This August 7-12, 2026, the Benilde Theater Company presents “Abay Ang Tropa sa Kasal ngMga Tikbalang”, an original student-led production that explores empathy, acceptance, and the importance of preserving imagination and cultural heritage. The upcoming two-act magical realist play is set for its limited run at the 5th Floor DAC Theater located at the Benilde Design+Arts Campus in Malate, Manila.

It follows an intimate group of friends who unexpectedly discover a world of Filipino mythical creatures in preparation for a long-awaited wedding. Inside a mysterious old mansion, they encounter supernatural beings in the midst of preparing for a wedding that has long been prevented from taking place. As they delve deeper into this mystical world, they discover that what appears frightening slowly reveals itself to be the creatures’ struggles in their desire for peace and acceptance.

The production aims to bring audiences insights to the impacts of childhood emotional neglect, while simultaneously affirming the presence of Filipino cultural identity through folklore. In marrying these two elements, it demonstrates how folklore can be a powerful tool in discussing complex emotional experiences while celebrating the diversity of Filipino culture and the creativity of young theater practitioners.

The play was co-written by YOJ and laurence de vera, both alumni of the Virgin Lab Fest Fellowship Program under the Cultural Center of the Philippines. With direction by Anthony Peñaranda, a student under the Benilde Theater Arts Program. Known for his dynamic approach to performance and visual storytelling, his directorial style combines movement, physical theatre, and contemporary Filipino narratives.

The production is spearheaded by the graduating batch of the Benilde Theater Arts Program, with the guidance of their thesis advisers, Armando Rutaquio Jr. and Hazel Joy Gutierrez-Marges. The group previously produced two one-act plays entitled “Ang Goldfish ni Prof. Dimaandal” written by Eljay Castro Deldoc and “Fermata” written by Dustin Celestino. They also introduced the Hulma Festival on the program’s ten year anniversary with a four twin-bill production, staging plays from Virgin Lab Fest such as Marte, Sa Lilim, Wendy Wants To Be A Housewife, Edgar Allan Hemingway, When Sam Met Jo, Ang Suliganon ng Kabiguan ni Epefania, Sincerity Bikers’ Club and Fangirl.

“We aim to share stories that resonate with our personal lives but also contribute to generational healing. One of our goals is for the production to be more accessible to younger audiences, in order to introduce them to the craft without hurting their pockets.” the group explained. 

** “Abay Ang Tropa Sa Kasal ng Mga Tikbalang”** will be showing to the public from August 7 (Friday) to August 12, (Wednesday) with matinee shows at 2PM and evening shows at 7PM. The venue will be at 5th Floor Theater, Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.

Tickets are now on sale and available at P299 for Regular. The opening show is priced at P499 with inclusions. The production also offers high school bulk buying discounts for pax of 40, 100 and 300.

For more information and ticket information visit: facebook.com/benildetheaterarts or

This article is brought to you by Benilde Theater Company.