‘Hinog’ Blossoms in this One-Night-Only Encore
VLF: Hinog returns with a special one-night-only staging, featuring three selected plays from its 20th edition
Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photo courtesy of Cultural Center of the Philippines
August 20, 2025
After its postponement last July, Virgin Labfest: Hinog is set to make a comeback with a special one-night-only staging featuring selected standout plays from its recently concluded edition.
Also known as VLF XX: Extended, the performance will highlight three notable works from the 20th edition: ‘Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary’ by Eljay Castro Deldoc, ‘Mommy G’ by Jobert Grey Landeza, and ‘Presidential Suite #2’ by Siege Malvar.
Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary
In this one-act play, former con artist Mariah tries to turn over a new leaf by joining the annual Lenten Exhibit. Yet, things take an unexpected turn when Mariah is accused of stealing the antique veil of St. Mary Magdalene.
Mommy G
Landeza’s ‘Mommy G’ replaces Ryan Machado’s ‘Don’t Meow For Me Catriona.’ Landeza’s Mommy G takes place during a family dinner. As Mommy G celebrates her 65th birthday, long-held beliefs are challenged, family relationships are tested, and a new ‘member’ of the family is revealed, forcing everyone to confront their acceptance limits.
Presidential Suite #2
Marking Siege Malvar’s VLF debut, ‘Presidential Suite #2’ offers a darkly comedic exploration of Philippine politics. The story centers on Senator Zaragosa, who falls into a coma after being accused of money laundering during a Senate hearing.
In her absence, her children step into the spotlight—determined to preserve the family’s political legacy and its tangled web of scandals. In this staging, Eko Baquial plays the role of Andoy Ranay, while Eric Dela Cruz takes on the role of Ariel Diccion.
VLF XX: Extended will be held on August 21, 8 PM, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). Tickets are priced at Php 800 for regular and Php 1,000 for premium, available via TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, and the CCP TIG Box Office.
