The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is bringing back its award-winning hit musical Walang Aray—and this 2025 staging is shaping up to be its most exciting yet. Running from August 29 to October 12, 2025 at the PETA Theater Center, the show opens the company’s 58th theater season under the theme “Love and Power.”
At the center of this comeback are three standout performers redefining representation on the Philippine stage. Jolina Magdangal, one of the country’s most beloved pop culture icons, makes her PETA debut as the larger-than-life Doña Juana. Known for her charisma, humor, and unmistakable charm, Jolina brings star power and a new level of energy to the production.
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She’s joined by singer, actor, and transman Ice Seguerra, who takes on the role of Lucas, the fiercely loyal and witty sidekick of lead character Tenyong. Another milestone casting is that of Lance Reblando, a Gawad Buhay-nominated transwoman, who joins Gawad Buhay winner Shaira Opsimar and Gawad Buhay nominee Marynor Madamesila in playing Julia, the musical’s romantic lead. Lance brings authentic and groundbreaking representation to the role, making this run of Walang Aray a landmark moment for diversity and inclusivity in Philippine theater.
Returning to the role of Tenyong are original cast members and Gawad Buhay winners Gio Gahol and Jon Abella, whose performances helped define the musical’s early success. Other returning cast members include Bene Manaois as Miguel, Kiki Baento as Monica, Carlon Matobato as Lucas, Gawad Buhay winner Neomi Gonzales as Juana, Gie Onida and Csairus Habla as Don Tadeo, and Johnnie Moran as Padre Alfaro.
They are joined by several powerhouse newcomers: Rendell Sanchez steps in as Miguel, Divine Aucina takes on Monica, Gold Villar-Lim brings a fresh take to Juana, and Roi Calilong portrays Padre Alfaro.
The ensemble features a vibrant mix of returning and new performers: Jarred Jaicten, Gerard Dy, Yeyin de la Cruz, Ayla Garcia, Ada Tayao, James Lanante, MC Dela Cruz, Bomba Ding, Otep Madriaga, Miah Canton, Matel Patayon, and Zoe Damag—each contributing energy, movement, and voice to the show’s dynamic world.
Directed by Ian Segarra, now joined by Associate Director Norbs Portales, the 2025 version of Walang Aray returns with sharper dialogue, new cultural references, and an added original song by Vince Lim, who previously won a Gawad Buhay award alongside playwright Rody Vera for Outstanding Original Score. Vera’s script continues to weave together humor, resistance, and romance, staying true to the spirit of Severino Reyes’ Walang Sugat while reimagining it for today’s audiences.
After a wildly successful 2023 run with 58 performances and multiple sold-out shows, Walang Aray made a strong impact at the 2024 Gawad Buhay Awards, taking home eight major honors including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble, Direction, Score, Book, Choreography, and acting awards for Shaira Opsimar and Neomi Gonzales.
Tickets go on sale starting June 28 via ticket2me.net, with an exclusive pre-sale for Metrobank credit cardholders from June 28 to July 1. Public sale starts July 2.
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