MANILA, Philippines—The COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a global health crisis, forced a two-year hiatus, but Dulaang UP reopened its doors in November 2022 with the performance of Floy Quintos’ “The Reconciliation Dinner” on the University Theater Main Hall Stage.

After the successful run of The Reconciliation Dinner, Dulaang UP’s first offering for its 45th theatre season, we are excited to be back on stage with an adaptation of Dean Francis Alfar’s How Rosang Taba Won a Race, a children’s story that amplifies the voices of the oppressed. 

The adaptation Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba is written by award-winning playwrights Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera, and directed by José Estrella in collaboration with her mentees Issa Manalo Lopez and Mark Dalacat. Lopez is currently DUP’s Artistic Director while Dalacat is a graduating BA Theatre Arts student from the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts.

Image courtesy of Dulaang UP

Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba is a story of how a woman’s courage, cleverness, and determination altered history. In the adaptation, Rosang Taba’s feat is recounted by her great grandchildren in the hope that Rosang Taba’s legacy lives on in the modern times.

Kiki Baento plays the titular role of Rosang Taba alongside Jojo Cayabyab who plays Gobernador Heneral. Joining Baento and Cayabyab are equally talented film and theatre actors Skyzx Labastilla, Peewee O’ Hara, Victor Sy, Aldo Vencilao, Quinea Babas, Ynna Rafa, Dyas Adarlo, Mari Palaganas, Owel Pepito, and Pau Vengano.

Image courtesy of Dulaang UP

Wilfrido M. Guerrero Theater, the home of over 150 Dulaang UP plays in the last four decades, will be rehabilitated and renovated using the proceeds raised by the show. The theater has been instrumental in the growth and success of many critically acclaimed theatre artists and scholars including two National Artists for Theatre, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio and Dulaang UP’s founding Artistic Director Antonio “Tony” Mabesa

Image courtesy of Dulaang UP

From March 23 to April 2, 2023, Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba will be shown at the University of the Philippines Diliman Main Hall Stage in Quezon City.

If you have any inquiries, you can reach Camilo De Guzman at 0917 881 1591 or via email at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph