Tanghalang Pilipino is set to break new ground in Philippine theater as it unveils Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical — a bold and genre-bending production that fuses the fierce rhythm of P-pop with the revolutionary legacy of Gregoria de Jesus. Slated to run from 14 November to 14 December 2025 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the CCP Complex, the musical marks a historic first for the CCP’s resident drama company as part of its 39th season aptly titled “IGNITE.”
Penned by acclaimed playwrights Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Delphine Buencamino, this original musical explores the personal and political journey of Gregoria de Jesus — from her youth in Caloocan to her pivotal role as the “Lakambini of the Katipunan” alongside her husband, revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio.
What sets Gregoria Lakambini apart from other historical musicals is its P-pop heartbeat — a daring artistic choice that brings modern energy to Oryang’s story. With original songs crafted by hitmakers Nica del Rosario (of Tala, Karera, Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi) and Matthew Chang, and arranged by FlipMusic Productions, the production weaves a contemporary soundscape that honors both history and the current musical landscape. As Marco Viaña explains, the creative team drew direct inspiration from rising P-pop sensations such as BINI, whose empowering tracks were often played during warmups in past rehearsals.
“We wanted to give Gregoria de Jesus the kind of voice that resonates with today’s generation,” says Marco Viaña, TP’s associate artistic director. “P-pop — strong, infectious, empowering — is a perfect match for Oryang’s legacy. She was a trailblazer, a fighter, and above all, a woman who refused to be silenced.”
At the center of the cast is veteran stage actress Marynor Madamesila, who steps into the iconic role of Gregoria de Jesus. Through her, audiences will relive the revolutionary’s transformation — told through a compelling narrative based on the ten guiding lessons Oryang herself wrote in her lifetime. These reflections serve as the backbone of the musical, bringing emotional depth to her untold struggles and triumphs.
Gregoria Lakambini is also the final chapter of Tiongson’s theatrical trilogy on the Philippine Revolution. While Mabining Mandirigma and Aurelio Sedisyoso tackled the second and third phases of the revolution respectively, Gregoria Lakambini brings the narrative full circle by returning to its roots — and putting a long-overlooked female figure at the forefront.
As part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Season 39 lineup, Gregoria Lakambini joins the return of two acclaimed historical musicals: Pingkian: Isang Musikal and Mabining Mandirigma: A Steampunk Musical. Season pass holders can enjoy perks such as VIP seating, souvenir programs, and exclusive discounts.