MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a continuing effort to nurture emerging voices in Filipino theater, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) proudly announces the eight fellows selected for the Virgin Labfest XX Writing Fellowship Program (VLF XX WFP) – a two-week intensive course in the craft of dramatic writing for the stage. The program will unfold in hybrid format from June 17 to 29, 2025, combining online sessions with on ground activities at the CCP Complex.
This year’s chosen Writing Fellows represent a dynamic and diverse mix of aspiring storytellers:
- Ace Abu
- Aldrine Anzures
- Princess Joy Buenafe
- Mark Joseph Briones
- Laurence Miguel De Vera
- Maleah Rae Frange
- Bradley Jason Pantajo
- Qashrina Musa
At the helm of the fellowship is multi-awarded playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, whose expertise will guide the fellows through a rigorous exploration of playwriting. The program is structured to offer immersive learning through lectures, workshops and critical discussions, cultivating each fellow’s unique voice while honing their dramaturgical skills.
The Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program has produced notable playwrights in the country. Among the featured works in this year’s Virgin Labfest XX: HINOG, seven playwrights are proud alumni of the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program, including its regional iteration in the Visayas. These include Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo (Unang Araw), Chris Joseph Junio (Mga Magindara sa Siyudad), Harvey Rebaya Sallador / “Imuthis” (Ang Problema sa Trolley), Mikaella Yoj (TBT, Takbo Batang Tondo), Jobert Grey Landeza (Mommy G), and Jhudiel Clare D. Sosa, whose work Identité returns this year as a revisited play. Also featured is Andy Abellar, whose play Wala Ginakamatisan ang Itlog will be presented in a staged reading.
The VLF XX WFP will culminate in a showcase of stage readings featuring the Fellows’ original works to be held at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, 3/F Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex on June 29, 2025 (5:00 PM).
For the full festival schedule and ticket prices of Virgin Labfest XX: HINOG, you may visit the official social media accounts of CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writers’ Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Tickets are available at the CCP Box Office, TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, and Ticketnet.
