Virgin Labfest XX: Celebrating Pride Month Through One-Act Plays

The Virgin Labfest (VLF) XX, held from June 11 to June 29, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater), is commemorating Pride Month with a series of one-act plays focused on themes pertinent to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community. This year’s festival, themed 'Hinog' (ripe), features a lineup of diverse works aimed at giving voice to marginalized communities often overlooked in mainstream discourse.

According to playwright Rody Vera, a co-founder of VLF, the festival’s mission is to highlight underrepresented narratives within the community. “Sa mga nagsasabing puro kabaklaan ang mga dula ng VLF…tama ka,” Vera stated, emphasizing the festival's commitment to showcasing plays that confront complex social issues and human experiences.

The festival includes four thematic sets labeled A, B, C, and D, with each set presenting three new plays, alongside a fifth set that revisits standout performances from previous years. Notably, nine out of the fifteen plays this year delve into LGBTQ+ themes through their narratives or character portrayals.

In Set D’s 'Anniversary,' directed by Sarah Facuri, veteran actress Bibeth Orteza portrays a lesbian character named May, who experiences an unexpected connection with a man mourning the loss of his wife. This poignant narrative explores themes of grief and unspoken regrets, underscoring the festival's intent to address profound emotional and societal complexities.

Another notable entry, 'Polar Coordinates' by Ade Valenzona, highlights a student's struggle with academic pressures and sexual identity, showcasing the intersecting challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. The play emphasizes the importance of representation in the arts, a sentiment echoed by Ortiza, who noted the significance of equal rights for all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation.

The festival is not merely an artistic display; it also serves as a platform for activism. This year’s Pride March and Festival, dubbed LOV3LABAN 2025, is scheduled for June 28 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. This event seeks to promote the passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, which aims to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various sectors.

The SOGIE Equality Bill has been a topic of discussion in the Philippine Congress since its introduction in the 17th Congress and aims to provide legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community against discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and other areas of public life. According to the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, the bill's passage is critical for ensuring equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Philippines.

VLF has grown over two decades into a significant cultural institution, fostering community and collaboration among artists, directors, and audiences. The festival has attracted notable figures in Philippine theater, providing a vital space for the exploration of intricate human stories.

As the festival continues, its impact on the Philippine arts scene and its role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights remain paramount. The ongoing dialogue spurred by VLF and its performances signifies a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and recognition of diverse identities in the arts and beyond.