VLF 2020 KAPIT Lab in the Time of Covid (A Virtual Labfest Edition)

SYNOPSES OF THE PLAYS

FEATURED WORKS

DOGGY By Dustin Celestino Directed by Roobak Valle Cast: Che Ramos Cosio Chrome Cosio

Synopsis Jane doesn't like certain sexual positions, especially "Doggy." For Mark, this peculiarity about his fiancée has always been a source of repressed anger. Mark's frustrations surface after a game of "Never Ever Have I Ever," when he learns that Jane was more sexually adventurous with her previous lovers.

Playwright Dustin Celestino is a film director, a composer, and a multi-awarded fiction writer, screenwriter, and playwright. He has won first prize in the Carlos Palanca Awards three times for his plays, "Ang Duyan ng Magiting," "Ang Pangahas na si Pepe Rodriguez," and "The Story of This Father." He also received the Special Jury Prize during the Cinema One Originals Film Festival 2019 for his directorial debut film, "Utopia."

Director Roobak Valle studied Mathematics in college yet chose a career in the arts. He is an actor, a director, a choreographer, writer and workshop facilitator. He is presently the Resident Director for the Gantimpala Theater Foundation. He rarely hesitates to accept work from other theater companies.

Actors Che Cosio is a former scholar of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors Company. Winner Gawad Buhay Best Actress in a Featured Role. Nominee Gawad Urian Best Actress. Actor for stage, tv and films. Wife, mom aand fitness trainer.

Chrome Cosio is an Actor for Theater, TV and Film. He is Certified Muay Thai instructor under PMTFP (Professional Muay Thai Federation of The ) and also a Fitness instructor. He is a Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company Alumnus, member from year 2005-2009. He is part of the Virgin Labfest from 2005 until the present.

PILOT EPISODE By Floyd Scott Tiogangco Directed by Giancarlo Abrahan

Synopsis A young gay man just quit his job through a text message. Now his parents attempt to de-escalate his extreme manic-depressive episode.

Playwright Floyd Scott Tiogangco is a queer writer and a visual artist specializing in performance, installation, and conceptual art. They are an alumni of award-winning filmmaker Jun Robles Lana's Cine Panulat Screenwriting Lab and one of the writer-contributors of 'Queer Asia: Decolonising and Reimagining Sexuality and Gender'. Floyd's art and activism earned them a prestigious recognition at the first human rights awards in the country, the Amnesty International Philippines' Ignite Awards for Human Rights. They were awarded as the Most Outstanding Young Human Rights Defender. Floyd is an active member of DAKILA and one of the writers for Manilennials, an IWant Originals Series. Their one act play 'Pilot Episode' was chosen for this year's Virgin Labfest 16, their first attempt in writing for theater.

Director Giancarlo Abrahan. Nagtuturo ng Scriptwriting at ng Narrative sa University of the Philippines Film Institute si Giancarlo Abrahan. Direktor sa Dagitab (2014), Paki (2017), at Sila-sila (2019);manunulat sa I’m Drunk, I Love You (2017) at Transit (2013); at prodyuser naman sa Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus (2018) at Never Tear Us Apart (2018). Miyembro si Abrahan ng Asia Pacific Screen Academy at Quiapo Collective. Direktor ng Palihan ng Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) sa kasalukuyan, at alumnus ng Dulaang Sibol, Asian Film Academy, Locarno Filmmakers Academy, Talents Tokyo, Berlinale Talents, ASEAN Film Leaders Incubator.

Actors Phi Palmos is a graduate of Mass Communication from Universidad De where he also currently teaches Theater and Art Appreciation. He is a singer, actor and advocate.

He received outstanding reviews in his well-crafted portrayal of Jewel in PETA’s smash-hit and award- winning musical Rak of Aegis. He also played the gender bending role of Rosanna, in the critically acclaimed musical Mula sa Buwan, Pule (Young Mabini) in Mabining Mandirigma, and as one of the newest addition in the 2019 re-staging of the highly successful Ang Huling El Bimbo playing the role of Young Anthony. He was last seen in the musical adaptation of Lualhati Bautista's novel, Dekada '70.

On Feb 2018, he finished a successful run of the first one-man musical in the Philippines entitled Nobenta Nostalgia: A Monomusical as part of Fringe Manila.

In 2014, he was included in Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Best of Theater’s annual list of Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Rak of Aegis. In 2019, he was again cited as Best Actor in a Play for Laro and as Best Actor in a Musical for Ang Huling El Bimbo.

He has appeared on TV most notably on ABS-CBN’s On the Wings of Love (OTWOL), and the International Emmy-nominated Wansapanataym episode, Candy’s Crush. He also appeared in cameo and starring roles in movies under major and independent movie outfits in the country. He was nominated as Best Supporting Actor for his role as Kev in the Cinema One Originals Audience Choice and Best Picture winner Sila-Sila.

As an advocate, Phi has travelled Asia, , and USA to work on LGBT issues, youth involvement, and HIV and AIDS awareness. On December 2017 and May 2019, he actively participated in Love Gala: Asia's Premiere Charity and Awards Gala on World AIDS Day performing alongside Audie Gemora, Wency Cornejo, Morisette Amon, and Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez - Alcasid.

Missy Maramara holds a Master of Fine Arts in Drama (Performance) from the University of Arkansas through the International Fulbright Scholarship Program. She also trained at the L'Ecole Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in and at Tectonic Theater Project in New York City. Theatre credits in the United States include performances for TheatreSquared, the New York United Solo Festival, and the New York Improv Festival. She has also performed in Prague, Paris, Berlin and Genova. In the Philippines, she has performed with theatre companies such as Repertory Philippines, The New Voice Company, Dulaang U.P., and CCP's Tanghalang Pilipino, in films for CinemaOne Originals and Cinemalaya, in different television series for ABS CBN, and is a member of SPIT Manila. She has received an Aliw Award for Best Featured Actress for her role as Mitch in the Kundiman Party and a LEAF Award for Outstanding Actress for her role as Callie in Stop Kiss. Missy is currently Assistant Professor of the Department of Fine Arts in the Ateneo de Manila University where she received her BFA in Theater Arts, her MA in English Literature and Cultural Studies, and is currently a candidate for a PhD in and Literature. An alumna of Dulaang Sibol and Tanghalang Ateneo, she now serves as the moderator and director for Ateneo Blue Repertory.

Jojit Lorenzo Jojit Lorenzo is an actor and a photographer.

DAPITHAPON By Jay Crisostomo IV Directed by Sigmund Roy Pecho

Synopsis Dapithapon takes three boys at the end of their High School years and forces them to confront their greatest fears in a single day: flunking out of school, impossible parental expectations, and an unhealthy infatuation with a teacher. They fervently cling to one another, afraid to let go. They try fruitlessly to preserve their friendship before they are forever parted by circumstance.

Playwright Jay Crisostomo is a writer and a stage director. He is one of the founding members of the Ikarus Theater Collaborative. He runs an arts and events space in Marikina called DITO: Bahay ng Sining. The last three plays he worked for as a writer were Plastic Trees, Artificial Stars (2019), Manikang Kuneho (A Filipino musical adaptation of the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams- 2019) , and a stage reading of Without the Drama for VLF 15. He currently works in corporate events while still doing theater after hours.

Director Sig Pecho is a performance-maker whose works interweave in the cultural ecology of storytelling, theatre, shadowplay, puppetry, education, and community engagement. He is a founding member and the Executive Duwende of KOMUNIDAD X (KX). He is the official Ring Announcer of the Manila Wrestling Federation. He is a junior puppeteer at the UP Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas (UPTMP), and an alumnus-artist of the Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) and the UP Playwrights Theater (UPPT). He pursues a degree in BA Theatre Arts at the University of the Philippines - Diliman. Sig is a visiting faculty at the Philippine High School for the Arts teaching Technical Theatre and Management.

Actors Peewee O’Hara. Gawad Buhay awardee for Apples in the Desert/Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto, (Best Featured Actress for a full length play), a pioneer of Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, and former Faculty/Chair of English and Speech Dept. and Center for Intensive Language Learning, Trinity University of Asia.

