The Indios Bravos Trilogy - The Program

 
 

Plays

(in order of appearance)

 

Balbino and Celestina
Written by Mayari Alegre & Jordan I. Guingao
Directed by Sandra Criswell
Featuring: Vanessa Fitzpatrick, Jordan I. Guingao

Once Upon a Time in Tondo
Written by Jordan I. Guingao
Directed by Andrew Aggabao
Featuring: Rafi Bunal, Felicia Isya Chanco, Randy Bautista, AJ Lugue, Sam De La Serna, Alexis Royeca, Jean Padua

- Intermission -

 
 
 

Production and Design Teams

 

Producers: Jordan I. Guingao, Kal Melgarejo, Vanessa Fitzpatrick, rené ly

Script Supervisor: April Pascua

Stage Manager: Angeli Goff 

Board Operator: Priscilla Perey Ratonel

Dance Choreographer: Mayari Alegre 

Fight Choreographer: Gregory Manalo

Intimacy Choreographer: Gwynn Cristobal

Hair and Make-up: Carla Grace Fajardo

Set Design/Build: Vanessa Fitzpatrick

Set Design/Build: AJ Lugue

Set Design Consultant: Ciriaco Sayoc 

Shadow Puppetry: Aureen Almario

Dramaturgy: Nic Feliciano

Marketing/ Graphic Design: Jake Russell Gavino

Social Media: Gabby Abella

Artistic Director: Aureen Almario

Managing Director: Oliver Saria

Technical Director: Dave Ragaza

 
 

The Production would like to thank Our Sponsors:

Asian American Arts Alliance, Asian Pacific Fun, CA$H Theater GRANT, Sentro Filipino, SOMA Pilipinas, Grants for the Arts, San Francisco Arts Commission

 
 
 

Bios

 

A.J. Lugue (he/him)
JR (Once Upon A Time in Tondo) and Set Designer/Builder

Alexander (A.J.) Lugue (he/him) is a Filipino-American actor born and raised in San Francisco. He came to acting as an adult, beginning his work on stage and screen in 2022 as a way to better understand himself and the world around him. Since then, he has performed theater with Bindlestiff Studio embracing storytelling as both craft and exploration.

A.J. is driven by a desire to bring honesty, vulnerability, and the truth of the human condition to every role he takes on. He is eager to continue expanding his reach as a performing arts creative across film, theater, and improvisation. @superajimoto

Favorite Fiilipino Martial Art:
Visayan Style Corto Kadena

Alex Arguelles (he/him)
Pvt. Ben (The Miracle at Malacañang)

"Still or sparkling?"
I'd go a lime La Croix, but opened 5 hours before, but then chilled in those tall serving bottles at restaurants that have those pop caps.

"Bread or poppadoms?"
Let's do poppadoms with a mango-cucumber salad, almost like a dipping salsa.

"Appetizer?"
Hot pot.

"Main course?"
Steak frites from Franklin Cafe in Boston and shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jalisco in Pomona, CA.

"Any sides?"
Let's do half a #7 turkey and provolone sandwich, tell Mike there's no safe word.

"Drink along side with it?"
2023 Starborough Sauvignon Blanc (it taste like arugula but in a good way)

"Dessert?"
Bibingka or a mango.

@alexcoveralls

Favorite Filipino Song:
Bato Sa Buhangin by Cinderella

Alexis Royeca (she/they/siya)
Sister Mary-Grace (Once Upon A Time in Tondo)

Alexis was born and raised in the Bay Area. She first studied acting at City College during the pandemic. Her first work with Bindlestiff was in Stories High 2022. She always struggled with her identity as a Filipino American, and not being Filipino enough. But not at Bindlestiff. We are more alike than we are different and we all belong. Whether in the audience or on the stage, it’s a place that is truly a home away from home. Thank you to friends, family and to the Bindlefam!

