John Lapus exposes truth in Teatro Panalo play: ‘Huwag n’yo ‘kong i-judge’

Truth comes first for every storyteller, whether told in a funny or serious manner, as it provides the audience with a human experience that hits a familiar note.

This idea of exposing the truth in every script has also served as the work mantra of Ricky Lee, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and artistic adviser to Teatro Panalo.

At the Teatro Panalo launch on Wednesday at Gateway in Quezon City, one of the finalists who stole the show was John Lapus, who revealed that his experiences as an LGBTQIA+ member and his truth were woven throughout his script.

“Sa makakapanood po ng ‘True to Life,’ para n’yo nang awa, huwag n’yo po akong i-judge. May tendency [kasi na] matakot sa akin ang makakapanood nito. Or hindi na ako kaibiganin. Magsaulian ng kandila. Ginawa ko ito dahil gusto ko lang mapasaya lahat ng mga manonood,” Lapus confessed.

“Based on personal experience from 20 years ago. Ginawa ko na lang ito dahil gusto kong makapag-entertain. At basically, also to tell my truth. Na nangyayari talaga ito. Nangyari sa akin. Puwede ring mangyari sa inyo. Other than magpatawa sa mga play na ginagawa ko, gusto ko may learning. Importante sa akin ‘yun,” Lapus added. 

Feeling both excited and nervous at the same time, Lapus admitted, “Kabang-kaba na ako. Honestly, kagabi nagpraktis akong maghimatay-himatayan. Isang naka-smile kung pumasok ako pero himatay pa rin. ‘Yung isa, nakasimangot ako ‘pag hindi ako pumasok.”

“Theater is indeed booming. To be part of my first love na booming ngayon at kasali pa rin ako rito sa first love ko — 30-plus years na akong nagte-theater — I’m so happy. Hindi ako nagkamali ng first love. At minahal ko ang teatro ever since,” Lapus proudly added. 

As more prominent figures, daring productions, and up-and-coming companies make their mark in the critical and highbrow theater world, Filipinos should expect 2027 to be a banner year for the industry.

For Puregold, which recently entered the theater space, the goal has always been to connect with people through stories shared across various platforms.

According to an ABS-CBN News source, Puregold president Vincent Co has been enjoying his role as a supporter of the Philippine entertainment industry — in any way possible.

“Huwag po sana kayong magsasawa sa mga kabaliwan ni Puregold. Huwag po sana kayong magsasawa sa iba’t ibang naiisip ng aming Puregold president, Mr. Vincent Co,” Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad told the media, while also sharing the story behind their brand’s famous character Aling Puring, who adores culture, community, and entertainment.

The finalists are: “The Girl Scout Law” by Rhain Arabella Alcoriza, “True to Life” by John “Sweet” Lapus, “Trahedya ng Kamote” by Marjay S. Manalastas, “The Boy Foretold By The Stars (One Act Play)” by Dolly Dulu, “Nothing But Dreams” by Ricardo C. Novenario, “Youngstunna” by Jerom Andrei M. Canlas, “Walang Maliit na Bagay” by Joshua Lim So, “@HOME” by Edralin Cabrera, Kathlyn Castillo, Michael Ian Lomongo, Marjorie Lorico, Maria Teresa Jamias, Wenah Nagales, & J Victor Villareal, “Ang Maayong Balita Sumala Kang Bibo Bautista” by Jude Thaddeus M. Gitamondoc, “Baka mali ang Tamaraw” by Emmanuel Benbinuto Antonio, “Manang-Mana Nga!” by Steven Hotchkiss and Jay Pangilinan, and “The Fourth Wall Has Fallen” by Heber Justin P. O’Hara.

All 12 finalists will be provided with extensive development and production support from festival organizer Wishbone Collective Inc. to help bring their winning concepts to the stage as fully staged productions. 

Running from February 20 to March 14, 2027, the Puregold Teatro Panalo will finally give the audiences a chance to experience these exciting new materials.