Comedy legend Jon Santos is back in the spotlight. He will return to theater this June in The Sandbox Collective’s one-act play Bawat Bonggang Bagay (BBB), a Filipino version of Every Brilliant Thing. The show will run from June 14 to 22 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati.
Santos is a well-known impersonator and theater actor. His return marks the fourth time he will play the lead role in BBB. The play has already seen successful sold-out runs in both 2023 and 2024. This 2025 staging is part of the celebration of Pride Month in the Philippines.
A Story About Mental Health Told with Heart
Bawat Bonggang Bagay is based on the popular British play Every Brilliant Thing, written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe. The Filipino version was translated and adapted by Guelan Luarca. Luarca is an award-winning playwright, actor, and director. He first staged the local version in 2023.
The story centers on a child who grows up with a parent facing mental health issues. Told with humor and honesty, the play helps start conversations about mental wellness. What makes this play unique is its interactive style. Audience members are not just watchers—they become part of the story.
The show makes the topic of mental illness more approachable. It invites people to think, talk, and listen in a safe and respectful way. It turns theater into a space for healing and connection.
Directed by Award-Winning Jenny Jamora
Director Jenny Jamora returns to lead this year’s production. She also directed the past three runs of BBB. Her work earned her the Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play award at the 12th Gawad Buhay Awards.
Jamora will work with a talented creative team, including:
- Marcel David – Assistant Director
- Mark Dalacat – Set Designer
- Kiefer Sison – Lighting Designer
- Arvy Dimaculangan – Sound Designer
- Yabs Yabut – Technical Director
- GA Fallarme – Projections Designer
- KC Kane – Costume Stylist
- Charyl De Guzman – Production Manager
- IJ Romero – Stage Manager
Tickets for BBB are now on sale through TicketWorld. Due to limited shows, early booking is advised.
Following BBB: A New Musical ‘Side Show’ Opens in July
Right after Bawat Bonggang Bagay, The Sandbox Collective will present another exciting production—Side Show. This musical is based on the true story of Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined twins who became famous in the U.S. vaudeville scene during the 1920s and 1930s.
Side Show tells a fictional version of their lives. It shows the joys and pains they experienced while performing and being in the public eye. The musical explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance.
The show is set to open on July 26 and will run until August 17, again at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Makati.
Direction by Toff de Venecia and Star Creative Team
Toff de Venecia, The Sandbox Collective’s artistic director, will lead the new production. He is known for past successful runs of Next to Normal and Little Shop of Horrors. Joining him are:
- Ejay Yatco – Musical Director
- Mark Dalacat – Assistant Director and Set Designer
- Carlos Siongco – Costume Designer
- Gabo Tolentino – Lighting Designer
- JM Cabling – Choreographer
Casting and ticket details are not yet available. However, updates will be released soon. Fans are encouraged to follow The Sandbox Collective’s official social media pages and check newsxpressonline.com for further announcements.
Supporting Mental Health Through Theater
Both productions aim to entertain and educate. Bawat Bonggang Bagay focuses on mental health, while Side Show highlights the experience of people often seen as different. These plays not only bring important topics to light but also help build a stronger sense of community.
Theater has always been a mirror to society. In these shows, audiences are invited to laugh, cry, and reflect. The return of Jon Santos and the new musical offering from Sandbox are big events for Philippine theater this year.
Why This Matters
Mental health remains a critical issue in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health, over 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. Theater can play a key role in raising awareness and breaking stigma. By making emotional topics easier to talk about, shows like BBB help people open up and find support.
At the same time, Side Show reminds us of the value of inclusion and human dignity. It gives voices to those who are often misunderstood.
