Eksena PH Launches the 11th Edition of ‘Shorts & Briefs’
Eksena PH Launches the 11th Edition of ‘Shorts & Briefs’
SINEGANG.ph published this press release as sponsored by Eksena PH. No staff writer participated in writing this article.
Eksena PH is turning up the heat this year with the much-awaited Shorts & Briefs 11, running for three weekends from September 20 to October 5 at Café Shylo – Pasig.
Now on its 11th edition, SNB has built a reputation for bold, daring, and unapologetically playful theater—and this year’s line-up promises just that. The six featured plays are as provocative as they are imaginative: from supernatural spins on uncomfortable truths, to a sculptor’s obsession with his own Galatea; from a steamy May-December quickie, to talking body parts with more attitude than you’d expect; from Coprophilia (yes, Google it) to an outrageous face-off between women and robots.
With fearless writers and directors taking the reins, SNB11 is set to surprise, shock, and seduce audiences in equal measure.
Ang Babae at Mangga
DIRECTOR
Tads Obach-Acosta is a Mindanaoan actor for stage, film, and television, currently based in Metro Manila. He began his journey with the Integrated Performing Arts Guild, where he developed his foundation in stage performance. Over the years, Tads has appeared in numerous television commercials and films, often taking on compelling character roles. His work earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination (Utopia) at CinemaOne Originals, a testament to his nuanced performances. In addition to acting, Tads has worked behind the camera as an associate film editor, further deepening his understanding of storytelling. Now expanding his creative pursuits, Tads is also exploring stage directing, continuing to deepen his contribution to the performing arts.
PLAYWRIGHT
John Custer is a BS Computer Science major in Software Technology student at the De La Salle University Manila. He is a member of the university's theatre organization De La Salle Harlequin Theatre Guild. His recent works include serving as the Dramaturg for DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild's Halimaw (2023) and the playwright for DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild's Nanay Imnida (2024). He also joined Eksena PH's Shorts and Briefs 10: The Musical where he served as the playwright and composer of Kasloy (2024).
ACTORS
Cullen Landicho, a theater graduate and seasoned corporate professional, marks his passionate return to the stage after nearly two decades away. This production reignites the artistic flame he once set aside, blending years of real-world experience with his enduring love for the performing arts.
Mika O’Hara trained with PETA and Sightlines Actor’s Space. Notable performances include Hairspray, Dulaang UP Laboratoryo’s Teodora, Teresa, Gregoria, Kalayo, Agnes Dei, GMA’s Makiling, and film Sisa by Jun Robles Lana. Dedicated to teaching theater since 2013, she is also a singer-songwriter, host, and video editor.
Sh*t
DIRECTOR
Phi Palmos is a celebrated Filipino theater and screen actor known for his compelling performances and trailblazing representation most notably in Mula sa Buwan, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Rak of Aegis, Zsazsa Zaturnnah the Musical, and Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo. With a career defined by courage and authenticity, Palmos continues to shape a more representative cultural landscape, inspiring artists and audiences to embrace the transformative power of performance.
SH*T is his directorial debut.
PLAYWRIGHT
Jeremi Flores graduated magna cum laude from the Theatre Arts Program at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. In his third year of college, he led the literary arm of Tanghalang Molave, the program's official theatre production group. He has been a fellow in several writing workshops, including PUP Biblioflix: Patimpalak sa Pagsulat (2016), VLF Writing Fellowship Program (2024), Pasig Writers’ Workshop (2025), and Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (currently ongoing). Jeremi is currently working as a writer and translator at a digital and multimedia company
ACTORS
Philip Emilio Macabantad is a freelance actor from Aklan. His passion & love for acting led him to earn his AB Theater Arts degree at DLS-CSB. Having worked with directors like Tuxqs Rutaquio & Roobak Valle, his notable roles include Frondoso in Fuente Ovejuna, Lamberto Laudisi in ‘Yun Na Nga! (Kung ‘Yun Na Nga), and his recent performance as Alex in Fermata. He also acted in the Unli Salamat Ad of Samgyupsalamat.
Quiel Campo is a queer and neurodivergent artist, shaped by the Great river and fertile mountains. He is pursuing Theatre Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman, weaving himself between performance and stage management. Trained in the techniques of Stella Adler, he has graced the stage with Dulaang UP, UP Dulaang Laboratoryo, and the UP College of Music. Through theatre, he seeks to widen the horizons of selfhood, nurture collaboration, and contribute meaningfully to the struggle for Filipino liberation.
Reklamasyon Headquarters
DIRECTOR
MARK NORMAN S. BOQUIREN is a cultural worker, storyteller, and an artist-teacher. He graduated AB Communication Arts in University of the East-Caloocan. He is currently teaching at the Manila Tytana Colleges and Assumption College San Lorenzo, and the Artistic Director ng University of the East Drama Company.
