PETA’s ‘The Art of Breaking Up’ opens with emotional roller coaster

MANILA — Teatro Kapamilya’s “The Art of Breaking Up” premiered on Friday at the PETA Theater, offering audiences a roller coaster of emotions through its take on love, heartbreak, and relationships.

The play, which runs until December 6, drew praise from both its cast and celebrity guests during its opening night.

“I’m very happy, and at the same time fulfilled kasi ito yung play na pinag-uusapan namin ni George bago siya namatay,” said director Dudz Teraña, referring to the late George de Jesus, who had written the play.

“I really dedicated this play sa kanya kasi na-envision na niya kung paano gagawin… Excited siya don na mapanood yung play, kung ano yung kakalabasan niya,” he added.

[I’m very happy, and at the same time fulfilled, because this is the play that George and I were talking about before he passed away. I really dedicated this play to him because he had already envisioned how it would be done… He is excited to watch the play and see how it turns out.]

Nikki Valdez, who plays Lou, expressed happiness over the successful opening, saying the cast managed to maintain their energy while welcoming the audience.

“It felt great to finally open the show,” she also said.

Jarren Garcia, who made his theater debut, described the experience as both nerve-wracking and exciting. 

“I was super nervous, but it kinda helped me get to a confident place,” he said. “I definitely see myself acting, and I think this is a good start. I think theater will help teach me all the fundamentals to acting.”

Analain Salvador, who is also making her theater debut, said her initial nervousness eventually gave way to the rhythm and fulfillment of performing onstage.

“Super fun, super exciting yung feeling. Nung una kabado pa kami nung paglabas namin ng stage, pero nung tuloy-tuloy na yung rhythm grabe ang sarap sa feeling, super happy,” she said.

[It was super fun and super exciting. At first, we were nervous as we stepped onto the stage, but once we got into the rhythm, it felt great. We’re super happy.]

Celebrity guests likewise praised the production, with LA Santos describing the play as emotionally moving, while Ashton Salvador highlighted its relatable concepts, particularly for people going through difficult times and breakups.

Magui Ford also commended the cast’s performances and storytelling, saying she felt every emotion portrayed onstage. Lella Ford, meanwhile, described the play as a roller coaster of emotions that had the audience laughing one moment and crying the next.

“The Art of Breaking Up” runs at the PETA Theater in Quezon City until December 6, 2026.