#TheaterPH - Gregoria Lakambini: The P‑Pop Musical That Turns History Into a Concert You’ll Never Forget
When you hear "historical musical," you probably think of a stuffy, two-hour history class set to music, right?
I just walked out of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Gregoria Lakambini, A Pinay Pop Musical, and I need you to throw that entire idea in the trash.
I am buzzing. This show is vibrant, fierce, and incredibly fresh. It’s not just a play; it’s an experience. Forget what you thought you knew about Gregoria de Jesus. This production reframes her story for 2025, and it is everything.
Here’s why you need to book a ticket, like, yesterday.
The Vibe: A Time Machine with a Modern Script
The moment I sat down, I was captivated. There's such an intelligent use of space and projection that you're instantly transported from a black box theater to the 1890s. It’s immersive without being overwhelming.
But what really bridges the gap is the script. This collaboration between Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Deldoc is pure genius. The dialogue is so today. It’s sharp, witty, and packed with a modern sensibility that will click with everyone, especially Gen Z. They managed to make historical accounts feel factual and informative, but at the same time, completely relatable.
The Look: Filipiniana, But Make It Rock
Can we talk about the visuals? I was floored.
My first surprise was seeing Marco Viaña credited as the costume designer. I’m so used to seeing him command the stage as an actor, but his work here is just stunning. He took the classic Filipiniana silhouette and injected it with a modern, rebellious spirit.
We’re talking leather, we’re talking chains, we’re talking outfits that are not just beautiful but also look flexible and wearable for the intense choreography. It’s a visual feast that perfectly matches the show's "Pinay Pop" soul.
The Heartbeat: A Full-On Concert Experience
The soul of this musical is, without a doubt, its music. Nica Del Rosario and Matthew Chang are musical wizards. This isn't just a "musical theater" soundtrack; it's a legitimate, chart-topping album.
They created a massive variety of songs that span pop, ballad, rock, rap, jazz, and alternative. It felt less like a play and more like a concert. Releasing the cast recording weeks ahead? A brilliant move. The audience was already hyped and familiar with the songs, making the energy in the theater absolutely electric.
The Squad: A P-Pop Group Was Born
The direction by Delphine Buencamino made the entire story cohesive and so easy to follow, even with its historical weight. And the choreography she created with Jan Matthew Almodovar? It’s simple, it's clean, and it's sharp. I’m just waiting for one of the numbers to become the next big TikTok dance challenge.
But this cast. Wow.
A P-Pop girl group was literally born on that stage. Marynor Madamesila as Gregoria de Jesus is a star. She took the lead as the group's "center" and carried the show with so much power and vulnerability.
She was backed by an incredible squad: Anya Evangelista (Andres Bonifacio), Heart Puyong (Emilio Aguinaldo), Sofia Sacaguing (Julio Nakpil), and the powerhouse ensemble including Sarah Monay, Ynna Rafa, and Murline Uddin. Their chemistry was palpable, and their vocal blending was just chef's kiss.
The Real Story: Beyond the "Wife of" Title
What I loved most, and what truly sets this musical apart, is that it humanizes Gregoria de Jesus.
This isn't just a story about "the wife of Andres Bonifacio." It doesn't stop when the war ends. It follows her life beyond the revolution, touching on her struggles, her resilience, and even her life as a mother.
It’s a powerful, necessary message of women empowerment. It screams that a woman is not just an accessory to a man's story. Gregoria was her own person. She could be whatever she wanted, and she could—and did—decide for herself.
I left the theater feeling energized, inspired, and so proud. This is the future of Philippine theater.
The Deets: How to Watch
Gregoria Lakambini, A Pinay Pop Musical is playing at the Tanghalang Pilipino Black Box Theater (Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez) at the CCP Complex.
It’s currently on its weekend run until December 14, 2025.
Tickets are moving fast, so grab yours now from TicketWorld, Ticket2me or the CCP Box Office. Trust me, you don't want to miss this.
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