Favorite Filipino Song:
Mundo by IV of Spades

Allen Byron Ocampo (he / him / siya)
Ferdinand Marcos (The Miracle at Malacañang)

Allen Byron Natividad Ocampo is a critical entertainer, ethnic studies educator, and culinary historian. He is simultaneously an amusement theme park and international sensation. With over two decades of experience educing counter-narratives in classrooms and higher education administrations throughout the Bay Area, he is determined to translate that same passion for humanizing the stories and narratives of our Asian and Asian American communities through the performing arts. Allen is thrilled to perform in this developing production…so please be gentle with him! @nallenz

Filipino Favorites:
cuss word: leche ka
song: buwan by Juan Karlos
creature: Gary Valenciano
dish: penoy na mabasa (higgupin) hero: Claudine del Rosario
myth: Lord Byron the Juggernaut

 

Andrew Cabatian Aggabao (he/any)
Director of Once Upon A Time in Tondo

Andrew is a theater maker based on Ohlone Land in Oakland. This is his fourth production at Bindlestiff after Stories High (2025), Queer as F*ck: Our Villain Era (2023), and Queer as F*ck III (2019). He has created with the Alternative Theater Ensemble, Theatre Rhinoceros, The Chikahan Company, The Capitol Fringe Festival, and played "Villager-running-through-the-rain-with-a-banana-leaf" in the 2014 production of the opera Noli Me Tangere at the Kennedy Center. Andrew was indoctrinated by many a Philippine Culture Night and Asian American studies course. He would like to thank the incredible cast of Once Upon a Time in Tondo, the entire Indios Bravos company, the broader Bindlefam, the Queer F*ckery Collective, the Filipino Cultural Association and Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, and his friends and family <3 @ac_bao

Favorite Ilonggo Curse Word:
yodiputa

Angela Busgano (she/hers)
Emily (Shakespeare in Babak)

Angela likes kikiam and peking duck. At Bindlestiff she was last seen in The Love Edition 8 and Stories High XXIV. She tries to outsmart her fish allergy (but fails). She recently played Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors with Green Swan MT. She sleeps during the day but would like to start doing so at night. She currently plays Sam in “The Shop” an upcoming Youtube series under TheVaultTCG which drops this summer (pilot ep out now.) In the same summer she will also fight for the freedom to pee in a fascinating production of Urinetown with Ray of Light Theatre. Her family in the Philippines lives only 211 km away from Babak which is close but not that close. Discuss optimal double-feature movie night combinations with her after the show. Thanks! @MyNameIs_eLa (gaiaonline)

Favorite Filipino Mythological Creature?
Not creature but tree. Balete trees because they are supposedly homes for engkanto. Hala ka.

Clarisse Bautista (she/her)
Director of Shakespeare in Babak

Clarisse is a Filipina-American actress and direk born and raised in the Bay Area. In 2015, Clarisse studied abroad with Jordan in the Philippines through USF’s Casa Bayanihan program, and she is excited and grateful to still be in community with her friend to bring this version of Shakespeare in Babak to the stage for Indios Bravos. She had the honor to act as Maria in the Stories High 2024 version of the play.

Clarisse thanks her amazing cast for their creativity, dedication, and thoughtfulness in bringing their characters to life, her fellow direks and the producers for their support throughout this production, tech/stage management, Aureen Almario, April Pascua, Reed Flores, Mayari Alegre for dance choreography, Gregory Manalo for fight choreography, and Vanessa Fitzpatrick and AJ Lugue for their support to acquire and build the props and sets. <3

Favorite Filipino Dish:
sinigang! especially if it’s really sour!

Felicia Victoria San Miguel Chanco / Isya (She / They)
Duday (Once Upon A Time in Tondo) and Sister Fanny (The Miracle at Malacañang)

Felicia Victoria San Miguel Chanco, aka Isya (ee-shah), is a performance and multimedia artist with a hustle for production in the nonprofit space. She most recently performed in Grannycart Gangstas’ XXXMas show, known for roles such as Sex Worker Carmen San Diego and Comet, the Sexy Welder Reindeer. She is beyond excited to play the characters, Duday and Sister Fanny - a duality that has challenged her abilities more than any roles prior. Their handiwork can also be seen in some elements of costuming and set design. She’d like to thank the entire production of Indios Bravos who have created space for deep healing, wide connection, and uplifted creativity.

