Insider Spotlight
The shortlist comprises 16 straight plays and 10 musicals, with only 12 productions advancing to the festival scheduled from February 20 to March 14, 2027.
Why it matters
The initiative expands Puregold's support for Filipino creativity into theater, offering playwrights financial compensation, production assistance and opportunities to develop their works into full-length productions.
The festival attracted submissions from theater veterans and emerging practitioners, reflecting strong interest in a new platform for original Filipino storytelling, according to a company release.
Puregold senior marketing manager and festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad welcomed the response.
“We received a remarkable level of interest in the first Puregold Teatro Panalo,” Hayagan-Piedad said.
“The volume and quality of submissions reflect the depth of Filipino talent and the continued vitality of the country’s theatrical community. Narrowing the entries down was a rigorous process, and the 26 represents a compelling mix of stories, perspectives, and creative voices with the potential to be brought to the stage.”
The big picture
Shortlisted straight plays include “Ang Pagbabalik ng Voltes V,” “Mga Diwata IRL,” “Soap Opera,” “True to Life” and “Youngstunna.”
Musical contenders include “City in Darkness: A Lockdown Musical,” “Feverish Time,” “Tagpuan,” “Tala” and “The Fourth Wall Has Fallen.”
Festival director Vincent de Jesus said the selection process remains highly competitive.
“It was difficult enough narrowing things down to 26 deserving one-act plays,” de Jesus said.
“From this bunch, only the very best of the best will make it to the stage in February. The Puregold Teatro Panalo will be a showcase of the many talented Filipinos working in theater today and will be the breeding ground for many great works to come.”
What's next
The final lineup will feature eight straight plays and four musicals.
Each selected playwright will receive P100,000, alongside development and production support from festival organizer Wishbone Collective Inc.
Two productions—one straight play and one musical—will also receive development grants to support their expansion into full-length theatrical works. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
