PEOPLE V. DELA CRUZ
CORNER STUDIOJ&T BLDG., STA. MESA
JAN. 16 – 24
The Corner Studio returns after Pilato with a one-act satire on online behavior, judgment, and what happens when you can’t just scroll past it.
From the same team behind Pilato, The Corner Studio opens the 2026 year of Philippine theatre with People v. Dela Cruz, a one-act satirical play written and directed by Eldrin Veloso.
Set in the imagined Philippines’ first-ever jury case, six jurors are locked in a room to decide one man’s fate, but deliberation quickly turns into a pressure cooker of ego, politics, prayer, hunger, and possible Wi-Fi withdrawal. Facts get debated, feelings get weaponized, and everyone swears they know the law. Justice? Maybe. Drama? Absolutely.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how social media leaks into real life, and whether that online-offline line actually exists anymore,” Veloso shared. “We act like it does, but the real-world stats on mental health and suicide—among other things—tell another story.”
As the material developed, Veloso said the war on drugs under the previous administration became the sharpest lens for how fast judgment, outrage, and dehumanization can snowball into real-life consequences.
“The premise may be fictional but the social behavior we’re dramatizing is real. It is happening,” he added.
At its core, the play asks what happens when online takes carry immediate, undeniable consequences, and whether a jury system is something society is ready to hold. “Madalíng mang-judge as you can see people’s behavior online.
But in this context where life is on the line, ready ka na ba talagang mang-judge?” Veloso asked.
The production features a seasoned ensemble cast—Mark Aranal, Pauline Arejola, Althea Aruta, JP Basco, Rain de Jesus, Aaron Dioquino, and Emlyn Olfindo-Santos—with Pat Gregorio leading stage management and assistant direction.
People v. Dela Cruz runs January 16 (7:00 PM), January 17 (3:00 PM and 7:00 PM), January 23 (7:00 PM), and January 24 (3:00 PM and 7:00 PM). Tickets are PHP 800, available via tcs.helixpay.ph .
The Corner Studio
4/F J&T Bldg, Magsaysay Ave, Sta Mesa, Manila
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CAST
MARK PUNZALAN ARANAL has spent most of his life as a performer (actor, singer, host, voice talent) & director, and in other creative roles (writer, songwriter, editor, choreographer, designer, producer) for theater, concerts, corporate & private events, film/videos and television. He had also been a dubbing director-writer for films & telenovelas.
Mark lived in Califonia in the 90’s and worked with several performing groups and churches.
He had been involved in various capacities with several theater companies such as Chancel Repertory Theater, Repertory Philippines, PETA, Trumpets Playshop, UP Dulaang Laboratoryo, The Drama Team and Tanghalang Ateneo; as well as community drama groups like Dulaang Abot-Kaya and Dulaang Bahay-Bahayan. He also appeared as an actor in films (“Captain Barbell Boom” and “Diyos-Diyosan”) and TV.
He also ventured into television as a writer-director-segment producer of shows like “Lutong Bahay,” “Job Network,” “Battle of the Brains,” “The 700 Club Asia” and “Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas.” He has worked as a Theater Arts and Public Speaking teacher-director in various schools such as Marist School and CCF Life Academy, as well as having given arts-related workshops, seminars and training.
Currently, he is the Director of Dulaang PCCR and volunteers for various advocacies. He recently appeared in the cast of Tanghalang Ateneo’s “Mga Multo” and “Medea.”
PAULINE AREJOLA is a cum laude graduate of the UP Diliman College of Music (2018), earning her Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance under Prof. Ma. Cecilia O. Valeña, with additional mentorship from Christopher Arceo.
A versatile vocalist across classical, contemporary, and musical theatre, she has performed in the Philippines and abroad and is a resident artist of the Philippine Opera Company’s cultural arm, Harana.
In April 2025, she made her musical director debut with the original Filipino musical Pilato (The Corner Studio), staged at the PETA Theater Center.
Her opera credits include lead roles in Ramon Santos’ Ang Mahiwagang Hardin (Ligaya/Dalaga), Alexander John Villanueva’s Maria y Marta (Marta), and Chen Zhangyi’s Window Shopping (Girl), alongside roles and appearances in Le Nozze di Figaro, Alcina, Turandot, Rusalka, and Hänsel und Gretel.
