MANILA, PHILIPPINES – After a celebrated and successful run, Virgin Labfest: Hinog is set to make its much-awaited comeback with a special one night-only extension on August 21, 8 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). Originally scheduled for July but postponed, the encore dubbed VLF XX: Extended will showcase three standout works from the festival’s landmark 20th edition.
The evening will open with Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary by Eljay Castro Deldoc, a one act play where former con artist Mariah seeks redemption by participating in an annual Lenten Exhibit only to face accusations of stealing the antique veil of St. Mary Magdalene.
Taking the place of Ryan Machado’s Don’t Meow For Me Catriona, Jobert Grey Landeza’s Mommy G unfolds during a tense family dinner as the titular matriarch, on the eve of her 65th birthday, challenges her children’s beliefs, tests their bonds, and confronts their capacity to embrace a new “member” of the family.
Closing the evening is Presidential Suite #2 by Siege Malvar, a sharp, dark comedy marking the playwright’s VLF debut. The play peers into the underbelly of Philippine politics, where Senator Zaragoza slips into a coma after facing money laundering allegations, leaving her children to safeguard the family’s political dynasty and its scandals. For this extended staging, Eko Baquial steps into the role originally played by Andoy Ranay, while Eric Dela Cruz takes over from Ariel Diccion.
Tickets are priced at ₱800 (regular) and ₱1000 (premium), and are available through Ticketworld, Ticket2Me and the CCP TIG Box Office.
With its bold storytelling and fearless performances, VLF XX: Extended offers audiences a rare second chance to witness some of the festival’s most talked about works this time, distilled into one unforgettable night.
