It's a marriage of theater and film with the diverse talent exploring the backstage drama of a theatrical production in the next chapter of the cult comedy classic
Eugene Domingo, who starred in the original films, is joined by a talented cast of film and theater actors in this stage adaptation by PETA.
All photos by Paw Castillo, from @PETATheater on Instagram
Joining Domingo in the cast are actor / director (and her IRL BFF) Andoy Ranay, and multi-awarded actor JC Santos
When Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank first premiered in cinemas in 2011, it made big waves for all the right reasons. Not only was it a big box office hit for its leading actress, the iconic Eugene Domingo, but it also raked in industry awards both here and abroad, and was critically-acclaimed at the same time. Quite a feat for this comedy, written by Chris Ramirez and directed by Marlon Rivera, which led to two equally successful sequels.
And now it's time for a new chapter and a stage adaptation. Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank: Oh Sh*t, It's Live Sa Cheter, produced by PETA, opens this May at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. This time around, it puts the lens on the theater scene, a meta satirical look at backstage drama that comes with putting on a show.
To tell a story of this scale requires a cast that can volley lines and scenes between comedy and drama with aplomb. And this line-up looks like they've hit the mark, masterfully blurring fiction and reality in playing their characters.
Eugene Domingo plays herself, doing a commentary on what it really looks like a working actor in the industry. Joining her is film director (and Eugene's real life BFF) Andoy Ranay, fresh of the success of the currently-running straight play About Us, But Not About Us. Multi-awarded actor JC Santos is back in his thespian era bringing his trademark emotionally nuanced performance to this ensemble.
Palanca Hall-Of-Fame winner and playwright Joshua Lim-So joins in playing the resident writer with the unenviable job of battling rewrites, revisions, and theatrical chaos. PETA president Melvin Lee wears his acting cap as the producer trying to keep the fictional production afloat. Marlon Rivera, who directed the first three films, does a meta take on his day job playing a, you guessed, a director in this stage adaptation. Completing the cast are seasoned thespian Meann Espinosa, and the veteran actress Stella Cañete-Mendoza, who command the mayhem with gravitas, power, and the unmistakable soul of Philippine theater.
A powerhouse cast also deserves an equally impressive creative team. Chris Martinez returns as playwright, delivering the same satirical humor that made the original films a runaway hit. The visionary behind PETA's massive hits One More Chance and Bagets The Musical Maribel Legarda steps in as director, with Johnnie Moran as assistant director. Production design will be by no less than Gino Gonzales, while Teresa Barrozo takes the lead with music.
The Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank trilogy was a big hit for Domingo, building a cult following since the first movie premiered in 2011. Filmmaker Marlon Rivera's satirical take on what it takes to produce a movie and get it on to the international festival trail has it the joining the ranks of Filipino comedy film canon. Its return, by way of this stage adaptation, is the next chapter in its exploration of yet another side of Philippine entertainment.
PETA's Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank: Oh Sh*t, It's Live Sa Cheter runs from June 19 to August 16, 2026 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Tickets are on presale now via Ticketworld for Metrobank credit card holders until March 3, then for those on the waiting list from March 4 - 5. Selling to the general public opens on March 6. Time to get clicking on those links because tickets will sell out fast.
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