Virginity might be a social construct but it rests at the core of Virgin Labfest (VLF). Since its establishment in 2005, the nation’s biggest theater festival has given the word a more intimate yet mature definition.
Virginity, within the context of VLF, refers to the primal act of becoming one with performance art for the first time. Under the theme “Hinog,” the festival features 12 untried, untested, and unstaged plays in its milestone year.
Among the chosen narratives written by ‘virgin’ playwrights are Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga by Liane Carlo Suelan, Polar Coordinates by Ade Valenzona, Nelsito Gomez’s Anniversary, and YOJ’s TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo.
Deriving fresh tales from tender memories
In handwritten diary entries, YOJ poured her frustrations as a child eager to find her voice. TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo came into fruition through her colorful childhood stories: “Naging malaking dagok sa ‘kin ang pandemya dahil lumaki akong laman ng kalsada. Pinili kong sariwain ang aking kabataan sa aking dula.”
Suelan also developed Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga based on a haunting memory: “It was simple, really. There was a baby rat in our bodega, and I was torn between leaving and protecting it.” Abandoning the creature made Suelan perceive children as “small humans” who are very much capable of thinking and feeling.
Valenzona, playwright of Polar Coordinates, seconded Suelan’s sentiments. The desire to express his innermost feelings pushed him to write the script in 2018. “Hindi ko alam no’n kung paano ko sasabihin kaya dinaan ko sa kuwento. No’ng natapos na ang unang dibuho, nagkaro’n ako ng pakiramdam na mas mapapalalim pa,” he recounted.
For Gomez, drafting the script felt like a whirlwind romance. He stumbled upon a shared post of VLF while scrolling on social media. Gomez took the approaching deadline as a challenge and an opportunity: “I kept asking myself, ‘Kaya ko ba in nine days?’. I ended up writing Anniversary in two.”
Life’s naked truths on the VLF XX: Hinog stage
After the passing of his mentor and friend Floy Quintos, Gomez addressed his anxieties through developing Anniversary: “I wrote it two months before he passed in 2024. People need people, especially in the darkest of times. They could be in the form of a really pushy lola or someone warm like Floy.”
Suelan, on the other hand, expounded on the grievances of a curious child in need of connection. Letting the inner child play is the heart of his script. “Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga pushes us to wonder if we can brush off preconceived notions and extend kindness,” he elaborated.
Through Polar Coordinates, Valenzona beautifully validated the natural angst and pressure that teenagers feel: “Marami nang ibang daan ang nailatag na p’wedeng sundin pero ikaw dapat ang magdedesisyon kung ano ang tama para sa ‘yo. Maniwala kang may lugar ka sa mundong ito.”
While Valenzona’s script walked the confusing path towards adulthood, YOJ’s TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo is a compelling reminder to look back: “Para ito sa mga dating bata na ngayon ay preso na ng kanilang gampanin sa buhay. Para ito sa mga nakalimot na kung paano maglaro at maligaw sa kanilang imahinasiyon.”
The ultimate dream of being “devirginized” at VLF XX: Hinog
Art rests within YOJ’s soul and VLF only reaffirmed her decision to lead the life of a creative, “Halos limang taon din ang tinakbo ng aking dula [TBT] mula VLF 16, VLF 18, at ngayon sa VLF XX. Kung paano mo talaga niyakap ang sining, ganoon din ang magiging pagtanggap ng tanghalan sa ‘yo.”
Having his script featured in the festival’s milestone year is the ultimate dream come true for Valenzona. “Nagtagpo [kasi] ang aking passion for writing and profession as a theater artist,” he commented with a grateful smile.
Valenzona even likened his VLF experience to “actual devirginizing” as it invited excitement and second thoughts. “Gusto ko nang palitan ang kasabihang ‘kill your darlings’. Grow your darlings instead,” he suggested.
“It is such an honor to be part of VLF, especially because Ilaga is the first ‘serious’ play that I have written,” exclaimed Suelan after his dedication to polishing his characters paid off.
Meanwhile, Gomez is an avid fan of VLF but he never dreamed of becoming one of its ‘virgin’ playwrights. He shared his favorite part of the experience: “One of the amazing things about VLF is the mentorship where you get invaluable feedback from professionals who aim to augment your voice.”
Childhood tales and haunting memories come alive with the perfect blend of bravery and dedication through VLF. For ‘virgin’ playwrights YOJ, Suelan, Gomez, and Valenzona, the festival is more than just a safe space for fearless storytelling. Ultimately, the VLF stage witnessed their inexplicable need to impart, understand, and be understood as artists.
Catch YOJ’s TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo, Suelan’s Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga, Polar Coordinates by Valenzona, and Gomez’s Anniversary at VLF XX: Hinog until June 29, 2025, at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater).
For details and updates on the festival schedule and ticket prices, visit the official accounts of CCP, VLF, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writer’s Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph for group discounts and ticket concerns.
