On November 15, 2025, Teatro Marco Maginhawa was packed for Hindi Na Makalaya, the opening show of Ampalaya Monologues Season X. This marked the start of the platform’s 10th anniversary year‑long celebration and proved once again why Ampalaya Monologues is known as The Country’s Hugot Group.
Written and directed by Mark Ghosn, the Country’s Primo Monologista, Hindi Na Makalaya focused on the idea of being trapped by love. Across seven monologues, performers shared stories about love, heartbreak, hope, letting go, and all the messy feelings in between. Ampalaya Monologues blends monologues and spoken word poetry into a unique form of independent theatre in the Philippines.
The Stories
The lineup presented seven deeply personal narratives:
Mark Ghosn | Ampalayain Ka
A husband wrestles with letting go of his sick wife.
Janine Lloce | Bes Wishes
One of the most memorable and iconic characters since Season 1, Janine plays a woman who marries herself, finding peace in self‑love.
Sonson O | Don’t Touch Me Not!
A comedic monologue about ending a toxic friendship for the sake of mental health.
Yel Agsalud | Sa Pagitan ng Tayo Ba at Hindi Na
A look at being stuck in maybes and almosts, waiting for something that never quite arrives.
Rai | No Thanks, Bye
A direct goodbye to a cheating boyfriend, bold and freeing.
JP Ortiz | Ayokong Langhapin ang Paalam
The feeling of waiting for someone to come home after a fight, not knowing if they ever will.
Joni Gee | #NoFeelter
A reflection on changing oneself, literally and emotionally, to find love.
Voices From the Stage
After her performance of Bes Wishes, Janine Lloce shared how it feels to still connect with her character years later:
“Grabe yung saya ko kasi hanggang ngayon mahal pa rin yung karakter ni Bes. Simula Season 1, hindi pa rin siya nawawala sa puso ng mga tao. Parang kasama ko sila lagi every time umiiyak or natatawa sila dahil kay Bes.”
Mark Ghosn talked about why the title Hindi Na Makalaya says so much about where Ampalaya Monologues is now:
“Parang ang title mismo na Hindi Na Makalaya, is about how love can make us bitter at walang eksaktong timeline kung hanggang kailan tayo pwedeng ma-stuck sa feelings natin. Ampalaya Monologues exists para ipaalala sa mga tao na hindi sila nag-iisa kahit gaano pa sila katagal na nasa bitterness stage, kasama nila kami.”
Music, Hugot, and Cultural Influence
The show’s theme drew inspiration from the lyrics of “Multo” by Cup of Joe, a haunting Filipino song that became one of the biggest tracks of 2025. “Multo” (Tagalog for “ghost”) explores emotional haunting and unresolved attachment, being unable to escape memories of love even when you want to move forward. The song’s emotional core fit the monologues’ focus on love, memory, and emotional captivity, giving the show a shared cultural anchor beyond the stage.
Open Mic and Audience Energy
Aside from the main lineup, the night also featured open mic performances from the audience, giving new voices a chance to share their own hugot stories onstage. Open mics have long been part of Ampalaya Monologues’ DNA, making each show feel like a shared space, not just a performance.
One audience member shared:
“Relatable lahat. Natawa kami, naiyak kami, tapos parang gumaan yung pakiramdam ko after. Parang therapy pero may jokes.”
A Sold‑Out Night
Hindi Na Makalaya sold out at Teatro Marco Maginhawa, showing the continued demand for honest, story‑driven performance in independent theatre in the Philippines. As the opening show of Season X and the 10th anniversary, it set the tone for what lies ahead: new voices, deeper exploration, and more stories that make people feel seen and understood.
Be Part of the Story
Ampalaya Monologues continues to champion spoken word poetry, monologues and independent theatre in the Philippines, turning personal experiences into stories that resonate. Love may trap us, but telling our stories keeps us moving forward.
Connect with Ampalaya Monologues:
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @AmpalayaMonologues – for updates on future shows, workshops, and community events.