Get a theatrical orgasm at Virgin Labfest
MANILA, Philippines - The home of experimental theater is back for its ninth run, hosting a new series of “untried, untested, unpublished, and unstaged†plays from emerging and established playwrights. This festival is known among circles for being provocative and daring, staging plays from first-time playwrights (the virgins), first-time writers (the extra-virgins), and seasoned playwrights (the born-again virgins).
This year’s run will have exciting and unconventional works from Jimmy Flores, Ariel S.R. Yonzon, George de Jesus III, Melvin Lee, Herlyn Alegre, Lawrence Fajardo, Liza C. Magtoto, Ed Lacson Jr., Dominique La Victoria, Charles Yee, Eljay Castro Deldoc, Marlon Rivera, Bernadette Neri, JK Anicoche, Em Mendez, Roobak Valle, Carlo Vergara, Chris Martinez, Benjamin Pimentel, Chris Millado, Aizel Cabilan, Guelan Luarca, and Emmanuel Dela Cruz.
Virgin Labfest will be staged at the CCP from June 27 to July 8. If you need to ask why you should watch, perhaps the festival’s tagline should be enough: May mas sasarap pa ba?
Laugh your ass off at the Manila Improv Festival
Many Filipinos go for slapstick humor, or jokes at the expense of others. However, groups like the Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) are presenting the Manila Improv Festival this week. For its 11th anniversary, festival artistic director and SPIT founder Gabe Mercado is teaming up with PETA, who introduced the style in the Philippines for its second run after an overwhelming response last year.
The witty banter and the spontaneous nature of improv are becoming a hit, and this year’s lineup should sate anyone’s thirst. SPIT has invited groups from Hong Kong, Beijing, Taiwan, Xiamen, Shanghai, and Tokyo to perform. Tomorrow will be their last day, so channel your inner improv and watch today! The shows will be staged at the PETA-Phinma Theater.
Release your inner sister at the White Party
It’s that time of year when our brothers unleash their inner sisters for the annual White Party, the Philippines’ version of Gay Pride. If you think Filipinos know how to have a good time, imagine if you add the hottest (and wildest) gay guys, a sprinkling of fabulous drag queens, the best dance music from our favorite icons, and Sebastian Castro, that cute twink whose coming out via music video has caused quite a stir.
The White Party has been known to set the bar for Pride events, tastefully balancing debauchery with a simple message: We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it. Tonight, the party will celebrate acceptance, inviting the straight community to educate them on gender, equality, and the fiercest way to throw a party. Wear your pride (and white clothing) at Orosa-Nakpil Sts., Malate, Manila.
Be fabulous at GGSS Take 2
There’s plenty to be victorious about if you’re coming in loud and queer. Tonight’s the annual Gay Pride party, and in California, it’s now perfectly legal for same-sex couples to marry. For GGSS, merely existing is a reason to party and they’re doing it tonight at the Tranny Victory Party. Music will be provided by Super Starlet (known as Shahani Gania by day), Tim Moth, DJ Madamme, and the Testosterone Girls.
As an added bonus, there will be a coronation of Queer of the Night, although this is surely for the record only, as we’re all fabulous. After all, the name of the party is “gandang ganda sa sarili.†When you know that this party was organized “because you’re worth it,†you know you’re part of a loving community that will accept you even if you don’t sweat glitter. The Tranny Victory Party happens at Today x Future, Cubao.