Shiela Valderrama fulfills lifelong dream with powerful Tanghalang Pilipino debut

The acclaimed theater icon stars in “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” for Tanghalang Pilipino’s 40th anniversary season.

For acclaimed and seasoned theater actress Shiela Valderrama, stepping into the realm of Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) is the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. 

Fresh off her win as the 2025 Aliw Awardee for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, Valderrama takes the stage in TP’s production of “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw.” (SNMI)

In a radar Entertainment exclusive, Valderrama revealed that collaborating with the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has topped her career bucket list for years.

“I’ve always admired the company’s commitment to telling meaningful Filipino stories with excellence and integrity,” she shared. “So when they called and offered me this opportunity, I immediately said ‘yes.’”

Making this milestone even sweeter is its timing: the production serves as the maiden musical offering for TP’s landmark 40th anniversary season.

“It’s such an honor to be part of TP’s history,” Valderrama added. “After more than three decades in the industry, it’s a beautiful reminder that there are still dreams to fulfill and new artistic journeys to embrace. I’m grateful that one of those dreams is finally becoming a reality with TP.”

Coming full circle

Every production has its own unique genesis, and for Valderrama, securing her latest project feels like destiny weaving its threads together over time. “It is truly a full-circle moment for me,” she reflected.

Written for the stage by Juan Ekis and adapted from a short story by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno, “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” brings familiar artistic paths back together for Valderrama.

“I first worked with our playwright, Sir Juan Ekis, on Lorenzo back in 2013, where our musical director was National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab,” she recalled. “Now, years later, I’m reunited with the Cayabyab family, this time working with his daughter, Krina, as our musical director. It’s wonderful to see that artistic legacy continue through another generation.”

The production also brings together a powerhouse creative team. “I’m equally excited to be working under the direction of Jonathan Tadioan and to be reunited on stage with Noel Rayos. We’re still at the beginning of the rehearsal process, and I’m looking forward to discovering this story together and seeing how it continues to evolve in the rehearsal room.”

Finding truth in playing Nanay Lucia

As Valderrama digs deeper into the script, she finds her own lived experiences echoing through her character’s emotional arc.

“What resonates with me most is the story’s poignant reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there is always hope,” she explained. “As a mother, that speaks to me deeply. Family has always been my greatest source of strength, and I understand the innate instinct to protect the people you love and to keep moving forward, even through uncertainty and heartbreak.”

Beyond her personal connection, Valderrama praises the show’s grounded narrative style.

“I love that this story celebrates ordinary people,” she noted. “There are no superheroes here, just a family doing their best, leaning on one another, and finding light in the people around them. I think that’s what makes it so moving and deeply relatable.”

A story of hope and healing

“Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” is a moving tale of hope, family, and healing. Amid hardship and loss, young Laya (played by Jem Yana and Annika Co) dreams of learning the traditional Pandanggo dance with the help of her older sister. But when their father, a construction worker, fails to return home, the family is plunged into uncertainty and grief.

As they navigate loss and search for healing, Laya discovers that true light can be found not only in dance, but also in the strength and love of family.

This highly anticipated production will be staged from September 18 to October 11 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, in Pasay City. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/SayawNgMgaIlawTickets.

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