“Buongiorno! Buongiorno! Buongiorno!” sets the tone for a magical theatrical adventure as Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. presents “Pinocchio,” a musical adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s beloved classic, on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026, at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City. The production promises an enchanting mix of music, movement, colorful costumes, vibrant choreography, and timeless lessons as audiences follow a wooden puppet whose greatest dream is to become a real boy.
Directed by seasoned musical theater artist Sweet Samaniego Buchanan, with Pipo Cifra as musical arranger, the production features Brie Mosquito in the title role, with Red Nuestro as Geppetto, Buchanan as the Blue Fairy, Sheila Gamo as Angelina, Bhen Espina as Antonio, Nazer Salcedo as the Coachman, and Dusty Suarez in multiple roles. They are joined by promising young artists and an ensemble of emerging performers, including Althea Ruedas, Sofia Gabrielle Magno, Jay Paulo Danganan, Paulo Esteva, Ed Vincent Bonoan, Vinz Cantillo, Sofia Yzabel Mallares, Erika Mae Salas, Joahnah Marie Sevilla, and other members of the Ephesus Teatron company.
At the heart of “Pinocchio” is the journey of a puppet who learns that becoming “real” is about more than appearance. His struggles with honesty, peer pressure, temptation, and poor decisions remain relevant in today’s social media era, where misinformation, online deception, trends, and the pressure to gain likes and followers can influence young people. The musical encourages audiences to value truth, think critically, make responsible choices, and remain authentic while highlighting the importance of integrity, accountability, courage, and compassion.
Staging the musical at Ayala Malls Feliz is part of Ephesus Teatron’s effort to bring quality live theater closer to families and communities in eastern Metro Manila and nearby Rizal Province. The mall setting makes theater more accessible to first-time audiences while providing a family-friendly space where children, parents, and grandparents can enjoy a meaningful cultural experience. It also supports local arts and culture by providing opportunities for Filipino performers and emerging artists, while highlighting how arts education can develop creativity, confidence, communication, teamwork, and discipline among young people.
“Pinocchio” will be staged on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026, at the Activity Center, 2nd Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Amang Rodriguez corner J.P. Rizal, Barangay Dela Paz, Pasig City. For ticket reservations and inquiries, contact Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. at 0945-991-1840. This October, audiences are invited to laugh, sing, dream, and rediscover the timeless truth that what makes us truly real comes from within.
