The Barkada Gets a New Adie

The wait comes to a thrilling close as Bagets The Musical reveals the cast for the final lead role.

Mico Hendrix Chua is set to play the new-generation Adie, the baby-faced charmer first made iconic by Aga Muhlach in the beloved 1984 coming-of-age classic.

Get ready to swoon over his dimples and boy-next-door vibe as he brings a fresh twist to the 2026 stage adaptation.

Chua makes an acting comeback as Adie

The rising artist has been on stage since his teens, performing in local theaters in Iloilo before making the move to Manila. In 2021, he joined the reality show Born to Be a Star, which earned him a contract with VIVA.

“After I signed, I had to move to Dubai, where I worked multiple jobs while studying,” he recalls. “I started as an admissions counselor, then became an administrator.”

Despite the hiatus, the 22-year-old never let go of his love for the craft. 

“I had a pretty stable life abroad, but deep down, my heart was always with performing,” says Chua. “I can always go back to that life, but I’m not getting any younger. I want to give my all to what I truly love.”

Now back in the Philippines, the stars have aligned for him.

“This is my first project since I returned. During the auditions, I was anxious, especially with so many callbacks,” he continues. “At first, I didn’t expect anything. But the more I went through the process, the more I wanted the character.”

In the shoes of a classic 

Interestingly, Chua’s initial choice was not Adie. He had hoped to play Topee, a role he felt connected to because of their shared accent.

The switch, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“We’re a lot more alike than I thought,” he reflects. “I think many can relate when I say we’ve all had that time in our lives when we were young, naive, and just letting our emotions get the best of us.”

The artist acknowledges moments of peer pressure and recklessness in his past—qualities that make embodying Adie feel like reconnecting with an old version of himself.

Fans may remember the persona as a slightly confused romantic who juggles love, crushes, and meaningful connections.

“I’ve had those encounters before—stealing glances at your crush and all. But it’s all in the past now,” he says. “I think I’ve matured since then.”

The beauty of Bagets The Musical is that we can relive those moments and savor all the joy and buoyancy of youth.

Rising to the challenge

Though he relates to the character, Chua admits the weight of portraying such an icon was real. 

“The pressure went higher, but it’s also a great challenge,” he concludes. “It means I get to give my best and portray someone as legendary as Aga Muhlach. I’m excited and deeply honored.”

The rising star rounds out the new-generation lineup of Bagets The Musical. He will alternate performances with another VIVA artist, to be announced soon.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Chua in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel, and Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee. 

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.  Bagets the Musical is also supported through a partnership with Sun Life Philippines.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Introducing the OG Conyo Boy, Arnel

Bagets The Musical shows no signs of slowing down its big barkada reveal.

This time, the excitement is at an all-time high as the original conyo makes his entrance. First portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco, Arnel is a polished teen torn between following his heart and meeting his mother’s expectations.

The 2026 stage production invites a new generation to rediscover the character through the performances of young stars Ethan David and KD Estrada.

Ethan David on embracing the challenge

Ethan David is exactly the performer the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has been looking for. 

A member of the P-pop boy group G.A.T., he also boasts a solid acting resume, with credits in TV series such as Seducing Drake Palma, Ang Mutya ng Section E, and Avenues of the Diamond.

“I did theater abroad, but since coming home, I’ve focused more on screen work than stage,” he shares. “On TV, subtle expressions can work,” he explains. “On stage, I have to make my movements bigger and project my voice for the audience.”

Rather than shy away from the challenge, he embraces it by stepping out of his comfort zone with vocal training and stamina-building exercises.

“Arnel’s always all-out for his friends,” adds David. “I want the audience to feel that energy and see he’s there for them, whether in big gestures or small ones.”

Such dedication reflects how deeply he connects with the character. The artist admits that he’s faced his fair share of conflicts about what he wants. 

“Despite his flaws, I hope the audience sees how he musters up courage and motivates others to do the same,” he shares.

KD Estrada on becoming one with Arnel

There is no mistaking it: KD Estrada is a complete mirror of Arnel. The accent, the height, the vibe — everything about him exudes a well-mannered charm.

“When I auditioned, my number one pick was Arnel because I see myself in him,” he begins. “I’d say if he were real right now, he would be exactly like me.”

The beloved character is fun but responsible, chill but not one to give in to peer pressure.

“I admire that about him. In the film, you can always see his hesitance,” he says. “That he just doesn’t do things because they’re ‘in’ or what you’re supposed to do.”

