More than just a theater act, 34-year-old Raf Andrew Espenocilla from Sorsogon believes in the power of storytelling through theater.
For Espenocilla, a passionate theater artist, art plays an important role in giving a venue to discuss narratives that are often overlooked, stories from both the center and the margins of society.
And this meaningful belief is at the heart of the theater play “13th of September,” which will be staged on the international platform of the Mondial du Théâtre Europe.
Held every four years in Monaco since 1957, the prestigious European festival gathers theater groups from five continents. The Philippines returns as one of Asia’s representatives, only the second time since its last participation in 1997.
It is a “surreal” and humbling feeling, according to Esponecilla, to become a part of a remarkable team carrying the Filipino flag on such a global stage.
“Sa totoo lang, hanggang ngayon, very surreal ang pakiramdam na maisama sa isang napakahusay na team na magrerepresent sa Pilipinas sa isang prestigious European festival–yung Mondial du Theatre… And recently namin napag-alaman na ito pala ay ang pangalawang pagkakataon na makakasali ang Pilipinas sa festival na to. Yung last time ay 3 decades ago pa, nung 1997. Kaya magkahalong excitement, kaba, pressure, and challenge yung nararamdaman ko right now. Pero syempre, nakakaproud din na maging isa sa taga-bitbit ng bandera ng Pinas sa festival,” Espenocilla told Bicoldotph.
Meanwhile, before stepping onto the international stage, the team will perform on August 10 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for a fundraising show ahead of their global showcase in Europe from August 20 to 27, 2025.
Small group with big vision
Although Espenocilla is not an original member of BOGT Philippines, he previously worked with the group as a translator and dramaturg for “13th of September” during its earlier runs in Canada and Germany in 2019 and 2022.
For its 2025 staging at the Mondial du Théâtre, he was invited to join as an actor.
BOGT Philippines is an independent, non-profit theater collective founded in 2019, composed of professional theater, film, and events practitioners from Manila.
Despite being a small group, its members are united by a deep passion for showcasing Filipino talent on the global stage. Espenocilla, along with his partner Eljay Castro Deldoc, who serves as the playwright of “13th of September,” are members of another group based in Sorsogon, Tabsing Kolektib PH.
“Ako, kasama yung aking partner na si Eljay Castro Deldoc na syang nagsulat ng dula sa Tagalog, members kami ng ibang grupo, ang Tabsing Kolektib PH na kasalukuyan ay nakabase sa Sorsogon. Doon talaga kami nagtatanghal,” he added.
Moreover, he also said that while they come from different groups, they share the same goal: to prove that Filipino theater is alive, thriving, and worthy of international recognition.
Theater as a Mirror of Society
According to Espenocilla, each play is an eye-opener for the audience to engage in a deeper understanding of who we are as a nation.
For him, public awareness is sharpened when social issues like poverty, discrimination, and violence are brought to the stage.
The play “13th of September” delivers a powerful message about the long history of abuse, silence, and the labeling of women as “mad” when they defy societal norms.
It challenges the audience’s view of sanity, suggesting that madness often stems not from the individual but from a society filled with misogyny and violence.
To add, the play is also a personal call to listen to silenced women and to treat mental health with compassion, not as a tool for abuse.
“So yung “13th of September” isa syang strong commentary sa kasaysayan ng pang-aabuso, pananahimik, at pagpapataw ng “kabaliwan” sa mga kababaihang hindi umaayon sa inaasahan ng Lipunan,” Espenocilla shared.
He also added that the piece that dares to speak truth and urges healing through understanding.
On the other hand, when asked what his advice could be to aspiring artists who dream of uplifting Filipino art on the world stage.
He emphasized not to be afraid to start small and to always stay grounded in purpose, because even the smallest stage has the power to carry the loudest message.
“Sa panahong halos lahat ay tungkol sa clout, sana huwag ninyong makalimutan kung bakit kayo nagsimula. Hindi siya pabonggahan. Hindi siya pasikatan. Kung nabiyayaan ka ng kwento—at ng kakayahang gamitin ang katawan mo bilang vessel para ipagpatuloy at i-share ang mga narrative na dapat marinig ng mas marami—tumugon ka,” he emphasized.
Team’s Preparation
Espenocilla and the rest of the team behind “13th of September,” bringing the play to the Mondial du Théâtre, is a big honor and challenge.
The passionate team knows that they are not only performing a play, but also representing the stories and voices of the Filipino people.
In preparation, they spend long hours in rehearsals and make sure their bodies are ready for the performance.
The team also keeps working on improving itself and helping each other grow as a group. Every line they speak and every move they make on stage matters because it shows what Philippine theater is all about.
“Hindi sya madali, pero masarap syang gawin. Masarap magrehearse lalo pa na hindi rin mahirap katrabaho yung mga kasama ko. Hindi sila nagdadamot ng sarili. Generous silang magshare ng puso para sa play. Yung mga inputs nila (Andoy Ranay and Lao Rodriguez) during rehearsals, yung bigayan at patience pag may mga parts na nahihirapan ang isa–malalaking bagay yung mga yun para mas magawa namin nang tama yung itatanghal naming,” the artist shared.
Espenocilla says that the moment is truly “history in motion” because the Philippines rarely gets to join this festival.
This is only the second time in 60 years that the country will be part of it, which makes their journey even more meaningful.
A call for support
Espenocilla expresses deep gratitude for every form of support, whether through questions, sharing posts, or simply wishing the team good luck. All these, he says, serve as fuel that keeps them going.
Bringing a production abroad is no easy task, with visa fees, costumes, logistics, and many other expenses to face. But their courage grows stronger knowing that there are people who believe in their cause.
For those who wish to help through donations, their doors remain open.
To Espenocilla, no amount is too small if it comes from the heart, and every contribution becomes part of the Philippines’ presence on the international stage.
In the end, the journey is not just for them; it is for art and the nation.| Story by Alliah Jane Babila
Photos: Eljay Castro Deldoc