From folklore stories to the stage, a musical show about Filipino mythological creatures gives the younger generation a space to relate.
Benilde Theater Company presents Abay Ang Tropa Sa Kasal Ng Mga Tikbalang, a student-led production that explores empathy, acceptance, and the importance of preserving both imagination and Filipino cultural heritage. It opens on August 7, 2026, for a limited run at the Benilde Design + Arts Campus in Malate, Manila.
It is a two-act magical realist play about a group of children who unexpectedly discover a hidden world of Filipino mythical beings preparing for a long-awaited wedding. Inside a mysterious old mansion, they encounter tikbalang, duwende, manananggal, and other lamang-lupa preparing for a wedding that has long been prevented from happening. What first appears frightening slowly transforms into a deeper understanding of the creatures’ struggles, desires for peace, and acceptance.
The production strives to offer insight into the impact of childhood emotional neglect while simultaneously affirming the presence of Filipino folklore. Blending these two together, it demonstrates how folklore can be a powerful tool in discussing complex emotional experiences while still celebrating the richness of Filipino culture and the emerging creativity of young theater practitioners.
The play was co-written by YOJ and Laurence De Vera, who are both alumni of the Virgin Lab Fest Fellowship Program under the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is directed by Anthony Peñaranda, a student under the Benilde Theater Arts Program. He is known for his dynamic approach to performance and visual storytelling. His practice combines movement, physical theatre, and contemporary Filipino narratives.
This production is managed by the graduating batch of the Benilde Theater Arts Program with the guidance of their thesis advisers, Armando Rutaquio Jr. and Hazel Joy Gutierrez-Marges. The group previously produced a one-act play titled Ang Goldfish ni Prof. Dimaandal, written by Eljay Castro Deldoc, and introduced Hulma Festival on the program’s tenth anniversary with four twin-bill stagings: Marte, Sa Lilim, Wendy Wants To Be A Housewife, Edgar Allan Hemingway, When Sam Met Jo, Ang Suliganon ng Kabiguan ni Epefania, Sincerity Bikers’ Club, and Fangirl.
“We aim to share stories that resonate with our personal lives but also contribute to generational healing and advocate Filipino stories made by local artists. One of our goals is for the production to be made accessible to younger audiences in order to introduce them to the craft without hurting their pockets,” the group explained.
Abay Ang Tropa Sa Kasal Ng Mga Tikbalang is open to the public. It will run from Friday, August 7, to Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with shows at 2 PM and 7 PM. The venue is the 5th Floor Theater, Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.
Tickets are now on sale and available for P299 for Regular admission. The opening show is priced at P499 with inclusions. The ticket link is posted on their social media handles. The production also offers high school bulk-buying discounts for groups of 40, 100, and 300.
For more information, visit facebook.com/benildetheaterarts.a