Shout out to the Choke, Jazzybear, and mga Lolo ko- Judge Chanco and Colonel San Miguel. 143, 637, 55.

“To have the opportunity to be fulfilled- is fulfillment itself.”

@Feliciaisya

Favorite Filipino Dish:
Manggang Hilaw at Bagoong + Fresh Rice

 

Jan Luce (He/Him/His)
Antonio (Shakespeare in Babak)

Jan Luce, born in Pagbilao, Quezon and raised in Stockton, California, is a dance and performance artist with a focus on Philippine folk and traditional dance guided by movement exploration and research. As an active performer and Artistic Team Dance Lead for Parangal, Jan has worked with local colleges such as San Francisco State University and University of San Francisco as a cultural dance collaborator and choreographer. Jan also serves as a workshop instructor and the Programs and Operations Assistant for Pangalay Circle. With this being his very first Bindlestiff production, Jan extends his deepest gratitude to Clarisse, the producers, and the other directors for their trust and allowing him to share the stage with exceptional individuals who have continued to inspire and motivate him as he ventures out of his comfort zone and into unfamiliar territories. @pbandjan10

Favorite Filipino Song:
Panalangin by APO Hiking Society

Jean Padua (they/them)
John-Lennon (Once Upon A Time in Tondo) and Col. Bob (The Miracle at Malacañang)

Jean is an emerging artist born in San Francisco, raised in both parts here and Sacramento. They first graced Bindlestiff's stage in Stories High XXIV, as Milton (R.I.P.) in the first iteration of 'Shakespeare in Babak', and are so excited to bring new characters to life in a different corner of Jordan's universe. They are grateful to be in such a timely production about struggle, adding some context to diasporic Filipinos living in the heart of empire. Jean extends their thanks to all members of the community that make Bindlestiff's work possible, their Mama Mel for her comfort food and a warming home, as well as their mom, dad, sisters, and dreamy girlfriend for their undying support. To pass the time (when it is not passing them), their hands are often found glued to any kind of wooden skill toy, or to their beautiful petal whom they love dearly. @dumb.denim

Favorite Filipino Dish:
Mama Mel's Dinuguan!

Kyle "Kal" Melgarejo (he/him)
Producer and Director of The Miracle at Malacañang

Kyle "Kal" Melgarejo (he/him) is honored to be a part of his sixth Bindlestiff Studio production, this time as producer and director. After receiving his B.A. in theatre arts (performance emphasis) with minors in cinema and education from San Francisco State University, he is now a multi-hyphenate artist based in the Bay Area. As a young Filipino-American artist, Kal hopes to utilize his experiences to uplift and highlight marginalized communities through accessible, innovative, and transformative art within the film, television, and theatre industries. He would like to thank his own community and found family for their care and support. Dedicated to Osita, Michael, Jade, and Janina.

Socials: http://linktr.ee/kylemelgarejo

Favorite Filipino Song:
Strings (dance version) - Bini

Michaella Capuyan-Leonor (She/Her)
Emiliana (Shakespeare in Babak)

Michaella is so excited to be making her SF theatre debut at Bindlestiff Studio as Emiliana in Shakespeare in Babak! Most recently, she was seen on BroadwayWorld's Next on Stage competition (Season 6, Top 5). Thank you to family, friends, the IB3 cast, crew, directors, and huge thank you to Jordan for creating such a meaningful piece of work. Shoutout Baguio, Sagada, and Calatrava, where my roots lie <3. @omumitchi

Favorite Filipino Song:
Bakunawa by Ruby Ibarra!

 

Oli Dub (He/Him)
Wilfredo Manuel Garza III (Shakespeare in Babak)

Oli Dub is an actor, comedian, jazz musician, and San Francisco native! You may have seen Oli in previous Bindlestiff productions, or maybe not! That’s the mystery of Oli Dub. His racial ambiguity has allowed him unfiltered access to the inner circles of various cultures. As one of the very few Cantonese-speaking Filipino-Sri Lankan Americans in this world, Oli has helped hundreds of organizations fulfill their DEI initiatives. Oli would like to thank his wonderful cast and crew — and everyone who has ever doubted him… you know who you are…

Favorite Filipino Dish:
Tinola!

