‘Pilar Pilapill’ bares raw trans stories beyond the stage

UP Repertory cast opens up on identity, chosen family, and why authentic trans narratives must be told by trans voices.

When the stage lights dim and the curtains finally close, the real stories of the UP Repertory Company’s cast for “Pilar Pilapill” continue to echo. Far beyond a standard theatrical performance, the student-led play by Pat Javier and Dwyt Aldwyn serves as a living, breathing testament to the transgender experience.

During a recent backstage interview for the “Short Shorts 2: Brgy. Kapalaran” experimental theater festival, the actresses and crew peeled back the curtain on the grueling yet deeply rewarding journey of bringing authentic queer narratives to life.

Raw storytelling over commercial appeal

Unlike highly commercialized productions that often gloss over gritty realities, student theater holds a distinct, unfiltered power. Content creator Alfie Gaganting, or @/alfy.bara on TikTok, who brings to life the character of Amor Montecarlo, pointed out that their student-focused setup allows for a more direct delivery of their advocacy.

“Hindi siya filtered kasi I think one of the biggest missions that we have as a student theater org is to directly give a message to the people,” Gaganting shared, emphasizing that the production consciously prioritizes the message over commercialization.

This bold ethos is deeply ingrained in the organization’s DNA. As a production member noted, UP Repertory breaks away from the traditional confines of the stage. “Ang UP Rep ay lumalabas sa lansangan, nakikimasa, at sumasabay sa problema na latest sa panahon,” they explained.

A chosen family in the theater

At its core, “Pilar Pilapill” is a narrative about chosen families and navigating the internal struggles within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Madi Catalan, who plays Amor’s sister Celeste Montecarlo, shed light on the sad reality of trans women sometimes invalidating one another, offering a grounding piece of advice for those feeling pressured to transition perfectly.

“Ang transhood naman kasi, hindi siya isang competition. Hindi rin siya race. Hindi siya karera,” she emphasized.

Catalan added: “At your own time, at your own pace, you can come out of your own shell.”

This deep sense of community mirrored the real-life realizations of the cast. Magandang Isla, the actress behind the character of mother Mercedes Montecarlo, admitted she nearly backed out of the project until she realized how deeply the script reflected her own life. Recognizing her own “mothering, nurturing aspect” toward fellow trans individuals, she embraced the role as an absolute honor.

Her message to queer folks living in fear is clear and unwavering: “Kung hindi ka man tanggap ng pamilya mo sa tahanan ninyo, may community na naghihintay sa’yo para maging pamilya mo,” she assured. “‘Wag kang matakot, nandito kami.”

Not up for debate

When the conversation shifted to the exhausting societal debates questioning trans identities, Catalan firmly put her foot down. “Trans women are women. Hindi siya up for debate. Kasi buhay, pagkatao at identity ’yon,” she declared.

She expressed deep frustration over the constant need to defend her existence against religious scrutiny, asking, “Bakit, ’pag naging bakla ba ako, ano bang mangyayari sa buhay mo?”

Ultimately, the production’s overarching goal is to help build a society where the validity of trans women is an absolute given, rather than a topic for argument.

Grueling passion behind authentic representation

The road to the stage was undeniably paved with exhaustion. After securing a spot at a Maginhawa queer theater festival, the team powered through eight consecutive shows. The playwright admitted the actresses were physically drained but described it as a “good problem” with “no regrets,” expressing immense gratitude for the platform provided by Teatro Marco.

This tireless effort stems from a deep-seated need for genuine representation, especially since the cast noted a glaring lack of trans stories being told in local theater. “We need more trans stories told by trans people themselves,” the playwright stressed, noting that many of the actresses were stepping into an acting setup for the first time, making the stories fiercely authentic and close to their hearts.

Looking ahead, the cast continues to dream big. When asked who her ultimate dream collaborator is in the industry, Gaganting was quick to manifest a project with Vice Ganda.

“Sobrang laki ng ambag niya sa LGBT[QIA+ community]. Kumbaga, isa siya sa mga nag-pave ng way para sa mga LGBTQ to have more spaces and visibility sa entertainment industry,” Gaganting beamed.

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