Stage Left Podcast

Our guest needs no introduction, an actor, a writer, a director for film and ads, he wears a hat that leaves a career of creativity for young queer people to be inspired with. Spotlight on Babae Sa Septic Tank, a satire of the different creative diaspora from film and now to stage, we explore the artistic experience of an artist from it’s inceptipn to the legacy it leaves in the critique of the Fi...

Nel is an artist who has lead a vibrant career on stage, from acting to directing amongst the many hats he’s worn in entertainment. As a director, part of his artistic journey has graced us with the gift amazing worksEnter stage, Man of La Mancha. A classic musical that frames a play-within-a-play about the aging, delusional "knight" Don Quixote. To save his manuscript from the Spanish I...

From PETA, A Christmas Carol, to Disney Hong Kong, from Hi-5 and A Boy Foretold by the Stars to being lead in the movie Paglilitis, our guest has had a vibrant career taking on different roles as a commercial model, events host, and performer. Equal to her colorful career and roles, her artistic path is only equal to coruscating personality that she eminates to people she meets. Join us as we talk...

Improv is a fast growing form of theater in the public’s eye, where “Every creative act involves a leap into the void,” as American theater director Anne Bogart once mentioned. The magic of improvisational theater has long been a part of the Philippine stage, but through social media, we now have a new found collective love for unpredictable skits and the comedic gold mine it offers. With us is th...

Jumping straight back to the conversation about the plight of the theater community during the lockdown and how it changed the industry forever. We dive into the new life of Gab Pangilinan from sharing her personal life online to collaborations that break barriers, we are treated to what it was like journeying through all of those pivotal changes. Continuing the conversation in Stage Left, ladies...

A theater kid through and through, starting out as an ensemble, then becoming the headliner in theater’s biggest shows, and now a part of the biggest theater company in the Philippines, let’s dive into the artist experience of a friend of the show, Gab! Starting out in BlueRep and PETA, she has worn many faces for different shows and now she now wears many hats for the theater community. Here’s a...

Uncompromising and powerful, we have with us one of my favorite people in theater, Maronne Cruz. From fashion to self-expression, voice acting to the stage, our guest is a beacon of uniquely carving your own path towards artistry and the power of femininity. From dubbing as Zoey of KPOP Demon Hunters, playing Emilia of Othello by CastPH, now cast as Angie from Barefoot Theater Collaborative’s anth...

Inventive, intelligent criticism - as Vincen would describe the need for a stronger movement towards conversation and commentary of the Manila theater scene as impetus for the founding of the new critics organization. Following the successful and much anticipated announcement of the Manila Society of Theater Reviewers ’ inaugural awards we have with us, MSTR founder Nikki Francisco of TheaterFansM...

Daring to explore every space through movement and play, we close our season with our award-winning guest, JM Cabling. From folk dance to theater to movement in film, he will always come back to his home in Contemporary Dance. Share in our discussion on how adapting to narrative is key to his artistry that contributes to his years in dance reflected in A Dance in a Day in a Dance. This episode is...

A shining light that illuminates the theater scene can be found in Morayta. Join us as we talk to the cast of FEU Theater Guild’s adaptation of Roald Dahl's Lamb to the Slaughter - Karne. It’s 91st season offering is buzzing with rave reviews!. Join me in welcoming Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes, Raffy Pascua, and Cole Banaag as we dive into the experience of being a part of such a compelling piece...

Being an actor in Philippine theater, however fulfilling, can be a financial challenge. Having a day job is an option but for our guests, they found it outside the theater and entertainment industry. Welcome E.J. Pepito, Gary Junsay, and Pam Imperial. We talk about the artist experience of juggling corporate work and their love for theater. From Side Show, Pingkian, Going Home To Christmas, and of...

Known in the industry as one of the hardest working actors in Philippine theater, with us today is Gawad Buhay 2025 best lead actor in a musical - Vic Robinson. As humble and talented as he is, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience from his career spanning from PETA’s Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto to now headlining as Emilio Jacinto in Pingkian: Isang Musikal. Join u...

