Unheard Voices: Six Ghosts, One Halloween Party, and Stories Too Long Unheard
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 country remember lost loved ones this season, The People Diary invites theatergoers to a unique kind of remembrance: Unheard Voices, a groundbreaking stage reading of original monologues performed not in the usual black and normal outfits but in an attempt to deliver the monologues with loud visuals.
The Show
Set around an unexpected conceit—six ghosts gathering for a Halloween party—Unheard Voices explores the lives, struggles, and fates of six individuals before they passed.
Breaking away from the traditional, minimalist all-black attire of classic stage readings, the cast will perform in vibrant, bold and loud costumes. The creative choice brings spectacle, energy, and playfulness to the stage while challenging traditional theater conventions. Above all, it honors drag as a powerful medium of self-expression, creative resilience, and inclusive identity exploration.
The Director
The production is directed by Prof. Romualdo “Ronie” M. Protacio, an esteemed educator and veteran cultural worker with over 40 years of experience in the arts.
A faculty member at the University of Makati and former Executive Director of its Center for Curriculum and Materials Development, Prof. Protacio is an Outstanding Teacher Awardee. His extensive career spans directing theater groups, acting in and writing for stage, film, and television, professional singing, and serving on national cultural committees. He continues to mentor emerging talent through nationwide workshops on 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)
