Mediartrix, the official student-led media organization of the University of Santo Tomas, presents BAON, an original Filipino musical written by Rook James Garcia and Maritoni Jean Caridad, directed by Jeri Ramos, and managed by Loelle Tobias and KC Borjal. The 1 hour and 45 minute production runs on May 11, 16, and 17, 2026, at the Education Auditorium, UST Albertus Magnus Building.
Set in Barangay Mabukal, the story follows residents brought together by the sudden passing of their neighbor, Lolo Nestor. As they gather around the food he left behind, they confront their own emotional “baon” of grief, memory, and unspoken truths.
Rooted in the idea of baon as packed meals, the musical expands it into memories, silence, and emotional weight we carry through life. It explores Filipino family dynamics and found family, showing how strangers can form meaningful connections through shared experience.
The food Lolo Nestor leaves behind becomes a vessel of memory, pushing each character to reflect on their relationship with him and themselves. At its core, BAON asks a simple question: what do we carry, and what do we leave behind?
The narrative follows four residents Lai (Charlotte Mateo and Sophia Carasig), Adan (EJ Recalde and JP Coinsunji), Erick (Enrico Sacramento and Troy Victoria), and Shaira (Lianne Sibal and Chelsea Derla), as they confront loss, identity, control, and change within a shared space.
Featuring 12 original songs performed by a live band, the musical blends intimate storytelling with powerful ensemble moments. Director Jeri Ramos describes it as “intimate and real,” focusing on quiet human moments, while the producers highlight themes of grief, connection, and chosen family.
Show dates:
May 11, 2026 (2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM)
May 16, 2026 (7:30 PM)
May 17, 2026 (10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM)
Venue: Education Auditorium, UST Albertus Magnus Building
Open to both Thomasians and non-Thomasians. Tickets are available at https://forms.gle/sj4STh91GZmvN4Ar6
₱250 – UST Alumni
₱350 – Regular
₱300 per person – Family Bundle (minimum of 4)
In a world where people carry everything alone, BAON reminds us that some burdens are meant to be shared.