He became a writing fellow for Virgin Labfest 10 Writing Fellowship Program (2014), 8th Palihang Rogelio Sicat (2015), UST National Writers’ Workshop (2017), 7th Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio Writers Workshop (2023), and others. He is a member of The Writers’ Bloc, Inc., Kataga, Ang Pinoy Storytellers, and Artisilangan Collective.
His works have received accolades and recognition including First Prize in the Short Children's Story of the 2022 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Best Book in Children's Category in the 17th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards, Kid's Choice Awards in the 7th National Children's Book Awards, and others. He was also given the Outstanding Citizen-Special Award in Literature by the Caloocan City Local Government in February 2024.
In joining Shorts and Briefs 2025, Norman wants to produce work that deviates from his typical subjects and spaces. He wanted to break free from conservatism and censorship. He also sought to be recognized as an artist who also had the capacity to do more and tread a more radical path.
PLAYWRIGHT
Rowel Sotis, also known as Lewor, is a 3rd-year Communication Arts student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa whose artistic journey began in theater. Back in junior high school, he was part of the Special Program for the Arts (SPA) and was awarded Best Male in Theater for two consecutive years. In senior high school, he wrote and directed a play that won Best Play and Best Entertainment Award during their course immersion.
Beyond school, Lewor continues to explore storytelling through theater and film. He is a former scholar of Direk Jun Robles Lana through ENLIGHTEN: The IdeaFirst Film Festival and one of the workshoppers of Direk Dwein Baltazar. While balancing his creative pursuits, he currently works in the BPO industry. His continuous involvement in theater and film reflects his deep passion for storytelling, collaboration, and the transformative power of the arts. He continues to grow as an artist, driven by the desire to tell stories that both entertain, resonate with truth, and inspire others.
ACTORS
Monique “Momo” Maglaqui strives to go beyond the call of a five-star physician by adding a sixth —becoming a doctor-theater actor. After completing her pediatric residency, she pursued workshops at PETA. She seeks to positively transform lives through her love of both science and the art of storytelling.
Sidrey Omer Apita is a musician-composer, currently taking up his final semester studying music composition at the Centro Escolar University Conservatory of Music. Having a deep passion for all things theater with extensive production experience and a desire to broaden his horizons, Shorts & Briefs 11 marks his debut on the public theater stage.
Jonnel Empinado, known as “Jorge,” is an actor from Metro Manila trained in Chubbuck, Meisner, and Improvisation under Sightlines Actors Space and the ABS-CBN Acting Workshop. He works in corporate while pursuing acting on the side, making his stage debut with EksenaPH and bringing depth to every performance.
Warla Arena
DIRECTOR
Tom Navarro is a freelance video editor and an aspiring playwright with a deep passion for theater. A BA Communication graduate from Baguio and an alumnus of the resident theater company of Saint Louis University, he continues to explore storytelling both on screen and on
stage. When not editing, Tom enjoys reading plays, watching theater shows, and writing short plays for stage.
PLAYWRIGHT
Tanghalin G. Tapat is a writer, educator, playback theatre practitioner, and performance studies scholar pursuing a PhD at UP Diliman. With Dulambuhay and Writers’ Bloc, he
creates spaces where stories ignite dialogue, performance sparks reflection, and art becomes a force for healing, education, and social transformation.
ACTORS
Salmo Nella is a full-time drag artist making her professional acting debut in Eksena PH's Shorts & Briefs 11. The former vice principal and a doctorate degree holder in Theology now dazzles the theater stage with her high glam and high camp drag, bringing her wit, humor, and boundary-breaking artistry into limitless possibilities.
K Manipon was part of Tanghalang SLU from 2006 to 2011 and now returns to the stage after more than a decade away. Beyond a career in tax, she performs as drag queen Isza Boutaime and with Improv Sessionistas, showing that even with a busy career, passion always finds its stage.
JB, 30, from Parañaque City, is Jose’s eldest son and a proud Pisces. A passionate pole dancer, singer, drag queen, and aspiring actor, JB thrives in the spotlight. With a love for cats, all forms of art, and fitness, JB embodies creativity, strength, and unapologetic self-expression.
The Red Hotel
DIRECTOR
Rye Capulong is a Filipino improviser, photographer, and I.T. professional with a deep passion for the arts and theater.
