Village Connect
This Christmas season, a familiar story finds renewed meaning as Panunuluyan: A Musical Journey of Faith and Giving opens its doors to audiences on December 19, 2025, at the Philippine Veterans Museum and Theater in Taguig City. Presented in two performances at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, the production transforms the traditional Filipino panunuluyan into a living stage experience—one that resonates not only with faith, but with memory, service, and shared responsibility.
At its core, Panunuluyan retells the journey of Joseph and Mary as they seek shelter on the eve of Christ’s birth. Told through the expressive form of a Filipino sarsuela, the story unfolds with music, movement, and dialogue that reflect deeply rooted values of compassion, hospitality, and hope. Yet beyond the biblical narrative, the musical draws a parallel between the Holy Family’s search for refuge and the quiet, often overlooked journeys of Filipino World War II veterans—men and women whose sacrifices shaped the nation and deserve to be remembered.
This production marks a historic milestone as the first musical theater work produced by the Board of Trustees of the Veterans of World War II, in collaboration with Takipsilim Community Theater. Together, they use the performing arts as a bridge between generations, ensuring that both cultural traditions and historical narratives continue to live beyond textbooks and ceremonies.
Written and directed by Meldrig Costuna, a nominee for Best Director for a Musical at the upcoming 38th Aliw Awards, the production carries a thoughtful and emotionally grounded vision. The music is led by Eugene Belbis, an award-winning composer and musical director whose work has earned top recognitions in Philippine theater and further Aliw Award nominations.
The cast is led by Carlo Fabillar as Joseph and Stacy Maxilom as Mary, joined by an ensemble largely composed of young performers. With actors as young as nine years old, the production emphasizes its commitment to engaging youth as cultural bearers—inviting them to encounter history, faith, and service through performance.
Set within the Philippine Veterans Museum MALT, Panunuluyan becomes more than a Christmas musical. It is an invitation to reflect, to remember, and to offer space—on stage and in society—for stories that continue to shape who we are and who we may become.
To know more about The Panunuluyan, you may contact:
Email: [email protected]
For Inquires about BTVWW2, its projects and Facilities:
Official Mobile Number: +63 945 521 1365
Office Number: +63 28 573 0192
Address: Veterans Center, Veterans Rd., Western Bicutan Taguig City, Metro Manila
Email: [email protected]
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