She has been a featured soloist at the International Bamboo Organ Festival and Handel’s Messiah, performed at venues including the CCP, Manila Metropolitan Theater, and Ayuntamiento de Manila, represented the Philippines in the World Youth Choir 2024 in Canada, and continues her work as a voice teacher at HandaAwit Music Studio and vocal coach for the Children’s Choir of the Diocesan Shrine of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus in Los Baños, Laguna.
ALTHEA ARUTA has been active in theatre since 2015, beginning her formal training at the University of the Philippines Diliman. That foundation launched her career as a freelance actor and continues to shape her craft onstage and onscreen.
Her stage work spans multiple theatre companies, including Artist Playground, where she portrayed Sisa and Salome in Noli Me Tangere, the Wife of Leonardo in Buwan, multiple roles in Str8playschaser, and Lucilla in the Cinderella musical.
She has also performed with Dulaang Laboratoryo, including her role as Danielle in Bangko ni Noe, alongside numerous other stage productions that have strengthened her range and versatility.
In 2022, Althea expanded into television and film, with recent credits including Laura Isabella in Viva One’s I Love You Since 1892 and appearances in GMA teleseryes such as Black Rider, Pulang Araw, Pepito Manaloto, Magandang Dilag, and Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law. She also starred as Elisa in the RC Cola commercial Himala.
She played Melissa in the docufiction film Bulakna under Terratreme Filmes and is involved in upcoming projects with Regal Entertainment Inc., Viva One, and Southern Lantern Studios. Grounded in passion and continuous learning, she approaches every role as a chance to grow, deepen, and sharpen her storytelling.
JP BASCO is a stage and film actor whose journey in theater is rooted in a lifelong desire to inspire fellow dreamers to perform, express, and create through the art they love. With over a decade of experience, he has appeared in acclaimed stage productions such as Dulaang UP’s Orosman at Zafira, The Collection, and Ang Nawalang Kapatid; Bit by Bit Production’s Maxie the Musical; and Nine Works Theatrical’s La Cage Aux Folles and A Christmas Carol.
Beyond the stage, JP has also worked on commercial projects with brands including Jollibee, Coca-Cola, Grab, Master, Head & Shoulders, Safeguard, BPI, and Shell.
For him, theater remains a sacred space—where stories ignite courage and remind dreamers that their voices matter. He hopes this performance encourages audiences to pursue what sets their hearts on fire.
RAIN DE JESUS is a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre graduate from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. She studied under Asst. Prof. Nenen Alfornon and sang with Coro Tomasino, the Conservatory’s official choir mentored by Dr. Ronan Ferrer.
At UST, she performed in the annual Sampung Mga Daliri concerts from 2008 through graduation, and her Coro Tomasino work led to productions including the 2017 opera L’elisir d’amore at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She also joined the USTCM 2009 Broadway Revue, landing lead roles as Christine Daaé (The Phantom of the Opera) and Cosette (Les Misérables).
Beyond the stage, Rain is a freelance voice actor and voice-over artist, certified in 2019 under Pocholo Gonzales and Brian Ligsay, with projects for both private companies and government agencies. She also joined Ms. Lea Salonga’s Masterclass in 2021, presented with UST Conservatory of Music and the NCCA.
Her recent theatre credits include Obet and Aria in Next in Line and Ms. Kaunlaran in Hoy! The Musical (Trick Creatives Productions). She has also worked as a stage manager for productions such as Musikapuluan (Manila Metropolitan Theater), Harana (Silliman University), a touring La Bohème (University of St. La Salle and University of Baguio), and La Voix Humaine (Centro de Turismo, Intramuros). Since 2021, she has served as a vocal coach at Applied Music Platform by Sounds Kradle Inc.
AARON DIOQUINO is a news writer and Malabon TV host with a solid background in theatre and film. He began his acting journey through workshops and stage productions under Talent Factory, Inc. and Artist Playground.
