MANILA, Philippines — Puregold’s Teatro Panalo has announced the 26 shortlisted one-act plays advancing to the next round of its nationwide selection process, winnowing down submissions from local theater creators across the country.
The shortlist features 16 straight plays and 10 musicals, showcasing a mix of established playwrights and emerging talent.
The selected straight plays include “@Home” by Edralin Cabrera, Kathlyn Castillo, Michael Ian Lomongo, Marjorie Lorico, Maria Teresa Jamias, and J. Victor Villareal; “Ang Huling Panawagan sa Pagdarasal” by Mubarak Tahir; “Ang Pagbabalik ng Voltes V” by Neil Arkhe Azcuna; “Mga Diwata IRL” by Jay Crisostomo IV; “Nang Muli Kang Makakanta” by Ma. Angelica Chiuteña; “Nothing But Dreams” by Ricardo Novenario; “Palabas/Exit” by Angel Oclarit; and “Pax Silica” by Robert Arlou De Guzman.
Completing the straight play division are “Silang mga Bayani’t Banal” by Anthony Kim Vergara; “Soap Opera” by Jerry O’Hara; “The Boy Foretold by the Stars” by Dolly Dulu; “The Girl Scout Law” by Rhain Arabella Alcoriza; “Trahedya ng Kamote” by Marjay Manalastas; “True to Life” by John “Sweet” Lapus; “Walang Maliit na Bagay” by Joshua Lim So; and “Youngstunna” by Jerom Andrei Canlas.
In the musical category, the contenders are “Ang Maayong Balita Sumala Kang Bibo Bautista” by Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc; “At Bumaba Ang Mga Tala” by John Rey Tayag Magin; “Baka Mali ang Tamaraw” by Emmanuel Benbinuto Antonio; “City in Darkness: A Lockdown Musical” by Senedy Que; “Feverish Time” by John Edrick Alcontado; “Manang-Mana Nga!” by Steven Hotchkiss; “Outside Looking In” by Timothy Carlo Racho and Michael Angelo Lopez; “Tagpuan” by John Austin Perez; “Tala” by Jiezl Virmy Chua; and “The Fourth Wall Has Fallen” by Heber Justin O’Hara.
Festival director Vincent de Jesus noted that curating the list was merely the first step in an increasingly rigorous evaluation.
“It was difficult enough narrowing things down to 26 deserving one-act plays,” de Jesus said. “From this bunch, only the very best of the best will make it to the stage in February.”
Puregold senior marketing manager and festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad highlighted that the overwhelming response demonstrates the vibrancy of the country’s performing arts scene.
“We received a remarkable level of interest in the first Puregold Teatro Panalo,” Hayagan-Piedad said.
“The volume and quality of submissions reflect the depth of Filipino talent and the continued vitality of the country’s theatrical community. Narrowing the entries down was a rigorous process, and the 26 represents a compelling mix of stories, perspectives, and creative voices with the potential to be brought to the stage,” she added.
From the 26 semi-finalists, a final lineup of 12 works—comprising eight straight plays and four musicals—will be staged at the premier Puregold Teatro Panalo festival running from February 20 to March 14, 2027.
Selected playwrights will each receive a ₱100,000 grant alongside production and creative development support from organizer Wishbone Collective Inc. Additionally, two top productions—one musical and one straight play—will be awarded further development funding to be expanded into full-length stage works.