Real-life story mirrors play as Donna Cariaga and cast back family’s fight for justice.
The cast and crew of the Virgin Labfest (VLF) play “Patayin Ang Mga Surot” experienced an emotional moment minutes before their final performance after being approached by an audience member whose real-life tragedy mirrored the play’s narrative.
During their pre-show prayer on the theater stairs, a mother reached out to the team and specifically praised actress Donna Cariaga for her performance in an earlier show.
The conversation took a poignant turn when the mother revealed that her son, Aldrin, was a victim of “tokhang”—the violent anti-drug campaign under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Written by Floyd Scott Tiogangco and directed by Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, “Patayin Ang Mga Surot” tackles this reality head-on, centering on two Duterte supporters who ultimately become victims of the drug war.
The grieving mother shared that she is currently pursuing a legal battle to seek justice for her son, adding that a hearing is scheduled for November. The cast immediately offered their support, promising to include her in their prayers.
Expressing her appreciation for the production, the mother commended its unfiltered and straightforward storytelling.
“Pero ’yong palabas ninyo walang echos, diretso talaga. Kasi ’yon ang nangyayari sa community,” she told the team, even recalling how she laughed at a specific scene because of its raw accuracy.
Deeply moved by the encounter, the cast and crew dedicated their final prayer not only to a successful performance but also to families seeking justice.
They also reflected on a powerful line from the play: “Ang bawat pag-alala ay patuloy na pagpalag.”
Following its acclaimed run, the team announced that “Patayin Ang Mga Surot,” starring Donna Cariaga, Lian Silverio, and Janji Gamboa, is set to return for Virgin Labfest 22 in June 2027.
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