The King of Talk, Boy Abunda, once again steps into the world of theater—not as a host, but as a visionary producer. Known for championing Filipino talent and advocating for LGBTQIA+ representation, Abunda co-produces the revival of the Carlos Palanca Award-winning play “Ateng”, alongside actor-entrepreneur RS Francisco. This landmark production bridges art, activism, and entertainment, giving new life to one of the most powerful queer narratives in Philippine theater.
A Resurgence of a Modern Classic
First written in 2005 by acclaimed playwright and composer Vincent de Jesus, Ateng captured the Palanca Award for Literature in the Dulang May Isang Yugto (One-Act Play) category the same year. The piece was originally performed at the Virgin Labfest, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ festival for new and untried plays, where it left a strong impression for its unflinching humor and heartbreaking social insight.
Two decades later, the play returns—more urgent, more resonant, and now staged for a new generation. Its comeback at Rampa Drag Club in Quezon City underscores not just the evolution of queer storytelling, but also the enduring relevance of its message on gender, identity, and power.
The Story That Still Hits Home
At the heart of Ateng is Juicy, a young gay impersonator who spends his electric bill money on his boyfriend Onyx, sparking a heated confrontation with his older sibling Kiwi, a parlorista struggling to keep their household running. What begins as a domestic quarrel unfolds into a witty, emotional exploration of class, gender, and survival in a society that constantly questions their worth.
Kiwi’s discovery—that tools of beauty and self-expression can become weapons of empowerment—symbolizes the play’s biting commentary on how marginalized individuals reclaim strength in a world that often underestimates them.
Boy Abunda’s Vision: Theater as Advocacy
For Boy Abunda, Ateng is more than a play—it’s a platform for truth. “Theater has always been a mirror to our realities,” he shares. “Even after twenty years, the issues Ateng exposes still exist. It speaks about dignity, love, and resistance. It makes us laugh, but it also forces us to confront what remains unchanged.”
Abunda emphasizes that the revival aims to spark dialogue about masculinity, prejudice, and identity: “Masculinity isn’t measured by machismo. Ateng challenges those ideas and gives voice to the LGBTQIA+ community in a way that’s raw, funny, and deeply human.”
A Stellar Team and Cast
Under the direction of Rem Zamora, known for helming another Vincent de Jesus masterpiece Changing Partners, Ateng features an ensemble of powerhouse performers: Kokoy de Santos, Dyas Adarlo, Jason Barcial, Io Balanon, Vincent de Jesus, and Thou Reyes.
Each performance brings a rotating lineup, allowing audiences to experience different dynamics and interpretations of the same text—a unique approach that mirrors the fluidity and complexity of the play’s themes.
Show Dates and Details
Ateng will run from November 14 to December 7, 2025, with weekend shows at 7 PM and select Sunday matinees at 3 PM, staged exclusively at Rampa Drag Club, Tomas Morato Extension, Quezon City.
Tickets are priced at ₱1,000 and available through www.ticket2me.net or directly at the venue. Audiences are encouraged to join the conversation online using the official hashtag #MayRampaSiAteng.
Presented by Visionaries
This bold theatrical revival is presented by Infinite Monkeys, Boy So of La Carmela de Boracay, and Rampa, with McDonald’s as the primary sponsor.
Why “Ateng” Matters Today
In an era where representation and inclusivity continue to be defining battles, Ateng stands as both a reminder and a declaration—that queer stories belong center stage. Through the humor, heartbreak, and humanity of its characters, the play transcends entertainment to become a call for empathy and equality.
As Boy Abunda affirms, “Ateng may have been written twenty years ago, but the truth it tells still echoes today. It’s time more people listened.”