Ampalaya Monologues is a story of a stage play that turned into a cultural movement. It all began in August 2015, when Mark Ghosn, a young playwright and director, premiered his production of Ampalaya Monologues, a collection of Tagalog monologues that explored the bitter experiences of love and relationships among a diverse cast of mostly millennial characters. The live performances, which were staged in various cafes and bars, as well as larger theater venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and The PETA Theater, also incorporated live musical performances and spoken word poetry.
The show was an instant hit, resonating with audiences who were looking for a new kind of storytelling that tackled the complexities of modern relationships and the human experience. In February 2018, Ampalaya Monologues evolved into an artist collective, becoming the first of its kind in the Philippines to merge spoken word poetry and monologues into a cohesive group.
Led by Ghosn, the members of Team Ampalaya continue to promote and advance the art of spoken word poetry in the Philippines. The collective is now under Ghets Productions and focuses on providing training, safe open mic spaces, and festivals that use spoken word poetry as a means of personal growth and self-improvement.
In addition, the monologists who were previously part of Ampalaya Monologues are now under Monologista Theatre Co., still under Ghets Productions. This allows Ampalaya Monologues to focus on becoming a spoken word artist collective, while Monologista Theatre Co. focuses on the art of monologues.
Ampalaya Monologues has also been adapted into a book and a TV series and continues to push the boundaries of spoken word poetry in the Philippines. Through its performances, Ampalaya Monologues empowers individuals through the power of storytelling and self-expression, creating a community where people can come together to explore the bitter and better aspects of love and life.
Today, it is considered the leading spoken word collective in the Philippines, inspiring individuals to find their voice and share their stories with the world, not just as a form of entertainment but as a source of inspiration, motivation, and empowerment.
