The People Diary, Kontempo Community Studio, Ayala Circuit Makati, and Ayala Foundation Inc. co-present an innovative original monologue reading this November.
As families across the Philippines gather to remember loved ones who have passed, The People Diary offers theater audiences a different way to reflect through Unheard Voices, an unconventional stage reading featuring original monologues brought to life through bold visual storytelling.
Built around the imaginative concept of six ghosts coming together for a Halloween party, the production explores the personal stories, struggles, and experiences of six individuals before their deaths.
The Show
Departing from the traditional stage-reading format, where performers typically wear simple black attire, the cast will appear in vibrant, expressive, and eye-catching costumes. This creative approach adds theatrical energy, visual impact, and a playful dimension to the performance while challenging conventional expectations of theater.
More importantly, the production celebrates drag as a meaningful form of artistic expression, creative resilience, and an exploration of identity and inclusivity. Through its distinctive presentation, Unheard Voices gives audiences a fresh perspective on storytelling, individuality, and the many experiences that deserve to be heard.
The Director
The production is helmed by Prof. Romualdo “Ronie” M. Protacio, a respected educator and seasoned cultural practitioner whose career in the arts spans more than four decades.
Currently a faculty member at the University of Makati and formerly the Executive Director of its Center for Curriculum and Materials Development, Prof. Protacio is also an Outstanding Teacher Awardee. His diverse professional background includes directing theater productions, performing and writing for stage, film, and television, professional singing, and serving on various national cultural committees. Beyond his work in the performing arts, he remains committed to developing the next generation of creative talents through workshops conducted nationwide, covering theater, leadership, and the arts.
The Writers
Unheard Voices spotlights fresh, raw storytelling from writers outside mainstream theater channels, presenting un-workshopped monologues written purely out of passion for the craft:
- Miguel Louie B. de Guzman — Raised in Santa Maria, Laguna, and an alumnus of De La Salle Lipa, Miguel is a Quezon City-based development worker currently pursuing an MA in Creative Writing at UP Diliman.
- Mavs Alviar — A versatile writer, dramaturg, and performance-maker originating from San Pedro, Laguna.
- Ann Figueroa — A music producer and composer scoring for television (GMA Network), whose folk- and ethnic-pop-infused storytelling expanded into stagecraft through the Paris-based First Principles Acting Workshop under Octave Karalievitch.
- Ella Mae Masamayor — An internist-endocrinologist, published writer (Inquirer Young Blood, Rx Narratives, Santelmo 7), and co-host of the Kwentong Callroom Podcast. A fellow of the La Salle Creative Nonfiction Workshop for Doctors, she blogs at ellamaemasamayor.substack.com.
- Catherine Orda — A Quezon City-based writer and editor with work featured in Rappler, CNN, and Inquirer, as well as published fiction anthologies.
- Janelle Capiral — A communications and marketing strategist, creative, and space holder driven by the transformative power of narrative.
- Myra Ho — A former finance professional turned full-time creative, portraitist, and writer currently pursuing her MA in Creative Writing at UP Diliman.
About the Organizers & Venue
The People Diary — Evolved from a human-centered narrative blog into a collective of independent writers dedicated to giving space to new literary and theatrical voices. Unheard Voices marks their debut stage reading production.
Mission: To platform independent writers and performers through innovative stage readings that foster empathy, dialogue, and community connection.
Vision: To serve as a catalyst for artistic diversity and social awareness, inspiring transformative conversations through accessible storytelling.
Kontempo Community Studio — Located at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, Kontempo is a preview and engagement space paving the way for the future Kontempo – Center for Contemporary Art, Philippines. It regular hosts creative programs, performances, and talks designed to deepen artistic exchange.
Event Details & Ticket Information
Title: Unheard Voices: Original Monologues
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Showtimes: 2:00 PM (Matinee) | 6:00 PM (Gala)
Venue: Kontempo Community Studio, Ayala Malls Circuit Makati
Director: Prof. Romualdo M. Protacio
Presented by: The People Diary
Co-presented by: Kontempo Community Studio, Ayala Circuit Makati, and Ayala Foundation Inc.
Supported by: Azuthai Thai Restaurant, Collective Arts of Students and Thespians (University of Makati CAST)
Makeup Partners: Mayette Bucatan, @miki_makes, Eldy Aquino Beauty
Media Partner: OhOhLeo.ph
Tickets & Registration:
Reserve your seats online via the Official Ticket Form. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4L94gA9xXgT_wVaMeYPAJD5sVQKvvLRfmYnhuLWrCp1RUOw/viewform)
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