Cast: Ybes Bagadion – Egberto Heber O’Hara – Elisimo

VIRGIN LABFEST 14: TITIBOK-TIBOK Untried, Untested, Unstaged Plays

FESTIVAL PROGRAM & SYNOPSES OF THE PLAYS:

FEATURED WORKS: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Teater) SET A June 19, 28, July 3, 7 | 3:00 PM June 19, 27, July 2, 6 | 8:00 PM ISANG GABING ANG BUWAN AY HILA-HILA NG GULA-GULANIT NA ULAP Written by Ryan Machado Directed by Paolo O'Hara

Synopsis: In the dead of night when the moon is full, two men are secretly digging a waist-deep hole. It is uncertain whether they’re burying something or digging up treasures. Before dawn, they will lock horns with the power driving their deadliest, most guarded secret, their hunger.

Ryan Machado Ryan Machado is a full-time communications manager at a software company in Libis, Quezon City and a part-time lecturer at the University of the Philippines Manila, where he graduated with a degree in BA Philippine Arts. “Ang Mga Puyong” (2017) was his frst play to be staged at the Virgin Labfest. Apart from writing plays, Ryanalso enjoys making flms. His short flm Engkwento was a fnalist at Globe Independent Film Festival (2017) and was selected for Cinema Rehiyon 13. It was also nominated at the FAMAS Awards in 2018. He is a fellow of CinePanulat 2019, a 12-week free screenwriting workshop mentored by Jun Robles Lana.

Paolo O’Hara Actor. Teacher. Voice Talent. Filmmaker. Father in between. HULING HILING NI DARLING Written by Raymund Barcelon Directed by Ricardo Magno

Cast: Renante Bustamante – Abet Sherry Lara – Mama Skyzx Labastilla – Susan Chase Salazar – Oryang Kenjie Villacorte – Doktor Liway Gabo – Nurse

Synopsis: After Abet’s wife fell into a sudden coma, he calls on his mother-in-law and sister-in- law to bid her goodbye. Much to the chagrin of Abet, his overbearing mother-in-law refuses to let her daughter go and insists that she’s fghting for a reason. Te sister-in- law then reveals to Abet that she and his wife made an agreement that their mother will live with them, an agreement that he only learned on that fateful day.

Raymund Barcelon Raymund Barcelon started as a writer for a weekly newspaper for expats and a music magazine. His love for flms and television, particularly comedy, led him to join ABS-CBN’s Comedy Writers Workshop in 2004. Since 2005 he has worked for ABS-CBN as a writer for sitcoms, musical variety programs, and drama series. In 2018 his frst screenplay, Recipe For Love directed by Jose Javier Reyes, was released. His recent works as a writer for television are the shows Wildfower and Halik. Te one-act play, Huling Hiling ni Darling is his frst attempt in writing for theater.

Ricardo Magno Ricardo Magno trained at the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, Dulaang UP and Tanghalang Ateneo. Directing credits include: RENT (Ateneo Blue Repertory), 2018;Ang Mga Puyong, Virgin Labfest 2017 (Cultural Center of the Philippines); SinagTala, the Musical (Teatro Kolehiyo ng Miriam), 2017; Bahay-bahayan, Tagu- taguan, Virgin Labfest 2016 (Cultural Center of the Philippines) and La Casa de Bernarda Alba (Teatro Kaligatan Foundation), 2016. International productions include: Te Wayside Cafe for the International Teater Institute (Spain, 2017) and Asia-Pacifc Bureau (China, 2017); Kiss-kiss, Bang-bang 2.0 for the Asian Performing Arts Forum (Japan 2016 and 2017); Canton Atbp. for the University of Pennsylvania (USA, 2016); Dysmorphilia for the Low Fat Art Fest (Tailand, 2015) and Firefies for the Asia and Pacifc Bureau (Taiwan, 2012). FANGIRL Written by Herlyn Alegre Directed by Charles Yee

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 fnd themselves confronting issues from their past as concealed insecurities and unspoken resentment rise towards the surface.

Herlyn Alegre 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 frst 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.

Charles Yee Charles graduated with a degree in BFA Teater Arts and BS Communications Technology Management from the Ateneo de Manila University. He graduated as an awardee of the Loyola Schools Award for the Arts for Teater. Currently he is working as a Lecturer for both Filipino and Fine Arts Department of the Ateneo de Manila University, 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 Tiyanak ng Tabon (2017) and Kalantiaw (2016), Virgin Labfest 12&13’s Ang Sugilanon ng Kabiguan ni Epefania (2016), Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Ang Puting Ahas (2016), and Ateneo Entablado’s Ang Juan Tamban ni Malou Jacob (2014). His recent set design credits include Desaparecidos (2018), and Philippine Educational Teater Associations’ Tagu-taguan, Nasaan ang Buwan (2017). SET B June 20, 23, 29, July 4 | 3:00 PM June 20, 28, July 3, 7 | 8:00 PM THE UNREACHABLE STAR Written by Layeta P. Bucoy Directed by Mara Marasigan

Cast: Raﬀy Tejada – Tatay Tex Ordonez – Nanay Lorie Figuerroa – Ali Reynald Santos – Kuya

Synopsis: When self-assured Tatay discovers that his youngest child Ali is giving up on her dream of becoming an engineer, he has to persuade her that he can provide for her education through the help of their barangay captain's patronage and his wife's blind faith to their patron saint. He evicts his unapologetically gay older child from home as he is forced to hang on to his belief that he could fulfll all their dreams or risk the realization that his simplest of dreams has already metamorphosed into an unreachable star.

