The critically acclaimed stage play "Choosing: A Stage Play" makes its limited rerun at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University from June 6 to 15.

Produced by Fire and Ice LIVE!, a premier Filipino production company, this powerful two-person drama, written by Liza Diño-Seguerra, returns following its highly successful 2024 debut, offering audiences another chance to experience a bold and profoundly moving story about love, identity, and the choices that define us.

“Through Fire and Ice LIVE!, we are committed to showcasing world-class Filipino productions and keeping our local performing arts scene thriving,” said Liza Diño-Seguerra, co-founder of Fire and Ice LIVE! and playwright of "Choosing."

“This play embodies our vision of making Filipino creativity a global experience, telling a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

'Choosing' to love

Ice Seguerra and Liza shared their insightful thoughts on the powerful messages they aimed to convey through their stage play, demonstrating that love grows stronger when people communicate openly about themselves.

They emphasized the importance of love, acceptance, and the journey of self-discovery, hoping to resonate with the audience on a deeper emotional level. 

"Second time doing this, more than the obvious topics na pinapakita dito, but at some point in our lives, with the relationships that we have, at the time when people get offended easily, malaki rin ang pakinabang na marunong tayo makipag-usap. (With the relationships that we have, at the time when people get offended easily, it's also very beneficial to know how to communicate)," said Ice when asked about what the stage play wanted to convey during a press conference in Quezon City recently.

Ice added: "Minsan nakakalimutan natin ang makipag-usap at harapin kung ano yung problema. I realized na matagal na rin ang relasyon namin ni Liza and after all these years, we're still the same. Lahat ng mga bagay na pinagdaraanan namin, big or small, pinag-uusapan namin. (Sometimes we forget to talk and face what the problem is. I realized that Liza and I have been in a relationship for a long time and after all these years, we're still the same. We talk about everything we're going through, big or small.)

"Sometimes we discuss what's on our minds and forget to listen to the other side as well. Lahat naman kasi tayo may pinanggalingan na katotohanan. (We all have a source of truth). There is power when communicating," Ice said.

Liza stated that the play aims to inspire people by highlighting the importance of choosing love despite all challenges. "A lot of people are saying na matagal na kami ni Ice. People say na tanggap na kami ng tao. I hope this play will help people realize na marami rin kaming pinagdaraanan na struggles and hardships. (A lot of people are saying that Ice and I have been together for a long time. They say people have accepted us. This play will help people realize that we have also faced many struggles and hardships.)

"Hindi siya madali. When we had our run last year, people identified themselves with the character. We can inspire as they see themselves in us. Malalaman nila na that they are not alone. (It's not easy. When we had our run last year, people identified themselves with the character. We can inspire as they see themselves in us. They will know that they are not alone.)

The play is about choosing to love despite everything and embracing love despite the transformation," she said.

A play of profound themes and personal significance"

"Choosing" is an intimate, genre-defying theatrical work inspired by the real-life experiences of its lead performers, who are a married couple offstage. 

The story follows Stella (Liza), a cisgender woman, and Mitch (Ice), a transgender man, as they reflect on pivotal moments in their lives—from early self-awareness and sexuality to the trials they’ve overcome together. 

The play explores themes of gender identity, love, trauma, healing, and personal transformation, shedding light on the often-unspoken challenges of relationships navigating profound change.

Through raw and heartfelt monologues and dialogues, Stella and Mitch confront issues such as sexual abuse, consent, and rebuilding trust, ultimately discovering the power of choice in embracing joy and staying true to themselves.

The play’s central message—we are the choices we make—has struck a powerful chord with audiences.Since its debut,

"Choosing" has been lauded by critics and theatergoers alike. Described as a “brave, thought-provoking piece that tackles identity and relationships with honesty and heart,” the production was praised for its courageous storytelling, compelling performances, and emotional depth. 

The original staging, helmed by internationally renowned director Dr. Anton Juan, was celebrated as an “intimate set of confessions” that brought audiences to laughter, tears, and introspection.

Liza's dramatic presence and Ice's authenticity resonated deeply, making "Choosing" one of the standout theatrical works of 2024.

The upcoming rerun promises to build upon the play’s strengths while introducing subtle enhancements for both new and returning audiences. Dr. Anton Juan returns as director, ensuring the production retains its sharp storytelling and emotional impact.

Acclaimed composer Vincent A. De Jesus also reprises his role, crafting an evocative musical score that seamlessly integrates into the narrative.

Set in an intimate Black Box theater, the staging will draw viewers even closer to Stella and Mitch’s inner world.

While the heart of the play—its raw dialogue and deeply personal performances—remains unchanged, audiences can expect nuanced updates to the production design that will further enhance the immersive experience.

“This rerun is our way of responding to the overwhelming support for Choosing,” said Ice, who not only stars as Mitch but also serves as co-producer and has provided additional monologues for this run.

“The conversations that started after our first staging continued long after the final curtain call. We knew we had to bring it back—for those who missed it and for those who want to experience it again with fresh eyes.

”The 2025 run coincides with Pride Month, making it an especially timely celebration of LGBTQ+ stories, self-discovery, and acceptance. By bringing Choosing back to the stage, Fire and Ice LIVE! reaffirms its commitment to enriching the cultural landscape with relevant, thought-provoking productions.

"Choosing" will be staged on a limited two-weekend engagement at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, in Quezon City from June 6 to 15. Showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale via Ticket2Me.