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Walang Aray

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756512137412541246229_1167454535416641_5872350352295034518_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>The cast of &#x27;Walang Aray&#x27; pose for a group photo at curtain call. PETA/Facebook</div>“Ukinam, Ukininam,” “KPop Demon Hunters,” flood-control projects, sabungeros, sweaty “borta” men in vintage athleisure, women in feather caps and sequins, silent-film-era title cards. PETA’s theatrical camp comedy &quot;Walang Aray&quot; plays by zero rules — and Pinoys are loving it.Rody Vera’s modern sarswela-remix of Severino Reyes’ 1902 zarzuela &quot;Walang Sugat&quot; is exactly the kind of work that can become a blockbuster mainstream hit. I haven’t seen the first two runs in 2018 and 2023, but at the press preview last August 28, the audience spent three hours in nonstop laughter, thunderous applause, and squeals — briefly paused by a 10-minute intermission — leaving no doubt that the show is wildly successful.Director Ian Segarra returns at the helm, this time joined by Associate Director Norbs Portales. And with a new cast — Jolina Magdangal as Momsy, Ice Seguerra as Lucas, and a striking performance by transwoman Lance Reblando as female lead Julia — this third rerun has no doubt tripled its oomph factor.Humor is deeply subjective. For a viewer seeking wit, nuance, or layered satire, &quot;Walang Aray&quot; may feel shallow. For me, the three-hour barrage of gags was more exhausting than entertaining. But set aside my personal taste, it is clear why this musical comedy has become such a hit — a true crowd-pleaser. It&#x27;s a pastiche of slapstick, TikTok trends, political circus, multiple eras, parody, and pratfalls that carry the Filipino variety-show DNA. Think &quot;It’s Showtime&quot; on steroids.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756512276733539472859_1167874598707968_1678958074005680395_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A scene from &#x27;Walang Aray.&#x27; PETA/FacebookThe over-the-top comedy is both impressive and overwhelming. Experiencing it felt like doomscrolling funny reels, where pop culture, politics, and absurdity have been compressed into a two-act play. I was impressed by how current trends are cleverly woven into the story. Whether ad-libbed or scripted, the cast knows how to wink at the audience.</div>The gags and dialogue feel written in a loose, unconscious stream during a semi-inebriated moment. Intoxicated enough to toss out playful thoughts, yet disciplined enough to keep the nonsense within a sensible plot. And the audience becomes part of the fun, willingly drawn into this relentless, silly, farcical chaos.So, &quot;Walang Aray&quot; follows two class-crossed secret lovers: Julia, a theater celebrity, and Tenyong (Gio Gahol), a poor farmer, set during the Philippine Revolution. Momsy wants Julia to marry the wealthy Miguel (Bene Manaois), a scheme involving the gobernadorsilyo (Gie Onida) and his flood-control projects. The story is told through a mix of Internet-meme humor, metatheatrical gags, and sarswela-style musical numbers. A standout for me was how the show yells its sponsors — Metrobank, Dunkin’ Donuts, Sun Life — without shame. No subtle product placement. It’s raw, it’s cheeky, and it’s funny.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756512335094540376626_1167874892041272_2140354256337586350_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A scene from &#x27;Walang Aray.&#x27; PETA/FacebookIf the jokes are a hurricane, the technical side is a masterclass. The tiny theater oozes vaudeville vibe: red velvet curtains, exposed light bulbs, a touch of cabaret. The proscenium stage, bold lighting, and vintage opulence make it a feast for the eyes.</div>The press preview ensemble nailed choreography, singing, dancing, and line delivery. Reblando as Julia owns the stage with commanding and playful presence — her voice crystal-clear, timing razor-sharp, expressions perfectly tuned from worry over her Katipunero boyfriend ghosting her, to her sudden and flustered attraction to Miguel.Magdangal, in her theater debut, moves like she’s done this forever. Relaxed onstage and comical — including her well-staged slow-motion Heimlich maneuver that had the house howling. At its core, it’s a story about oppression — still relevant from the era of Spanish colonization and tyrannical friars. Its tagline, “Tumindig at Umibig,” speaks to standing up for what you love. Comedy takes the lead, though, with political satire coming second. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756512391155541501626_1167874348707993_6836255433659579624_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A scene from &#x27;Walang Aray.&#x27; PETA/FacebookIt was made for the masses, and the masses agree. Audience response and its Gawad history (19 nominations, 8 wins including Outstanding Musical, Direction, Book, Original Score, Musical Direction, and Choreography) speak for themselves.</div>In the end, &quot;Walang Aray&quot; is an unapologetically “pang-masa” spectacle: a parodic farce that draws laughter through broad appeal. It may not suit every taste, but its exuberance and mass popularity spotlight the enduring pull of comedy that wears its silliness on its sleeve.<div>&quot;Walang Aray&quot; is currently playing at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City from August 29 to October 12, 2025.</div>

PETA’s campy hit ‘Walang Aray’ is back onstage, blending sarswela tradition with TikTok humor, pop culture gags, and political satire in a riotous spectacle that has audiences laughing nonstop.

PETA’s campy hit ‘Walang Aray’ is back onstage, blending sarswela tradition with TikTok humor, pop culture gags, and political satire in a riotous spectacle that has audiences laughing nonstop.

Theater review: PETA’s ‘Walang Aray’ is a riot of gags, politics, and pop culture

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Theater review: PETA’s ‘Walang Aray’ is a riot of gags, politics, and pop culture

ABS-CBN Lifestyle,

Stephanie Mayo

Published August 30, 2025 10:00 AM PHT

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Updated August 30, 2025 01:45 PM PHT

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theater review

PETA

Walang Aray

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