Quiel Quiwa is an actor whose performance work revolves around conveying socio-political messages that spark discourse in the community. In his last performance, he was recognized with an honorable mention for Best Actor in Inquirer Lifestyle’s Best of Theater 2019.

Khayl Sisom is a performer whose works are best exemplified through his character work of Kolokoy Ghetto batang kalye in Manila Wrestling Federation. He started training in wrestling and has since been active in public performances.

Ina Azarcon-Bolivar is a dramaturg and an actor. Her recent works include Nana Rosa (Dulaang UP), Larong Demonyo (VLF XV), and Labor Room (VLF XIV).

Jerome Dawis is an AB Multimedia Arts graduate and a scholar of Dulaang Filipino, the resident theatre company of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. His recent theatre productions include Lualhati Bautista’s Desaparasidos (2018) adapted and directed by Guelan Luarca, W. Shakespear’s (2019) directed by Anna Valdes-Lim, and Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ’70 Musical (2020) adapted and directed by Pat Valera. Aside from acting, Jerome also explores writing and crafting performances for the stage and film.

PAPAANO TURUAN ANG BABAE HUMAWAK NG BARIL By Daryl Pasion Directed by Erika Estacio

Synopsis Returning home from an encounter against the NPA, Oka reunites with his pregnant wife, Liling. The sweet homecoming turns out to be the complete opposite when Liling is confronted with her husband’s impossible request.

Playwright Daryl Pasion received his training in creative writing and theater arts under the BA Communication Arts program of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). He finished MA Linguistics at UP Diliman and has been serving as an assistant professor at the UPLB Department of Humanities since 2012. The play “Papaano Turuan ang Babae Humawak ng Baril” selected for Virgin Labfest 16 is the first play he has ever written. Inclined more to poetry, Daryl started exploring other forms of literature such as playwriting and short story for children in 2019. He recently won the 2019 Romeo Forbes Children’s story writing competition.

Director Si Erika Estacio ay tagapamahala ng entablado, dramaturg, tagasalin, mandudula, guro, at direktor pan- teatro. Kabilang sa mga nakalipas niyang produksyon ang “Under My Skin” ng Philippine Educational Theater Association (tagapamahala ng entablado), “The Pope and the Witch” ng Dulaang Sipat Lawin (direktor at tagasalin), “Marisol” ng Tanghalang Ateneo (direktor), Duyan Ka ng Magiting” ng Never Again: Voice of Martial Law (mandudula at direktor), at “Mga Buhay na Apoy” ng Tanghalang Pilipino (dramaturg). Siya rin ay nagtuturo ng kursong Stage and Production Management sa Philippine High School for the Arts.

Actors Lhorvie Nuevo started her theater journey with Tanghalang Pilipino in 2013. She is now one of TP’s Actors Company Senior Member. Nothimg But Dreams, Marawi Musicale and Dinuguan are some of the VLF productions she was part of.

Eshei Mesina works as an actor, designer and director for film and theatre.

BLACKPINK By Tyron Casumpang Directed by Jethro Tenorio

Synopsis Tatay, a staunch ally of the gay community, discovers that his youngest son, Bunso, a stauch fan of Blackpink, was prohibited by his school principal to dance “Kill This Love” in their Family Day talent contest. Infuriated, Tatay rushes to confront the principal but Bunso insists that the only way for him to join the competition is if he finds other male students to dance with him. Rejected by every male student in their school, Bunso persuades his Tatay, Kuya, and Diko to join him and form the all-male group to dance to the tune of Blackpink on Family Day.

Playwright Tyron Casumpang is a full-time professor at Ateneo de Manila University, teaching Filipino language and culture to senior high school students. In as much as he loves Philippine cultures, he is also an avid fan of Korean culture. He is a fan of many Korean idols and has attended a couple of fanmeetings both here and in Korea. He listens to K-pop every morning to get him energized before going to class and dances in the comfort room when nobody is around. At night, he watches K-drama before going to sleep. He dreams to write his own K-drama about teachers someday. BLACKPINK (2020) is his second appearance in the Virgin Labfest, after MARAWI MUSICALE (2018). Although he wrote a play inspired by Blackpink, he is actually fonder of Twice. He also submitted this play as final requirement in his MA class on Gender and Sexuality in UP. He prays that his professor will get to watch and give him a good grade. Lastly, he would like to thank Jethro Tenorio, Jerry Respeto, Smile Indias, and Dolly Dulu for reading the first drafts of BLACKPINK, and Dr. Dulce Natividad and all his gender fluid classmates (char) in AS 298 for inspiring him to write a play about gender and sexuality.

Director Jethro Tenorio is a full-time Assistant Professor in the Ateneo de Manila University, teaching Filipino literature, language, and pop culture in college. He has been an active member, moderator, artistic adviser, actor, and director for the university theater group Ateneo-ENTABLADO since 2001. He last directed “Tungkulan: Tetralohiya ng mga Dulang Tungkulin Nating Panoorin” in 2018. He has also directed plays for ADHD Productions, usually as entries for the annual Fringe MNL festival, the most recent of which was “Si Saldang, si Marvin, at ang Halimaw ng Gabi.” Also included in his directorial credits are “Titas of Manila,” “Tatlong Monologo at Isang Magnanakaw,” “Ang Pitong Gunggong,” “Buhay ay Pelikula,” “Ang Henerala,” among others. “Blackpink” is his baptism of fire as a virgin director for VLF. But he is no virgin in the world of Kpop, as he is a certified EXO-L and My Day.

Actors Noel Comia, Jr. is a 15-year old theatre, film, television and voice actor, host, recording artist, and commercial model. He’s an Aliw Awards Hall of Fame awardee as Best Child Performer and Broadway World Regional Awards Best Actor in a Musical in 2017. Also, in the same year, he was adjudged the Cinemalaya Best Actor and Film Festival Best Young Actor in 2018 for the film “Kiko Boksingero”. Noel also received citations and nominations for his performances in different award-giving bodies, both in theatre and in films. He joined TVK PH Season 3 and YFSFK Season 2, as well.

Gio Gahol is a professional actor and choreographer and is currently a Junior member and artist-teacher of the Philippine Educational Theater Association. He has taken part in various productions in PETA since 2013. In recent years, he has also been seen in various films and television and online streaming shows.

CJ Barinaga is a graduate from AB Speech & Theatre in Siliman University and currently taking his MA in Theatre Studies in UP Diliman. This is his first time participating in VLF.

Jonathan Tadioan, also known as Tad is a 10th time Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee, Aliw Award nominee and Leaf Award nominee. Senior member of Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. Youngest in the world who did the role of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. One of the versatile character actor of his generation.

MULTIVERSE By Juliene Mendoza Directed by Fitz Bitana

Synopsis Peter a writer, is making up for lost time with his young brother Bobby. Bobby a recovering alcoholic who just had a 2nd chance at life. They both try to reconnect through their mutual love of comic book. As they discuss the concept of alternate realities and dimensions prevalent in most comic book stories. They imagine how much better their relationship would have been in another reality. As Peter invited Bobby to watch a play he had written a different reality slowly reveals itself to the two estranged siblings.

Playwright Juliene Mendoza is a theater actor, singer and voice over talent for ads and events. His last show at the CCP was The CCP Triple Threat concert ZE PAPU & MAMU SHOW with wife Stella Canete. Multiverse is his 2nd entry in VLF. The 1st one being COLLECTORS ITEM in 2012(?) which twin billed George de Jesus III & Lorenz Martinez. He is also part owner of the 9th Studios Creative Hub, the newest venue for theater rehearsals, workshops and dance classes.

Director Fitz Bitana is a BA Theater Arts graduate from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He has directed multiple productions and his past stage plays are “We Choose to Go to the Moon”, a devised play about John F. Kennedy’s “Moon Speech” written by Vlademeir Gonzales.

Actors Iggi Siasoco is currently enjoying life as a student of business, writer of songs and a performer of art. When he can, he acts in different theatre and film productions among other things. He started his theatre journey in the Ateneo de Manila High School’s Dulaang Sibol under Onofre Pagsanghan. Performing in plays such as Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio, Banda sa Dulo, Hervacio Tubulan and Sa Kaharian ng Araw. Since then, he has continued to pour himself out in several other meaningful productions. his previous theatre appearances include Dulaang Sibol's Si’ta, UP Repertory Company’s Mas MAbigat ang Liwanag sa Kalungkutan, C.A.S.T’s How we Got On, Black Box Production’s Mula sa Buwan and Dekada ’70.

