“Bangaw,” an adventurous reimagining of William Golding’s classic story “Lord of the Flies,” takes the stage starting on March 5 for the 92nd season of the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG).
Written by Gold Villar-Lim, with music by Vince Lim, and directed by Peta senior artist-teacher and FTG artistic director Dudz Teraña, “Bangaw” explores the meaning of survival through a distinctly Filipino lens.
The play is set on a remote island in the Visayas. It follows a group of high school students forced into isolation and navigating authority and belonging within a fragile, self-made community. It interrogates leadership and identity in contemporary society, and reflects on what it means to inherit a fractured world—and the responsibility of shaping what follows.
Traditional and modern Filipino sounds pulse throughout the production, serving as both atmosphere and metaphor for a nation caught between collapse and renewal.
At the center of “Bangaw” is Raf (Sam Siasoyco IAS ’29), whose attempt to uphold order becomes a fragile anchor amid growing unrest. Opposing him is Jack (Aldin Covarrubias ITHM ’28, Dave Bambang IARFA ’29), whose progression into dominance and violence drives the group apart.
Caught between reason and survival are the twins Sam (Dianne Andallo ITHM ’26, Trisha Nilayan IAS ’29) and Erich (Maria Ysabel delos Reyes IAS ’27, Althea Sibulo FIT ’27), while Simone (Heleina Li IAS ’26, Julia Nicole Ramas FIT ’26) emerges as a quiet moral compass.
Adding complexity is Tabeks (Jharelle Villalobos IAS ’27, Edrud Madalan FIT ’27), who challenges rigid hierarchies, while the younger ones—Tiny (Marjorie Uson IAS ’27, Francine Galvez IAS ’28), Matty (Melenne Hokase IAS ’28, Margarita Barrameda IAS ’26), and Caleb (Julian Rafael Anabo IAS ’27, Lorenze Moral IAS ’26)—align with Raf, embodying innocence and vulnerability amid chaos.
Supporting Jack are Apple (Janae Dionisio IAS ’28, Ayessa Raymundo IAS ’28), Pat (Bjorn Pestaño IAS ’26, Charlene Libo-on IAS ’28), Phil (Zoe Sisam IAS ’29, Shekinah Resurreccion FIT ’27), Robert (Justin Abalos IAS ’28, Renz Dotillos IAS ’26), Morris (Kevin Ricaforte IAS ’28, Miguel Galpo IAS ’28), and Roger (Shawn Tarala IAS ’27, Kirstan Orbegoso IAS ’27), who form a choir-like faction that amplifies tension.
The ensemble is rounded out by Marc Ducut IAS ’27, Kristian Samson IAS ’26, Johann Umali IAS ’29, John Andrei Cruz IAS ’29, and Cris Jay Cabides IAS ’29. Hovering over the narrative is the haunting “Panginoong Bangaw.” The Piloto will be alternately portrayed by Aldin Covarrubias and Dave Bambang. Parachutists serve as distant echoes of the adult world left behind.
Founded in 1934, the Far Eastern University Theater Guild is one of the oldest student theater organizations in the Philippines. It is known for socially relevant productions and a strong commitment to nurturing new talent, telling Filipino stories, and reimagining theater as a space for truth, provocation, and community.—CONTRIBUTED
“Bangaw” runs at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on March: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, and April: 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25. The house opens at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are at ₱100 for students of FEU (all branches); ₱200 for other students; ₱500 for regular guests; and ₱700 for VIPs. Connect via Facebook: Far Eastern University Theater Guild; Instagram and TikTok: @feutheaterguildofficial; or Twitter/X: @ftg1934.
