Pagbutlak

Photo courtesy | The UP Intermedius/Facebook

The UP Intermedius will stage a two-set theatrical production on Wednesday, April 9, featuring a series of performances that blend satire, humor, and reflections on student life. The production will run in two identical sets—the Matinee Show in the afternoon and the Gala Show in the evening—giving audiences the opportunity to experience the same performances at different times.

The performances cover a range of student experiences through clever parody and imaginative storytelling. Below is a breakdown of the performances included in the show.

Hunger Games

Hunger Games satirizes the pre-enlistment process at UPV by transforming the CRS registration system into a high-stakes parody of the Hunger Games franchise, humorously highlighting the stress and challenges students face during enrollment. The skit, written by Doxford Perlas, Rosabel Maningding, and Keith Domingo, offers a biting commentary on UPV’s enrollment chaos, combining perspectives from different stages of academic life. This part of the show is directed by Rosabel Maningding and Kyle Mangubat.

The Phantom of the Opera

In The Phantom of the Opera, written and directed by Tristan Villaflor, a comedic twist is placed on the classic tale which follows a pregnant Christine, preparing for childbirth, who is unexpectedly visited by her husband, the Phantom, as she undergoes labor in a chaotic “OPERAtion.”

The Jeepney

Also written and directed by Villaflor, The Jeepney takes an ordinary jeepney ride and transforms it into a surreal journey where each passenger has the opportunity to live out their wildest fantasies, blending the mundane with elements of fantasy and exploring themes of escapism and student life. The Jeepney uses the iconic Filipino mode of transport as a stage for humor and reflection. 

Ang Corny

Ang Corny embraces the art of bad jokes and puns, centered around the shared experiences of UPV students. This Alliana Escala written and directed segment showcases a series of intentionally awkward, cringe-worthy punchlines that humorously comment on campus life. 

Family Feud: Acad Orgs Edition

A parody of the popular game show Family Feud, Family Feud: Acad Orgs Edition pits four academic organizations against each other in a trivia competition, with the ultimate prize being the title of “Best Acad Org in UPV.” Hosted by Diningdong Duchess, the segment turns campus rivalries into a comedic game show, complete with playful questions drawn from university culture highlighting the dynamics between student organizations. This was written by Amanda Contemplacion and Roisa Amonoy, with direction by Amanda Contemplacion and Romar Jan Espeja.

With each segment reflecting aspects of student life through satire, parody, and humor, the production promises to continue The UP Intermedius’ tradition of presenting thought-provoking and student-driven theater.

Phil Liam Nono is a sophomore statistics student under the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics. He joined Pagbutlak as a news staffer during his freshman year and now serves as its 50th Editor-in-Chief.