Vino Mabalot recently seen in Black Box Production’s Dekada ’70 and Teatro Kapamilya’s Tabing Ilog. He has acted in a few plays inside and outside Ateneo – as a student and as young professional. This is going to be his first time performing on an online platform.

Jessette Namin is a University of the Philippines BA Theatre Graduate major in Performance. She’s currently working as freelance actress for film/tv/theatre, singer for weddings/ corporate events, event organizer/ coordinator and stage manager. She is also a supervising officer of WCOPA Team Philippines. It is her second time to join the VLF. Last year, she’s in the Virgin Labfest 2019 Staged Reading: “Freshman” as Stage Manager and “Multiverse” as Shirley.

TITSER KIT By Jobert Grey Landeza Directed by Adrienne Vergara

Synopsis Patrick gets into trouble in his new school, a totally strange and distant environment from his Lumad origins. Afraid of what punishment the Principal might sanction him with, he hides inside a dilapidated storage room. He feels safe. Until Titser Kit finds him there.

Playwright Jobert Grey Landeza is currently a second year student of Bachelor of Performing Arts (Theater) at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters. He is the founding Artistic Director of and a resident playwright at Tanghalang Artikulo—an independent community-based theater group in Pilar, Sorsogon. He is also the Paglayog Committee head of Sining Banwa Albay Performance Collective Inc. He was a fellow of the VLF15 writing fellowship program of the CCP Artist Training Division of the Arts Education Department under the mentorship of Glenn Sevilla Mas.

Director Adrienne Vergara is an actor, mascoteer, cosplayer, voice actor, designer, artist-manager, teacher, and sexual health advocate crazily rolled into one. As the Executive Nimfa of Sipat Lawin Inc’s newest anti- disciplinary art collective Komunidad X (KX), her recent works are: ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS (Melbourne), Turo-Turo Tours, KOMUNIDAD: Bangsa Salam (Marawi). As a mascoteer, she worked in HK Disneyland, Hello Kitty Cruise (Malaysia & Thailand); and Adventure Time (Dubai & Qatar). Her own independent mascot, Yenyen de Sarapen performed in Karnabal Festival 2015, Zürcher Theater Spektakel (Zurich), NeoFilipinos (CCP), and Asia TOPA XO State Dark (Melbourne). Sailor Yenyen was exhibited in Almost There at the UP Vargas Museum. Her recent films include Bliss by Jerrold Tarog, Ang Hupa by Lav Diaz, Tokwifi by Carla Pulido Ocampo, and Sila-Sila by Giancarlo Abrahan. In Timmy Harn’s Dog Days, she was awarded as Best Supporting Actress in 67th FAMAS 2019. Classically-trained in Theatre Arts in UP Diliman and Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), she performed in VLF in Hapagkainan, Isang Daan, Unang Regla ni John, Symposium (SM), Kafatiran (SM), FRAGMENTS and Streelight Manifesto.

Actors Io Balanon is a freelance theatre and events practitioner. He is currently taking his MFA under the College of Fine Arts, UP Diliman.

Juan Miguel Emmanuel Salvador Salvado (aka JM Salvado) is an incoming Grade 9 Theatre Arts student at the Regional Lead School for the Arts in Angono, . He is currently an active member of Teatro Kalayaan. He started doing TV commercials at age 6 and guested in some TV shows. He has made 3 Cinemalaya movies such as Baconaua, Pandesalawal and Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma. He won the Special Jury Prize in Acting for Children at the Cinemalaya Film Festival. He has been nominated Best Actor at the Maginhawa Film Festival for his movie Musmos and was nominated Best Supporting Actor at Tofarm Film Festival for the Movie, Sol Searching, as well. This is his first stage play for VLF.

MAYANG BUBOT SA TAG-ARAW By Mark Norma Boquiren Directed by Mark Mirando

Synopsis Mayang Bubot sa Tag-Araw is a story about Maya, a young Aeta who is building a future for her people. One day, her childhood friend, Bubot, returns from the city after six years. They clash, having been honed by the paths that they were forced to choose.

Playwright Si Mark Norman Boquiren ay isang cultural-worker, kuwentista, mandudula, manunulat ng mga akdang pangkabataan, at artista-guro. Siya ay nagtapos ng kursong AB Communication Arts sa University of the East-Caloocan. Kasalukuyang nag-aaral si Norman sa University of the Philippines-Diliman ng kursong Master of Arts: Malikhaing Pagsulat. Siya ang kasalukuyang Artistic Director ng University of the East Drama Company. Siya ay naging writing fellow sa Virgin Labfest 10 Writing Fellowship Program (2014), 8th Palihang Rogelio Sicat (2015), UST National Writers’ Workshop (2017), 1st Ed Maranan Children’s Literary Festival (2019), at sa 2nd Kaboronyogan Bikol Creative Writers’ Workshop (2020). Kasapi siya ng The Writers’ Bloc, Inc., KATAGA [Manila]: Samahan ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas, at ng Ang Pinoy Storytellers.

Director Mark Mirando is a cultural artist, stage director and production designer for film and events. He is a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts graduate at the University of the Philippines – Diliman (major in directing). He trained three years for directing under the tutelage of José Estrella and served as an assistant director for the late Tony Mabesa (UP Playwright’s Theatre Distrito de Molo), Chris Millado (UP OICA’s FQS: Konsyertong Bayan sa Ika-50), and New York-based director Jesca Prudencio (People of Interest’s A&Q: A Documentary Theatre). His recent directorial works include Liham sa Ama: Unang Dibuho, a devised performance based on Franz Kafka’s Letter to the Father, Big Love, Charles Mee’s adaptation of Aeschylus’ The Suppliants Women, and Hanggang Isang Araw, a devised musical based on Trina Paulus’ Hope for the Flowers all under UP Dulaang Laboratoryo. He was awarded an Outright Creative Work Grant under the Office of the Chancellor of the University of the Philippines – Diliman through the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts for his thesis production, Liham sa Ama: Unang Dibuho. His last year’s production, Hanggang Isang Araw, bagged the Philippine Leaf Award 2019 for Outstanding Production for Children and was cited by The Philippine Daily Inquirer for its achievements in direction, acting, costume design, musical direction, writing and was also cited as the best original filipino musical of the year 2019.

Actors Opaline Santos is an actor, teacher and a Reiki practitioner. As an actor, she did productions with Tanghalang Pilipino, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Dulaang UP, UP Playwrights’ Theatre, Tanghalang Ateneo, Ikarus, Ma-isug Performance Group, Project Mayheim, and films shown at the Cinemalaya, Cinema One and QCinema Festivals. She did several productions in The Virgin Labfest as a stage manager and as an actor since the third year of the festival in 2007. Her recent performances this year are “Somewhere Else Instead” under the Langgam Performance Troupe, "Reclaiming the Female" at the Women's Summit 2020 and Luna Sicat-Cleto's "Huni at Pakpak" at the Festival of Women's Plays. She also teaches in Miriam College under the Communication Department.

Ji-Ann received her theater education from Philippines High School for the Arts and University of the Philippines Diliman . Her most recent work was Sipat Lawin Ensemble’s Are You Ready to Take the Law Into Your Own Hands as part of AsiaTOPA 2020 in Melbourne Australia. She was also part of Sipat Lawin Ensemble’s Battalia Royale, Love: This is not yet a Musical, Romeo&Juliet, Paglipas ng Limang Taon. In 2010, she has joined Dulaang UP and has been part of their productions such as Umaaraw Umuulan, Kinakasal ang Tikbalang, Rizal X, Orozman at Zafira, Isang Panaginip na Fili, Shock Value to name a few. She was part of VLF 8 for Maynard Manansala and U Elisero’s Symposium. She’s also been part of VLF Fragments directed by Ed Lacson and JK Anicoche in 2009 & 2012. Aside from performing, she is also working as a freelance actor, assistant director and script continuity for films and done numerous works under Viva Films, Regal Films, and T-rex Entertainment.

