As the nation celebrates Buwan ng Wika, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is bringing back Walang Aray, a proudly original Filipino musical that reimagines a classic sarsuwela with sharp wit and a renewed call for representation. Opening on August 29 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City, this third staging marks a timely celebration of Filipino language, identity, and artistry onstage.
When Walang Aray first premiered in 2023, it offered something rare in contemporary theater: an original Filipino musical rooted in tradition yet unafraid to challenge it. Inspired by Severino Reyes’ Walang Sugat, the production blended biting satire, catchy music, and political commentary to tell a story that was both unmistakably local and strikingly relevant.
Two years later, Walang Aray returns with a fiercer tone and a deeper commitment to inclusion, an evolution that reflects both the company’s artistic growth and the shifting conversations within Philippine theater. As the centerpiece of PETA’s 58th season, themed “Love and Power,” the revival continues to explore the intersections of love, identity, and resistance.
The 2025 cast embraces broader representation, with LGBTQIA+ artists stepping into major roles. Trans actress Lance Reblando joins the production in a breakthrough role, while queer musician and advocate Ice Seguerra portrays Lucas. Singer-actress Jolina Magdangal also makes her highly anticipated theater debut, rounding out a diverse ensemble that reflects the richness of Filipino identities.
Walang Aray will run from Aug. 29 to Oct. 12 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.