Arnel’s strength, however, comes with a cost. Estrada notes that he empathizes with the role’s struggles, especially the uncertainty it brings.

“I’m grateful to have a strong support system at home,” he shares. “But I guess we all go through that phase where we don’t know whether to follow our own dreams or what other people want for us.”

Portraying such depth is not new to him. This is his second theater production, following his debut in PETA’s Walang Aray with screen partner Alexa Ilacad. 

He has also appeared in several TV series, including Unloving You, Bola Bola, Run to Me, and his latest, Pira-pirasong Paraiso.

When asked about his favorite takeaway and the lesson audiences should remember, the artist answered without hesitation: "The friends that you make in high school are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.”

Arnel proves that the struggles of growing up never fade. With Ethan David and KD Estrada bringing him to life, his story of friendship, courage, and staying true to oneself continues to resonate across generations.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. More cast members will be revealed soon. 

Joining David and Estrada in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, and Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton. 

The musical is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts, guided by the creative vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Be Among the First to Catch a Movie at the All-New SM Cinema Fairview!

The newest cinema to watch out for in the north is opening soon! So, get your movie buddies ready as SM Cinema takes moviegoers to whole new cinematic experience.

On November 22, the new and improved SM Cinema Fairview in Quezon City will open its doors to the public. Moviegoers can have the chance to win tickets to its opening day and get a first-hand sneak peek of the freshly-renovated Scandinavian-inspired theatre.

From November 14 to 19, twenty (20) cars with the SM Snack Time Popcorn bucket will drive around Fairview in Quezon City, and North Caloocan. Motorists can snap photos or take videos of the cars with the red popcorn bucket on top and share it on Facebook, tagging the SM Cinema and SM City Fairview official pages with #SMCinemaFairview and #BucketOfFun

Winners will be selected on November 20, and will be notified via Facebook Messenger. Each will receive premiere tickets to the opening of the new and improved SM Cinema Fairview on November 22, 2PM, and get the chance to win exciting prizes on the same day.

The new SM Cinema Fairview is now home to two Director’s Club Cinema, a Large Screen Format theater and five refreshed and updated regular cinemas.

So, what are you waiting for? Be on the lookout for the SM Snack Time Popcorn bucket on the road and get a chance to win tickets to the advance preview and special screening of Frozen 2 of the stylish and most luxurious cinema just yet!

SINDAK 1941: A FILIPINO MUSICAL BRINGS TO LIFE THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM AND LOVE

Philippine Stagers Foundation, a professional mobile theatre company from Manila presents an all original musical about love and the struggles of the Filipinos during World War II, under the Japanese regime, written and directed by Atty. Vincent M. Tanada and music by Pipo Cifra.

The dates of performances are from July 11, 2019 to March of 2020. The musical will be shown in select theatre venues all over the Philippines.

The Story:

This is a story about the resiliency, sufferings and sacrifices of the Filipinos during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines being told through the eyes of four intertwined souls, brothers Felipe and Nestor, and their love interests Sofia and Emilia, respectively. The story will be narrated by a mute wanderer Tata Edong.
The difference between the brothers was very obvious in the onset, Nestor was more successful in school, and eventually he used all the things he learned in school to start a very successful shoe making business. On the other hand his older brother Felipe ended up ploughing the fields. Eventually they will realize the impact of the war, that everyone is a victim, and that it spares no one.
A quick look in our history would tell us, ten hours after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, Intramuros, Manila was decimated. The occupation of the Japanese led to the formation of HUKBALAHAP. USAFFE experienced a beating from the Japanese forces resulting to General Douglas MacArthur’s departure to Australia together with his troops. The remnants of the defenders of the Philippines were forced to march to their deaths in Bataan.
In these trying times the star-crossed lovers will traverse the challenges of Japanese tyranny, meeting an array of colourful characters such as the brothel owners Mauricia and Salvacion, and the father and son rebels, Gorio and Pancho. They will showcase the resilience of the Filipino spirit and prove to the world that despite all the odds, our freedom is fought by and won by the Filipinos. The brothers will go on their separate journey as a collaborator and a freedom fighter. This musical will fill in the gaps of our history and pay homage to all the unsung heroes of our land.
SINDAK 1941 will show the adverse effects of war and how morality is twisted just to survive.