Janna is a graduating Certificate in Theatre Arts student at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Her recent theatre credits include: as part of the ensemble in Dulaang UP’s Fuente Ovejuna, under the direction of Tony Mabesa; Ensemble and mover for UP Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Alembong; and UP Playwrights Theater Nana Rosa (2020) as dalagang Rosa under the direction of Jose Estrella.

Irish Shane Legaspi is a student-theater artist, singer, and songwriter. She is a BSBA Marketing Management student in the University of the East-Caloocan. She is an active senior member of the University of the East Drama Company. She has been part of UE Drama Company's productions such as Liza Magtoto's "Tamala" (ensemble/musical director), Reign Geronimo's “RealmE" (actor), Yoji Sakate's "Three sisters: Isang Noh" (stage manager), EJ Villafania's "Bloody Mary" (actor) which won as the Best Wild Card Play in the Short and Sweet Manila Theatre Festival 2019, "Siyang Pilit Ikinukubli: Tatlong Docu-monodrama" (playwright/musical director), an entry for the 2018 Tanghal 11-National University & College Theater Festival [NCR]), and Mark Norman Boquiren's "Sa Pagitan ng mga Salita” (composer/musical director). Performing has always been her first love that is why she is planning to pursue professional theater after college.

GIN BILOG By Luisito Nario Directed by James Harvey Estrada

Synopsis Entong, is a proud Batangueno drunkard. He was visited by Dune, his brother-in-law, for a bottle of gin. Entong’s wife, Lorna, joined them in her peculiar mood. As the night ends in between gin, tulingan and videoke singing, they seem not having a good time but becoming more miserable.

Playwright Luisito T. Nario is the Founder and Artistic Director of Lipa Actors Company. Regarded as one of Lipa City’s front-runner in performing arts, he is behind every arts and cultural events in the city for more than a decade. His trainings include Musical Theater, Performance Techniques, Technical Theater & Directing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He works with different cultural organizations in the Philippines and abroad including the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Japan Foundation and Canada Arts Council.

Director James Harvey Estrada is a theatermaker, performancemaker and filmmaker. Asian Performing Arts Farm 2019 Laboratory member in Yogyakarta Indonesia and Tokyo Japan. Studied Directing under Cinemalaya Institute. Artistic director of The Scenius Pro a contemporary performance company focusing works with/in different communities. Performing arts mentor at the Regional Lead School for the Arts in Angono and founder of Luwal Sining- Pagganap, the official performing group of RLSAA senior high school, a collaboration of five art areas; music- vocal, music-orchestra, dance, rondalla and theater arts. Multi-format television writer, journalist and director for GMA Network Inc.

Actors Rhon Kenneth H. Mercado, works predominantly in the form of theater and film. A communication arts graduate and currently a theater mentor of Teatro Lasalyano at DeLa Salle Lipa. His trainings include Tanghalang Pilipino’s Rehearsal and Performance Techniques, a Virgin Lab Fest fellow for play writing and underwent Sipat Lawin’s artist residency in Manila-Cordillera exploring socially engaged performance in Karnabal Festival. He is a resident member of Lipa Actors Company and the founding Artistic Director of Kislap Pana Kolektib, a contemporary performance community in Batangas. He is fund of exploring and interested in creating participatory performances. And right now he is investigating the idea of arrival and departure in their latest work IMIGRASYON LIPAD KABAYAN.

Robert “Buboy” Villar is a TV Actor. His breakthrough performance was Dyesebel in 2008. He has appeared in high-profile films such as Shake Rattle & Roll X, Ang Panday and Philippine dramas such as , Zorro, Panday kids, Inday Will Always Love You, TODA One I love, One of the Baes and many more. He also took part in some Theatre plays, including; Jose Rizal and Batang Pro.

Lovely Abella is one of the pranksters in Bitoys Funniest Videos in 2004 portraying as a message therapist in Boracay to prank customers. She is one of the cast members of the weekend noon-time variety show, Sunday Pinasaya and she is also a cast member of Bubble Gang. She took part in some Stage plays, including; Benteng benta at Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas.

BOYBOY AND FRIENDS CHANNEL By Anthony Kim Vergara Directed by Joshua Tayco

Synopsis “Four friends who lost their jobs as production crew members after the untimely shutdown of their TV network found themselves successfully making a new career as Youtubers. Now, Boy-boy together with his buddies agreed to carry out an insane challenge in their channel - - a decision that will forever change the fate of their camaraderie.”

Playwright Anthony Kim S. Vergara Screen Name: Anthony Kim (No Surname)

(ENGLISH) Anthony Kim is an IT Security Analyst during the evening; a photographer, a freelance talent, a writer, a band vocalist or a Gunpla builder during the day. A member of The Writer’s Bloc and an active senior member of Tanghalang Tatsulok, a community-based theater group in Bataan. As a huge fan of Dave Chappelle – he plans on annoying the same set of audience in his 3rd subsequent Labfest play. He works hard to afford more Gundam Plastic models. He considers Allan Lopez as his first mentor in playwriting. (TAGALOG) Si Anthony Kim ay isang IT Security Analyst tuwing gabi; isang photographer, freelance talent, manunulat, band vocalist o kaya'y isang Gunpla builder naman tuwing umaga. Isang miyembro ng The Writer’s Bloc at isang active senior member ng Tanghalang Tatsulok, isang community-based theater mula sa Bataan. Bilang isang malaking tiga-hanga ni Dave Chapelle - plano niyang mang- asar muli ng mga manonood sa kanyang ikatlong Labfest play. Siya'y nagsusumikap ng maigi upang makabili pa ng Gundam PLastic Models. Kinikilala niya si Allan Lopez bilang kanyang unang mentor sa pagsusulat ng dula.

Director

Actors Norbs Portales Role: Boy-boy Norbs Portales is a Freelance Actor for Stage, TV & Film, an Acting Coach, Director, Musical Improv Performer, Organizer, and a Workshop Facilitator-Trainer on theater making & acting, creative pedagogy in the classroom (Theater-in-Education) and Theater-for-Development courses on Community-Managed Risk Reduction, Gender, HIV, Positive Discipline, Health Education, among others. He is a Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Senior Artist-Member and Senior Faculty.

As an actor, Norbs was part of several PETA productions including "3 Stars and a Sun", "Charot" and "The Tempest Reimagined", where he was nominated for Male Featured Performance in a Play in the 2017 Philstage Gawad Buhay for the Performing Arts.

This is his first time VLF as an Actor.

Anthony Falcon Role: Dennis Anthony is thrilled to be part of the first online Labfest. He has been part of VLF’s Boy-gel ang Gelpren ni Mommy, Mga Kuneho at Pilipinas kong Mahal with All the Overcoat. This Berlinale Talents Acting Studio alumnus received Best Performance Award, the sole acting citation given by Young Critics Circle Film Desk, for his role in Mga Gabing Kasing Haba Ng Hair Ko. He is one of the leads of Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus which won Best Acting Ensemble in CineFilipino. He has been nominated for Gawad Urian Best Actor twice, for his roles in Requieme and Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan.

Jerald Napoles Role: Greg A film, television, and theater actor, Jerald Napoles is definitely one of the most reliable, talented artists of his generation. Since his college days, Jerald has already been active in various stage productions under different Philippine theater companies. Trained under Master Teacher Ron Burrus of Stella Adler New York, Jerald was awarded Aliw Awards’ Best Featured Actor in his role “Tolits” from the hit musical Rak Of Aegis. Other notable performances include Caredivas, Noli Me Tangere, Magsimula Ka, Dogeaters, and FAKE. As directors and producers applaud his work on stage, Jerald was eyed to be casted on various television programs on ABS-CBN and GMA. His first big break was when was chosen to be one of the original co-hosts of the 2015 weekly variety show of GMA Network, Sunday Pinasaya that aired for 4 years until it’s finale last December 2019. He was also part of television soap operas My Faithful Husband, That’s My Amboy, Love you Two, and was Marian Rivera’s love interest in the Fantaserye, Super Ma’am. As he got signed with VIVA Artists Agency early this year, Jerald was casted in ABS-CBN’s FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano as Cardo Dalisay’s antagonist, Jimbo Padua. In film, he got his first lead role in 2017 under the direction of Dominic Lim, The Write Moment. This was followed by movies Nakalimutan Kong Kalimutan Ka, Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap, and 2019’s blockbuster film for mainstream and digital cinema, #Jowable.