Revenge theater ushers a new era - everyone, welcome to the Theater Renaissance. With the rebirth of theater enthusiasm, theater companies owe a lot of the fervor for these materials, new and old, foreign and Filipino-made, to the stewards of spreading the good word of their plays - the marketing and public relations people! We have with us, Cyril Balderama of Tanghalang Pilipino and Bea Racoma of...

In honor of Pride Month, we welcome, The Harong Queens. We put at the forefront the art of drag, the performances, and the experience of being a drag artist. With us are drag queens Italya, Ava Manawari, and Jessie Wanaluvmi J, along side Ivan Panganiban from Human Rights and People Empowerment Center as we talk about the fight for human rights through performance art, empathy and liberation.

In honor of Pride Month, we welcome, The Trans Actor - an offering of Trans Midya with our guests Serena Magiliw and Zoë de Ocampo. This workshop-performance is an exploration of the unique trans actor experience in theater, from audition to performance-making, following the experiences of both artists in 2024. Join us in creating spaces for visibility in theater this Pride Month!

It has been a great year for Guelan Varela-Luarca, with 3 Upuan, Kisapmata, the announcement of Scene Change, and the launching of his book Natal/Nacional. Join us for our season ender as we brave the mind of this Palanca Hall of famer and discover the writing process and motivations of the artist who masterfully situates inner thoughts on stage.

We're back with more kabaklaan with our guests Shaira Opsimar, Floyd Tena, and Phi Palmos on his titular role for Delia D by Full House Theater Company. Join our discussion, but mostly just listen in on the baklaan. Here's part 2 of our Delia D episode.

Delia D is Newport World Resorts’ production outfit Full House Theater Company’s 11th major theatrical offering featuring Jonathan Manalo’s music. Delia as a strong-willed individual, does everything to help her family and still fight for an opportunity to sing. With us are Shaira Opsimar, returning guest Floyd Tena, and third time guest and show headliner Phi Palmos. Join us as we talk about the...

Pilato is the maiden production of The Corner Studio that aims to explore the story known world over but told in the eyes of that man who washed his hands of the killing of Christ, The Pontius Pilate. Joining us are Jerome Ferguson, Marit Samson, and writer/director Eldrin Veloso as we talk about power, faith, and duty and how do you handle the pressure of being an artist at a time when the world...

Kisapmata is the Tanghalang Pilipino’s 38th season finale, following smash hits Balete and Sandosenang Sapatos. Based on Mike de Leon’s film of the same name, adapted from Nick Joaquin’s The House on Zapote Street. Join us as we talk to Toni Go-Yadao and Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan as we challenge the portrait of a perfect Filipino family highlighting the struggles of women, even today.

Para Kay B by Fire and Ice Live and LA Prod House is a collection of stories about love told from the eyes of Lucas, a playwright, dedicating all of it to Bessie. Join us as we talk with Ava Santos, AJ Benoza, and director Yong Tapang about finding your way back to love, back to theater.

Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan is a play about Emma, Nardo, and Joel as we find them mired in the middle of a war-stricken town between the military and armed rebels. We are joined by Elora Españo and Ross Pesigan, both prolific in their stage and film careers as we share a discussion on what it’s like to be a theater actor at a time when political turmoil is on the rise and the stage is having an upward...

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a generous exploration about different relationships. This musical is a rerun for The Repertory Philippines at the new REP Eastwood Theater. With us are Krystal Kane and Barbara Jance and we talk about their experience going at it a second-time around. Ultimately we talk about the different journeys one experiences as an artist in theater.

Next To Normal is a musical about a family’s struggle with the consequences of mental health issues. Presented by The Sandbox Collective and helmed by Toff de Venecia is exploring the piece with fresh eyes and for a younger audience post lockdown. We have with us is Jam Binay reprising her role as Natalie and Sheena Belarmino sharing with her the stage and the character.

Sintang Dalisay is a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet by the late Dr. Ricardo Abad and his co-director and playwright Guelan Varela-Luarca. It envelopes us in the interconnected world built with music and movement through the kulintangan and igal dance. With us are Karl Borromeo, Sabrina Basilio, and Maia Dapul who paint the world of the play through captivating music and dance.