Theater actress Gab Pangilinan to play lead role in 'Gabriela: The Musical'
Musical theater actress Gab Pangilinan is set to portray Filipino heroine Gabriela Silang in the upcoming Gabriela: The Musical.
Supporting her from the wings are the same team who put up another original Filipino musical, Bar Boys: The Musical.
For Gabriela, the book and lyrics are by Pat Valera, the music and musical direction are by Myke Salomon, and the direction is by Mikko Angeles.
Running from Nov. 13 to Dec. 6, 2026 at Hyundai Hall, Areté in Quezon City, the original Filipino musical revolves around "the story of a woman in love, a grieving warrior, and the kind of leader we continue to yearn for today," as announced by Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, the producer of the musical.
Gabriela Silang has been a celebrated Filipino heroine since the Philippine Revolution. She famously picked up the reins from her fallen husband Diego Silang, who was leading the Philippine militia against Spanish colonial rule when he was assassinated by enemies in Ilocos Sur.
"Told through myth, magic, and mystery, this epic retelling traces Gabriela's journey from a woman searching for wholeness to a leader who discovers that strength is not the absence of brokenness, but the courage to be transformed by it," wrote Barefoot Theatre Collaborative.
"Closing 2026 with this," Pangilinan wrote on Facebook on July 12, sharing Barefoot Theatre Collaborative's post about her new role.
The award-winning theater, film, and television actress wrapped up her role as Mary Magdalene in the Manila run of the iconic musical Jesus Christ Superstar at The Theatre at Solaire from May 2 to 31.
Mary Magdalene and Gabriela Silang are just two of the numerous high-profile roles Pangilinan has had throughout her career.
She is best known for her portrayal of Young Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical in 2023. The next year, Pangilinan took dual roles as Catalina De Jesus and Florencio Reyes in Tanghalang Pilipino's 2024 production of Pingkian: The Musical. She received a Gawad Buhay nomination for Best Featured Performance in a Musical.
Her other performances in musical theater include roles in The Last Five Years, Side Show, and Mula sa Buwan. On TV, Pangilinan won Best Leading Female Performance (Digital) at the 27th Asian Television Awards for Still: A Musical Narrative Series.
Tickets for the opening weekend of Gabriela: The Musical are available here. If bought from July 13 to Aug. 17, tickets will come with a complimentary souvenir program.
More cast members will be announced once casting has been completed.