Layeta Bucoy Si Layeta P. Bucoy ay nagtapos ng MFA Creative Writing (with high distinction) mula sa De La Salle University (DLSU) at ng BA Communication Arts (cum laude) mula sa University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB). Ang ilan sa kanyang mga naisulat ay nanalo na sa Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Philstage Gawad Buhay, ABS-CBN Script Writing Contest, at UP- VIVA Script Writing Contest. Naitanghal na rin sa iba't ibang mga bansa ang ilan sa kanyang mga dula. Nakapagsulat na rin s'ya para sa mga pelikula (Rigodon, Melodrama Negra, Edna, Lakbay2Love), sa PSICOM Publishing House (Hearbeat Romance, True Philippine Ghost Stories, Sopas Muna!), sa PinoyParazzi Tabloid (Nobela Erotika, #lovelife) at sa It's Showtime! (Ipis Loves Higad). Kasalukuyan s'yang nagtuturo sa UPLB habang tinatapos ang kanyang PhD in Literature sa DLSU. S'ya ay kasapi ng Writer's Bloc. Mara Marasigan Mara began her frst formal training in theater at the age of 12 when she was granted a scholarship from the Philippine High School for the Arts. She carried on to graduate with a degree in Teater Arts from the University of the Philippines where she directed Euripides’ “Medea” for thesis. She is currently an assistant director for television, advertising and flm. Aside from her ventures in flmmaking, she is also one of the founding partners of the recently formed Egg Teater Company whose mission is to create contemporary theatre pieces in the flipino language that evince the modern human condition. ANAK KA NG Written by U. Z. Eliserio Directed by Maynard Manansala

Cast: Krystle Valentino – Pina Skyzx Labastilla – Connie Rafa 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?

U Z Eliserio 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. Maynard Manansala 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 Teater 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. WANTED: MALE BOARDERS Written 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 defnition of desire as they try to coexist with a new enigmatic board mate.

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

George De Jesus III George is an actor, director and playwright. He is a co-founder of the Egg Teater 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, Marte Eliza Victoria’s Ang Asawa/Kabit, Kapit, and Kung Paano Maghiwalay (staged reading) and (as director) Carlo Vergara’s Edgar Allan Hemingway. SET C June 21, 26, 30, July 5 | 3:00 PM June 21, 23, 29, July 4 | 8:00 PM A FAMILY REUNION Written by Anthony Kim Vergara Directed by Ian Segarra

Cast: Gie Onida – Dad Chrome Cosio – Roch Lesley Lina – Hershey Joshua Martin Tayco – Nick Sabrina Basilio – May

Synopsis: Te family’s bunso is visiting from Japan with fanceé in hand and the job of breaking the news of their engagement to the family. He rounds up Dad, Ate, and Kuya for an evening family gathering where his guest and their exciting news are supposed to be the stars. But ghosts of family past are dredged and dragged to the surface and threaten to steal the spotlight. Tis play is an uncensored close-up of the Filipino family reunion, in all its hilarity and reality.

Anthony Kim Vergara Anthony Kim Vergara is currently working as an IT Security Specialist in Makati. A member of Te Writer’s Bloc and an active senior member of Tanghalang Tatsulok, a community-based theater group in Bataan. He also works part-time as a photographer and a freelance talent for TVC’s, Indie flms and Digital Ads. “A Family Reunion” is his second play to be staged in the Virgin Labfest. His frst play titled “Ang Inyong mga Anak: Si Harold at Napoleon” was part of Virgin Labfest 14. He’s bad in making sense out of statements that he always needed help from friends like Arnold Abarra – this time in writing the synopsis needed for this play - "A Family Reunion". He spends most of his money in buying Gundam Plastic Models and pairs of socks which consistently vanish during laundry service. He considers Allan Lopez as his frst mentor in playwriting.

Ian Segarra Ian Segarra is a Senior Artist-Teacher from the Philippine Educational Teater Association. As a performer, he has been part of PETA's Batang Rizal, Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang, Ang Post Oﬃce, Noli at Fili: Dekada Dos Mil, don_Q, William (Gawad Buhay Best Male Lead in a Play), and Te Tempest Reimagined. He is part of international touring productions Coke (Kobalt Works), Te Story of the Little Gentleman (Jienkyo) and Strong Boy, Deaf Boy and Girl in an Abaya which was toured in diﬀerent parts of Europe and Asia. He has directed FNL (PETA), Mga Kwentong Asyano (DLSZ), When Sam Met Jo (VLF 11), Birdcage (VLF 12 and 13) and Ang Mga Bata sa Selda 43 (VLF 14). He is currently teaching Teater Arts at the Philippine High School for the Arts. THE BRIDE AND THE BACHELOR Written by Dingdong Novenario Directed by Topper Fabregas

Cast: Via Antonio-Ruiz – Bride Alex Medina – Bachelor

Synopsis: In a moment of heightened emotion, i.e. the Bride’s actual wedding, the Bride and the Bachelor meet up. Today it is extra-special because after ten years of being together, the Bride fnally gets to tie the knot, albeit to her new fancé. Tis provides both the Bride and the Bachelor one last chance to look back at their failed relationship and save what’s left of it, or perhaps take their relationship one step forward. After all, ten years together is defnitely a bond that’s stronger than any marriage contract.

Dingdong Novenario Dingdong is a jack of all trades. He is currently working full-time in a multinational IT company – one of his trades. Aside from that, he is also a freelance gym instructor in Fitness First. Writing remains to be one of his passions, landing him productions in Virgin Labfest for Kafatiran, Daddy’s Girl, and Nothing But Dreams. It was through these works that he was noticed and commissioned to work on Ang Huling El Bimbo at the Resorts World Manila. He loves coming home to Te Virgin Labfest, and continues to enjoy every opportunity that the Labfest gives for him to continue to work on his craft and explore new methods of storytelling.

Topper Fabregas Topper made his Labfest directorial debut for VLF13’s Ang Bata sa Bus Stop by Sari Saysay. His Labfest acting credits include VLF8’s Digital Divide and VLF10’s Wendy Wants to be a Housewife both written by Dingdong Novenario, as well as VLF11’s staged reading of Te Wedding Planners by Rosielle Manicad. His acting credits for this year include Repertory Philippines’ restaging of Silent Sky (Peter Shaw) and Atlantis Productions’ Angels in America (Prior Walter). He returns to the director’s chair in September for the Stephen Sondheim musical Company for Upstart Productions. He is also slated to reprise his role as Young Anthony for Full House Teater’s Ang Huling El Bimbo written (once again) by Dingdong Novenario. SURROGARE Written by J. Dennis Teodosio Directed by Roobak Valle

Cast: Roeder Camañag – Adam Paul Jake Paule – Eve Karen Romualdez – Ana

Synopsis: Adam and Eve live like a typical married couple, focusing whatever they do around each other. Tey have committed to this fantabulous relationship for almost seven years now. Ten, as they are about to feast on their anniversary dinner, Ana arrives, forcing them, not just to face their utmost fear, but, to fulfll their greatest fantasy as well. “Surrogare” is presumably about love and making things (sur)real.

J. Dennis C. Teodosio J. Dennis C. Teodosio has been based in Yangon, Myanmar since 2011. In 2018, he was given the highly-coveted Presidential Award for his pioneering works and outstanding accomplishments as educator and writer in the feld of mass media in Myanmar. He writes for TV, flm, advertising, and the stage. His VLF portfolio includes 12 works, namely ‘Gee-Gee At Waterina’ (VLF1, 2005), ‘Baka-Sakali’ (VLF2, 2006), ‘Payb Siks’ (VLF2, 2006), ‘Bagahe’ (VLF3, 2007), ‘Pobreng Alindanaw’ (VLF3, 2007, independently produced), ‘Gumamela’ (VLF4, 2008), ‘Asunto’ (VLF4, 2008, dramatic reading), ‘Salise’ (VLF5, 2009), ‘Carmi Martin’ (VLF6, 2010), ‘Totong Hilot’ (VLF8, 2011, full-length play), ‘Rosas’ (VLF14, 2018), and ‘Surrogare’ (VLF15, 2019). His theater scripts garnered prizes from Palanca Awards, Aliw Awards, NCCA, and Gawad Teatro Bulawan and were staged by Gantimpala Teater Foundation, PETA, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Artist Playground. He and his M take care of fve cute brown poodles.

Roobak Valle He 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 Teater Foundation. He rarely hesitates to accept work from other theater companies. SET D June 22, 27, July 2, 6 | 3:00 PM June 22, 26, 30, July 5 | 8:00 PM LARONG DEMONYO Written by Nicolas B. Pichay Directed by José Estrella

Cast: Leo Rialp – Heneral Videla Johnny Maglinao – Efren

Synopsis: Napipilitang mag-apply ng trabaho si Efren sa dating kinakatakutan at ngayo’y kinasusuklaman Heneral ng Martial Law dahil kailangan niya ng pang-ospital sa kanyang lolo na na may malubhang karamdaman. Makakatunggali ni Efren ang Heneral sa isang matinding talakayan hanggang sa umabot ito sa paglalaro nila ng chess na may nakakapangilabot na pustahan.

Nicolas B. Pichay NICOLAS is a poet, playwright, and lawyer. He has been a recipient of various scholarship grants from the Asian Cultural Council spent with the Ma-Yi Teatre Company in New York; and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program which he completed at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Aﬀairs at Syracuse University in New York. He has also been inducted to the Palanca Hall of Fame. He works at the Philippine Senate.

