Biñan marks a milestone in the regional arts landscape with its first-ever homegrown theater production to be staged outside the city borders. After a successful community run in December 2025, “Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet” has officially transitioned into a tour-ready production as the maiden presentation of YPC Stage.
Directed by BJ Borja and written by Eljay Castro Deldoc, the three one-act plays comprising “Mapanakit” celebrate community-rooted storytelling and professional staging discipline that make the production both artistically compelling and accessible to diverse audiences.
“Mapanakit” reflects shared Filipino experiences—heartbreak, longing, healing, and hope—allowing audiences to see themselves on stage. Its relatable themes make it highly engaging for students, young professionals, cultural advocates, and general theatergoers.
In “Ang Liknayan ng Ating mga Katawan,” Hershey Mae sneaks into the school’s chemistry lab under the pretense of conducting an experiment. But she is there to confront her teacher, Sir Banakon. He has rejected her controversial research paper, arguing that its methods and conclusions are unscientific and dangerous. The paper has already caused disturbance in the school; some students have taken its claims seriously, leading to a suicide attempt, a viral fight, and a missing student.
Sir Banakon believes the study must be dismissed before more harm is done. But Hershey Mae insists that her research is grounded in real observation and experience. What she is trying to prove is that some truths—especially about love—cannot simply be invalidated.
In “Ilihan at Kalingaw,” a mythical realm, Ilihan, the poet-historian of the Buringkantada tribe, is tasked with recording the stories their elders deem worthy of memory.
When the council discovers that Ilihan has secretly written love poems for Kalingaw—a man she is forbidden to love—she is summoned to face punishment. Kalingaw urges her to flee before it is too late, but she refuses, believing that love, too, deserves a place in their history. By standing by her words, Ilihan challenges the tribe’s rules on memory—and risks paying the price for a love story they refuse to acknowledge.
In “Ganito ang Pinangarap Kong Kasal,” France and Noel have been a couple since college, keeping their relationship quiet while maintaining the appearance of normalcy around others. Their closest friend, Kris, is their confidante and third wheel, witnessing the sweetness and intimacy of their private love story. For years, the three navigate life together while carefully protecting the secret. The balance begins to break when one decides to follow society’s expectations of masculinity and convention. His choice forces the friends to confront what they have built—and what they may lose. The decision puts their loyalty, love, and friendship to the test.
YPC Stage is the professional performance and touring arm of the Biñan Youth Performance Council Inc., a platform designed to bring its community-rooted theater practice to larger stages and wider audiences.
Built on two decades of cultural work, youth formation, and socially engaged storytelling, YPC Stage produces and presents works that uphold professional standards while remaining deeply anchored in lived realities. Its productions are artistically rigorous, emotionally truthful, and socially resonant.
In “Ang Liknayan ng Ating mga Katawan,” Ross Pesigan plays Sir Banakon and Jury Sanchez plays Hershey Mae.
In “Ilihan at Kalingaw,” Gab Pangilinan and Euden Moje play Ilihan and Kalingaw, respectively.
In “Ganito ang Pinangarap Kong Kasal,” Kokoy de Santos plays Noel; Phi Palmos, France; and Loudette Barias, Kris.
The production designer is Carlo Pagunaling; lights designer, Gabo Tolentino; sound designer, Arkel Mendoza; and creative director, Carlo Cannu.—CONTRIBUTED
The performances are scheduled at KAL-IBG Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon City, on July 25, 26, August 1, 2, 8, 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The gala show is on August 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at ticket2me.net/mapanakit! Show buyers and sponsors may contact 0917-8700496. For more details, visit ypcstage.com/mapanakit.
