BLACK BOX THEATER

Featured art by Bhernn Saenz. With images courtesy of CCP.

MANILA, Philippines — In its continuing commitment to push culture and nurture Filipino talent, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) proudly begins a new chapter of the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program (VLF WFP).

Now in its 15th year, the fellowship program has selected eight (8) talented and passionate aspiring playwrights to participate in the educational component of the theater festival from June 16 to 28, at the CCP Complex.

Official visual courtesy of CCP.

In a span of two intensive weeks, VLF XXI WFP immerses its fellows in the craft of dramatic writing for the stage. Under the guidance of multi-awarded playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, the program offers a rich curriculum of lectures, workshops, and discussions on playwriting and script critiquing for the selected aspiring playwrights.

They will also be granted access to Virgin Labfest XXI: Hubo’t Hubad plays and take part in talkbacks and interact with emerging and known playwrights and directors.

Since its official launch in 2012, VLF XXI WFP has consistently produced talented playwrights in contemporary Philippine theater. More than just a training ground, it has bloomed into an essential space where raw passion is shaped and nurtured.

Among the featured works in this year’s edition, three (3) playwrights are proud alumni of VLF WFP, namely Elijah Felice Rosales (Human Rights Story of the Year of Set A: Tengang Kawali), Faith Ferrer Lacanlale (Betamax of Set C: Balat Kalabaw), and Gerald Manuel (Buhaghag of Set D: Pusong Mamon).

The VLF XXI WFP will culminate in a showcase of stage readings featuring the Fellows’ original works, to be held on June 28, 2026, at 5 PM, at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, 3rd Floor of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex.

For the full festival schedule and ticket information for Virgin Labfest XXI: Hubo’t Hubad, visit the official social media accounts of CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writers’ Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Tickets are available at the CCP Box Office, TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, and Ticketnet.