Jose Estrella Jose Estrella (Director) José is a Professor at the Department of Speech Communication and Teatre Arts, and Director of the UP Teater Complex, UP Diliman. She is also one of the resident directors of Dulaang UP. José directed the Filipino translation of Yoji Sakate's 3 Sisters for VLF 3? She also served as Associate Artistic Director for the Virgin Labfest from 2009 - 2011). WALA NANG BATA DITO Written by Sari Saysay Directed by Tanya Lopez

Cast: Venise T. Buenafor – Dolor

Synopsis: One early evening in a small fshing barrio in Bikol, a mother awaits the authorities who will take her nine-year old child to prison.

Sari Saysay After Sari’s two VLF plays on children – Ang Bata sa Bus Stop (2017) and Ang mga Propesyunal (2018), he wants to do away with children this time.

Tanya Lopez Tanya Lopez is Executive Director of Te Negros Museum since 2006; and Artistic Director of the USLS Maskara Teatre Ensemble since 1994 and the Performance Laboratory – a semi-professional theatre company which she founded in 2002; and the Teatro Lingganay of the Sacred Heart Seminary since 2014.She has been invited to share her experiences in cultural work related to organizing, networking and collaboration to the Malikhaing Guro International Culture-Based Education and Arts Conference in Laguna (2014); LIKHANDULA International Arts Exchange and Collaboration (2016); 5th National Teater Conference at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (2017) and Taboan 2017: Philippine Writers Festival and a member of the Resource Pool of the Speakers Bureau Program of the NCCA among others.As an active advocate for the arts especially theatre, she co-organized Teatrokon: Te Western Visayas Teatre Network in 1998. She was chosen as one of the four pioneering Grantees of Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Ugnayan sa Sining: Artist Exchange Program in 2006; Philippine representative in the International Workshop on Museum Management in China in 2009 and in the SIPA International Performing Arts Festival in 2012.At present, she is President of the West Visayas Association of Museums, Inc.; Board Member of the Women Playwrights International – Philippines and the Visayas Artists Collective. ANG PAG-UULYANIN NI OLIVIA MENDOZA Written by Rolin Migyuel Obina Directed by Phil Noble

Cast: Edna Vida – Olivia Nonoy Froilan – Andres Celeste Legaspi – Julia Crispin Pineda – Cesar Erlinda Villalobos – Lika

Synopsis: Olivia, a 75-year old woman in a home for the elderlies, keeps her dark past to herself in fear of losing the hard-fought relationship with the man she loves; among the coterie of the same senile, cranky, old people with once signifcant but now forgotten lives. Until one day, when Alzheimer’s Disease reveals her deepest secrets, everything she holds dear falls apart, leaving a fractured memory she might never mend back again.

Rolin Cadallo Obina Migy Obina is a banker with experience spanning two decades. He is presently an Assistant Vice President and heads Sterling Bank of Asia’s Credit Services Group. As a personal advocacy, he volunteers at LoveYourself, an organization devoted to self- empowerment among MSMs, as an advocate of HIV awareness actively taking part in counseling and training for volunteers and their clients. He attended Ricky Lee’s Trip to Quiapo Scriptwriting Workshop, Rody Vera’s Playwriting Workshop and is an active member of Te Writer’s Bloc. In 2017, he bagged the Grand Prize at the 2017 Cinemalaya/Directors Guild of the Philippines Film Pitching Competition. In 2018, he won a Carlos Palanca Award for Literature for the stageplay San Nicolas (Ang Sarsuwela).

Phil M. Noble GENCIANO FELIPE MAYUGA NOBLE AKA PHIL NOBLE, is a Teater Artist from Philippine Educational Teater Association (PETA) since 1983. A Director, Actor, Teater Facilitator and Writer. Tis is his involvement again to VLF after a decade or so of absence (His last involvement was during its 4th year where he acted in Dennis Teodosio’s play “Gumamela”) He also Directs the weekly Drama Anthology “Maynila” on GMA 7 for 22 years. Recently, he is a consultant in Television Acting at Forever Grp. MRTV 4, Myanmar. His last Acting T.V. stint is a major role as Mama Krizzy at GMA’s “Asawa mo, Karibal Ko”.“ Being invited to direct a very poignant, relevant and romantic play ANG PAGUULYANIN NI OLIVIA MENDOZA by Rolin Miguel Cadallo Obina is an honor. GOOD TO BE BACK IN VIRGIN LAB FEST 2019, humbled to be part of this Community Again.” VLF REVISITED (SET E): Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Teater) June 20, 22, 23, 29, July, 6, 7| 3:00 PM June 21, 22, 28, 29, July 5, 6 | 8:00 PM RIVER LETHE Written by Allan B. Lopez Directed by Chris Martinez

Cast: Paolo O’Hara – Abe Mayen Estañero – Mara Charm Aranton – Ensemble Ian Formacion – Ensemble Roco Sanchez – Ensemble

Synopsis: A room in a small lover’s hotel is sanitized, preparing it for its next occupant. Abe and Mara, two cancer patients who just fnished with their early morning chemotherapy sessions, check in before returning to their regular lives. In snapshots, we see the few hours they are together exploring fetishes, kinks, uncanny sex and hopeless medical conditions – the nakedness of their bodies shadowing intimacies that nobody outside the room will ever know. All is left in the cramped space to be forgotten – a dip in the mythical River Lethe, where one drinks to forget.

