Theatre lovers in Cebu are in for a grand spectacle as the University of Cebu presents Panagtipon: A Festival of Cebuano Theatre.
Taking place from March 19-22 and March 26-29 at the Cebu Coliseum, the festival brings to life Cebu’s vibrant storytelling traditions and rich cultural heritage through original Cebuano plays and translations of well-loved works.
A Gathering of Artistic Excellence
Panagtipon, meaning “gathering” in Cebuano, is a celebration of culture, identity, and artistic expression.
With a lineup of five straight plays and two musicals, the event aims to foster cultural pride, spark meaningful conversations, and showcase the undeniable talent of Cebuano playwrights, directors, and performers.
Producer Rudy U. Aviles, a long-time advocate for Cebuano theatre, shares his passion for keeping local stories alive:
“Now in its seventh year, this festival continues to be our tribute to Culture and Arts Month. It is an invaluable opportunity to share Cebuano stories while highlighting the significance of local theatre as a platform for expression and cultural dialogue.”
An Immersive Theatrical Experience
Panagtipon 2025 offers an exciting lineup of plays, each bringing its own unique narrative and themes to the stage:
Week 1 Performances (March 19-22)
- Rayna-Rayna by Rudy U. Aviles, directed by Everild Catugal
- Bugti by Haidee Palapar, directed by Alan Rico
- Tugkaran sa Firing Line by Lorenzo Balili, Jr., directed by Alfie Mosqueda
- Tunok Sa Bagakay by Joeylli Amierose L. Duallo, directed by Vittoria Eizxel G. Padilla
Didn’t catch any of these performances last week? Don’t worry because there is still a chance for you to witness Cebuano talents live until tomorrow!
Week 2 Performances (March 26-29)
- Leche Fam by Czyril Mari Cabahug, Irish Naingue, and Nina Maurcienell Danong, directed by Yvonne Lim
- Tulo ka Lakang by Maria Niña Zean A. Yuson, choreographed and directed by John Ed Lymer P. Silva
- Serapio by Paul Dumol (translated by Rudy Aviles), directed by Orlando B. Magno
A recurring symbol in all the plays is a large tree prop, which divides into three parts depending on the storyline.
This tree represents the essence of life, serving as a silent witness to the struggles and triumphs of the characters across different narratives.
A Festival Rooted in Meaningful Stories
Each play is crafted with an intent to encourage critical thinking and moral reflection.
Aviles emphasizes that the festival not only entertains but also aims to make audiences more discerning about right and wrong.
The festival’s success only goes to show the growing appreciation of Cebuano performing arts, proving that Cebu’s theatre scene is thriving more than ever.
Don’t miss out on this theatrical celebration! Secure your tickets by contacting UC Students Cultural Services at UC Main Campus (Tel: 255-7777, ext. 4145) or the Student Affairs Office at any UC campus.
Join Panagtipon 2025 and witness Cebuano theatre shine on stage, where tradition meets talent in storytelling.
