LIYAB by Teatro Kaugnay: Why Families Should Watch the Philippines’ First All-Soldier Musical

LIYAB, the Philippines’ first full-length all-soldier musical by Teatro Kaugnay, offers a unique blend of history, music, patriotism, and Filipino storytelling that can spark conversations long after the curtain falls.

Premiering at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on August 13 and 14, 2026, LIYAB marks a historic milestone as the country’s first full-length musical performed by active-duty soldiers under Teatro Kaugnay of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army.

For many families, theater is where history becomes human. If your children have discovered the emotional power of productions like Les Misérables, then LIYAB presents a distinctly Filipino experience—one that tells stories of courage, sacrifice, and national identity through music, dance, and live performance.

A Battlefield Isn’t The Only Place For A Soldier

One of the most remarkable aspects of LIYAB is that its performers are not professional actors—they are soldiers.

Developed by Teatro Kaugnay, the production grew from cultural initiatives that began in 2022 under Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, who believed that protecting a nation also means preserving its history, traditions, and identity. That vision eventually evolved into Teatro Agila before becoming Teatro Kaugnay, culminating in LIYAB, the country’s first all-soldier musical.

Rather than focusing solely on combat, the musical explores what makes the Philippines worth protecting: its culture, heritage, freedom, and people. Through original songs, choreography, and dramatic storytelling, audiences witness soldiers expressing patriotism not with rifles, but with performance.

For parents, this presents an opportunity to introduce children to Philippine history in a format that feels engaging instead of textbook-like. Young theatergoers also get to see that discipline, creativity, and service can coexist—showing that soldiers contribute to nation-building in many different ways.

Supporting Those Who Give Their Lives To The Country

Maj. Gen. Pasamonte has emphasized that genuine patriotism begins with understanding Filipino history and culture. According to the division, LIYAB aims to ignite a deeper appreciation of national identity while encouraging audiences to value the sacrifices made by those who serve the country.

In a Facebook post, he was quoted as saying, “How can you defend a country if you don’t know its history? If we don’t revisit the experiences of our ancestors and revive the story of the Filipinos, we will struggle to understand why it is important to fight for our freedom, culture, and national sovereignty?”

Watching the musical together can become more than just a family outing. Parents can use it as a springboard for conversations about courage, civic responsibility, resilience, and why remembering the nation’s past matters for future generations.

The production has steadily expanded from performances inside Fort Magsaysay to venues including Camp Aguinaldo, Fort Bonifacio, and Bataan. Its upcoming staging at the Metropolitan Theater is another historic first—bringing a military-led theatrical production to one of the country’s premier cultural venues through a collaboration with KreativExpo Inc. and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

As more Filipino families seek meaningful local productions, LIYAB demonstrates that Philippine theater can entertain while nurturing empathy, historical awareness, and pride in Filipino culture. For children growing up in a digital age, it is also a reminder that some of the most powerful stories are still told on a stage, through live voices, music, and shared human experience.

For those who want to buy tickets, parents can buy them from Ticket2Me.

For ticket inquiries, contact: 0908 888 5634 / 0915 517 9686

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