Remember the Filipino film “Alkitrang Dugo<’ (1975) an adaptation of novelist William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” which was top billed by the late Eddie Villamayor with an array of stars like Eddie Villamyor, Jingle, Margie Braza, Efren Montes, Ricky Sandico, Roderick Paulate and a lot more from the direction of Lupita A. Concio, sister of Ninoy Aquino.
“Alkitrang Dugo” was partly shot in many hinterlands in Laguna Province.
Now, it is being mounted into a theater presentation by FEU Theater Guild.
Titled “Bangaw,” adapted from Golding novel and written by Gold Villar-Lim, and set in the Visayas, is a bold theatrical experience that follows a group of students forced into isolation as they navigate authority and belonging within a fragile, self-made community. Rooted in contemporary cultural and political realities, the production interrogates leadership and identity in a society shaped by the consequences of the present. Through an ensemble-driven performance, the play becomes a reflection on what it means to inherit a fractured world—and the responsibility that comes with shaping what follows.
Layered with original music by Villar-Lim, with two additional songs by Dudz Teraña, “Bangaw” blends symbolic movement and raw emotional expression with rhythmic, realistic storytelling. Traditional and modern Filipino soundscapes pulse throughout the production, serving as both atmosphere and metaphor for a nation caught between collapse and renewal. Beyond performance, the work confronts pressing societal concerns—division, abuse of power, systemic failure, moral decay, and patriarchy—while foregrounding enduring Filipino values such as bayanihan, resilience, and strategic intelligence, resulting in a multi-layered theatrical experience that challenges perspectives, provokes dialogue, and invites audiences to reflect on the kind of future being shaped today.
At the center of “Bangaw” is Raf (Sam Siasoyco IAS ‘29), whose attempt to uphold order becomes a fragile anchor amid growing unrest. Opposing him is Jack (Aldin Covarrubias ITHM ‘28, Dave Bambang IARFA ‘29), whose descent into dominance and violence drives the group apart.
Caught between reason and survival are the twins Sam (Dianne Andallo ITHM ‘26, Trisha Nilayan IAS ‘29) and Erich (Maria Ysabel delos Reyes IAS ‘27, Althea Sibulo FIT ‘27), while Simone (Heleina Li IAS ‘26, Julia Nicole Ramas FIT ‘26) emerges as a quiet moral compass. Adding complexity is Tabeks (Jharelle Villalobos IAS ‘27, Edrud Madalan FIT ‘27), who challenges rigid hierarchies, while the younger children—Tiny (Marjorie Uson IAS ‘27, Francine Galvez IAS ‘28), Matty (Melenne Hokase IAS ‘28, Margarita Barrameda IAS ‘26), and Caleb (Julian Rafael Anabo IAS ‘27, Lorenze Moral IAS ‘26)—align with Raf, embodying innocence and vulnerability amid chaos.
Others in the cast are are Apple (Janae Dionisio IAS ‘28, Ayessa Raymundo IAS ‘28), Pat (Bjorn Pestaño IAS ‘26, Charlene Libo-on IAS ‘28), Phil (Zoe Sisam IAS ‘29, Shekinah Resurreccion FIT ‘27), Robert (Justin Abalos IAS ‘28, Renz Dotillos IAS ‘26), Morris (Kevin Ricaforte IAS ‘28, Miguel Galpo IAS ‘28), and Roger (Shawn Tarala IAS ‘27, Kirstan Orbegoso IAS ‘27), forming a choir-like faction that amplifies tension.
“Bangaw” hits FEU Auditorium on March 5, 2026.
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