Trixie Danielle Balangao, Juan Gonzales, and Jomel Reyes of 63Kolektib. SUPPLIED

In a groundbreaking moment for Filipino artists in the UAE, Metro Diaries will debut at NYU Abu Dhabi's The Arts Center on June 21 and 22. Created by the Filipino artist collective 63Kolektib, the immersive theatrical performance transforms the everyday experience of commuting into a moving portrait of the migrant journey. Premiering as part of a residency by Trixie Danielle Balangao, Juan Gonzales, and Jomel Reyes of 63Kolektib, Metro Diaries is not just a performance—it’s a meditation on identity, connection, and resilience. “In a nutshell, these are migrant stories,” Trixie told Expat Media in an exclusive interview. “We used the metro as a liminal space and metaphor of the ever-changing landscapes of our lives as migrants here in the UAE.” The show unfolds in a series of vignettes through spoken word, dance, and soundscapes that mirror the unpredictability of metro journeys. Passengers come and go, stories collide, and audiences are taken on a ride through fleeting connections and deep-rooted emotions—joy, loss, solitude, hope. “We want to represent different Filipino voices from all regions as much as we can,” Trixie said, highlighting the use of regional languages like Hiligaynon and Visayan in the performance. Founded in 2018, 63Kolektib began with a desire to create Filipino-centered theatre in the UAE. Their first production, Litany of Mothers Away from the Motherland, was staged at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. Since then, the group has grown to include around 15 members, all volunteers ranging in age from 19 to 45. “We believe we are the first Filipino theatre group in the region to be commissioned by The Arts Center in NYUAD,” said Jomel Reyes. “We are proud of that accomplishment.” Despite facing challenges—such as juggling day jobs, limited rehearsal time, and self-funded productions—the collective thrives on passion. “We do this because we love what we do,” said Jomel. As for what’s next? “We want this to be a yearly, evolving performance,” said Trixie. “Next time, other members can share their stories while we support them. That’s how we build more storytellers.” Catch Metro Diaries on June 21 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm, and June 22 at 2:30pm, at The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi. ICA/Expat Media Read 63Kolektib's exclusive interview in the next issue of Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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