The Philippines is the apex of the Second World War and the end of it is the turning point that would spell success or failure between the ruling powers. The Battle of Leyte Gulf is arguably the biggest Naval Battle in history. The two pairs will play major parts in this tragic battle. Lives will be lost, tragedy will be told, but SINDAK 1941 will give you a spectacular musical experience that would show our history through the eyes of our countrymen and how the resilience of the Filipinos won the day for the Philippines.

The Cast and crew

The musical will showcase a very talented pool of multi-awarded actors for theatre including Vince Tanada (Two-Time Aliw Awardee for Best Actor, Star Awards’ Best New Actor and Famas Awardee) and Jomar Bautista (Felipe); Patrick Libao and Johnrey Rivas (Nestor); Yesh Burce, Kath Medina and Vean Olmedo (Sofia); Cherry Bagtas and Rachelle Penaflor (Emilia); Franie Zamora, Joel Molina, Kuya Manzano and Chris Lim (MacArthur); Adel Ibarrientos (Mauricia); OJ Bacor (Salvacion); Neil Tolentino (Gorio); Dean Rafols (Pancho); Chin Ortega (Tata Edong), Gerald Magallanes (Masanobu), Gian Daquioag (Homma), Carl Adaron (Kunitake), Bea Martin (Cromwell) and the Aliw Awardee for Best Ensemble Cast, the actor’s pool of the Philippine Stagers Foundation.

The artistic team of SINDAK 1941 is composed of the following: Vince Tanada (Book, Lyrics and Direction), Pipo Cifra (Music), Carlon Josol Matobato (Choreography), Jeffrey Ambrosio (Set Design), Emy Tanada (Costume), Art Gabrentina (Lights and Sound Design), OJ Bacor (Production Management), JP Lopez (Associate Direction and Stage Management), Vino Oriarte (Photography), Alwin Llanes and Carlo Parungao (Video Editing).

Show Inquiries

The musical SINDAK 1941 will run from July 11, 2019 up to March 2020, to be shown in various theatre venues all over Metro Manila and select venues in various provinces all over the Philippines.

For ticket inquiries and show buyers you may get in touch with 0956-669-0335. For more updates, follow #sindak1941 and Philippine Stagers Foundation on Facebook, PHILIPPINE_STAGER for Instagram, and @philstagers on Twitter.

More Meaningful the Second Time Around. THE KUNDIMAN PARTY at the PETA THEATER Center

Acclaimed as one the most meaningful and relevant original Filipino plays in recent times, Floy Quintos’ “THE KUNDIMAN PARTY” comes to the PETA THEATER CENTER for limited run starting May 24.

The play, directed by Dexter M. Santos was first produced by the UP Playwright’s Theater in 2018.  It was hailed by critics and audiences alike for the seamless weaving of our  timeless Kundiman art songs into a plot that involved discontented millennials and Social Media, EJKs and other current political and social  issues.

Equally notable were the performances of the fine ensemble led by Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino as Maestra Adela, a reclusive voice teacher whose latent nationalism is awakened . Together with Frances Makil-Ignacio, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Jenny Jamora and Missy Maramara as Adela’s close circle of Titas, the cast painted a portrait of contemporary Pinoy society that was both poignant as well as wildly entertaining.

By the time the revival opens at the PETA Theater this year, a crucial national election will have taken place, an election that for many will determine the course of the current national struggle.

Whatever the results of this political exercise, the creators of the show believe this: That the outcome of the elections will be the start of a greater struggle, the beginning  of a new chapter in the fight to regain our national dignity. Thus, “The Kundiman Party” and all that it stands for will be more relevant than ever.

It seems most meaningful that “The Kundiman Party” is being  revived at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. PETA has long served as a vital venue for meaningful and relevant original Filipino works. “The Kundiman Party” cast and creators are thankful to have been offered the chance to collaborate with this dynamic institution of Philippine Theater.

Ballet Manila Closes 23rd Performance Season with DEUX

After a spectacular 23rd performance season, Ballet Manila is set to close its curtains with Deux, a double header that gracefully combines classical and contemporary ballet. The show will be held at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex on March 2 and 9 at 6PM and March 3 and 10 at 3PM.

The first chapter of the show will open with classical vignettes. It will highlight “Les Sylphides,” also known as “Chopiniana” in Russia, a romantic dreamy white ballet that depicts a lone danseur (The Poet) surrounded by his muses – white-clad sylphs or air spirits, dancing in the moonlight. While there is no plot, its lingering music by Frederic Chopin and lyrical choreography by Michael Fokine evoke the illusion of ethereal weightlessness which characterized the romantic era of ballet where technique is the focal point, especially the intricate pointe work of ballerinas.

