“Debut Dazzles: Filipino Pride Shines in Chicago”

**’Debut’ Shines a Light on Filipino Gay Pride at Chicago Theatre Festival**

Hey there, fabulous folks! Ready to dive into a celebration of queer Filipino joy like no other? CIRCA Pintig is back, and it’s bringing the second annual Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival to life. Mark your calendars for October 11-26, 2025, because this event is serving up dreams with a side of bold pride. Among the 13 original staged readings, Nate Cozens’ “Debut” is the talk of the town, a drag queen’s unique take on a cherished tradition that’s got everyone buzzing.

### Queer Debuts Take the Stage

Imagine this: Jomar, a 29-year-old Filipino gay drag queen, decides to throw himself a grand Filipino debut, a party typically reserved for 18-year-old Filipina girls. Amidst his diva demands, his family pulls together to create the perfect celebration, ultimately gifting him the self-love he has always longed for. Catch this spectacular show during Weekend #2 (October 18-19) at [PrideArts Chicago’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre](https://www.chicagoasiannetwork.com/event/circa-pintigs-chicago-filipino-american-theatre-festival). It’s all about embracing queer stories, and don’t miss the post-show discussion on “coming out celebrations” across cultures, including queer debuts, quinceañeras, and bar mitzvahs. *As Artie would say, “Finally, a debut where the queen truly wears her crown and takes the spotlight!”*

### Embracing Dreams, Diaspora, and Drag

This year’s theme, *pangarap*, meaning dreams, dives deep into the American Dream with a Filipino twist, exploring family sacrifices, evolving aspirations, and the unyielding spirit of hope. From the historic stage of the Rizal Center to PrideArts, expect treasures like “August” by M Manalastas and “Lola’s Banig” by Fran de Leon in the first week, followed by “Bisikleta” by Joy Regullano in the third week. Building on last year’s inaugural celebration during Filipino American History Month, as highlighted in this [WTTW preview](https://news.wttw.com/2024/10/10/chicago-filipino-american-theatre-festival-debuts-october-more-30-plays), CIRCA Pintig is all about amplifying Midwest Pinoy voices that often get overshadowed by coastal narratives.

Founded by exiles from the Marcos era in the 1970s, CIRCA Pintig, born from the Pintig Cultural Group, beats with the heart of *kapwa*, a shared humanity. Through theater, education, and justice, they’re making waves. To see the full 2025 lineup and grab your tickets, visit [their site](https://www.circapintig.org/2025-chicago-filipino-american-theatre-festival) or [Zeffy](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-chicago-filipino-american-theatre-festival). And if money’s tight, don’t worry, no one will be turned away. Just email them at [email protected]. According to [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/CIRCA-Pintig-Reveals-Year-Two-Line-Up-for-the-Chicago-Filipino-American-Theatre-Festival-20250929), year two is shaping up to be a showstopper.

**Artie’s Recommendation:** “Debut” is a dazzling reclaiming of rituals for queer Pinoy pride. Chicago’s theater scene is transforming, and this is our glitter revolution. Who’s ready to join the party? 🌈✨

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