Stage Left Podcast

Nel is an artist who has lead a vibrant career on stage, from acting to directing amongst the many hats he’s worn in entertainment. As a director, part of his artistic journey has graced us with the gift amazing worksEnter stage, Man of La Mancha. A classic musical that frames a play-within-a-play about the aging, delusional "knight" Don Quixote. To save his manuscript from the Spanish Inquisition, the author Miguel de Cervantes and his fellow prisoners act out the nobleman's romantic, idealistic, and often tragic quest to fight windmills and champion his love, Dulcinea.Ladies and gentlefolk, please welcome to the pod, Nelsito Gomez.Director: David CayucaSound Engineer: Anton MagnoSpecial Thanks to:Cliake Studio - https://www.facebook.com/cliakestudioInt. Bar / Ext. Cafe - https://www.instagram.com/intbar.extcafe/Sunny Side Sound Productions - https://www.sunnysidesound.ph/Season 6 - Episode 7

Improv is a fast growing form of theater in the public’s eye, where “Every creative act involves a leap into the void,” as American theater director Anne Bogart once mentioned. The magic of improvisational theater has long been a part of the Philippine stage, but through social media, we now have a new found collective love for unpredictable skits and the comedic gold mine it offers.With us is the country’s most popular group, Silly People’s Improv Theater group, or more popularly know as SPIT Manila. Join us as we dive into the world of the unscripted and how their artistry shines with every “yes and”.Ladies and gentlefolk, let’s welcome Dingdong, Pappu, Angelica, Ariel, and Kara of SPIT Manila!Director: David CayucaSound Engineer: Anton MagnoSpecial Thanks to:Cliake Studio - https://www.facebook.com/cliakestudioInt. Bar / Ext. Cafe - https://www.instagram.com/intbar.extcafe/Sunny Side Sound Productions - https://www.sunnysidesound.ph/Season 6 - Episode 5

A theater kid through and through, starting out as an ensemble, then becoming the headliner in theater’s biggest shows, and now a part of the biggest theater company in the Philippines, let’s dive into the artist experience of a friend of the show, Gab!Starting out in BlueRep and PETA, she has worn many faces for different shows and now she now wears many hats for the theater community. Here’s a real life Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady talk with our incomparable guest and her journey from deciding to quit corporate at 2014 and go full on theater and becoming who she is today.Welcome to Stage Left, Gab Pangilinan!Director: David CayucaSound Engineer: Anton MagnoSpecial Thanks to:Cliake Studio - https://www.facebook.com/cliakestudioInt. Bar / Ext. Cafe - https://www.instagram.com/intbar.extcafe/Sunny Side Sound Productions - https://www.sunnysidesound.ph/Season 6 - Episode 3

Inventive, intelligent criticism - as Vincen would describe the need for a stronger movement towards conversation and commentary of the Manila theater scene as impetus for the founding of the new critics organization.Following the successful and much anticipated announcement of the Manila Society of Theater Reviewers’ inaugural awards we have with us, MSTR founder Nikki Francisco of TheaterFansManila.com and co-founder and convenor Vincen Gregory Yu, as our season opener guests. Join us as we talk about their experience lending their thoughts on what its like to be a critic and how it helps foster a healthier and robust theater community.Ladies and gentlefolk, welcome to Stage Left Podcast, season 6!Director: David CayucaSound Engineer: Anton MagnoSpecial Thanks to:Cliake Studio - https://www.facebook.com/cliakestudioSunny Side Sound Productions - https://www.sunnysidesound.ph/Season 6 - Episode 1

A shining light that illuminates the theater scene can be found in Morayta. Join us as we talk to the cast of FEU Theater Guild’s adaptation of Roald Dahl's Lamb to the Slaughter - Karne.It’s 91st season offering is buzzing with rave reviews!. Join me in welcoming Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes, Raffy Pascua, and Cole Banaag as we dive into the experience of being a part of such a compelling piece penned and directed by Dudz Teraña.Director: David CayucaSound Engineer: Anton MagnoSpecial thanks to:Cliake Studio - https://www.facebook.com/cliakestudioSunny Side Sound Productions - https://www.sunnysidesound.ph/Season 5 - Episode 4

Known in the industry as one of the hardest working actors in Philippine theater, with us today is Gawad Buhay 2025 best lead actor in a musical - Vic Robinson.As humble and talented as he is, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience from his career spanning from PETA’s Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto to now headlining as Emilio Jacinto in Pingkian: Isang Musikal. Join us as we journey through the artist experience of Vic Robinson.

In honor of Pride Month, we welcome, The Harong Queens. We put at the forefront the art of drag, the performances, and the experience of being a drag artist. With us are drag queens Italya, Ava Manawari, and Jessie Wanaluvmi J, along side Ivan Panganiban from Human Rights and People Empowerment Center as we talk about the fight for human rights through performance art, empathy and liberation.

It has been a great year for Guelan Varela-Luarca, with 3 Upuan, Kisapmata, the announcement of Scene Change, and the launching of his book Natal/Nacional. Join us for our season ender as we brave the mind of this Palanca Hall of famer and discover the writing process and motivations of the artist who masterfully situates inner thoughts on stage.

Delia D is Newport World Resorts’ production outfit Full House Theater Company’s 11th major theatrical offering featuring Jonathan Manalo’s music. Delia as a strong-willed individual, does everything to help her family and still fight for an opportunity to sing.With us are Shaira Opsimar, returning guest Floyd Tena, and third time guest and show headliner Phi Palmos. Join us as we talk about the highs, the lows, and the long game of being a theater artist.

Kisapmata is the Tanghalang Pilipino’s 38th season finale, following smash hits Balete and Sandosenang Sapatos. Based on Mike de Leon’s film of the same name, adapted from Nick Joaquin’s The House on Zapote Street.Join us as we talk to Toni Go-Yadao and Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan as we challenge the portrait of a perfect Filipino family highlighting the struggles of women, even today.

Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan is a play about Emma, Nardo, and Joel as we find them mired in the middle of a war-stricken town between the military and armed rebels. We are joined by Elora Españo and Ross Pesigan, both prolific in their stage and film careers as we share a discussion on what it’s like to be a theater actor at a time when political turmoil is on the rise and the stage is having an upward trajectory, particularly the staging of plays that reflect the sociopolitical situations of our time.

Next To Normal is a musical about a family’s struggle with the consequences of mental health issues. Presented by The Sandbox Collective and helmed by Toff de Venecia is exploring the piece with fresh eyes and for a younger audience post lockdown. We have with us is Jam Binay reprising her role as Natalie and Sheena Belarmino sharing with her the stage and the character.

Control+Shift is The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s venture to explore the need for changing the narrative of Philippine theater. Joining us are returning guests, festival director and newly appointed company artistic director J-mee Katanyag, and Felicity Kyle Napuli performing now as Gabriella in Kislap at Fuego.