From this dreamy ambiance, the audience will be transported to the second chapter filled with contemporary numbers, and exhilarating rock and roll beats in the world premiere of Martin Lawrance’s The Winding Road set to the legendary music of The Beatles. The young or old will surely connect to the music and lyrics of I Saw Her Standing There, Here, There and Everywhere, Something, The Long and Winding Road, She Loves You, and many more!

“It has been a very exciting and rewarding 23rd season for Ballet Manila. It kicked-off with electrifying productions that formed part of our “Tour de Force” and now we’re poised to close it with Deux,” says Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. “We thank our audiences for their continued patronage and support and we hope to see you all again when the curtains rise for our 24thseason.”

Don’t miss this newest and most special double header! For tickets, visit www.bit.ly/balletmaniladeux.

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Ballet Manila is The Philippines’ Premiere Classical Dance Company. Under the leadership of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila has brought the magic of classical ballet to the farthest-flung regions of the country, as well as the important ballet capitals of the world. Ballet Manila also continuously innovates to provide its audience, clients, and business partners with a myriad of shows and performance options.

PETA’S A Game of Trolls Returns this October 2018!

“Martial law is the best thing that happened to the Philippines in 1972. We won’t be the developing country that we are right now if it wasn’t for the Marcoses. Learn your history,” says the social media account without a real name. 

Pro-HR netizens will probably go beastmode on statements like these. But before you go lit AF, maybe it’s good to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and think if “making patol” online will do you any good. Instead of wasting precious time arguing with faceless mythical beings who hide behind screens, why not log-out, get off your mobile phone or laptop, and invite family and friends to go to the theater with you, and watch A GAME OF TROLLS, PETA’s martial law musical for millennials (and millennials-at-heart!). 

But what’s it about? A GAME OF TROLLS is the story of Hector (Myke Salomon / TJ Valderrama), a professional keyboard warrior for Marshalls of History, a troll center who is running a pro-Martial Law campaign lead by Bimbam (Vince Lim).  Hector, being the tactless and detached Internet tough guy that he is, effortlessly infuriates anti-martial law advocates with his insensitive and random unsolicited comments about the victims of Martial law, making him the top guy in the trolling game. This prompts the “visits” of the Ghosts of Martial Law from the Internet Cloud, reminding him to never forget their struggle to liberate the country from the dictatorship.  Their stories, along with his own mother’s, Tere (Upeng Galang-Fernandez / Gail Billones), made Hector re-examine his involvement in the trolling business.  

Directed by Maribel Legarda, written by Liza Magtoto and music by Vince De Jesus, (the same team that brought you Caredivas), A GAME OF TROLLS is not only an ode to the heroes of Martial Law. It is an appeal to the millennials to #NeverForget that the dark history that took away democracy decades ago has spawned the same strain of oppressor that is taking our democracy away right now. It is a reminder that by understanding the history of the people’s struggle for democracy, we are also keeping in mind to #NeverAgain allow a tyrant to steal it away from us. It is an attempt to stimulate discourse about truth and history in the age of social media: to look beyond the memes and fake news, and to encourage thinking critically and acting responsibly both online and offline. 

So what are you waiting for? Book tickets now, watch with your family and friends, and, regardless of opinions, let’s make theater a safe space for conversation, reflection, and critical thinking. Tuloy po kayo sa PETA Theater Center, kuwentuhan tayo!

CHANGING PARTNERS Returns to the PETA Stage in May

Following its successful transition into film, the critically acclaimed and award-winning musical CHANGING PARTNERS is returning to the stage this May at the PETA Theater Center. 

The Journey

According to multi-awarded composer and writer Vincent A. DeJesus, the book, libretto, and music of Changing Partners were inspired by his own personal stories and of his friends. When asked how long it took him to write this piece his reply was, “A lifetime.” 

Changing Partners was first presented in a full-house, one-night-only Stage Reading at the Virgin Labfest in July 2016. The Virgin Labfest, spearheaded by the Writers’ Bloc Inc., is a festival of new plays by emerging and established Filipino playwrights held annually at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The staged reading featured actors Ricky Ibe, Patricia Ismael, Giannina Ocampo, and Sandino Martin and was directed by Director Rem Zamora. 