Poe Angeles Dayao (He/Him)
Ponce (The Miracle at Malacañang)

Poe Angeles Dayao is a queer Filipino American actor and novice carpenter local to the Bay Area. This is his first role with Bindlestiff Studio. He is incredibly proud to be here with this exceptionally talented cast and crew of fellow Pinoy artists! A recent graduate of UC Davis, Dayao’s previous university credits include The Laramie Project and As You Like It, staged readings of Passage, Iscariot (Theater for Social Change), and Big Freak (TFSC), and one very memorable stint as a Newsie at Davis Musical Theater Company.

Favorite Filipino Curse Word:
PUTANGINAMO

Priscilla Perey Ratonel (She/Her)
Board Operator

Priscilla Perey Ratonel is a producer, actor, and a jack of all trades behind the scenes in film and theatre production. Now residing in San Francisco, she strives to create and bring stories to life that evoke strong emotions. With a background in business and love for the arts, she pairs logistics and the artistic. @pris_killas

Favorite Filipino Dish:
Tocino with adobo fried rice

Rafi Bunal (they/them)
Randy (Once Upon A Time in Tondo) and Imelda Marcos (The Miracle at Malacañang)

Rafi is a queer Ilonggo language educator, bodyworker, and theatremaker. Through the mentorship of Maskara Theatre Ensemble, they have performed on stage across the Philippines in Bata sang Bulan dir. Venise Buenaflor (Buglas “Negros,” 2018) and Gintong Alab sa Silangan (CCP National Tour, 2018-2019). They were technical director and lighting designer for Dugo sang Adlaw dir. Renz Losdoc (Bacolod, 2017) and Sol, The Musical dir. Ara Chawdhury (Vallejo, 2025). They also directed Las Viajeras writ. Joi Barrios-Leblanc (Buglas, 2019) and Unboarding writ. Maricar Bella (Phoenix Theatre SF, 2026). Rafi hopes to deepen their practice in emerging possibilities for collective healing. They are an educator with Sama Sama Cooperative and teach Hiligàynon through Bàbà Bisaya Language Immersions for learners across diaspora to connect with their mother tongues and living islander cultures. This is their debut at Bindlestiff! Ginahalad ni Rafi ang pasundayag niya para sa iya abyan, RJ Nichole Ledesma. @raffybun

Favorite Filipino Cuss Word:
bilatibay

Favorite Filipino Mythological Creature:
sigbin

 

Randy Bautista (He/Him/My Dude)
Arsing (Once Upon A Time in Tondo) and Nong Ben
(Shakespeare in Babak)

Having played Mateo's cousin on Superstore & competed opposite Jeanette McCurdy's Sam on Sam & Cat, Randy believed his acting career was firmly in his pre-pandemic past. But having moved back to his home in Oakland from LA in 2020, looking for kindred spirits, he auditioned for a show in Bindlestiff. He would be cast in Bindlestiff’s Stories High XXIII in the debut production of Once Upon a Time in Tondo (apparently his Tagalog accent was tolerable enough). He would also play a dude playing a monkey in Stories High XXIV’s debut of Shakespeare in Babak. Now he is excited to return to the Jordan-verse for The Indios Bravos Trilogy. Hopefully my dude won't wait another 2 years to return to the stage. @randybautistaishere

Favorite Filipino Song:
Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita by Roselle Nava

Samantha de la Serna (She/Her)
Jun Jun (Once Upon A Time in Tondo) and Maria (Shakespeare in Babak)

Sam is making her stage debut at Bindlestiff after living a secret life as an actor for the past three years. As a Davao City native, she is thrilled to be part of a production centered on the Filipino community, and grateful for the chance to curse in Bisaya on stage.

