History lessons are set to electrifying music with Tanghalang Pilipino’s 39th season

Despite the political quagmire we find ourselves in, at heart, Filipinos are still hopeful that someday, things will get better. Should you feel your inner flame flickering, why not take a breather from the news and head to the theater? Catch Tanghalang Pilipino’s offerings for its “Ignite”-themed 39th season, which poses the question, “Paano ba maging mabuting Pilipino?” Be inspired by the Philippines’ glorious past with the theater company’s inspired takes on some of the most revolutionary figures in history. Witness great storytelling set to stirring music and walk away powered with a renewed sense of Filipino pride to change things for the better. 

Pingkian: Isang Musikal

Runs until October 12, 2025

The winner for Best Musical at the 2024 Aliw Awards, Pingkian: Isang Musikal, has already proven its power to rekindle the flame and remind the audience that nation-building is worthwhile work that never truly ends, with its sold-out run last year. Directed by Jenny Jamora, it returns to the stage to pay tribute to Emilio Jacinto, alias Pingkian, who had rallied the members of the Katipunan after Andres Bonifacio’s execution and then got mortally wounded at the 1898 Battle of Maimpis. Jacinto is well-known as the heroic “Brains of the Katipunan,” but Pingkian also presents him as a philosophical intellectual whose writings galvanized people into action. With playwright Juan Ekis’ creative storytelling set to rock-opera music made by musical director and composer Ejay Yatco, the play stars the 2024 Gawad Buhay for Best Actor in a Musical, Vic Robinson, as Jacinto, Gab Pangilinan as both Jacinto’s wife, Catalina de Jesus, and Katipunan member turned Spanish government spy Florencio Reyes, Bituin Escalante as Jacinto’s mother Josefa Dizon, Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal, Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio, Almond Bolante as the Katipunero and physician Pio Valenzuela, Joshua Cadeliña as the young Katipunero Lucio / Isyo, and Marco Viaña as the Spanish doctor who treated Jacinto.

Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical

Runs from November 14 – December 14, 2025

A bold and contemporary retelling of the life of Gregoria de Jesus, Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical stars Marynor Madamesila as a brave and spirited young woman who married a prominent, if polarizing, revolutionary figure and eventually became a leader in her own right as the “Lakambini of the Katipunan.” An all-new musical, Gregoria Lakambini is sure to be a hit, especially among young women and P-pop fans alike. The musical’s soundtrack is created by Flip Music Production hitmaker Nica Del Rosario (her credits include Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala,” and Bini’s “Karera” and “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi”) and musical theater composer and musical director Matthew Chang. For the play to fully embody the Pinoy pop experience, Gregoria Lakambini director Delphine Buencamino worked with Bini choreographer Jan Matthew Almodovar, promising audiences a theater experience unlike any they’ve seen.

Mabining Mandirigma: A Steampunk Musical

Runs from March 6 – 29, 2026

The Gawad Buhay Award-winning Mabining Mandirigma: A Steampunk Musical marks its 10th anniversary with a restaging that features actress Shaira Opsimar as the titular character Apolinario Mabini, widely recognized as the “Brain of the Philippine Revolution.” A diplomatic intellectual and a radical thinker, Mabini remained a prominent figure in history from the start of the country’s revolt against the Spanish colonial rule until the Filipino-American War, and Mabining Mandirigma is a reminder of his legacy. Written by Nicanor Tiongson, it is directed by Chris Millado, with music by Joed Balsamo and set design by Toym Imao, James Reyes, and TJ Ramos. 

***

All Tanghalang Pilipino shows are held at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater), located within the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City. For tickets, visit Tanghalang Pilipino’s Instagram page and click the link in bio. All images are courtesy of Tanghalang Pilipino.

Want to be updated on the latest creative happenings? Check out CREATEPhilippines’ calendar of events. And if you have events that you’d like to promote with the help of CREATEPhilippines, get in touch with us. Click this link and share with us the details.