Two months after, DeJesus and Zamora came together once again to produce the full production of  Changing Partners: A Torch Musical. Produced by DeJesus and the PETA Theater Center, the musical was staged at the 115-seater PETA Theater Center’s Studios in September and October 2016. Actors Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Anna Luna, and Sandino Martin starred in the play, while DeJesus was the musical director and provided live piano accompaniment. About the same time, The Bindlestiff Studio in California, U.S.A. produced and performed the musical as part of its Tagalog Theater Festival and featured Fil-American actors. Several weeks after, DeJesus submitted the script to the Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature where it received a Best Full-Length Play award. In November and December 2016, the musical went back onstage and had another successful rerun at the PETA Theater Center Studios.

In November 2017, Changing Partners: A Torch Musical transitioned from being a theater musical to full feature film. Under the direction of blockbuster movie director, Dan Villegas, the film starred the same cast as the full musical theater production and was a film entry at the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival. Changing Partners - The Movie won eight awards: Best Director (Villegas), Best Actress (Isidro), Best Actor (Lorenzo), Best Acting Ensemble (Isidro, Lorenzo, Luna, Martin), Best Editing (Marya Ignacio), Best Music (DeJesus), Audience Choice Award, and Champion Bughaw for Best Film. Because of its success and critical acclaim, Changing Partners – The Movie was given a nationwide commercial release in January 2018. The movie also released the Changing Partners – The Movie Original Soundtrack on Spotify. Produced by Star Records, select song from the musical movie were covered by Star Music artists KZ Tandingan, Jona Viray, Khalil Ramos, and Daryl Ong. In February 2018, it won big at the 34th Movie Press Club of the Philippines – Star Awards 2018, bagging five awards under the Independent Film Category: Best Film, Best Director (Villegas), Best Screenwriter (DeJesus and co-writer Lilit Reyes), Best Editing (Marya Ignacio), and Best Music (DeJesus).

A New Offering

Looking at its track record, Changing Partners seems to be moving in the fast lane. In the span of less than two years, it has impressively achieved what would normally take about a decade, or more, to reach. But the team behind this gut-wrenching, anti-romcom musical is not slowing down anytime soon. They are taking Changing Partners to another level by bringing it to a bigger stage—the 400-seater PETA-Phinma Theater.

Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Anna Luna, and Sandino Martin are returning to reprise their roles, and Director Rem Zamora is again directing. DeJesus will be joined by cellist Poch Gutierrez to provide live music accompaniment. Another addition to the close-knit team is production designer Ben Padero, who also designed the set of PETA’s adaptation of Marsha Norman’s “Night, Mother.”

CHANGING PARTNERS: THE STAGE MUSICAL is having a two-weekend run at the PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center on May 11-13 and 19-20, 2018. Show dates are as follows:

May 11	8:30 pm
May 12	3:00 and 7:00 pm*
May 13	3:00 and 8:00 pm
May 19	3:00 and 8:00 pm
May 20	3:00 pm

Ticket prices for all shows except May 12 (7:00 pm) are Php1200 (VIP), Php1000 (Orchestra Center), Php800 (Orchestra Sides), Php1000 (Balcony Center), and Php500 (Balcony Sides). 

*The May 12 (7:00 pm) show is sponsored by the UPCM Class of 1998 as a fundraiser for the benefit of the National Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgical and Cancer patients. Ticket prices are Php1500 (VIP), Php1300 (Orchestra Center), Php1000 (Orchestra Sides), Php1200 (Balcony Center), and Php800 (Balcony Sides). 

You can book your tickets through Ticketworld (http://bit.ly/CPticketworld). You may also call or text (0945 499 1008) or send a message to the PETA Theater Center Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PETATheaterCenter/) for inquiries and reservations.

#ChangingPartnersTheMusical

The Longest Running Comedy Musical Variety Show in the PH is Back

Coming off from the successful Live AIDS 31: HaLOLan, the U.P. SAMASKOM company members are back again for a brand new season of non-stop laughter!

Live AIDS (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, is an annual musical-comedy series mounted by UP SAMASKOM. It is the longest running comedy show in the country. What started as a mere applicants’ batch project back in 1985 is now one of the most awaited events in the Diliman republic. Each year, Live AIDS has never failed to surpass the previous record number of fans who trooped to its staging venues on all performances.

For decades, Live AIDS has garnered fanatics and avid viewers who have steadfastly sought out the show, including known personalities such as Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap and Vice Ganda. After all, it is the show which gave rise to the career of comedy stars Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas and KaladKaren.