Allan Lopez Allan Lopez juggles working a full-time corporate day job and trying to write for the theater, his early love. A fellow for drama in the 38th and the 45th UP National Writers Workshop, Lopez has won a number of citations for his stage plays. His work has been staged in various venues and a number were adapted to flm.

Chris Martinez Chris Martinez was part of the Virgin Labfest 1 and its frst revisited edition as playwright of Ars Poetica (co-written with Eugene Evasco). He directed two more plays for VLF: Carlo Vergara's Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady and Rick Patriarca's Hapagkainan. Chris is also a director for flms, tv commercials and digital content. MGA EKSENA SA BUHAY NG KONTRABIDA Written by Dustin Celestino Directed by Roobak Valle

Cast: Jay Gonzaga – Jake JV Ibesate – Mike Fitz Bitana – Tom Richard Manabat – Ricky Lian Silverio – Joe

Synopsis: Jake is a villain. He's violent, selfsh, and reckless. Unfortunately, Jake doesn't exist in a vacuum, and his behavior has consequences. Because Jake is a villain, people around him feel threatened, and these people look for ways to solve the problem that is Jake. Part origin story, part family drama, the play is a collection of conversations heard in the vicinity of a villain.

Dustin Celestino Dustin Edward D. Celestino is a screenwriter, playwright, and composer. He’s a graduate of De La Salle University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. In 2017, he won frst prize in both divisions, English and Filipino, of the Full-Length Play in the 67th Palanca Awards.

Roobak Valle He 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 Teater Foundation. He rarely hesitates to accept work from other theater companies. EDGAR ALLAN HEMMINGWAY Written by Carlo Vergara Directed by George de Jesus

Cast: Guelan Luarca – George Rafa Siguion-Reyna – Levi Ricci Chan – Barns

Synopsis: When a young man achieves a feat that many writers could only dream of, he’s thrust into a hectic life of celebrity, one unabashedly embraced by his supportive lover. But when a childhood friend shows up hoping to have a slice of the same success, an unexpected revelation brings about questions on ethics, survival, and freedom.

Carlo Vergara Carlo Vergara began his journey as a playwright in 2013 when his play Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady was selected to be featured in Virgin Labfest 9. Te Play was expanded into full-length musical by Dalanghita Productions in 2015, and has been picked up by Regal Entertainment for flm adaptation. He has since had three plays in VLF: Te Missing Peace, Mula sa Kulimliman, and Dear and Unhappy. Vergara is a graphic designer, illustrator, copywriter, a graphic novelist, known for his LGBT superhero creation Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah.

George De Jesus III George is an actor, director and playwright. He is a co-founder of the Egg Teater 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, Marte Eliza Victoria’s Ang Asawa/Kabit, Kapit, and Kung Paano Maghiwalay (staged reading). STAGED READINGS: Bulwagang Amado Hernandez (Conference Room) SET A (“Once Tey Were Virgins”) June 21| 6:00 PM FRESHMAN Written by Chris Martinez Directed by Kanakan Balintagos

Cast: Nico Nepomuceno – Bonn Earvin Estioco – Ryan

Synopsis: Two college freshmen (Ryan, a geeky artistic type and Bonn, a jock) study for their fnal Statistics exam. What is supposed to be a review night turns out to be more than they expected. Values are questioned. Innocence is lost. Desire is unleashed. Chris Martinez's frst one-act play was produced by UP Tropa in 1991 in UP Diliman. Tis year, it fnds its way back in the hands of its original director 28 years ago – Kanakan-Balintagos.

Kanakan-Balintagos Kanakan-Balintagos is an internationally acclaimed Filmmaker, Award-winning Director and Dramatist. He recently won Best Director at the Aliw Award for “M Butterfy”. He won frst prize at the Palanca Awards for his full length drama, “Mga Buhay na Apoy”. His famous flm works (as Auraeus Solito) are "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" (First Cinemalaya 05 , Montreal 05, Sundance 06, Berlinale 06 ) & Busong ( Cannes Directors Fortnight 2011, Cinemalaya Directors' Showcase 2011). His one and only music video “Ang Huling El Bimo” of the Eraserheads won the MTV International Viewers Choice for Asia in 1996. RATED X Written by Jun Lana Directed by Dennis Marasigan

Cast: Sherry Lara – Elvira Lou Veloso – Manolo

Synopsis: A septuagenarian woman talks about missing sex and cuddles while her husband is having a heart attack.

