After two decades of nurturing untried, untested, and unstaged narratives, Virgin Lab Fest returns with its 20th edition, running from June 11-29, 2025, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. "Hinog" (Ripe) presents fifteen works—twelve new one-act plays, three revisited pieces, and four staged readings—showcasing both emerging and established voices in Philippine theater.

This milestone year features twelve new scripts from eight first-time festival participants alongside four returning playwrights, creating a rich tapestry of fresh perspectives and seasoned voices. VLFXX: Hinog represents the festival's evolution into a mature platform for diverse storytelling while maintaining its experimental edge. Seven playwrights are alumni of the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program, demonstrating the festival's continued role as an incubator for theatrical talent.

Under the continued leadership of Festival Directors Tess Jamias and Marco Viaña for their fourth year, VLF 20 maintains its reputation as Philippine theater's most important developmental platform. The festival's post-pandemic return has proven especially significant, offering audiences the irreplaceable experience of live storytelling in an increasingly digital world.

The festival's five thematic sets each offer distinct experiences. Here's your comprehensive guide to making the most of your VLF experience:

"Takbo, Batang Tondo" by YOJ transforms childhood games into an action-drama where four friends' role-playing turns dangerously real. Prince España leads as Albin alongside Ericka Peralejo (Kyla), Felicity Kyle Napuli (Tomtom), and Ian Magz (Saymon), with veteran Bong Cabrera providing gravitas as the peace-keeping Dudong. Director Chic San Agustin-De Guzman guides this examination of how children process justice and morality. YOJ's Writing Fellowship background ensures sophisticated exploration of seemingly simple playground dynamics.

"Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga" brings Rigel Hechanova's nuanced performance as Isaac, an orphan who discovers an abandoned baby rat. Director 『 s i g l o 』 weaves together Ina Azarcon-Bolivar's compelling dual role as Sister Mercy/Abigail with Aubrey Savet (Joana) and the enchanting puppetry work of Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete and V Soriano. This tender piece uses visual storytelling to explore themes of abandonment and belonging with remarkable emotional depth.

"Polar Coordinates" offers Jack Denzel's breakout performance as Igo, a struggling Grade 10 student whose mathematical confusion mirrors his family chaos. Martha Comia and Randy Villarama anchor the production as his parents, while Michael Hilao shines as friend Bobbie. Director Paolo O'Hara uses mathematical metaphors to brilliant effect, making this coming-of-age story resonate with anyone who's felt lost in the coordinates of growing up.

"Manting Ni Mariah Ang Manto Ng Mommy Ni Mama Mary" showcases Lian Silverio's dynamic performance as a reformed scammer seeking religious redemption. When accused of stealing an antique veil during a Lenten exhibit, her faith faces its ultimate test. Director Dexter M. Santos balances comedy and spirituality with veteran actress Mosang, alongside strong supporting work from Esteban Mara and George de Jesus III. Playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc crafts a story that's both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving about second chances.

"Unang Araw" delivers a gripping political thriller set in Mindanao, following suspended police officer Egay (Aldo Vencilao) and ambitious Arnel (Earvin Estioco) on a morally complex assassination mission. Director Cholo Ledesma maintains tension throughout as DMs Boongaling (Tambok) and Ybes Bagadiong (Enteng) complete this tight four-person ensemble. Writing Fellowship alumnus Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo brings authentic regional perspectives to this exploration of loyalty, power, and survival in contemporary Philippine politics.

"Presidential Suite #2" transforms political satire into compelling theater through innovative staging as live news coverage. Andoy Ranay, Kiki Baento, and MC Dela Cruz excel as Senator Zaragoza's dysfunctional children dealing with their mother's money laundering scandal, while Ariel Diccion anchors the production as the persistent correspondent. Director Johnnie Moran's media-savvy approach makes political corruption both entertaining and damning, perfectly capturing our contemporary moment.

"Mga Magindara sa Siyudad" by Chris Joseph Junio, directed by Riki Benedicto, showcases "sirens" Maureen (Raf Pineda) and Maylene (Donna Cariaga) performing in traveling shows. Why watch: Junio, another Writing Fellowship alumnus, creates a meta-theatrical piece about performance and survival that reflects the broader struggles of Filipino artists. The two-person cast demands powerhouse performances.

"Ang Problema sa Trolley" by Imuthis (Harvey Rebaya Sallador), directed by Adrienne Vergara, brings together trolley pusher Vesper (James Lanante), psychology student Dido (Joshua Tayco), and mall consignor Odell (Mario Magallona) on a bridge over Pasig River. Why watch: This suicide prevention drama from another Writing Fellowship alumnus combines psychological thriller elements with social commentary on urban isolation.

"The Late Mister Real" by Rolin Migyuel Obina, directed by Maynard Manansala, explores pandemic-era separation through estranged couple Boyet (Roi Calilong) and Raquel (Shé Maala) in adjacent isolation facility rooms. Why watch: The intimate two-person format allows for raw emotional exploration of relationships tested by distance and time.

