#TheaterPH - Unsettling, Unfiltered, Unmissable: Why Jun Robles Lana's About Us But Not About Us Hits Different on Stage
The cinema lights faded back when I first saw Jun Robles Lana’s About Us But Not About Us, and I remember leaving the theater feeling completely unhinged in the best way possible. If you saw the film version, you know exactly what I mean. It was a masterclass in tension: just two people sitting at a table, firing intellectual, psychological, and deeply unsettling dialogue back and forth like a high-stakes chess match. It was uncomfortable, hypnotic, and demanded 100% of your focus.
So when I heard it was being adapted for the stage at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Theater, I had to see how that raw, claustrophobic energy would translate to live theater.
It blew me completely away.
Watching it unfold live didn't just recreate the story. It made me understand the material on a much deeper level. While it retains that same intimate, tension-thick setting, Direk Jun expanded the universe by weaving in more backstory and introducing tabgible characters that make the narrative feel punchy, complete, and terrifyingly real. Seeing those added layers play out right before your eyes gives you clarity without losing an ounce of the original’s psychological edge.
What made this performance extra dynamic was the incredible cast rotation. While the alternate run features Elijah Canlas, Epy Quizon, and Romnick Sarmenta, the staging I caught featured Kobe Brown, Andoy Ranay, and Tuxqs Rutaquio—and what a powerhouse trio they are.
A few standalone thoughts on the performances that stayed with me long after the curtain call:
Kobe Brown was the night’s biggest revelation. This was my first time watching him perform live on stage, and his acting prowess is undeniable. Delivering the material in English—which clearly plays to his natural strengths—he embodied his character with a nuanced, grounding energy that felt completely authentic. Mark my words, he’s a massive talent to watch out for.
Andoy Ranay showed unbelievable range. I’ve seen Andoy in previous stage productions where he shined in caricatures and comedic timing, but watching him pivot here into a dead-serious, deeply believable role was staggering. He brought a weight to the story that pulled the whole production together.
Tuxqs Rutaquio is a force. Not only did Tuxqs direct the show, but taking on one of the lead roles gave his performance a intricate, multi-layered depth. Managing both directorial vision and an intense character delivery on stage is no easy task, but he was nothing short of incredible.
Marlon Rivera and Jack Denzel delivered vital beats. Marlon’s performance as the Dean was spot-on, and Jack masterfully injected just the right amount of dark comedy. Trust me, in a play filled with back-to-back revelations, high-strung confrontations, and emotional whiplash, those subtle beats of humor are the only moments the audience gets to actually breathe.
About Us But Not About Us is theater at its finest. It is unforgiving, brilliant, and deeply captivating.
Pro-Tips Before You Go:
When & Where: The play is running at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Theater (Circuit Makati) until October 25, 2026. Grab your tickets before the run ends! Check ticket channels here.
Runtime: It clocks in at 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. Go to the restroom beforehand!
Survival Tip: Bring a heavy jacket or a thick sweater. The venue air conditioning does not play around, and you don't want to spend almost two hours shivering while absorbing pure psychological drama.
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