Jun Lana Jun Robles Lana (born October 10, 1972), born as Rodolfo R. Lana Jr., is an internationally acclaimed Filipino flmmaker. Te winner of 11 Palanca Awards for Literature, he became the youngest member of the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2015, he directed the multi-awarded flm "Shadow Behind Te Moon" which won the Best Director, NETPAC and FIPRESCI awards at the 13th Pacifc Meridian Film Festival. At the 20th International Film Festival of Kerala, he won the Best Director award for the same flm.

Dennis Marasigan Director. Writer. Lighting Designer. Actor Producer. Teacher. Learner.

He graduated BA Teater Arts and Master of Public Administration from the University of the Philippines and has served on the faculty of various universities and colleges. He has held management positions in government agencies and cultural organizations, including Technical Director, Teater Operations Manager, Associate Artistic Director and Assistant Vice President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP); Executive Director of the Movie and Television Review and Classifcation Board (MTRCB); Artistic Director of the CCP’s resident theater company, Tanghalang Pilipino; and President of the Philippine Legitimate Artists Group (PHILSTAGE). He observed theater and flm practices in Mscow, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada, including attachments and residencies at the Royal National Teatre of Great Britain, Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Te Banﬀ Centre, the Shaw Festival Teatre, the Harbourfront Centre, and the National Film Board of Canada. He was awarded the Gawad Buhay for Outstanding Direction of a Play for “Ang Pag-uusig.” He served as Festival Director for Virgin Labfest 3 and 4 and directed Reuel Molina Aguila’s “Isa Pang Soap Opera” for VLF 8 and Raymund Reyes’s “Ang Naghihingalo” for VLF 10 and 11, as well as various stage readings through the years. Currently, he is the Adviser of Mapua Tekno Teatro and the Program Head for Teater Arts of the Meridian International College of Business Arts and Technology. With over 600 credits in theater and other live events, flm and television, he continues to mentor young artists while fnding time for his creative pursuits. SET B (“Once Tey Were Virgins”) June 28, 2019 | 6:00 PM PAGSASARILI Written by Liza Magtoto Directed by Olive Nieto

Cast: Eric Villanueva Dela Cruz Martha Comia Opaline Santos Laksmi Quitevis

Synopsis: Two women share an apartment. Jobless Minoe thinks she is being independent from her parents but is still really dependent on them for support. (She just needs a place to bring a boyfriend.) Meanwhile, Cynch would rather stay away from responsibilities her family is asking her to do. Written during pre-internet times and when it was still taboo for single women to live independently from their parents, “Pagsasarili” examines how we look at single women and the choices they make to determine the course of their lives.

Liza Magtoto Liza C. Magtoto is a member of Te Writer’s Bloc and Philippine Educational Teater Association (PETA). She wrote “Rak of Aegis,” “Care Divas,” “A Game of Trolls,” “Isang Daan,” among others. Her book “Bienvenida de Soltera” includes Palanca award-winning plays: Despedida de Soltera, Agnoia and‘Nay Isa.A recipient of Gawad Buhay Philstage awards, Liza also received a 2017 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Francisco Balagtas from Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).

Olive Nieto Olive is a freelance theatre, television, and flm actor. She teaches theatre in UP Diliman. She won the Outstanding Female Featured Performance Award in the 2012 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards for her performance in PETA’s Bona. She is a VLF actor since 2007, and a not- so-virgin VLF director since 2018. INTERMEDYO Written by Chris Millado Directed by Baha Vergara

Cast: Mailes Kanapi – Aktres JC Santos – SM

Synopsis: Maeengkwentro ng isang bagitong SM ang beteranang aktres. Mauuwi sa tuksuhan, inisan at sakitan ng ensayo. Ang unang tangka sa pagsulat ng dulang may isang yugto ay liham ng pag-ibig ng manunulat ara sa teatro.

Chris Millado Chris Millado is currently the Vice President and Artistic Director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the premiere showcase of the arts in the Philippines. He ensures the synergy of seasons of the nine (9) Resident Companies. He founded the Pasinaya CCP Open House Festival and is the Festival Director of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. He has launched and led the holding of several festivals including the Perfomatura Spoken Word Festival (literature and performance), the International Choral Festival (choral singing), Virgin Labfest (one act plays), National Teater Festival (theater and networking) among many others. An accomplished stage director, playwright and cultural organizer, he has worked with artists and organizations in in Manila, Davao, the Cordillera regions, Cebu, Iloilo and Baguio, San Francisco, Chicago, Hawaii and New York.

Baha Vergara Raymond "Baha" Vergara is a seasoned stage and production manager, director, and an events specialist. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Teatre Arts from the University of the Philippines- Diliman. He has extensive experience in providing creative management solutions for theater, concerts, and product launches. It’s his frst time to direct a professional staged reading for theater. SET C (“Once Tey Were Virgins”) June 30| 6:00 PM MULTIVERSE Written by Juliene Mendoza Directed by Fitz Bitana

Cast: Dan de Guzman – Peter Iggi Siasoco – Bobby

Synopsis: Peter, a writer, is making up for lost time with his younger brother Bobby. Bobby is a recovering alcoholic who just had a 2nd chance at life. Tey both try to reconnect through their mutual love of comic books. 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 invites Bobby to watch a play he had written, a diﬀerent reality slowly reveals itself to the two estranged siblings.

Juliene Mendoza Juliene Mendoza is a theater actor, singer and voice over talent for ads and events. His last show at the CCP was Te CCP Triple Treat concert ZE PAPU & MAMU SHOW with wife Stella Canete. Multiverse is his 2nd entry in VLF. Te 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.

Fitz Bitana Fitz is a BA Teater 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; “Cymbeline R-13”, a deconstruction of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline. Deathwatch by Jean Genet; Who is Sylvia by Edward Albee. He will direct an Ilokano Epic musical entitled, Lam-ang to be part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s 33rd Season. It will open in December 2019. ANG PAGBALIK AT PAGLISAN Written by Karl Caminade Directed by Bong Cabrera

Cast: Aldo Vencilao – Lorenz Apostol Lao Rodriguez – Juan Apostol Mean Espinosa – Tess Apostol Jannah Banasia – Inday

Synopsis: “Ang Pagbalik at Ang Paglisan" follows the story of Lorenz Apostol, a 26-year-old policeman who decides to return to his parents' home with a revelation that would change their lives. It seems to be a heart-warming family reunion but things do not work out the way he wants them to.

Karl Caminade His frst acting experience is when he competed in the World Championship of Performing Arts in 2014. He then studied acting at the International Academy of flm and television in Cebu. He’s done 3 local TV commercials. He’s currently taking Bachelor of Arts Major in Teater Arts at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. He’s been part of school plays, namely Solomon, Bombita, Pamantasang Hirang, Iba’t lbang Magkakaibang Pagtatapos, BFF Nuno Sa Punso, Ang Larawan ng Pilipino Bilang Artist(a) and A/AB/N.

Bong Cabrera Bong is an award winning Film/Teater/ actor from the Philippines. He won awards from Accollade Global Film Competition and URDUJA Film Festival for the flm "Te Sun Behind You", Cine Filipino Festival for the flm “Te Guerrilla is a Poet”, Cinema One Originals Film festival for the flm“Sa Ilalim ng Tulay” (Under the Bridge), and from GAWAD BUHAY(PHILSTAGE AWARDS) for the play "Te Coup". From 2004 to 2010, he was a resident actor of Tanghalang Pilipino at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He was awarded the Asian Cultural Council Fellow in 2010, which allowed him to undertake further study in New York for Suzuki and Viewpoints,Meisner Technique, Alexander and Voice Techniques, Contact Improv , Rehearsal Techniques and Ensemble training. Internationally, he performed in Tokyo, Shanghai, Nagoya, and New York. In between flming and working on projects with my theatre company KOLAB CO., He also teaches theatre classes in three schools: De La Salle College of St. Benilde, Philippine High School for the Arts, and St. Paul College-Pasig. He is currently an International Schools Teater Association (ISTA) artist and he facilitates Drama workshops in ISTA theater festivals around the globe. MULA KINA CAIN AT ABEL Written by Mikaela Regis Directed by Yong Tapang

Cast: Juliene Mendoza – Mato Joel Saracho – Turo Kath Castillo – Nanay Joy Delos Santos – Kolehiyala Omar Uddin – Bata

Synopsis: Mato is a highly regarded death squad member from the city of Davao, but the voices of the people he has killed have become too many to ignore. After six months of self-imposed isolation, Mato meets with his closest comrade Turo in the hopes of convincing him to leave the squad with him. Turo arrives, but only with the sole purpose of convincing him otherwise. As they speak, both good and dark memories are recounted¾many with contradicting narratives¾and pleas and threats are made, for neither one will take no for an answer.

Mika Regis Si Mika ay isang third year BFA Creative Writing student na nag-mamajor sa Drama sa pamantasang Ateneo de Manila. Ilan sa mga palihang nasalihan niya ay ang 17th Ateneo National Writer’s Workshop, 24th Ateneo HEIGHTS Writer’s Workshop, 14th Virgin Labfest Fellowship Program, at mga palihan ng kanyang kurso bawat semestre sa ilalim ni Glenn Mas. Nagtatanghal din siya sa teatro, madalas para sa Ateneo ENTABLADO, isang sosyo-politikal na pangkat-panteatro, at isang beses para kay Pat Valera sa Dekada ’70. Hi Sir Glenn, ENTA, Mama, Papa, Lola Aure at Lolo Ber! Andito na me at malayong-malayo pa ang tatahakin, pero salamat palagi sa walang humpay na tiwala.

