Performed entirely by active-duty soldiers, the historic Filipino musical takes the stage at the Metropolitan Theater on August 13 and 14.

This August, audiences will get to see another side of the men and women in uniform as LIYAB, billed as the Philippines’ first major musical performed entirely by active-duty soldiers, premieres at the Metropolitan Theater on August 13 and 14, 2026.

Presented by Teatro Kaugnay in collaboration with KreativExpo Inc., the Metropolitan Theater, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the production brings together military discipline and the performing arts in a musical centered on Filipino history, heroism, and national identity.

Soldiers Take Center Stage

At the heart of LIYAB is Teatro Kaugnay, the Philippine Army’s theater company whose members are all active-duty soldiers.

The company was inspired by the vision of MGEN Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, who has championed the use of the arts as another avenue for education, cultural enrichment, and national unity.

For LIYAB, these soldiers step into a different kind of uniform as performers, using music, dance, and theater to tell stories rooted in courage, sacrifice, resilience, and love of country.

Its Metropolitan Theater premiere coincides with the observance of Buwan ng Wika, Buwan ng Kasaysayan, and Araw ng mga Bayani this August.

LIYAB was created by Captain Ralph Andy Ranario, who also wrote the musical’s book and lyrics.

Promotional materials for the production have already offered glimpses of soldiers portraying figures such as José Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, placing some of the country's most recognizable heroes within a contemporary theatrical production.

While every performer audiences will see onstage is an active-duty soldier, the production itself is the result of a collaboration between military artists and professionals from the civilian creative sector.

Leading the civilian creative team is Lean Jurado of KreativExpo Inc., who serves as Creative Director, Co-Director, Set Designer, and Lighting Concept Designer.

The team also includes Joshua Rico Santos as Additional Choreographer, Bon Franz Raphael Gonzalez as Vocal Coach, and Jerico Rutaquio Namoro as Music Arranger and Sound Designer.

Working alongside them are Teatro Kaugnay's soldier-artists: Second Lieutenant Beatriz Crystal Calumpang as Associate Vocal Coach, Corporal Jay Balequia as Choreographer, and Private First Class Fresher Jr. Madrid as Visual Designer, Photographer, and Videographer.

Following its Metropolitan Theater premiere, the team behind LIYAB hopes to bring the production to schools, local government units, communities, cultural institutions, and audiences around the Philippines.

In doing so, LIYAB positions theater not simply as entertainment but as a way to engage audiences with history, heritage, and questions of Filipino identity.

LIYAB runs on August 13 and 14, 2026 at the Metropolitan Theater, with performances at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Tickets are available through Ticket2Me.