I watched #AninoSaLikodNgBuwan, a play based on a Jun Robles-Lana film of the same title, directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio. I came in not knowing anything about the story, just that the show was provocative and mindblowing. And Edward Benosa is part of the cast, so…what was I supposed to do, say no? 🤣
Set in the 1990s, Anino sa Likod ng Buwan features the complicated entanglements between a married couple, Emma and Nardo, (played by Elora Españo and Ross Pesigan) living in a remote province, and Joel (played by Edward Benosa), a soldier with whom they form a friendship. Through their conversations, we learn their backstories, their hopes and fears, and what fuels the decisions they’ve made thus far.
But we find out soon enough that there are dark secrets hiding behind every character’s move, and we become witness to a reality that unfolds when people are forced to make questionable decisions and sacrifices for the sake of survival. When there is conflict between two warring entities—in this case, labeled “militar” and “rebelde”—who is it that really benefits when victory is claimed? It’s clear in this narrative that everyone loses something, whether it’s one’s life or dignity.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I came to the show knowing how provocative it could get, but I was still shocked to see the R-18 scenes.
Admittedly I was a little worried that the nudity and sex were just added to get people curious enough to watch, but it was soon made very clear that sex was a currency exchanged between Emma and Joel as a means to fulfill very different goals. It explores the complicated aspects of Emma and Joel’s characters and makes the audience question the power dynamics at play as their secrets are uncovered.
I was happy with the ending we got. It wasn’t complete justice, because again, nobody wins in this kind of situation, but it made sense for this character to survive the ordeal. In this particular moment of their existence, it was justice. But will they live long enough to complete their ultimate goal? That’s something the creators leave for us to think about.
I bought the souvenir program before entering the theatre, and I was excited to know that the script was included in it. I’d been reading it since, and it’s kind of a shame this run has ended, because I would have wanted to see it again after reading the full material. Watching the show also made me want to see the movie because I’m curious about how it was executed on screen, but alas, I can’t find it on any streaming platform. Maybe it’s time to make it available online?
My praises and applause to the cast for the dedication they poured into their portrayals of such complicated characters. I last saw Edward Benosa as a slow-witted cadet-slash-loverboy in Mula sa Buwan (2016, 2018), so seeing him as Joel was like a splash of cold water to my face. At times I was quietly objectifying him, and then I’d be truly fearful of the energy he throws out there. Didn’t realize he had that kind of range, and I think it’s time we see him in more theatre shows so he could showcase his talent more.
It’s my first time seeing both Elora Espano and Ross Pesigan on stage, and I’m really glad to have “met” them in this production. Together with Edward, they created great chemistry on stage and made me root for them, even if sometimes I found myself asking whose side I should be on. Elora was a standout, though. Her show of vulnerability was so raw and heartfelt, and she even shone through the scattered little moments of humor that provided respite to an audience on the edge of their seats.
Finally, congratulations to the team behind Anino sa Likod ng Buwan, and I’m glad I was able to catch it this time around. I’d definitely watch it again if they do a rerun in the future!
Anino sa Likod ng Buwan was staged at the PETA Theatre Center from October 17 to November 15, 2025. The Idea First Company’s next offering is the stage adaptation of About Us But Not About Us, a film by Jun Robles-Lana. The play will open in February 2026, starring Romnick Sarmenta, Elijah Canlas, and Epy Quizon. Tickets are now available at Ticket2Me.
