‘Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet’ goes onstage July 25, 26, August 1, 2, 8, 9, 2 pm and 7 pm at the KAL-IBG Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Gala show is August 7, 7 pm.
Marking a milestone in regional arts, Biñan will stage its first-ever homegrown theater production outside city borders. Following a highly successful community run in December 2025, Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet has transitioned into a tour-ready production, in the highly anticipated maiden presentation of YPC Stage.
Directed by BJ Borja, the show celebrates community storytelling and professional theater, making it both artistically compelling and accessible to diverse audiences nationwide.
Written by acclaimed playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, these three one-act plays present deeply human stories told through intimate performances, poetic dialogue, and emotionally grounded storytelling that resonates strongly with modern audiences.
The staging serves as artistic bridge, featuring a collaboration that unites a new generation of performers with some of the most respected names in Philippine theater, a synergy of fresh energy and professional experience.
At its core, Mapanakit reflects shared Filipino experiences—heartbreak, longing, healing, and hope—allowing audiences to see themselves on stage. Its relatable themes make it highly engaging for students, young professionals, cultural advocates, and general theater-goers alike.
‘Ang Liknayan Ng Ating Mga Katawan’ stars Ross Pesigan as Sir Banakon and Jury Sanchez as Hershey Mae
The three plays are:
Ang Liknayan ng Ating Mga Katawan—Hershey Mae sneaks into the school’s chemistry lab under the pretense of conducting an experiment, but she is really there to confront her teacher, Sir Banakon. He has rejected her controversial research paper, arguing that its methods and conclusions are unscientific and dangerous. The paper has already stirred chaos in the school, as several students took its claims seriously—leading to a suicide attempt, a viral fight, and a missing student.
Sir Banakon believes the study must be dismissed before more harm is done. But Hershey Mae (Jury Sanchez) insists that her research is based on real observation and experience. What she is trying to prove, above all, is that some truths—especially about love—cannot simply be invalidated.
‘Ilihan at Kalingaw’ stars Gab Pangilinan as Ilingan and Euden Moje as Kalingaw
Ilihan at Kalingaw—In a mythical realm, Ilihan, the poet-historian of the Buringkantada tribe, is tasked with recording the stories their elders deem worthy of memory.
When the council discovers she has secretly written love poems for Kalingaw—a man she is forbidden to love—she is summoned to face punishment. Kalingaw urges her to flee before it is too late, but Ilihan refuses. She believes love, too, deserves a place in their history. By standing by her words, Ilihan challenges the tribe’s rules about what can be remembered—and risks paying the price for a love story they refuse to acknowledge.
‘Ganito Ang Pinangarap Kong Kasal’ features Kokoy de Santos as Noel, Phi Palmos as France, and Loudette Barias as Kris
Ganito ang Pinangarap Kong Kasal—France and Noel have been a couple since college, keeping their relationship quiet while maintaining the appearance of normalcy around others. Their closest friend, Kris, has long been their confidante and constant third wheel, witnessing the sweetness and intimacy of their private love story. For years, the three navigate life together while carefully protecting the secret. The balance begins to break when one of them decides to follow society’s expectations of masculinity and a conventional life. His choice forces the friends to confront what they have built—and what they may lose. The decision puts their loyalty, love, and friendship to the test.
YPC Stage is the professional performance and touring arm of the Biñan Youth Performance Council Inc. (YPC), a platform designed to bring its community-rooted theater practice to larger stages and wider audiences. Mapanakit is YPC Stage’s maiden production.
Built on two decades of cultural work, youth formation, and socially engaged storytelling, YPC Stage produces and presents works that uphold professional standards while remaining anchored in lived realities.
Serving as a bridge between grassroots practice and institutional venues, YPC Stage allows YPC to engage commercially, collaborate across sectors, and expand its reach without compromising its core values. Through this platform, the company demonstrates that theater shaped by community experience is not peripheral—it is powerful, relevant, and ready for Metro Manila and beyond.
The artistic team is composed of playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, director BJ Borja, production designer Carlo Pagunaling, lighting designer Gabo Tolentino, sound designer Arkel Mendoza, and creative director Carlo Cannu.
The production team includes production manager Baha Vergara, technical director John Paul De Paz, head stage manager Kent Torres, stage managers Sydney Ray Almarinez, Marlou Navia, Ryza Karunungan, lights boardman Ronquillo Rubio, and sounds boardman Jessa De Dios. Production staff and ensemble is composed of Rijs Dale, Jenver Mallete, Rozel Aniceta, Danica Samson, Sheena Gonzales, Joy Angeline Orzo, Jamir Alzate, and Rinoa Lockhart.
Get your tickets now at ticket2me.net/mapanakit! Interested showbuyers and sponsors may contact tel. no. (0917) 870-0496.For more details about the show, visit ypcstage.com/mapanakit, FB Page: YPC Stage, IG Account: ypcstage