“Live AIDS made me the woman that I am today. As an artist and an entrepreneur, this show paved my way to achieve all my accomplishments to date,” lauded Tuesday Vargas - an alumnus of the organization and a veteran performer of the show.

As home to talented and diverse individuals from all walks of the university who have a passion for creativity and self-expression, Live AIDS has continuously lived on with its magic that fuels it: the collaboration between the members of UP SAMASKOM, student and alumni alike. This camaraderie and the trust that have formed within the "samahan" is what makes the magic of the show happen.

“This show bolsters one’s talent, skills, and self-confidence. It’s evident in our alumni members,” said another alumnus, Kaladkaren Davila.

Giving off a fresh take on socio-political issues and pop culture without sacrificing the classic Live AIDS formula, the 32nd installment of one of the most anticipated events in UP Diliman will be helmed by four young directors, incorporating a brand new treatment on stage production and presentation, utilizing the classic brand of comedy that is quintessentially LIVE AIDS. 

With Live AIDS being a parody of our current experiences, it tackles the present, the new, the trending, and the viral, by fusing comedy with the hard-hitting realities of this twisted socio-political sphere in the country. The show gets inspiration from these daily phenomena and aims to provide a different take, by providing a night filled with fun, spectacle, and entertainment you will never forget! 

One of the four young directors of this year’s installment of Live AIDS, Bill Barrinuevo, stated that, “there is pressure to outdo ourselves every year. It is terrifying but it is a welcome challenge we take on. UP SAMASKOM is very passionate in creating a show that speaks out and entertains at the same time.”

As a venue for UP SAMASKOM members to enhance their wit, creativity and leadership potentials, Live AIDS is a playground for members to get invaluable orientation in the different fields of media. As such, this installment, a commentary on the Philippine society and on the experiences and travails that the Filipinos face, that features trending topics and viral content, will transcend not only to its avid audience, but even to its first time viewers.

Promising to make audiences laugh like never before, LIVE AIDS 32: ANG ISTORYANG DINIBELOP NG SAMASKOM is an event not to be missed!

Live AIDS 32 is slated on April, 16, 20, 21, and 22, 2018. For more updates on UP SAMASKOM and Live AIDS 32, please follow us on Twitter and Instagram @UPSamaskom, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom. Buy your tickets at ktx.abs-cbn.com.

*This is Press Release

BGC Arts Center Festival: Revealing Facets of Modern Filipino Performance Artistry

Firing off a passionate start for 2017, the BGC Arts Center marks its identity as the home of the Filipino artist. True to its word, it will hold the BGC Arts Center Festival - a 2-day arts festival on January 14-15, hosting performances and events that will illuminate the many layers that modern Filipino artists are animating, to give voice to the range of the human condition. The BGC Arts Center is the centerpiece of BGC’s cultural district. It is a project of the non-profit, Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. which also gave us the The Mind Museum, the first world class science museum in the country. The BGC Arts Center is the first and only stand-alone theater established through private donations. A collaboration by award-winning architects and designers, the BGC Arts Center is composed of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, the Alveo Central Plaza, and the Sun Life Amphitheater. The BGC Arts Center Festival is aligned with how the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) recognizes the integral role of having the two great human traditions of art and science, shape, deepen and enrich a city’s identity and contribute to the larger cultural story of our nation. Aiming to keep art alive and accessible through various cultural activities, BAFI champions public art - through murals, ArtMart, BGC Impromptu, public performances - as an essential part of community life. The BGC Arts Center is committed to offer the breadth and depth of Filipino artistry to the community. As such, the Art Festival will offer a wide range - from totally original Filipino creations to brilliant local adaptations of works with universal themes. The festival will include children’s plays from Artist Playground and Kids Acts Philippines, several dance performances by STEPS, staged readings of selected scenes by The Egg Theatre Co., a performance of an original play by Artist Playground, a supremely engaging performance by a pioneer Filipino Improv group, SPIT Manila, an acclaimed local production from Twin Bill Theater, an award-winning original Filipino musical from Philippine Stagers, and opera pieces from MusicArtes, Inc. Completing the Arts Festival are art talks, outdoor events such as BGC Art Mart that regularly feature the work of local artisans and other surprise offerings at the Sun Life amphitheater. Musicals. Plays. Dance. Improv. Spoken Word. Concerts. All Pinoy. All Great. Check out the BGC Arts Center Festival event page on Facebook for the schedules and details of the performances.***