"Anniversary" by Nelsito Gomez, directed by Sarah Facuri, pairs grieving widower Rob (Jamie Wilson) with outspoken elderly May (Bibeth Orteza) in a cemetery encounter that unearths buried emotions. Why watch: Orteza's presence alone makes this essential viewing—she brings decades of theatrical experience to this meditation on grief and healing.

"Mommy G" by Jobert Grey Landeza, directed by Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, centers on Gina's (Sherry Lara) 65th birthday revelation that will test her children Ben (Jonathan Tadioan), Sofie (Sheenly Gener), Toni (Manok Nellas), and Ramon (Gelo Molina). Why watch: Landeza, a Writing Fellowship alumnus, crafts a family drama that promises to challenge traditional Filipino family dynamics with contemporary relevance.

"Don't Meow for Me, Catriona" by Ryan Machado, directed by Toni Go-Yadao, features Angelica Panganiban-Homan's highly anticipated return to theater alongside Peewee O'Hara. Set in a pandemic-era bus terminal, daughter Phoebe waits with elderly mother Reting for transport to Bicol. Why watch: Panganiban's theatrical comeback alone makes this must-see, but the intimate mother-daughter dynamic promises emotional depth from two powerhouse performers.

"Identité" by Jhudiel Clare Sosa, directed by Meann Espinosa, returns as a revisited piece exploring mother-daughter relationships through Luz (Kitsi Pagaspas) and Regina (Ash Nicanor) as family secrets emerge from a dress closet. Why watch: Sosa's return engagement suggests this piece made significant impact in its previous iteration, now refined for greater resonance.

"Pagkapit sa Hangin" by Joshua Lim So, directed by José Estrella, tackles the moral complexity of pandemic healthcare rationing as frontliners Nurse A (Elora Españo), Nurse B (Wenah Nagales), and Doctor (Tim Mabalot) face oxygen shortages while Watcher (Gold Villar-Lim) fights for his dying father. Why watch: This pandemic drama addresses real ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare workers, offering both timely relevance and moral complexity.

"Sa Babaeng Lahat" by Elise Santos, directed by Caisa Borromeo, follows 14-year-old Marie (Jam Binay) who believes she's chosen for Immaculate Conception while friend Regina (Francesca Dela Cruz) struggles with feelings for Gab (Yanni Lopez). Why watch: This Catholic school setting allows for nuanced exploration of adolescent sexuality, faith, and identity with a talented young cast.

The festival extends beyond its main productions with staged readings, theater talks, and educational components. The VLF Writing Fellowship Showcase on June 29 offers glimpses into the festival's developmental process, while the VLF Playwright's Fair provides conversations with creators throughout the run.

Staged readings include "Wala Ginakamatisan Ang Itlog" by Andy Abellar and "Patay na si Rizal" by Matt Ordoñez (June 17), plus "Isang Malaking Tipak ng Bato sa Gitna ng Ilog" by M.E. Mejaro and "Ganimide" by Rex Sandro Nepomuceno (June 24).

Virgin Lab Fest's influence extends far beyond its annual run. Compared to other regional festivals, VLF stands out for its commitment to completely new work—unlike festivals that remix existing pieces, every VLF production premieres original material. This year's edition demonstrates remarkable growth from its early experimental years, now featuring sophisticated production values while maintaining its risk-taking spirit.

The festival's evolution mirrors Philippine theater's broader development. Where early editions focused primarily on Manila-based stories, VLF 20 includes voices from Mindanao, the Visayas, and various regional perspectives. This geographic diversity enriches the festival's narrative scope while maintaining its distinctly Filipino character.

Tickets: Regular seats cost ₱800, Premium ₱1,000 per set of three plays. Festival passes offer better value: Regular (₱3,200) or Premium (₱4,000) for weekly access, available only at the venue with perks like priority entry and souvenir programs.

• Online: Ticketworld and Ticket2Me
• Onsite: CCP Box Office, Tuesday-Friday, 9AM-6PM (cash, debit, credit accepted)
• Discounts: 20% off for seniors, PWD, government/military personnel, and national athletes (CCP Box Office only)

Virgin Lab Fest 20: Hinog represents more than entertainment—it's an investment in Philippine theater's future. Every ticket supports emerging playwrights, provides professional opportunities for actors, and sustains the ecosystem that has produced many of the country's most celebrated theatrical voices.

In our screen-dominated era, VLF reminds us why live theater endures: it offers irreplaceable community experiences where stories unfold in real-time, creating connections impossible to replicate digitally. The festival's continued success post-pandemic proves our hunger for authentic human connection through shared storytelling.

Virgin Lab Fest 20: Hinog runs through June 29 at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex. Whether you're drawn by star power, curious about new voices, or simply seeking the transformative experience of live theater, this year's harvest promises stories worth witnessing together.

The question isn't whether these stories deserve your attention—it's whether you'll be there to be part of the conversation they're starting.