Staging truth: LGBTQIA+ stories and bold direction at CCP’s Virgin Labfest XX: HINOG

Queer representation has always had a home in Filipino theater. Over the years, it evolved from subtle innuendos and comic relief to a more nuanced, empowering portrayal that challenges societal norms and celebrates diverse identities. These plays assert the importance of inclusive human narratives and provide an opportunity for self-discovery – both for LGBTQIA+ individuals and audiences.

Today, a growing number of playwrights, directors, and theater companies in the Philippines have embraced the responsibility of telling queer stories with authenticity and depth. For years, the Virgin Labfest puts the spotlight on queer characters, particularly their struggles, joys, and triumphs. Their stories are brought to full bloom in the 20th edition of the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays.

Mga Magindara sa Siyudad

In the play written by CJ Junio, two friends Maureen and Maylene are known as the magindara (mermaids) of the local carnival. Together with their makeshift stage, each month they travel across towns, singing nightly as a form of crowd entertainment. Mga Magindara sa Siyudad tackles themes of systematic oppression and social confinement, with engaging characters that struggle to rally against their fate.

“Noong binubuo ko na siya, malinaw sa akin na hindi siya magiging another gay play. Masyado na kasing maraming escapist at pa-emotional na characters – what we are missing is a character na nagde-decide at nag-a-acknowledge ng present,” says director Riki Benedicto who directed Mga Magindara sa Siyudad, one of the featured plays in VLF XX: Hinog.

Benedicto emphasized the main character’s (Maureen) stand in life as representative of their core as a person, regardless of gender or identity: “The goal is to evoke empathy, provoke thought, and  inspire a deeper understanding of the human struggle and the imperative for active engagement in shaping our own destinies.”

Polar Coordinates

On the other hand, Polar Coordinates director Paolo O’ Hara aims to blend math, art, and the beautiful chaos of humanity.

“Math can seem cold and rigid, but here, it becomes a metaphor for transformation, relationships, and the space between people. In this production, we are playing to explore that overlap between logic and feeling—between knowing the formula and still not knowing what comes next,” explained O’ Hara.

Playwright Ade Valenzona’s one-act play spotlights Igo, a grade 10 student who failed his summative assessment in Math. His friend Bobbie offers to tutor him, providing him much-needed assistance amid the turmoil of his family falling apart. Like polar coordinates, Igo must figure out who he is, where he is going, and how to connect people and occurrences along the way.

Sa Babaeng Lahat

Akin to Maureen and Igo’s characters, the protagonists of Sa Babaeng Lahat also go through their journeys towards figuring out their relationship with religion, sexuality, friends, and ultimately, themselves.

Playwright Elise Santos tells the story of 14-year-old Marie who believes she has been chosen by God to be the next Immaculate Conception and her best friend Regina who struggles with her feelings for Gab—the school’s resident tibo—as they practice for the Bible Week singing competition at an all-girls Catholic school. 

“We wanted to humanize them as much as possible. It was a long process of dissecting where Regina's deeper pains and confusion was coming from, and finding balance for Gab with her strength and confidence but also being very vulnerable at times,” shared Sa Babaeng Lahat director Caisa Borromeo. “I hope that this play makes young girls feel seen and validated. It's hard being a teenage girl. It's messy and complicated yet so pivotal in our lives.”

Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary

Religion also plays a significant part in Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary by Eljay Castro Deldoc. Directed by Dexter Santos, the play examines pageantry, principles, and the politics of flamboyant traditions in the industry of pagsasanto. Through the character of Mariah, a retired scammer returning to religion, audiences are given a glimpse of the lengths people would go through in the name of faith and redemption.

“Ang dulang ito ay hindi lamang paggunita ng ritwal, ni hindi ito nakatali sa iisang pananampalataya. Hindi ito para lamang sa mga camarero, o mga Katoliko. Ito ay para sa ating lahat—isang salamin, mapanlikha ngunit matalim, na nagbibigay ng pagkakataong masdan ang ating sarili: hubad, marupok, at totoo,” says Santos. 

Since its inception in 2005, the Virgin Labfest continues to push boundaries and provide space to stories—raw, challenging, and sometimes uncomfortable—that often go unheard. With queer narratives, the VLF champions the LGBTQIA+ community’s lived experiences and brings people closer through truthful and compelling storytelling.

For more information on the festival schedule and ticket prices, visit the official social media accounts of VLF, CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writer’s Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. For group discounts and ticket inquiries, email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph.