#TheaterPH - A Review of The Virgin Labfest’s Set B - Manibalang: A Tapestry of Redemption, Power, and Secrets
The Virgin Labfest 2025 continues to showcase bold, untested narratives, and Set B - Manibalang delivers a gripping mix of redemption, political intrigue, and personal reckoning. Featuring Eljay Castro Deldoc’s MINATING NI MARIAH ANG MANTO NG MOMMY NI MAMA MARY, Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo’s UNANG ARAW, and Siege Malvar’s PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2, this set immerses audiences in stories that challenge faith, morality, and power.
MINATING NI MARIAH ANG MANTO NG MOMMY NI MAMA MARY: A Journey of Redemption
Mariah’s story is one of transformation—an ex-scammer seeking redemption through religious devotion. The play’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of provincial life, made even more immersive by the actors’ use of local dialect accents. Their delivery transports the audience to a barrio setting, where faith and tradition intertwine with personal struggles.
The accusation that Mariah stole the antique veil of her Santa Maria Magdalena adds tension to the narrative, forcing her to confront her past while proving her sincerity. The play raises thought-provoking questions: Can redemption ever be fully earned? And how much of one’s past defines their future?
UNANG ARAW: A Road Trip into Darkness
This play unfolds like a slow-burning thriller, following Egay, Arnel, Tambok, and Enteng as they embark on a mission that will test their loyalties and moral boundaries. The journey down a remote highway in Mindanao is more than just a physical trip—it’s a descent into their deepest secrets and ideological conflicts.
The tension builds as each character’s motivations unravel, revealing the power struggles within their group and society at large. The play forces audiences to reflect on the gray areas of morality, where loyalty and survival often clash with personal ethics.
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2: Power, Scandal, and Family Dynamics
Political drama takes center stage in Siege Malvar’s PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2, where Senator Zaragoza finds herself entangled in a corruption scandal while recovering from a heart attack. The play’s brilliance lies in its ensemble cast, led by the exceptional Andoy Ranay, whose commanding presence anchors the narrative
The interactions between Zaragoza and her children—Constantino, Gertrude, and Richie—are layered with tension, exposing the complexities of power, privilege, and familial duty. The play cleverly mirrors real-world political controversies, making audiences question the true cost of ambition and influence.
Set B - Manibalang is a powerful exploration of redemption, morality, and political intrigue. Whether through Mariah’s struggle for faith, Egay’s dangerous mission, or Zaragoza’s battle for survival, each play leaves a lasting impact.
The Virgin Labfest 2025 is happening from June 11 to June 29 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) This year's festival, titled Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog, marks its 20th anniversary and features a lineup of 12 new scripts alongside three returning plays.
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