Virgin Labfest XXI names 8 new playwrights for 2026 Writing Fellowship Program

The Cultural Center of the Philippines continues its mission of developing Filipino theatrical talent as the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program (VLF WFP) opens its 15th year with a new batch of aspiring playwrights.

As part of the educational arm of Virgin Labfest XXI, the fellowship program has selected eight aspiring writers who will take part in an intensive theater workshop scheduled from June 16 to 28 at the CCP Complex.

This year’s Writing Fellows are the following:

1. Daniel John Augusto
2. Rhea Kyla Dionisio
3. Angela Nicole Divina
4. Enrico Figueroa
5. Reinhardt Patrick Orillos
6. Rosemarie Uy
7. Gio Alfonso Vega
8. Kier Andrei Yonson

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: 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.