Jerom Canlas eyes Elijah, Tommy, Bon and Ethan for Puregold Teatro Panalo play

“It’s about six young stunnas na parang sawa na sa kahirapan, sawa na sa pangungutya at nangyari sa kanila sa buhay, kaya na-radicalize sila into joining this rally,” Jerom said in an interview with radar Entertainment.

From discrimination to radicalism

The playwright acknowledged that his background as a University of the Philippines alumnus and his involvement in activism have influenced the stories he chooses to tell.

“‘Yong activism in me, hindi naman nawawala. So, parang in every story naman that I do, I make it a point na laging may advocacy, laging may issue na gusto kong i-tackle at i-confront head-on,” he said.

Jerom already has a six-person cast in mind for “Youngstunna,” with his younger brother Elijah among his choices.

He also mentioned Tommy Alejandrino, Bon Andrew Lentejas, and Ethan King as actors he hopes will become part of the production, noting that some of his prospective cast members have already confirmed their participation.

Elijah among his picks

Beyond the opportunity to have his work staged, Jerom said he is grateful to be among the Teatro Panalo finalists because of the financial support it provides to Filipino playwrights and theater practitioners.

He pointed out that the ₱100,000 talent fee is significant, particularly for freelancers whose income from theater work can be unpredictable.

“Malaki siyang bagay para sa mga manunulat, sa mga artists, mandudula, lalo na sa mga taga-teatro kasi hindi naman kami… I mean, pag freelance ka talagang, hindi naman consistent ang dumarating na finances,” he said.

For Jerom, the opportunity to develop and present original stories through the festival is already a victory, regardless of the outcome of the competition.

“Whether or not makakapasok nga, parang panalo na rin. At least may na-craft sana,” he added.

A win for theater

Presented by Puregold and organized by Wishbone Collective Inc., Teatro Panalo aims to discover, develop, and bring original Filipino stories from the page to the stage while creating more opportunities for writers, directors, actors, and other theater practitioners.

Selected from 373 submissions, the festival’s 12 finalists consist of eight straight plays and four musicals. Each playwright receives a ₱100,000 talent fee, along with development and production support.

At the end of the festival, one straight play and one musical will each receive an additional development grant to help expand their works into full-length productions.

The inaugural Puregold Teatro Panalo will run from February 20 to March 14, 2027.