REX: Eula Valdes and Martin del Rosario Reunite
In REX, Joshua Lim So's Filipino adaptation of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, more than a hundred people die after torrential rains hit the fictional city of Tebes. The Po family, which runs St. Paul the Apostle Constructions, tries to protect its interests as long-buried truths begin to surface.
Eula Valdes and Martin del Rosario lead the cast, with Tuxqs Rutaquio directing. Presented by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde through its School of Arts, Culture and Performance, REX runs on November 12 to 15 and November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati, Makati City.
Flood Control and the Po Family
So replaces the plague in Sophocles' tragedy with a flood-control crisis involving questionable public infrastructure and political dynasties.
Eula Valdes and Martin del Rosario Reunite
Valdes and del Rosario previously appeared together in the 2014 film Dagitab. Their performances earned them Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, at the 2015 Gawad Urian.
Joining them are Bong Cabrera, Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad, and EJ Jallorina, alongside performers from Benilde's BA Theater Arts program.
Jallorina plays a trans woman in the adaptation.
The production brings together students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. Its participating programs include Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management.
For more campus productions, see Unsaulicited's university theater guide.
The Team Behind REX
Playwright Joshua Lim So teaches in Benilde's Digital Film program. Director Tuxqs Rutaquio chairs its Theater Arts program.
Rutaquio also designs the set. The creative team includes Christine Crame for movement, Joaquin Jose Aranda for lighting, TJ Martinez for sound design and engineering, Phillip Domingo for costumes, and Ces Valera for projections.
Baha Vergara serves as project manager, with Irene Romero as production manager and Hazel Gutierrez-Marges as deputy production manager. Erri Rojo handles marketing and promotions. Kate Loreno and Axl Fernandez are stage manager and deputy stage manager, respectively, while Renz Sevilla and Dexter Sy serve as technical director and assistant technical director.
REX Show Dates and Ticket Information
Benilde has announced the following performance schedule, with all times in Philippine time:
- November 12 and 13, 2026: 7:00 p.m.
- November 14 and 15, 2026: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- November 19 and 20, 2026: 7:00 p.m.
- November 21 and 22, 2026: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The November 12 performance is designated as opening and press night, while November 13 is gala night. The announced running time is approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
The 300-seat arrangement has three sections: Trono ni Rex, the VIP center elevated bleachers; Tanaw ng Tebes, the front floor level; and Sa Gilid ng Lihim, the side seating.
Benilde identifies Ticket2Me as the ticketing platform. The production is open to the general public, including Benilde students, faculty, and alumni. Ticket prices were not included in the announcement. Ticket claiming begins one hour before showtime, and doors open 30 minutes before the performance.
Check Benilde Arts on Facebook or @benildearts on Instagram for updates.
Publicity images courtesy of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Photography by Mei Lim, assisted by Aidan Guevara and Jessica Gaw.