Nicco Manalo Role: Randy Nicco Manalo is still acting. He has recently started writing. He hopes to direct in the near future.

Gabo Tolentino Role: Juma Gabo is a freelance theatre artist and a part-time performing arts teacher in Assumption . He is a BA Theatre Arts Graduate in UP Diliman.

This is his first time to act in the Virgin Lab Fest.

Acting credits include: Lam-ang (Tanghalang Pilipino, 2019) Desaparesidos (Ateneo Fine Arts, 2018) Reason has its Reason May Katwiran ang Katwiran by Rolando Tinio (Ateneo Fine Arts, 2018) Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare(Dulaang UP, 2017) Ang Nawalang Kapatid (Dulaang UP, 2014)

REVISITED

FANGIRL By Herlyn Alegre Directed by Charles Yee, Director Cast: Mayen Estanero, Barbara Marj Lorico, Jessica Mean Espinosa, Angeline

Synopsis: As one of the biggest boybands of the 1990s get together for a long-awaited reunion concert after 20 years, high school friends, Barbara, Jessica and Angeline, also reunite to book concert tickets to see their favorite boys. As the three friends reminisce their teenage years spent swooning over their favorite boyband, they also find themselves confronting issues from their past as concealed insecurities and unspoken resentment rise towards the surface.

Playwright Herlyn Alegre is a playwright, screenwriter and researcher currently based in Tokyo, Japan. Her debut play at the Virgin Labfest, Imbisibol, was staged in 2013 and was part of the revisited plays in 2014. It later became a part of the anthology Mga Piling Dula mula sa Virgin Labfest 2013-2016 published by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2017. It was also adapted for the screen and made its debut at the first Sinag Maynila Film Festival in 2015 where it bagged the award for Best Screenplay. Her other plays staged at the Labfest were Huling Huli in 2015 and Bahay-Bahayan, Tagu-Taguan in 2016.

Director Charles Yee graduated with a degree in BFA Theater Arts and BS Communications Technology Management from the Ateneo de Manila University. He graduated as an awardee of the Award for the Arts for Theater. Currently he is a Faculty of the Ateneo Fine Arts Department, at the same time, he is also an assistant designer to Gino Gonzales. Some of his most recent directorial credits include: Tanghalang Ateneo’s Si Janus Silang at Ang ng Tabon (2017) and (2016), Virgin Labfest’s Rosas (2018), and Ang Sugilanon ng Kabiguan ni Epefania (2016 and 2017), Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Ang Puting Ahas (2016), and Ateneo Entablado’s Ang Juan Tamban ni Malou Jacob (2014). His recent set design credits include Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas’ Nana Rosa (2019), Desaparecidos (2018), and Philippine Educational Theater Associations’ Tagu-taguan, Nasaan ang Buwan (2017).

Actors Mayen Estanero is a mother, a wife and a storyteller.

Marj Lorico is a passionate TV/film/theater Actor/Teacher/coach. A former Member of Tanghalang Pilipino's Actors' Company and founding member of KoLabCo, a theater group that focuses on machinating a material that Will provoke the audience to ask questions and create discussions. She is also a Dragonboat paddler, a mother of two adorable kids, an adventurer, a frustrated Veterinarian, a frustrated Archaeologist, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a fan of martial arts.

Meann Espinosa is a senior Artist-Teacher at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). She fangirls over such things as the impossible and unavailable. She likes having her heart broken. She gets to use the pain for her art. Isang malaking charot

ANAK KA NG By U Z Eliserio Directed by Maynard Manansala Cast: Krystle Valentino, Pina Skyzx Labastilla, Connie Rafael Tibayan, Niko

Synopsis: Pina has spent most of her life without a mother. She has learned to rely on and love only her father. But now her father is dead. Connie, her mother, came home from abroad seemingly just to attend to the details of the funeral and burial, not to grieve. Soon, Connie will leave the Philippines again. Pina has to decide: will she forgive her mother and try to salvage their relationship, or will she cast Connie completely out of her life?

Playwright U Eliserio teaches the life and works of Rizal at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He is the author of Wala Tayong Sasantuhin and Kami sa Lahat ng Mataba. He lives in Marilao with his wife and daughter. Visit him at facebook.com/ueliseriosulat.

Director Anak Ka Ng is his Virgin Labfest directorial debut. Otherwise, he was U Z. Eliserio’s co-writer in four VLF entries. His plays have been staged in other festivals here and abroad, such as Pista Rizalina, Pink Shorts, Bindlestiff Studio’s Tagalog Festival and Melbourne Fringe Festival. He had co-written a play for the Philippine Educational Theater Association entitled FnL and served as assistant playwright/adapter for Tanghalang Pilipino’s production of Oriza Hirata’s Manila Notes. In 2018, his work Tao Po won Second Place in the Palanca’s One Act Play in Filipino category; and UP Press published Kolab Koleksiyon ng Mga Dula, wherein he was co-author with U Z. Eliserio and Chuckberry J. Pascual. He is presently a faculty member of the De La Sa Lalle University Manila’s Filipino Department, while he completes his PhD in Filipino: Pagsasalin in UP Diliman.

Actors Skyzx Labastilla is a full-time program officer (culture and arts) of the Japan Foundation, Manila. An Artistic Excellence Awardee of the Philippine High School for the Arts (majoring in theater arts), she holds a BA Art Studies (cum laude) degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman. She has top-billed both lead and supporting roles in many successful plays. She was cited as Best Actress – Play of 2016, Philippine Daily Inwuirer’s BRAVO Best of Theater 2016, for her performance as martal law victim in Rody Vera’s “Indigo Child.” The 2018 Aliw Awards cited her Best Actress for her 2-hour solo performance portraying around twenty (20) characters in Dulaang UP’s “ang dalagita’y sang bagay na di-buo,” under the direction of Prof. Jose Estrella.

Krystle Valentino is a BA Broadcast Communication student at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. In her recent productions, she played the lead roles for "Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog," (Tanghalang Pilipino) and "Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga " (Virgin Labfest XI, Virgin Labfest XII, and Bit by Bit Company). She starred in the film "Purok 7" during the 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival; for her performance, she was nominated at the 2014 Golden Screen Awards in the "Breakthrough Performance by an Actress" category and in the Philippine Movie Press Club for the "New Movie Actress of the Year" category. In 2015, she received another nomination from the Asean International Film Festival and Award in Malaysia for "Best Actress." She had her first acting training at home with the guidance of her mother and continued pursuing theater at the Philippine High School for the Arts. She graduated from the prestigious art school with an Honors Award, the Makiling Academe and Research Institute for the Arts (MARIA) scholarship, and the Outstanding Student Artist Award for Theater Arts.

Rafa Tibayan. Rafael is a Theatre Arts graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts. As part of Dulaang Sipat Lawin, he has been in plays like Ang Paghihintay kay Godot as Estragon, Ang Reyna at ang Mga Rebelde as Raim, Ondine as Apo, and several others. He has also been in Virgin Labfest XI’s Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala as Batang Matadero, Virgin Labfest XIV’s Ang Mga Bata sa Selda 43 as Ed and Indigo Child as Jerome. He is currently an undergraduate student of the University of the Philippines Film Institute.

WANTED: MALE BOARDERS By Rick Patriarca Directed by George De Jesus III Cast: Lance Reblando, Melody Ross Pesigan, Marco AJ Sison, Ian Vincent Pajara, Andrew

Synopsis: In Indang, Cavite, a trio of college students relearns the definition of desire as they try to coexist with a new enigmatic board mate.

Playwright Rick Patriarca is completing his MA in Creative Writing at UP Diliman. He lives in Pasig City.

