A captivating story, eye-catching stage design, and an all-out emotional rollercoaster are just some of the reasons to catch “Endo” at the PETA Theater Center.

For this run of “Endo,” we were able to watch the trio of Royce Cabrera, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Iana Bernandez taking the helm in Liza Magtoto’s adapted stage play under the direction of Melvin Lee.

Royce takes on the role of Leo, a delivery rider who bounces between jobs. He has just been dumped by his aspiring influencer girlfriend, Candy, played by Iana. As he begins to cope with his heartbreak, he forms an intimate bond with Tanya, played by Jasmine—a live seller and BPO worker who aspires to fulfill her goal of becoming a full-time nurse. All three have unsteady work and must enter hustle mode to earn additional income. These actors fully embody their roles, making you feel every moment they share on stage.

Despite being an adaptation of a 2007 Cinemalaya entry, this run of “Endo” isn’t a direct copy-and-paste of what audiences have already seen. Modern updates provide a fresh take on the source material. The story may feel all too familiar, but that’s exactly why it tugs at our emotions and makes us empathize with the characters. Whether it’s us or someone we know facing similar conditions, “Endo” captures these daily struggles remarkably well. Certain moments are gripping enough to make audience members audibly gasp at the drama unfolding before them.

It is truly the stellar work of the cast, combined with relatable scenarios, that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You barely notice the two hours—without intermission—fly by, as the cast keeps you glued to the story from start to finish.

What personally stands out most in “Endo” is its unique stage choreography. At times, the stage moves chaotically, mirroring the rapid pace of the story. In some scenes, the floor shifts and bounces—particularly in department store settings—while background actors take on the roles of staff members trying to catch customers’ attention. The ensemble also does an impressive job of acting as live props, symbolizing certain interactions.

“Endo: The Stage Adaptation” runs at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City until May 10, 2026.

Scan the QR code to listen to our conversation with the leads of “Endo.”