Jaehwa Bernardo

Poster for the musical 'LIYAB.' Handout photo

Article (news)

‘LIYAB’ takes center stage as the country's first all-soldier musical

Jude Cartalaba

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px;display:block" width="633"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786346974184Promotional Poster (1).jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633" alt="Poster for the musical &#x27;LIYAB.&#x27; Handout photos"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Poster for the musical &#x27;LIYAB.&#x27; <em>Handout photos</em></span></span></span></div><p>History isn&#x27;t just being remembered at the historic Metropolitan Theater this month — it is actively being made.</p><p>&quot;LIYAB,&quot; billed as the country&#x27;s first major musical performed entirely by active-duty soldiers, is set to premiere on August 13 and 14. Bringing together the Armed Forces of the Philippines and our civilian creative community, this production shows how live theater can inspire cultural pride, unity, and a deeper love for country.</p><p>Presented by Teatro Kaugnay alongside KreativExpo Inc., the Metropolitan Theater, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), &quot;LIYAB&quot; shines a light on the unique talents of the Philippine Army&#x27;s only all-soldier theater group.</p><p>&quot;LIYAB&quot; is more than a theatrical production. It represents a growing movement — one that bridges military discipline with creative excellence to ignite a renewed sense of love for country across generations.</p><p>The vision behind &quot;LIYAB&quot; comes from MGEN Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, who has long championed the arts as a way to promote education, culture, and national unity.</p><p>Written and created by Captain Ralph Andy Ranario (who wrote both the book and lyrics), &quot;LIYAB&quot; tells real, human stories of sacrifice, courage, and hope through original music and dance. It’s an invitation for every Filipino to reflect on the values that bring us together.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786347012873(1) Gabriela Silang.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786347032353(2) Jose Rizal.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786347050611(3) Andres Bonifacio.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786347066852(4) Heneral Vicente Lim.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>While the performers gracing the stage are military personnel, &quot;LIYAB&quot; stands as a triumphant testament to creative collaboration. The production bridges the gap between armed service and artistic mastery by uniting soldiers with seasoned industry professionals.</p><p>Its creative team includes Lean Jurado (KreativExpo Inc.) as creative director, co-director, set designer and lighting concept designer; Joshua Rico Santos as additional choreographer; Bon Franz Raphael Gonzalez as vocal coach; and Jerico Rutaquio Namoro as music arranger and sound designer.</p><p>Working hand-in-hand with the civilian team are the talented soldier-artists of Teatro Kaugnay: 2LT Beatriz Crystal Calumpang (associate vocal coach), CPL Jay Balequia (choreographer), and PFC Fresher Jr. Madrid (visual designer, photographer and videographer).</p><p>Staged in celebration of Buwan ng Wika, Buwan ng Kasaysayan, and Araw ng mga Bayani, &quot;LIYAB&quot; is only beginning its artistic journey at the Met. Following its Manila premiere, the production is scheduled to tour schools, local government units, and regional communities across the Philippines — bringing its message of hope, unity, and love of country directly to the people.</p><p>Tickets are available via Ticket2Me. For Ticket Hotline, please contact +639088885634 and +639155179686.</p>

<p>History isn't just being remembered at the historic Metropolitan Theater this month — it is actively being made.</p>

History isn't just being remembered at the historic Metropolitan Theater this month — it is actively being made.

‘LIYAB’ takes center stage as country's first all-soldier musical at the Met

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‘LIYAB’ takes center stage as country's first all-soldier musical at the Met

Jude Cartalaba

Published August 10, 2026 04:31 PM PHT

Read More:

theater

musical

LIYAB

Teatro Kaugnay

Metropolitan Theater

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