Director George De Jesus is an actor, director and playwright. He is a co-founder of the Egg Theater Company. For CCP’s Virgin Labfest, he has been part of the following plays: (as director) Rogelio Braga’s Maganda pa ang Daigdig, Rene Villanueva’s Birtdey ni Guido, George Vail Kabrisante’s Ang Menginga ng New York City na Kamukha ng Bee Stung Lips ni Julia Roberts, Em Mendez’s Unang Regla ni John, Layeta Bucoy’s Si Uod, Butete at si Myrna, Eliza Victoria’s Marte and Ang Bahay Sa Gitna ng Kawalan and Carlo Vergara’s Edgar Allan Hemingway; (as playwright) Asawa/Kabit, Kapit, and a staged reading of Kung Paano Maghiwalay.

Actors Lance Reblando is a cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Fine Arts major in painting. His theater credits include Disney’s Singapore Production ‘The Lion King’, Full House Theater Company’s ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’, Dulaang UP’s ‘Ang Nawalang Kapatid’, ‘Katatawanan ng Kalituhan’, ‘Hari ng Wala’, ‘Lulu’, Atlantis Production’s ‘Full Monty’

Ross Pesigan is an actor best known for his performance in the Dulaang UP production "Ang Nawalang Kapatid", for which he was awarded Best Actor in a Musical by Broadway World in 2014. He has performed for Sipat Lawin Ensemble, Red Turnip Theater, The Egg Theater Company, and The Virgin Labfest. Ross also has several TV credits and independent films under his belt. His film, "JODILERKS DELA CRUZ, EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH", premiered in competition in 2017 at the Semaine de la Critique, Festival de Cannes. "Mirador", his most recent work /film under the direction of Loy Arcenas, will soon have its Philippine premiere. Currently, Ross is taking voice lessons under Mrs. Emmy Cayabyab.

AJ Sison debuted as a featured actor in one of last year's productions within the prestigious Virgin Lab Fest. A fresh face in the professional theater world but has been in the theater scene as a high school student thespian, and now a college student, apprentice, and actor of his collegiate theater, the Far Eastern University Theater Guild. Being an active member In the organization gave him the opportunity to participate on FTG's series of productions including the critically-acclaimed musical "Ang Pinakamakisig Sa Mga Nalunod Sa Buong Daigdig", George De Jesus III' fan-favorite "Kung Paano Maghiwalay", and the recently-concluded laboratory-frontliner, "Saltik", to name a few and all under the artistic direction of PETA Senior Artist and VLF 13 Director, Dudz Teraña.

Vincent Pajara. This is Vincent's second time joining Virgin Labfest. He is grateful for the opportunity to explore the complexities of Andrew's character and the honor of working with George De Jesus, as the director/acting coach of the production. He was last seen in Floy Quintos' LARO, an adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's La Ronde, directed by John Mark Yap who is also the stage manager of Wanted: Male Boarders. Ross and Lance are his friends from college, while Aj is his newly found friend.

STAGED READINGS

JENNY LI By Buch Dacanay Directed by Nour Hooshmand

Synopsis "Jenny Li, a college student suffers mentally after witnessing her bestfriend's rape at a classmate's party. Struggling to convince her bestfriend of it as nobody believes it had ever happened, she wonders how many others out there have been victims to something like this. And how many out there are in denial?"

Playwright Buch Dacanay is music composer, writer and theater artist dabbling in performance, dramaturgy and playwrighting currently under UP Dulaang Laboratoryo. He is also a homeschooled student who loves to skateboard for sport."

Director Nour Hooshmand is a BA Theatre Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She pursued the track of directing and does lighting design and stage management for theatre and events. She is currently one of the project coordinators for CCP’s Outreach Tour: Ang Pagbabaliktanaw sa Unang Hari ng Balagtasan. She was assistant director for UP Playwrights’ Angry Christ (2017) and The Kundiman Party (2018).

Her most recent directorial work was her undergraduate thesis Makinal (2019). This is her first time directing for the Virgin Labfest.

Actors Esteban Fulay, Jr.

Ruah Liway Shechem P. Gabo

Vincent Kevin Pajara

Hariette Mozelle is a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman. She has worked for several productions under Dulaang UP, DulaangLaboratoryo and UP Playwright’s Theater. Her theatre credentials include: Dulaang UP’s Fuente Ovejuna (Laurencia), Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Marat/Sade (Charlotte Corday), Dulaang UP’s The Dressing Room (Actress D), Dulaang UP’s Six Characters In Search Of An Author (Stepdaughter), Dulaang UP’s Ang Dalagita’y ‘Sang Bagay na ‘Di-Buo (Dalagita understudy), CCP PASINAYA 2018 Ang Dalagita’y ‘Sang Bagay na ‘Di-Buo (Dalagita), UP Playwright’s Theatre’s Angry Christ (IndayTrining), CCP’s Virgin Labfest “Labor Room” (Veh), and CCP’s Virgin Labfest “Dolorosa” (Juliania).

Belinda Maramba

DOMINADOR GONZALES – NATIONAL ARTIST By Dingdong Novenario Directed by Bunny Cadag

Synopsis Soon to be proclaimed National Artist Dominador Gonzales is asked by a previous mentee to collaborate on a project to get the mentee back into the playwriting scene. Dominador's refusal puts him at risk of being among the ranks of Kevin Spacey and Woody Allen, potentially nullifying his life's work. In this polarized world, whichever side you are on, you are wrong.

Playwright Dingdong Novenario is a playwright, IT consultant, fitness instructor, theater actor, and all around nice guy, in that order. Writing remains to be one of his passions, landing him productions in Virgin Labfest for Kafatiran, Daddy’s Girl, and last year’s The Bride And The Bachelor. Writing Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical was a dream come true and hopes to make more dreams (his own and others) come true.

Director Bunny Cadag works predominantly in the medium of theater and performance research and making. They was an Actors' Company Scholar of the Tanghalang Pilipino. They was recognized as Best Featured Actor (Play) in 2016 Broadway World Philippines Awards and was cited as one of the 20 Modern Filipinas Who Made Waves in 2017 and one of the Lodis of 2017: People who deserve more werpa (power) in 2018. Cadag's contemporary performance works are mostly about how gender is perceived and performed in the Philippines. In April 2017, they participated in a multidisciplinary transcultural exchange on body-related performance making in Antwerp, Belgium. They participated in the Tokyo Performing Arts Meeting 2019 in Yokohama, Japan, and had a singing performance with The Filipino Superwoman Band in Sharjah Biennial 2019, HUGO BOSS Asia Art Award 2019 and Tanz in Bern 2019. Sipat Lawin and Friends' Are You Ready To Take The Law Into Your Own Hands in Asia TOPA 2020 marks their most recent acting performance in theater. Cadag lives and works in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Actors Joel Saracho is an actor, activist, cultural worker and writer. In a parallel universe, Joel is a porn star.

Audie Gemora The term “Multi-talented” fits Audie to a T. He is a stage, television and film actor, singer, recording artist, dancer, host, on-camera & voice talent for TV and radio commercials, director, choreographer, producer and educator. Despite his many accomplishments, however, the name Audie Gemora is primarily associated with theater. A terpsichore who has played a variety of roles both in English and Pilipino musicals, he has been dubbed “King of Philippine Musical Theater.”

He has appeared in over 70 plays ranging from Broadway/West end productions to original Filipino works and has played major roles in all of them – PIPPIN, AMADEUS, EVITA, LES MISERABLES, CAROUSEL, MAN OF LA MANCHA, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE PRODUCERS, THE DRESSER for Repertory Philippines; FLORANTE AT LAURA, EL FILIBUSTERISMO, NOLI ME TANGERE, PANGARAP SA ISANG GABI NG GITNANG TAG-ARAW and EURYDICE for CCP Tanghalang Pilipino; JOSEPH THE DREAMER, WIDOWS ORPHANS & WILDEBEESTS, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE for Trumpets; ANG PAGLALAKBAY NI RADIYA MANGANDIRI for Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) ; TSINOY for Music Theater Philippines; LAPU LAPU for Dimirtri productions ART and THE LAST FIVE YEARS for Actor’s Actor Inc., COCK for Red Turnip among others. In 2008 he portrayed Henry Sy in the bio musical I DREAM, followed by the Lopez family sung through saga UNDAUNTED where he played patriarch Oscar Lopez. He starred in Resort World Manila’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC opposite West End star Joanna Ampil. In 2013, the Cultural Center of the Philippines featured Audie in a solo biographical concert entitled I WAS HERE as part of its “Triple Threat Series” honoring the leading men and ladies of Philippine musical theater. A fitting way to celebrate an illustrious career spanning 35 years.