He trained in improvisational theater at Third World Improv from 2017 to 2019 and has been organizing and performing in improv shows since 2017. He is also a co- founder of the improv group Improv Sessionistas committed to celebrating unscripted performance. Rye has performed in international festivals such as the Manila Improv Festival (2017, 2019, 2023), Singapore Improv Festival (2018), and
Vietnam Improv Festival (2024). Beyond the stage, he captures moments as a photographer and works professionally in the I.T. industry. This year marks a new milestone in his artistic journey, as he takes on the role of theater director for the first time in Eksena PH’s Shorts and Briefs.
PLAYWRIGHT
Ms. A graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Theater Track) from Bulacan State University, batch 2022–2023.
After graduation, she didn’t immediately pursue a career in theater. Instead, she found opportunities in the corporate world and has worked in different companies since. She’s currently with her third company, but her love for the arts has never faded.
Now, Ms. A is happy to return to the theater—not as a performer, but as one of the writers of the show. One of the pieces featured in this production is her own work. She’s especially grateful to Eksena PH for the opportunity, as it’s also where she completed her internship back in college.
Ms. A is excited to see her story come to life onstage and hopes this is just the beginning of more creative journeys ahead. Slowly but surely, she finds her way back to the world that first sparked her passion.
ACTORS
Khaye Paje works in Film, TV, and Commercial Production, but her greatest love has always been acting. Theater supported her through college, and now, in Eksena PH’s Shorts & Briefs 11, she proudly returns to the stage—her first home—bringing back the same passion, joy, and dedication that started her journey.
Warden Malaya is a corporate rat who has now pursued what truly matters for him—his passion for acting. Having recently undertaken theater and acting workshops with PETA and Joel Saracho, Eksena PH’s Shorts and Briefs 11 marks his professional stage debut as he steps into the spotlight as an actor.
Josefino at Ang Statwa
DIRECTOR
Ingrid Joyce is a freelance theater practitioner who has worn many hats—from stage and production management to dramaturgy, technical design, and direction. Primarily an actor, she has performed with Dulaang UP, notably as Dalagang Rosa in Nana Rosa and as Nale in Sa Gitna ng Digmaan Laban ng mga Mahiwagang Nilalang Laban sa Sangkatauhan, both directed by Jose Estrella. She now seeks to deepen her artistic contribution by directing more works for the stage. She is excited to share through artistic direction her new learnings and experiences both on and offstage. Passionate about collaboration and learning, Ingrid hopes to work with emerging actors and playwrights to tackle political and personal themes—bringing narratives to life that truly resonate with the audience.
PLAYWRIGHT
John Francis Panes
An up-and-coming playwright who advocates for queer representation, equality, and children's rights through his plays. Currently a Sophomore completing his undergraduate degree in Literature, Major in Creative Writing at De La Salle University Manila. Contributing meaningfully to his passion in scriptwriting as a member of DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild.
ACTORS
Kiko Mariano, a corporate professional and freelance artist from Nueva Ecija, makes his acting debut in "Josefino at ang Estatwa". From joining and winning one-act plays as a director and dance pieces as a contemporary dance choreographer at the SLU Arts Festival in Baguio City since 2010, SHORTS n BRIEFS 11 marks his bold step—his first acting stint outside Baguio—toward becoming a professional actor and showcasing North Luzon’s artistic excellence.
Rozel Basilio has spent the past decade as a content creator and influencer, also exploring film production and acting. She gained recognition through the viral digital series Bakit Ka Single and later pursued PPOP. Now, coming full circle, she proudly marks her theatrical debut in Shorts and Briefs.
Creative Consultant: Rolando Inocencio
Production Manager : Cy Tiongson
Art Director : Kevin Matsuyama
Stage Manager : Steph Estrella
Assts. Stage Managers : Dianna Magpantay and Ricci Ferrera
Production Staff
Documentation : Paulito Del Mundo
Creative Intern : Erhik Gonzaga and John Belga
Poster Design : Alaia Design Studio
Sound Designers : Alon Matias and DJ Gabby
Social Media and Voice Over : Lev Vergara
Front of House : Rozen Tabaodaja
Festival Angels :
MATSUYAMA CREATIVES
FRANCIS JASSON VILLANUEVA
SERENA MAGILIW
KATH CASTILLO
KEI MAMANGUN SISON
THE CHILD'S WORLD
A GROWING CENTER INC.
EPC MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
PANASONIC
FILIPINO SIGN LANGUAGE:
JEFFERSON UMALI
EDDIE BUSADRE
MARIO CAGOMOC
MICHAELA CABALHIN ALYSSA TRILLANES
Catch all the action on September 20 – October 5, with 2PM and 7PM shows, at Café Shylo (Showroom by Projects Unlimitd), Skyway Twin Towers, Pasig.
For tickets and inquiries, follow @EksenaPH on Facebook and Instagram.
