PINOCCHIO by Sweet Buchanan - Live on October 9 to 11 at Ayala Malls Feliz

[Last Updated on September 11, 2026]; [First Published on August 6, 2026]

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Sweet Buchanan’s PINOCCHIO celebrates the ever-enduring story of honesty, responsibility, courage, and love in a retelling of Carlo Collodi’s beloved story about the wooden puppet boy.

Photo: Ephesus Teatron Group

Pasig City, Philippines — Under the direction of veteran musical theater artist Sweet Samaniego Buchanan, Ephesus Teatron Group brings the story of a wooden puppet who longs to become a real human boy in a reimagined retelling through original musical performances, captivating choreography, and imaginative stagecraft to bring Pinocchio’s remarkable journey of life-changing lessons about truthfulness, accountability, perseverance, and compassion in his quest to becoming a real boy, to life at the Activity Center, 2nd Floor of Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City this October 9, 10, and 11, 2026. 

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A people’s Production

Theater and stage productions are often viewed as an exclusory artform due to high ticket prices and a resounding zeitgeist of theater being only for those of acquired taste and ability to read deeply into metaphoric and symbolic themes, making it inaccessible and even unattainable for many Filipinos.

For Ephesus Teatron Group, this is a stigma they aim to break by producing shows and musicals that are within the general public’s reach, without compromising on showmanship and talent. With their latest upcoming musical production of fairytale classic Pinocchio, they bring the stage into the heart of Ayala Malls Feliz for mallgoers to see and enjoy.

Part of Ephesus Teatron Group’s accessibility advocacy includes mainly producing family-friendly shows as this allows people of all ages and walks of life to watch a full show, or maybe even potentially have their first exposure to theater and be inspired to either become a patron of the performing arts or to actively participate in it.

Sweet Buchanan’s expertise as a stage director topped with her incredible talent and seasoning as an opera singer and stage performer, takes her reimagination of Pinocchio to a fully produced show, no short of talent and skill.

ABOUT EPHESUS TEATRON GROUP INC.

Known for producing family-oriented musical productions and providing performance opportunities for aspiring artists, Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. continues its mission of promoting theater as a powerful medium for education, creativity, and cultural enrichment. 

According to Ephesus Teatron Group Inc., the production aims not only to entertain audiences but also to inspire families through a story that has remained relevant across generations. 

“Pinocchio continues to resonate because it reminds audiences that integrity, courage, and love are the qualities that truly define who we are,” Sweet, the artistic director, said. “The musical invites children and adults alike to rediscover these timeless values through the magic of live theater.” 

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MEET THE CAST

Photo: Ephesus Teatron Group

Starring Elianah Brielle “Brie” Mosquito in the title role of Pinocchio,

joined by an accomplished ensemble of theater performers, including:

• Red Nuestro as Geppetto

• Sweet Samaniego Buchanan as the Blue Fairy

• Sheila Noreen Gamo as Angelina

• Benedict “Bhen” Espina as Antonio

• Jay Paulo Danganan as Signore Volpone “The Fox”/ Toy / Town’s People

• Vinz Cantillo as Signore Volpone “The Fox”/ Toy / Town’s People

• Paulo Esteva as Signore Gatto “The Cat”/ Toy / Balloon Seller

• Ed Vincent Bonoan as Signore Gatto “The Cat”/ Toy / Town’s People

• Dusty Suarez as The Coachman / Gepetto/ Town’s People

• Nazer Salcedo as the Coachman

• Althea Ruedas as Candlewick / Gino / Town’s People

• Sofia Yzabel Mallares as Candlewick / Town’s People

• Sofia Gabrielle Magno as Candlewick/Town’s People

They will be joined by a cast of promising young artists whose performances highlight the company’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in Philippine theater.

Blue Fairies / Town’s People:

• Erika Mae Salas

• Joahnah Marie Sevilla

Understudies

• Michelle Ann Lacorte as Angelina

• Jethro Leone Ting as Pinocchio

Ensemble - FAIRIES / TOYS / TOWN’S PEOPLE

• Kheem Evelio Pedrosa

• Lloyd Pilapil

• Lunelenne Darilay

• Clara Blanca Esteva

• Jan Keith Campus

• Paul David

• Mattea Recana

• Ann Charlotte Gamo

• Solana Mel Lacorte

• Jordin Louise Ting

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DATES AND VENUE

The production will be staged on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026,

at the Activity Center, 2nd Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz. 

Tickets

Tickets are available through Ephesus Teatron Group Inc.

