'Slambook: Class of 1987' brings nostalgia, youth voices to center stage
MCST's student-led jukebox musical revisits 1987 through friendship, first love, and the dreams that continue to resonate across generations
'Slambook: Class of 1987'
Slambook: Class of 1987 concluded its successful staging on July 7, 2026, as part of the opening celebration of Academic Year 2026–2027 at the Mandaluyong College of Science and Technology (MCST). Presented by MCST, together with MCST Bluesphere Media Creatives and the MCST Andunong Cultural Arts Center, in partnership with Tanghalan Mandaluyong, the production gathered students, educators, families, alumni, media partners, and members of the community for an evening that celebrated Filipino storytelling, youth expression, and the performing arts.
Set in the Philippines of 1987, the coming-of-age jukebox musical followed a diverse group of high school students brought together by a prestigious national quiz competition. Through its familiar and beloved soundtrack, the production explored themes of friendship, first love, family expectations, identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one's dreams against the backdrop of a nation embracing renewed democracy and freedom.
At the heart of the musical was the Slambook Wall—an anonymous space where students expressed their thoughts, confessions, and aspirations. Throughout the performance, it became a powerful symbol of dialogue, empathy, acceptance, and the enduring importance of giving every voice the opportunity to be heard. By weaving together iconic songs with heartfelt storytelling, the production invited audiences to reflect on the experiences of the youth in 1987 while drawing meaningful connections to the present day.
Developed as a student-led theatrical initiative, Slambook: Class of 1987 showcased the creativity, passion, and collaboration of young Filipino artists, demonstrating the vital role of educational institutions in nurturing original theatrical works and fostering cultural appreciation.
The production was conceptualized and initiated by Dr. Jonathan Chiong, directed by K. Martinez, written by Ejay Villafania, and musical direction by John Kenneth Dael. Together with its cast, musicians, production staff, faculty members, volunteers, organizational partners, media partners, and supporters, the team successfully brought to life a story that resonated with audiences across generations.
As the final curtain fell, Slambook: Class of 1987 left its audience with a lasting reminder that every generation has stories worth telling, voices worth hearing, and memories worth preserving—much like the pages of a slambook that continue to connect people long after they have been written.
For updates on future productions and cultural initiatives, follow the official Facebook pages of the Mandaluyong College of Science and Technology, MCST Bluesphere Media Creatives, and the MCST Andunong Cultural Arts Center.