Tanghalang Pilipino ignites 39th season with powerful musicals on Filipino revolutionary heroes

GMA Network

16-07-2025

Tanghalang Pilipino launches its 39th season with a compelling theme — "TP39: Ignite" — celebrating stories that spark transformation.
Through a dynamic mix of original musicals, educational initiatives, and outreach programs, the company aims to keep alive the revolutionary spirit of the nation's visionary heroes: Emilio Jacinto, Gregoria de Jesus, and Apolinario Mabini.
These three figures, who ignited revolutions of thought and action during the nation's most tumultuous eras, are at the heart of this year's season. Tanghalang Pilipino invites audiences to revisit their legacies and continue their fight for justice and freedom — not with arms, but through the power of performance, story, and truth.
'Pingkian: Isang Musikal'
Opening the season is the critically acclaimed "Pingkian: Isang Musikal," which returns to the stage following a sold-out run and a Best Musical win at the 2024 Aliw Awards. Written by Juan Ekis and composed by Ejay Yatco, the production brings to life the story of Emilio Jacinto, the brilliant young revolutionary and 'Brains of the Katipunan.'
The musical explores Jacinto's short yet significant life through vivid flashbacks, fever dreams, and hallucinations as he confronts his ideals, fears, and the sacrifices demanded by the revolution. Portrayed by Vic Robinson, Jacinto's journey is framed by encounters with key historical figures, including Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal.
Courtesy: Tanghalang Pilipino
Directed by Jenny Jamora, with choreography by Jomelle Era and production design by Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling, "Pingkian" features a stellar cast that includes Gab Pangilinan, Paw Castillo, Kakki Teodoro, and Tex Ordoñez-De Leon.
"Pingkian: Isang Musikal" will run from September 12 to October 12, 2025 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City. Tickets are available through TicketWorld and Ticket2Me.
'Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical'
Following "Pingkian" is "Gregoria Lakambini," an original musical that shifts the spotlight to Gregoria de Jesus, one of the most overlooked figures of the Philippine Revolution. Told through the high-energy sound and visual language of a contemporary P-Pop girl group, the production follows Oryang's transformation from a spirited young woman in Caloocan to the steadfast 'Lakambini of the Katipunan.'
Courtesy: Tanghalang Pilipino
The musical traces her courage, love, and political awakening alongside Andres Bonifacio, all while asserting her voice in a movement often dominated by men. Played by Marynor Madamesila, Gregoria emerges as a symbol of strength, resistance, and feminine power long written in the margins of history.
'Mabining Mandirigma: A Steampunk Musical'
Rounding out the season is the 10th-anniversary restaging of "Mabining Mandirigma," Tanghalang Pilipino's steampunk musical on Apolinario Mabini, the paralytic intellectual whose ideas and unwavering principles helped shape the Filipino republic. First staged in 2015 and a winner of 12 Gawad Buhay Awards, the musical now returns with a more intimate and daring production.
Courtesy: Tanghalang Pilipino
Portrayed by Shaira Opsimar, Mabini is depicted not just as a historical figure but as a radical thinker who challenged Filipinos to transcend personal interest and work toward a common national identity. The cast also features Arman Ferrer and David Ezra alternating as Emilio Aguinaldo, with Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Dionisia.
Tanghalang Pilipino's 39th season affirms theater's power to remember and reimagine. Through these three revolutionary musicals, TP39 ignites a fresh call to action — to reflect, resist, and keep the spirit of freedom burning.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News