For reservations and inquiries, interested patrons may contact:

Sweet Buchanan - 0945-991-1840

Kheem Pedrosa - 0939-783-7090

The stage production is a must-watch for theater enthusiasts, families, students, educators, and supporters of the performing arts from across Metro Manila and East Rizal.  

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PINOCCHIO’S Synopsis:

Photo: Ephesus Teatron Group

Long ago, an old carpenter named Geppetto carved a puppet in the shape of a boy and named it Pinocchio. He wished the boy to be a real one. A fairy heard his words and fulfilled his wish. She added life to the puppet, but she wanted that if he was to be a real boy, he must always be a good boy.

Geppetto loved him dearly, but Pinocchio was quite naughty and rarely spoke the truth. As soon as he lied, his wooden nose grew long. He always promised to be a good boy from then on. But he soon forgot his word and left the school with his friends to join a circus.

One day, he heard that his father had been swallowed up by a huge whale. He immediately went to find the whale; The whale swallowed him as well. Inside the whale’s belly, Pinocchio and Geppetto were so happy to see each other. They made a plan to get out and began tickling the whale’s stomach. As soon as the whale opened his mouth and sneezed, Pinocchio and Geppetto slipped out. They reached home safely.

The fairy was pleased with Pinocchio’s bravery, and she turned him into a real flesh-and-blood boy. From that day, he was a very good boy and never missed school. The father and son lived happily ever after.

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Relevance of PINOCCHIO:

Photo: Ephesus Teatron Group

The stage musical Pinocchio remains highly relevant in today's social media era because its themes reflect many of the challenges people face online. Pinocchio's struggles with honesty, peer pressure, and poor decision-making mirror issues such as misinformation, fake news, online deception, and the constant pressure to seek approval through likes, followers, and trends. His journey reminds audiences of the importance of truth, critical thinking, and making responsible choices in a digital environment where information spreads rapidly.

Moreover, Pinocchio highlights the value of authenticity and conscience in an age where people often present idealized versions of themselves on social media. Just as Jiminy Cricket guides Pinocchio to do what is right, individuals today must rely on their own moral judgment when interacting online. The musical ultimately teaches that integrity, accountability, and staying true to oneself are essential qualities for becoming responsible digital citizens in the modern world.

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Why in Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig?

There are several reasons why Pinocchio is being staged at Ayala Malls Feliz. 

First, bringing the arts closer to the community. Staging Pinocchio at Ayala Malls Feliz makes quality live theater more accessible to families and communities in eastern Metro Manila and nearby Rizal Province. Instead of requiring audiences to travel to traditional theater venues in central business districts, the production brings professional performing arts to a familiar and convenient community space.

Second, promoting family-centered entertainment. Pinocchio is a timeless story that appeals to children, parents, and grandparents alike. Ayala Malls Feliz provides an ideal family-oriented venue where audiences can enjoy meaningful entertainment that promotes values such as honesty, kindness, courage, responsibility, and perseverance while spending quality time together.

Third, making theater more inclusive because one of the goals of the production is to make live theater more inclusive and approachable. Presenting the musical in a shopping mall removes many of the barriers often associated with theater—such as distance, unfamiliarity, or perceived exclusivity—and invites first-time audiences to experience the performing arts.

Fourth, supporting local Arts and Culture. The production demonstrates that shopping malls can serve not only as commercial centers but also as cultural spaces that promote creativity, artistic excellence, and community engagement. Hosting Pinocchio contributes to the enrichment of the local cultural landscape while supporting Filipino artists, performers, musicians, and creative professionals.

Fifth, providing a platform for emerging artists, as the musical showcases the talents of young performers, musicians, and theater practitioners who have undergone extensive training. It allows aspiring artists to perform before a live audience, helping them build confidence, discipline, and professional experience. By staging the production at Ayala Malls Feliz, the organizers create opportunities for schools, families, local organizations, and neighboring communities to gather around a shared cultural experience. The event strengthens community ties while encouraging appreciation for the performing arts.

Sixth, highlighting the importance of arts education. Many cast members are students of performing arts programs, demonstrating how training in music, acting, and dance develops creativity, confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and discipline—qualities that benefit young people beyond the stage.

Ayala Malls Feliz aims to provide experiences that go beyond shopping. Hosting Pinocchio the Musical transforms the mall into a vibrant cultural destination where visitors can enjoy world-class live performances alongside dining, recreation, and family activities.

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PINOCCHIO is based on the book by Carlo Collodi. 

Adaptation and Lyrics by Jim Eiler. 

Music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy. 

1996 Special EMMY Award 

From the Television Arts snd Sciences for the CBS Network Production. 

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