10. ‘Para kay B’ (Fire and Ice Entertainment)

The power of Ricky Lee’s original story and Eljay Deldoc’s stage adaptation lies in how these unconventional love stories are not merely strange or tragic, but deeply psychological explorations of love. Tackling limerence, loneliness, and the inner struggle of a writer, the play is funny, smart, and often devastating.

9. ‘3 Upuan’ (Scene Change)

At first glance, Guelan Varela-Luarca’s 3 Upuan risks seeming elitist, even pretentious. Beneath its affectations, however, the play captures something raw, violent, and painfully recognizable — grief in its most unvarnished form. I saw the restaging of the 2024 play and wept as Jojit Lorenzo delivered the most exquisite performance of the cast. His portrayal of grief is unembellished and devastating in its restraint. It is hard to imagine not crying while watching this.

8. ‘Anniversary’ (CCP’s Virgin Labfest)

Directed by Sarah Facuri, this deeply human examination of grief and loss hits hard. Whether or not one shares the same tragic experiences as the characters, anyone who has suffered unbearable loss can relate. Nelsito Gomez’s masterful handling of differing belief systems that shape how we cope with tragedy is especially moving. The contrast between faith in a benevolent God and the view that events are random adds depth. This gentle exploration of theism and atheism, without becoming preachy, enriches the text and highlights the complexity of the human condition.

7. ‘Joseph the Dreamer’ (Trumpets)

From the opening scene to the curtain call, Joseph the Dreamer is thoroughly enjoyable. Witty dialogue, joyful and energetic Gary V–signature choreography, strong songs and lively performances make it a crowd-pleaser for all audiences. What makes the musical truly work is its refusal to preach. It takes a well-known Old Testament story and tells it with humor, energy, and clarity. The script is funny without becoming flippant, and serious when needed, without being heavy-handed.

6. ‘Shrek the Musical’ (Full House Theater Company)

Balancing slapstick and wit, the entire show exudes confidence and ease. What makes this production truly unforgettable is the exceptional talent on stage, from the leads to the ensemble. Theater is not just about excellent singing; otherwise, it becomes a concert. Acting is its soul. Effective acting lives in the voice — the pitch, the quiver, the emotional subtext within every lyric —  that reveals the characters’ inner journeys: loneliness, anxiety, arrogance, pain, and love. Shrek the Musical has all of that.

5. ‘Sopranong Kalbo’ (Teatro Meron)

Performed in Filipino through National Artist Rolando Tinio’s translation of French-Romanian playwright Eugène Ionesco’s La Cantatrice Chauve (The Bald Soprano), this play is rooted in Filipino middle-class speech patterns and evokes the shallow rituals of communication. Director Ron Capinding’s stripped-down direction never strays from the play’s focus, while his effective cast elevates the material. Both hilarious and unsettling, this absurdist, thought-provoking, intellectual comedy is unforgettable.

4. ‘Into the Woods’ (Theatre Group Asia)

This year’s famously sold-out-in-an-instant production delivers the joy of live performance through strong acting, music, and Filipino touches. One of the strongest local productions of the year, its mix of universal themes, Filipino design, and a Western score gives it broad appeal. Whether set in a bahay na bato or a forest, Stephen Sondheim’s score, performed by a skilled Filipino cast, remains its anchor.