QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Jul 2026) – This bittersweet theater trilogy is coming to UP Diliman to break your heart. Following a successful debut in Biñan last December, the acclaimed production “Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet” is moving to the KAL-IBG Theater at the University of the Philippines Diliman, marking the first major tour outside its home province for the YPC Stage team.
The production weaves together three distinct one-act plays that explore the raw textures of heartbreak, longing, and healing. Directed by BJ Borja and penned by playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, the show brings together emerging regional performers and seasoned veterans to showcase the depth of Pinoy talent.
Three stories of love and boundaries
The trilogy kicks off with “Ang Liknayan ng Ating mga Katawan,” a tense confrontation set inside a school chemistry lab. The story follows Hershey Mae, played by Jury Sanchez, as she challenges her teacher, Sir Banakon, played by Ross Pesigan, who dismissed her love-centric research paper as dangerous and unscientific.
The second play, “Ilihan at Kalingaw,” transports audiences to a mythical realm. Tribal poet-historian Ilihan, played by Gab Pangilinan, faces severe punishment from her council for writing forbidden love poems about a man named Kalingaw, played by Euden Moje. Refusing to flee, she stands her ground to defend her right to etch their love into the official history of the tribe.
Closing the trilogy is “Ganito ang Pinangarap Kong Kasal,” which focuses on college sweethearts France, played by Phi Palmos, and Noel, played by Kokoy de Santos. The pair has kept their relationship private for years, supported only by their constant confidante, Kris, played by Loudette Barias. The delicate balance of their secret identity shatters when one of them decides to conform to traditional societal expectations.
Bringing regional talent to the metro
Led by executive producer Sigrid Carreon and technical director John Paul De Paz, the production features a stellar creative crew. The team includes production designer Carlo Pagunaling, lights designer Gabo Tolentino, sound designer Arkel Mendoza, and creative director Carlo Cannu.
As the professional touring platform of the Biñan Youth Performance Council Inc., YPC Stage aims to bridge the gap between regional passion and the professional industry, proving that local talent belongs under the brightest lights in the country.
Audiences can catch the regular weekend runs at either 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. on July 25, July 26, Aug. 1, Aug. 2, Aug. 8, and Aug. 9. A special gala performance is also set for Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available online via Ticket2Me. For inquiries, group bookings, block sales, or sponsorships, interested parties can contact the production team directly at 09178700496. More details about the cast and crew can be found on the YPC Stage Website.