He won an award for “Best Performance as Male Lead in a Musical” at the 2010 Gawad Philstage for his performance in SWEENEY TODD. And in 2014 “Best Performance as featured male in a Musical” for his performance as the flamboyant director Roger De Bris in “THE PRODUCERS.” His portrayal of Albin/Zaza in 9 Works 2015 production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES garnered rave reviews and won him the “Outstanding Performance in Musical by a Male Lead” trophy in the 2016 Philstage Gawad Buhay. He won the 2019 Aliw Award Best Performance for a Lead Actor in a Play for his portrayal of Norman in THE DRESSER.

Si John Nico Labrador ay labing siyam na taong gulang na kasalukuyang kumukuha ng BS Hospitality Management sa Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Santa Mesa, Maynila. Nagsimula siyang magsanay sa teatro taong 2017 sa ilalim ng PUP Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory bilang apprentice/workshopper na ngayo’y miyembro at nasa ikaapat na taon na sa organisasyon. Sa halos apat na taong pamamalagi sa grupo ay naranasan niyang tumampok sa mga iilang produksyon tulad ng Minsan Sa Isang Kapehan ni Mary Ann Guanlao bilang “Ramil”, Madame na idinirehe ni Bunny Cadag bilang “Manghahabi”, Luminous: Ang Pinakamakisig Na Nalunod Sa Buong Daigdig ni Teresa Lorena Jopson bilang “Lalaki”, Araw: Time’s Up bilang “Albularyo/ Aki T. Bista”, at Sangandaan: Ang Pinakamasayang Dapithapon bilang “Matandang Gerardo”. Naranasan niya na ring umarte at maging parte ng produksyon sa ilalim ng UP Dulaang Laboratoryo bilang “Angelo/Pasyente” sa Ang Pag-uusig at Pagpaslang kay Jean-Paul Marat ayon sa pagkakatanghal ng mga pasyente sa asilo ng Charenton sa ilalim ng direksiyon ni Marquis de Sade na idinirehe naman ni Joy Cerro. Naging actor rin siya sa iilang short films at gumanap bilang “Adrian” sa Felix – Patimfilac 2.0 at “Tatay” sa Anatomiya ng Ating Unang Pagsisiping – Alak at Pelikula Production. Bukod sa pagiging aktor, nasubukan niya na ring magdirehe sa dulang Paramayo ni Shaira Wynna Mae Colanse kasama ni Angel Delas berlas, nagging punong tagapamahala ng entablado sa Ang Unang ni Rody Vera na idinirehe ni Marcus Belisario at marami pang iba. Bilang baguhan sa industriya, patuloy siyang naga-aral at nagsasanay sa iba’t ibang larangan patungkol sa sining panteatro at pelikula. Kasalukuyan din siyang naninirahan sa Quezon City kasama ng kanyang tiyahin at bagama’t aktibo sa teatro, ay hindi naman napapabayaan ang kanyang responsibilidad bilang estudyante at kasalukuyang President’s Lister sa klase. Para sa kanya, mahalaga ang sining dahil bukod sa naibabahagi nito ang nararamdaman, ay pinupuno nito ang looban at kaluluwa hindi lang ng manlilikha kundi pati na rin ang mga taong pumapaloob dito. Mayroong mas malalim na pagpapakahulugan na hindi lang natatapos sa pagtatanghal at obra sa loob ng entablado. Lagi’t lagi kaisa ng ating lipunan ang sining at bawat artista’y umuugat sa katotohanang mayroon ang isang tao at ng lipunan. Patuloy tayong magiging instrumento sa paglikha at maninilbihan para sa bayan.

LADY MASTERS By Rouchelle Dinglasan Directed by Joy Cerro

Synopsis: A bunch of teenage girls embarked on a special hazing rite in the sleepy town of Indang, Cavite. Their college sorority tenets — dignity, honor, and freedom — will be tested as the aspiring member dies while the initiation rites conclude.

Playwright Rouchelle Dinglasan is a journalist turned jeweller that dabs in playwriting. She is continuing their family jewelry legacy with her own line called “Le Roche Jewellery.” As a newlywed, she now loves playing house with her husband, Kimmy.

Director

Actors Precious Conn A. Sy Hariette Mozele is a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman. She has worked for several productions under Dulaang UP, Dulaang Laboratoryo and UP Playwright’s Theater. Her theatre credentials include: Dulaang UP’s Fuente Ovejuna (Laurencia), Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Marat/Sade (Charlotte Corday), Dulaang UP’s The Dressing Room (Actress D), Dulaang UP’s Six Characters In Search Of An Author (Stepdaughter), Dulaang UP’s Ang Dalagita’y ‘Sang Bagay na ‘Di-Buo (Dalagita understudy), CCP PASINAYA 2018 Ang Dalagita’y ‘Sang Bagay na ‘Di-Buo (Dalagita), UP Playwright’s Theatre’s Angry Christ (Inday Trining), CCP’s Virgin Labfest “Labor Room” (Veh), and CCP’s Virgin Labfest “Dolorosa” (Juliania).

Iris is currently taking up her MA in Theatre Arts (Theatre Practice) at UP Diliman. She had also been an active theatre artist in UST since 2010. Trained in acting, and experienced in content writing and production work, Iris is presently a freelance actor, content strategist, project manager, and podcast host. Her recent theatre credits include Dulaang UP’s Ang Tahanan ni/The House of Bernarda Alba (as Magdalena) and Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Asawa/Kabit (as Vanessa). She also acted for the original staging of UPPT’s Nana Rosa last year (as Indai Sajor/Julia Luna) in which she also reprises this year.

Shenn Apilado graduated from UP Diliman. She is a freelance technical director and actress in theatre, voice talent in recordings and events, and content creator in advertising, TV, film and digital platforms. Some of her works include Dulaang UP’s Ang/ The Dressing Room (Technical Director), Dulaang UP’s Katatawanan ng Kalituhan (Luz/Emilia), UP Diliman’s Arts Month 2015-2018 (Official Voice Over/Talent), Department of Tourism’s Advertising Team (Researcher), iWant TV Originals (co-head writer), iFlix’s Like A Local (writer/researcher) and the film My Letters To Happy (researcher).

MATIRA ANG MATIBAY By Bernice Dacara Directed by Alon Segara

Synopsis It is the morning of the plebes’ recognition day. Awakened by Vito’s incessant knocking, Erik tries to distract his bunkmate by recounting the good memories they had during their 6 month training in the academy. The reminiscing halts once the two are forced to talk about the looming experience of their batchmate’s death leading them to question each other’s beliefs and what they’re willing to give up because of it.

Playwright Bernice Dacara is a fourth year Creative Writing student tracking in Drama in the Ateneo de Manila University. She was a fellow in the 15th Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program and in the 25th Ateneo Heights Writer’s Workshop. Her love for theater is mostly practiced in the Ateneo ENTABLADO, a socio- political theater organization, where she currently acts as the Deputy for Performances under Theatrical Concerns and frequents as the Documentations and Publications head for various productions. Her knowledge in playwriting is greatly attributed to Glenn Sevilla Mas, who has mentored her during her stay in the Ateneo.

Director Alon Segarra (Alison) is a freelance artist-manager: a classically trained actress, a production-finance manager, and performance-maker. She’s also co-founder and core member of Sipat Lawin Inc. and an Alumni of contemporary performance collective Sipat Lawin Ensemble (2010-2019).

She is currently an active member/volunteer with RESBAK (RESpond and Break the silence Against the Killings) an interdisciplinary alliance of artists, media practitioners, and cultural workers advancing social awareness with regards to the killings brought forth by the Duterte administration’s ‘war on drugs’; also a volunteer with SAKA - Sama-samang Artista para sa Kilusang Agraryo (Artist Alliance for Genuine Land Reform and Rural Development) an anti-feudal alliance of art and cultural workers that support and advance the peasant agenda of genuine agrarian reform, rural development, and food security.

Actors Matthew is currently a DLSU Scholar and a member of the DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild. He has been performing dance during high-school and decided to explore theatre in college. As a student artist, he values both academic and artistic knowledge and skills and he is willing to take internal and external opportunities that will further develop my talents.

King is a theatre artist from the Philippine High School for the Arts. His most recent works include; Dario Fo’s “The Pope And The Witch, Naohiko Umewaka's "An Italian Restaurant" and Caryll Churchills “Mad Forest”. He is now interested in explorations of space and time compositions grounded in larger societal contexts.

BAGAHE By Nicko de Guzman Directed by Joel Saracho

Synopsis: It is 2016. There is a new president in the Philippines. Kaloy decides that he and his wife, Che, go back to the Philippines for good after being OFWs in the US for almost 30 years. But, Che can’t seem to finish packing/unpacking. The couple will argue about found objects, “change is coming”, and Marie Kondo. Che will soon find out that there is persistence in leaving and there is permanence in movement.

Playwright Nicko M. de Guzman is 24 years old. He lives in Quezon City.

Director Joel Saracho. Aktibista at manggagawang pangkultura, dati ring journalist si Joel bago siya nagfulltime actor sa tanghalan, telebisyon at pelikula. Gumanap siya ng iba’t-ibang papel sa mga theater companies gaya ng PETA, Dulaang UP, Tanghalang Ateneo pati sa mga thesis production sa Benilde at UP. Pinakamalaki niyang achievement (batay sa mga likes sa FB) ay nakapagpakuha siya ng litrato kasama si Meryll Streep sa Berlinale.

Virgin si Joel. Bilang direktor sa VLF. Natutuwa siya na ang mga artista sa staged reading na idi-direk niya ay mas matatanda sa kanya, sina Ward Luarca at Lui Manansala.

Actors

Lui Manansala (kapatid ni Ama Quiambao)

Ward Luarca. Naging aktor ng apat na grupong pang-teatro: Dulaang Sibol, Samahan sa Dulo, Teatro Pilipino, at Tanghalang Pilipino. Lumabas din sa maraming dramang pantelebisyon (taong 19 kopong- kopong) at ilang pelikula. Maagang nalaos at ngayon natatandaan na lang sa taguring “tatay ni Guelan Luarca”. Iyon ay ipinagmamalaki nya. Hapi siya (sa loob ng 40 taon) bilang “under” na tao ng kanyang maybahay at tatay ng tatlong malulusog (i.e. tabain) na mga anak - lahat ay propesyunal na.

MONGOLOIDA’S CASA DE PUN By Claro Delos Reyes Directed by Guelan Luarca

Synopsis Mongoloida’s Casa de Pun (a brown comedy / ang isang komedyang kayumanggi) is an experimental one act play that explores socially constructed borders of Philippine racial identity. The play follows the internal struggle of Enrica, an Afro-Filipina, who has migrated to New York City under contentious circumstances related to her upbringing. In a liminal space, Enrica confronts a transnational cast of historical characters who navigate life with differing world views; together they reckon with their beliefs and reflections through shards of glass and mirrors. The play questions the structural frames that shape clouded lenses often seen as cultural traits.

Playwright Claro de los Reyes (he/him/his) is NYC-based playwright, actor, and a social practice theatre artist. His theatre works aim to raise questions about transnational histories and its intimate influence on popular culture. Claro is the founder and director of Atlantic Pacific Theatre, a theater company committed to exploring cross cultural exchange and pluralism center through polycultural theatre experiences that reach across geographical and socially constructed borders. As an actor he has performed with NY theater companies that include NAATCO, Pan Asian Rep, Leviathan Lab, and International WOW. As a theatre maker he has had the honor of making theatre alongside community members in NYC, Minnesota, the Philippines, and Rwanda. Recent accomplishments include: The Laundromat Project Create Change artist commission; National Artists Strategies Creative Community Fellow; Downtown Art Artist-in-Residence; Epic Theatre Ensemble’s Spotlight Playwriting Commission. He is currently in development for two full length plays.

Director Guelan Luarca is a translator, playwright, and director who occasionally acts. He teaches Filipino and Shakespeare at the Ateneo and a class in playwriting at UP. He says he wouldn’t do VLF this year, but he couldn’t help it.

Actors Kakki Teodoro Actor

Kakki Teodoro has essayed lead & featured roles with Repertory Philippines (Peter Pan), PETA (Rak of Aegis; Rated PG), Tanghalang Pilipino (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Aurelio Sedisyoso), and Full House Theatre/Resorts World Manila (Ang Huling El Bimbo). She also received training at the National Institute for Dramatic Arts in Sydney, Australia.

In 2019, she starred in the one-woman show about mental health called "Every Brilliant Thing", (Best Actress in a Play by the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Best of Theatre 2019) & the critically-acclaimed "HIMALA:Isang Musikal" as Nimia (Nominee: Female Featured Performance in a Musical from the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards).

She is thrilled to be doing her first VLF show!

Tata Tuviera Actor

Ybes Bagadiong Actor

This is Ybes' 2nd year participating in Virgin Lab Festival, and he's hoping for more to come

Anthony Vaughn Merchant Actor

Anthony Vaughn Merchant: Actor, Director and Fight Choreographer. Anthony has become recognized for his work in classical plays since graduating his Master of Fine Arts degree from UMKC. He has been nominated for an Adelco award twice for his role in The Tempest and Midsummer Night's Dream. He is also a proud member of Epic Theatre Ensemble, Less Than Rent and Shakespeare in the Square. Most recently he appeared in Pay No Attention to the Girl with Target Margin. Anthony can also be seen on screen, having worked on several shows including Vinyl, Luke Cage and Mr. Robot as well as playing Horatio in the Award winning film in the Golden Vale

Teisha Duncan Actor

Teisha Duncan is a Jamaican Actress, Educator, and Director. Education: Jamaica School of Drama (Drama in Education), Howard University (B.F.A. in Musical Theatre) and The University of Pittsburgh (M.F.A. in Performance Pedagogy).

Notable Acting credits: Disney’s The Lion King, Caroline or Change, Jungle in the Cities, Do Wager, Tartuffe, Bubblin’ Brown Sugar, Sarafina, Purlie, Working, The Black that I am, The Bluest Eye, A Chorus Line, One Love, The Clown’s , and Lysistrata.

Notable Directing Credits: Get Off (The Bus),Agamemnon, Scarlet Letters, Little Shop of Horror s and Wiley and the Hairy Man (Asst. Direction/Puppet Choreography), Baltimore (Asst. Direction), and The Children from the Blue Mountain

Arvy Dimaculangan Actor/ Sound Designer

Arvy is a sound designer for theater, film, and digital content. His work for Desaparesidos (Areté-Ateneo) is recognized as REWIND’s (ABS-CBN’s theatre roundup) Best Sound Design for 2018 and his work for Every Brilliant Thing (The Sandbox Collective) is included in Philstage Gawad Buhay’s 2019 midyear citations for Outstanding Sound Design. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a degree in B.A. Theater Arts and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Curriculum Studies in the same institution.

Carmen Dolina Actor/ Web Designer

Carmen is an incoming college sophomore at Ateneo double majoring in Computer Science and Digital Game Design and Development. She was one of the graphic designers for, as well as a chorus member of, Tanghalang Ateneo’s Antigone vs. the People of the Philippines. She was also one of the Publicity and Promotions heads of Tanghalang Ateneo’s Top Girls.

Kat Dizon Actor/ Web Designer

Kat is an incoming 3rd year Communications Technology Management student at the Ateneo de Manila University. She has previously participated in the productions of Tanghalang Ateneo as an actress for Dolorosa and Top Girls, and as a costumes deputy for Antigone vs the People of the Philippines. This is her first time participating in a VLF production.

Franny Tan Actor/Web Designer

Franny Tan is a student in Ateneo de Manila University where she is pursuing a degree in B.F.A. Information Design. She was recently one of the graphic designers and deputies for publicity and promotions for Tanghalang Ateneo’s “Antigone vs. the People of the Philippines” (2019). Currently, she is also pursuing a minor in theatre arts, striving to one day produce theatre stage designs.