** PETA Theater Center, Quezon City

**When:** June 14 to 29, 2025 (Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM)

**Presented By:** Encore Theater

**Tickets:** Ticket2Me

### **JOSEPH THE DREAMER**

![c330b01d-8e1f-478c-843b-24f8c298bf1b.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/c330b01d_8e1f_478c_843b_24f8c298bf1b_46c558167e.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: Myra Ho_

Joseph the Dreamer is set to return on stage this July at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza. Written by Freddie Santos and inspired by Cam Floria’s cantata Dreamer: What Really Happened to Joseph, Joseph the Dreamer retells the biblical tale of Joseph, the 11th son of Jacob. Destined for greatness, Joseph endures a series of hardships that challenge his faith. Driven by jealousy, his brothers betray him and sell him into slavery—unaware that this cruel decision would set him on an extraordinary journey of hope and trust.

**Where:** Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza 

**When:** July 11 to 20, 2025

**Presented by:** Barefoot Theatre Collaborative

**Tickets:** P3,850 (Orchestra Center), P2,750 (Orchestra Side), P2,200 (Loge Center and Loge Side), and P1,650 (Balcony) via Ticket2Me

### **DEAR EVAN HANSEN**

![3098416c-50b7-486b-a4fe-36a2aab9af10.jpg](https://qcpl.sparksoft-apps.com:8888/uploads/3098416c_50b7_486b_a4fe_36a2aab9af10_5e7b128047.jpg)
_Photo Courtesy: GMG Productions_

Dear Evan Hansen is coming to 'The Theatre at Solaire' this September 2025!

Featuring music by the Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Oscar-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson, Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of Evan, an anxious high school student longing for a sense of belonging. When a misunderstanding spirals into something far bigger than he ever imagined, he faces an impossible decision: tell the truth and lose everything or embrace a lie that brings him closer to the life he has always dreamed of. As the story unfolds, Evan navigates the complexities of truth, connection, and self-acceptance in a world that often feels isolating. 

**Where:** The Theatre at Solaire 

**When:** September 4 to 28, 2025, Tuesday to Sunday

**Presented By:** GMG Productions

**Tickets:** For performances from Tuesday to Thursday: P6,877 (VIP), P5,078.40 (A Reserve), P3,703 (B Reserve), P3,174 (C Reserve), P2,645 (D Reserve), and P1,904.40 (E Reserve). For performances from Friday to Sunday: P7,406 (VIP), P5,819 (A Reserve), P4,232 (B Reserve), P3,491.40 (C Reserve), P2,962.40 (D Reserve), and P2,116 (E Reserve).










Plays

The Virgin Labfest 2025

Catch these Upcoming Musicals and Theater Shows in the Philippines this 2025!