His theatre credits include long-running works with Gantimpala Theater, notably Batang Florante in Florante at Laura (2014–2018, 2023) and Tano, Macaraig, and Placido Penitente in El Filibusterismo (2014–2019). With Artist Playground, he has performed roles such as Carding (Lagablab), Prinsipe Khalil (Ninja Love), Binata (Juan Bautista), and multiple roles in #Str8tPlaysChaser.
Other notable stage performances include Hangin in Bimi: Pighati ni Inang Kalikasan (Sining Pinagpala, 2017), GQ Model/Ensemble in Aquarium na Walang Tubig (Sining Pinagpala, 2016–2017), Dondoy in Shedasu Chronicles (CEU Manila Dramatic Guild Playfest, 2016), Young José Rizal in Old Ateneo (Hero Square, 2017), and Zen in Bangko ni Noe (UP Dulaang Laboratoryo, 2024).
In film, he appeared as Emman in Estranghero (DLSU thesis film, 2015) and Kuya in Munting Hiling (CEU, 2018). Across stage, workshops, and screen work, he continues to build a body of roles rooted in craft, curiosity, and a commitment to meaningful Filipino storytelling.
EMLYN OLFINDO-SANTOS is a multi-awarded composer and a respected theatre, TV, and film artist whose work spans film music, stage productions, and choral performance. She is also a longtime civic leader with over 16 years of service with Inner Wheel Philippines, bringing the same discipline and heart to community work.
Her musical foundation began at Siena College, where she was mentored in the Glee Club. She was part of the 1976 and 1977 CCP NAMCYA champion choirs, served as Siena Glee Club president (1979), led the group on the U.S. tour Showcase USA ’79, and later sang with UP Saringhimig ’81, which earned awards across Europe.
Her recognitions include a PMPC Star Award (2014) for “Huwarang Kabataan” from the MMFF entry Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir, and the MMFF official songwriting contest grand win (2016) for “Cinesama Na Kayo.” She also received the Dangal ng Pilipinas Arts and Music Excellence Award (2010) for her Tagalog adaptation of The Prayer and the UPAA Presidential Service Award (2012) for musical direction work for major UPAA events and concerts. Most recently, she was hailed Champion of Kundiman Writing Contest for “Diwang,” serving as lyricist and singer/interpreter alongside John Estoy under the NCCA and the PCEP Philippine Cultural Education Program.
Onstage, she has performed with major theatre groups including CCP’s Tanghalang Pilipino, with roles such as Doña Carmela (Banaag at Sikat), Doña Victorina (Isang Panaginip na Fili), Doña Lupita (Diwata ng Bayan), Sister Berthe (The Sound of Music), Hannah (Song of Joseph), and Beata (Story of Mother Francisca del Espiritu at ang mga Beata), among others. She also directs operas, concerts, and films, and appears as a character actress in TV and commercial movies.
A recipient of the St. Catherine of Siena Alumni Award of Distinction (Arts and Culture), Emlyn has also earned leadership honors from Inner Wheel Philippines, including being named Outstanding President and receiving, in 2024, an Award of Recognition and a Special National President’s Award for her service as 2023–2024 Shine a Light District Chairman (District 378).
WRITER-DIRECTOR
ELDRIN VELOSO, a cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, has built a successful career in PR and marketing for over a decade and currently serves as the General Manager of Fortress. Even amid his corporate endeavors, his passion for writing—which began with campus journalism—has continued to flourish, transitioning into professional screenwriting and playwriting.
His first forays into theater saw him acting in UP Repertory Company’s Pagsambang Bayan, directed by the late Behn Cervantes, and in Dulaang UP’s Isang Panaginip na Fili, directed by the late Floy Quintos. The all-original Filipino musical Pilato staged in 2025 is Eldrin’s first time as both writer and director, for which he received an Aliw Award nomination for Best Director.
ASSISTANT DIRECTION & STAGE MANAGEMENT
PAT GREGORIO carries a diverse background in theater performance, direction, and production management, bringing a wealth of experience to the stage. She has worked as a music director, stage manager, and production manager for various renowned theater organizations.
Currently, Pat serves as the Resident Production Manager for Repertory Philippines and freelances in event direction and stage management. Her love for theater and live events continues to drive her creative and organizational work.