She would like to thank Bindlestiff, as well as the casts, directors, and writer of both Once Upon a Time in Tondo and Shakespeare in Babak. She is especially grateful to her husband, Vinh, for his endless support, and to her dog, Penny, for her half-hearted support.

Favorite Filipino Cuss Word?
Giatay!

Sandra Criswell (they/them, she/her)
Director of Balbino & Celestina

Sandra Criswell is a queer Filipinx actor, writer, director, producer, and facilitator based in Oakland. Their recent acting credits include Heart/Coal in “Darkheart: A Concert Narrative” by Golda Sargento and Hannah in the short horror film “Altar,” which she also wrote and co-produced. Sandra is a producer for Queer as Fuck, a short play festival for and by queer and trans people of color. 2025’s QAF also featured their co-direction in “Through the Garden” by Dom Refuerzo, and their most recent short play “Cursebreaker.” They have nearly two decades of experience as a facilitator in reproductive and racial justice spaces across the country, and their theater-making practice puts that spirit of liberation, community, and healing at the center. They’re looking forward to the 10th Anniversary of Queer as Fuck, set to take the stage at Bindlestiff this September. @sandraholla

Favorite Filipino Dish:
Jud's Sinigang

Seul Ki (She/Her)
Nena (Shakespeare in Babak) and Sister Mercy (The Miracle at Malacañang)

Seul Ki is a San Francisco-based multidisciplinary actor/improvisor and is thrilled to be a part of The Indios Bravos Trilogy. She has studied at various institutions such as A.C.T., CCSF, and the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium (GLMCC). Her performance experience spans straight plays, immersive theatre, and musical improv. Selected credits include QUEER as FUCK ’25 (Bindlestiff), Stories High ’24 & ’25 (Bindlestiff), Terror Vault ’24 & ’25 (INTO THE DARK), and Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible (CCSF/Patricia Miller). Seul would like to extend a huge thank you to her family, friends, and teachers for their support, alongside deep gratitude to the incredible cast, crew, and production team for their passion and dedication in bringing stories to the stage and cultivating a safe, radiant home for artists. Every moment at Bindlestiff feels like pure magic. @seulji.ki

Favorite Filipino Dish(es):
Palabok with extra shrimp sauce (for pure joy), the BBQ chicken and pork from Fil-Am Cuisine (for the best takeout), and Arroz Caldo (for when I need comfort). Although ‘favorite’ implies just one, it was impossible to pick just one!

 

Vanessa Chico Fitzpatrick (She/Her/Siya)
Producer, Celestina (Balbino and Celestina), and Set Desinger/Builder

Vanessa is incredibly proud to be Producing (for the first time!) The Indios Bravos Trilogy. This production is a love letter to our community, and she is deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. Shoutout to all the Celestina's out there. Special thanks to AJ, Jordan, and you.

Her credits include: Peer Gynt (Ensemble, UCSD), Sonnets for an Old Century (Ana Ortiz, UCSD), Apocalypse, The Immortal Reckoning, and The Summoning (Terror Vault), Heathers (Heather Duke, Dreams on the Rocks Productions), Stories High ’24 (Trish/Benedicta/Nena, Bindlestiff), Evil Dead: Deadite the Halls (Groovy, Dreams on the Rocks Productions), The Love Edition 8: Save the Date (Rita, Bindlestiff), and Stories High ’25 (Bigby, Bindlestiff). @vuhnessuh__ @shy.lobby

Favorite Filipino Song:
Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal

Mayari E. (she/they/he)
Dance Choreographer 

Mayari is a queer Filipina storytelling student, exploring expression through: performance art, dance, writing, poetry, and other mediums. Born and raised on unceeded Ramaytush Ohlone land (San Francisco), her navigation of the Filipino-American diasporic experience through movement is informed by Str8jacket Dance Company (Hip Hop) and Parangal Dance Company (Filipino Folk Dance). Their teachings in respecting the story and culture behind these dance styles continues to inspire her learning, in hopes of connection. IG @mayarikaribal / @mayari.108

Favorite Filipino Song:
Tadhana - Up Dharma Down

 

Special thanks! Maraming Salamat!

Thank yous….