Yong Tapang Currently a PR practitioner and Creative Director for campaigns for several brands. Yong is also a writer and a director for theater, concerts, and events. He directed last year’s entry for VLF Staged Reading, SET D (“Once Tey Were Virgins”) July 5| 6:00 PM LIT Written by Emmanuel Feliciano Directed by Eric Villanueva dela Cruz

Cast: Renante Bustamante Chesko Rodriguez

Synopsis: Ed is recovering at home after a recent hospitalization caused by complications of his condition. His former partner Vic visits to check on him, but what he discovers is a messy house and a less than enthusiastic Ed, idly letting time pass, seemingly uninterested in the future. But Vic’s presence gives Ed energy to get up, and they play the game they used to enjoy when they were still lovers and teaching colleagues: guessing titles of literary works through lines lifted from the texts. But the game turns bitter when the lines become reminders of their bitter break-up, forcing them to confront their issues and resolve to an unexpected closure.

Emmanuel Feliciano Emman is currently an English teacher in Japan under the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, and is the director of Nagazasshi, an English Language tourism magazine in Nagasaki prefecture. Despite these interesting stints, he considers being away from the Manila theater scene as one of the downsides of living abroad. Prior to JET, he taught English at Ateneo De Manila High School and Teater Arts at Miriam College Quezon City, and worked in multiple capacities for several theater productions, including Maxie: Te Musical and Dulaang UP’s Fake. He has participated in Virgin Labfest as the Assistant Director for ‘Macho Dancer: A Musical’ in 2015, but this is his frst try as a playwright for the festival.

Eric Villanueva Dela Cruz Eric Villanueva Dela Cruz is an Actor, Director, Educator and Creative Consultant. He is a senior-artist teacher of the Philippine Educational Teater Association (PETA) and the founder and creative Navigator of TAXI Teater. He has worked with various theater companies in the Philippines and abroad and has appeared in TV, Film and Commercials. He received his training from PETA, UP Diliman, Tanghalang Pilipino, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He received his MA in Teater from UP Diliman and is currently a faculty of the Teater Arts program in Benilde. He has conducted numerous creative workshops both locally and internationally. He also oﬀers bespoke leadership and communications training and creative solutions for various companies and arts organizations. He has written and directed the multisensorial horror production, Mulagat, directed and designed the experience for ‘Musta, a multisensory experiential journey to mindfulness, and most recently, A/AB/N, a one-act play about a teen living with autism. MEMA Written by Joey Paras Directed by Chunchi Cabasaan

Cast: Kiki Baento Paolo Gaspar Abet Abesamis Daisy Tasic Nikko Catena

Synopsis: Pamela, a 19-year old obese girl is a victim of bullying in school. She is being ridiculed because of her immense physical looks. To escape from people`s cruelty and bashing, she decides to commit suicide. She broadcasts herself via Facebook Live streaming and cries out her angsts and ire before she ultimately takes dozens of illegal slimming pills to fnally end up her life. But Marcus, her ultimate childhood crush, suddenly appears online and stops her from killing herself. Pamela fnally receives an aﬃrmation from Marcus as the young lad professes his love for her! She suddenly reverses her plans and takes the leap to save herself from dying but it is already too late.

Joey Paras Joey Paras is a Teater, TV and Film Actor and Director. He is an A.B Communication Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas and is a former MEMBER of CCP Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors’ Company. He is the Artistic Director of Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas and the creator of Powerhouse Ensemble. Aside from his regular stint as a character actor in GMA 7’s Sunday Pinasaya, he is currently busy flming movies.

Chunchi Cabcasaan He is a certifed missosologist and an associate professor holding M.A and PhD degrees in Southeast Asian Arts and Culture from CEU. He had done numerous productions in Tanghalang Pilipino working as an actor and stage/ production manager. Tis is his frst directing job on VLF stage, being its pioneer actor since its inception last 2005. He was part of last year’s revisited Pilipinas Kong Mahal with all the Overcoat and Bagyolanda. ANG PAMBANSANG IMPYERNO NG REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS Written by Andrew Estacio Directed by Sari Saysay

Cast: Melvin Palmero Carlos Bong Ramos Wenifredo Reyes West. Jr.

Synopsis: Te gates of hell are wide open to men who committed crimes against their country. And in this year, the President of the Republic of the Philippines shall pay the price. Two demons, Ping and Pong, will haze the dictator until he reaches his maximum intelligence, or madness, perhaps. Will his iron fst stand the judgement of hell? Can he bear the greatest punishment in the underworld, that is to tell the truth and nothing but the truth? Hear then the laughter of the devil, maligayang tokhangan!

Sari Saysay Sari Saysay specializes in Community Teater and theater for advocacy. He founded Sining Banwa, an independent theater company in Albay and a major landmark in the reemergence of regional theater in Bikol. Aside from directing, he also writes and designs for theater. Among his most notable directions include Emba (2010), Tatlong Libong Bayani ng Ibalong (2011), Gymgurls (2015), 1900 Mga Bangguing Bulanon (2016), Oktubre, A Rock Musical (2017), and Punla sa Tigaon (2019).

Andrew Estacio Andrew Estacio is a writer and actor in the theater. He nailed the Palanca 2018 for short story category, “Ang Kanonisasyon ng mga Santa Santino” and the Virgin Labfest ’15 one-act play, “Ang Pambansang Impyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas.” He is taking his MA Malikhaing Pagsulat degree in UP Diliman, and he likes working on stories about subversion and comedy.