Revisit the best of Virgin Labfest through its thickest anthology yet

‘Mga Piling Dula Mula sa Virgin Labfest 2013 - 2016 Ikatlong Antolohiya’

Who says fat is bad?

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on Thursday launched ‘Mga Piling Dula Mula sa Virgin Labfest 2013 - 2016 Ikatlong Antolohiya’ and CCP Artistic Director Chris Millado shared that he was particularly fond of this collection for a specific reason.

"Gusto ko siya dahil chubby siya," Millado said, half in jest.

The book at 700 pages is indeed thick, containing 19 plays selected from the 48 pieces performed on the Virgin Labfest Stage in the last three years — edited by no less than Palanca Award hall of famer and Virgin Labfest co-founder Rody Vera.

Vera at the launch admitted that the could not have imagined how high the festival could reach when he started it with Herbie Go in 2005. But no matter how far it has gone, the goal remains the same: Spreading the love for theater.

"Sugilanon" playwright Alexandra May Cardoso in a brief speech said that the Virgin Labfest stage has given her confidence in her abilities and she hopes that the festival, the fellowship, and this book continues to inspire a new generation of playwrights.

Acclaimed writer Rody Vera at the launch.

Included in this collection are:

• "Kung Papaano Ako Naging Leading Lady" by Carlo Vergara
• "Imbisibol" by Herlyn Alegre
• "Isang Daan" by Liza Magtoto
• "Pamamanhikan" by Bernadette Neri
• "Ang Goldfish ni Prof. Dimaandal" by Eljay Castro Deldoc
• "Mapagbirong Haplos" by Kevin Tabora
• "Ang Naghihingalo" by Raymund Reyes
• "Betang" by J-mee Katanyag
• "Sa Lilim" by Reya May E. Laplana
• "Dalawang Gabi" by Maynard Manansala
• "Hintayan ng Langit" by Juan Miguel Severo
• "Si Maria Isabella at ang mga Guryon ng mga Tala" by Eljay Casto Deldoc
• "Kublihan" by Jerome D. Ignacio
• "Ang Sugilanon ng Kabiguan ni Epefania" by Alexandra May Cardoso
• "Ang Bata sa Drum" by Dominique Beatrice T. La Victoria
• "Mula Sa Kulimliman" by Carlo Vergara
• "Ang Mga Bisita ni Jean" by Ma. Cecilia de la Rosa
• "Bait" by Guelan Varela-Luarca
• "Daddy's Girl" by Dingdong Novenario

These out-of-the-box plays have broken even more barriers: Vergara's "Leading Lady" became a musical; "Pamamanhikan", "Bait", and "Ang Mga Bisita ni Jean" won Palanca Awards; and Alegre's "Imbisibol" was adapted for the big screen.

For more details, call at 551-5959, 0919-3175708, or email ccpintertextualdivision@gmail.com. — AT/BM, GMA News