Jon Santos Returns to the Stage for Pride Month in Bawat Bonggang Bagay, Then Headlines Side Show: The Musical in July

The stage is set to shine brighter this theater season as Jon Santos makes a thrilling return in two back-to-back productions from The Sandbox Collective. First comes Bawat Bonggang Bagay in June for Pride Month, followed by Side Show: The Musical in July. Together, these productions offer a celebration of queerness, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

Bawat Bonggang Bagay: A Brilliant Homecoming for Pride Month

After sold-out runs in 2023 and 2024, Bawat Bonggang Bagay (BBB) returns for a limited engagement this June. Presented by Sandbox Co.labs in partnership with Ayala Land and Circuit Makati, the production features Jon Santos reprising his acclaimed role for the fourth time.

A Filipino adaptation of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing, BBB was translated by Guelan Luarca and directed by Jenny Jamora, who won a Gawad Buhay Award for her work on the show. The play is an immersive, interactive experience that invites audiences to reflect on mental health, family, and the small things that make life worth living.

Returning to the creative team are Marcel David (assistant director), Mark Dalacat (set design), Kiefer Sison (lighting), Arvy Dimaculangan (sound), GA Fallarme (projections), KC Kane (costumes), Charyl De Guzman (production management), and IJ Romero (stage management).

Bawat Bonggang Bagay runs from June 14 to 22, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available at TicketWorld. Licensed by Concord Theatricals.

Side Show: The Musical: Jon Santos Steps Into the Spotlight Again in July

Credit: Colin Dancel, The Sandbox Collective

In July, Jon Santos returns in Side Show: The Musical as The Boss, the charismatic ringmaster who introduces audiences to the extraordinary lives of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton. Set in 1930s America, the musical is inspired by the real-life sisters who rose to fame on the vaudeville circuit while navigating the complexities of fame, love, and identity.

Directed by Toff de Venecia, Side Show is the next major production from The Sandbox Collective following its acclaimed stagings of Next to Normal and Little Shop of Horrors. Joining the creative team are Ejay Yatco (musical director), Mark Dalacat (assistant director and set design), Carlos Siongco (costumes), Gabo Tolentino (lighting), and JM Cabling (choreography).

The show runs from July 26 to August 17, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati. Ticketing and casting announcements will be shared soon. Follow updates using #SandboxSideShow. Also licensed by Concord Theatricals.

A Double Feature to Remember

Whether it’s the emotional intimacy of Bawat Bonggang Bagay or the theatrical spectacle of Side Show, Jon Santos continues to remind audiences of his unmatched range and stage presence. This season from The Sandbox Collective offers two unmissable productions that highlight the importance of connection, identity, and performance.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit thesandboxco.com.