UNIVERSITY AVENUE

This December, Sining na Naglilingkod sa Bayan (SINAGBAYAN) , in its 9th year of offering educational theater to the people and as part of Sinagbayan's I-SERVE Disaster Response Program that coordinates with local chapters and people's organizations in areas of need, we present the musical play, “U AVE”.

U Ave (University Avenue) features the lives of a professor and three students whose friendship is challenged in a time where education is believed to be their only salvation from poverty and gain a fulfilled life. The musical especially aims to inspire students and out-of-school youth in responsively facing natural and man-made disasters.

To be staged in the Aldaba Recital Hall in the University of the Philippines- Diliman on December 12-13 3:30pm 7:30pm, the play is directed by Soc Jose.

Proceeds of the show will benefit typhoon-affected families of Marikina and of the Cordillera Region. You may also bring relief goods, segunda mano and donations during the show.

For ticket inquiries and on how else you can support, email us at sinagbayan@yahoo. com or contact Kathryn +63906.3504141.

Regards,
Joan Lerio
SINAGBAYAN Sining na Naglilingkod sa Bayan Art for the People
for the advancement of people's arts and culture
www.youtube. com/sinagbayan
www.sinagbayan. multiply. com


About the Director
Socrates Jose is a director, producer and actor on tv, film and theater since his youth in the 70s. A graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, he had worked with respected directors and writers, among others Lino Brocka, Ricky Lee and Marilou Diaz-Abaya. As such, he has been involved in more than 100 productions that include Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag, Sa Pusod ng Dagat, Jose Rizal, Bagong Buwan, Let the Love Begin and Mulawin. Soc Jose is a member of the alliance Concerned Artists of the Philippines and recently directed the monologue play, Mrs. B in tribute to victims of human rights violations.

About Sinagbayan
Sinagbayan is a grassroots organization of young artists and cultural workers with the aim to create, develop and popularize a people’s arts and culture. Since its foundation in the year 2000, it has mounted theater productions and conducted free art workshops in schools and communities in Metro Manila and the provinces.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS TO THE 2010 KENNEDY ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS

Call for nominations to the 2010 Kennedy Arts Center Programs
Tony Perez 10.07.2009

We are pleased to announce a call for nominations to the 2010 Kennedy Arts Center Programs. All nominations should be sent electronically to Tony Perez at PerezAS@state.gov. The nomination form is at the end of this document.

The eight programs are:

1. The Fellows Mentoring Program (a three-week program to be held in the U.S.A. March-April 2010). Nominees should be 25-35 years old.
Deadline for submission of nominations: October 28, 2009.

2. The Technical Theater Program (a two-week program to be held in the U.S.A. March-April 2010). Nominees should be 19-30 years old).
Deadline for submission of nominations: October 28, 2009.

3. The Jazz Musicians Program (a two-week program to be held in the U.S.A. April-May 2010). Nominees should be 19-30 years old.
Deadline for submission of nominations: October 28, 2009.

4. The Theater Actors Program (a two-week program to be held in the U.S.A. in May 2010). Nominees should be 19-30 years old.
Deadline for submission of nominations: December 11, 2009.

5. The Theater Directors Program (a two-week program to be held in the U.S.A. in January 2010). Nominees should be 19-30 years old.
Deadline for submission of nominations: December 11, 2009.

6. The Hip-Hop Dancers Program (a two-week program to be held in the U.S.A. in July 2010). Nominees should be 19-30 years old.
Deadline for submission of nominations: December 11, 2009.

7. The Classical Music Performers Program (a two-week program to be held in the U.S.A. in August 2010). Nominees should be 19-30 years old.
Deadline for submission of nominations: December 11, 2009.

8. The Modern Dancers Program (a two-week program to be held in the U.S.A. in September 2010). Nominees should be 19-30 years old.
Deadline for submission of nominations: December 11, 2009.


PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:

1. The Fellows Mentoring Program: This three-week program offers professional development opportunities to individuals working in the field of arts management. Fellows will participate in classes at the Kennedy Center, spend a week in a practical mentorship with another organization, and spend time in New York City meeting with arts managers. The goal of this program is to further develop arts management skills in strategic planning, development, and marketing, and to provide cross-cultural understanding internationally.

Participant Profile: The Kennedy Center is looking for individuals working in the field of arts management who are seeking to improve their management skills. These participants should be between the ages of 25 and 35.

2. The Technical Theater Program: Theatrical designers will have the opportunity to participate in the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) annual conference that includes workshops, demonstrations, and networking opportunities [http://www.usitt.org/2010]. Participants will also visit performance venues and meet with theater designers to discuss their work. Participants should expect to work with a mentor theatrical designer to further develop a design project of the participant’s choosing. This program will take place in Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, Missouri in late-March/early April.

Participant Profile: Trained in Theatrical Design (i.e., Scenic, Costume, Lighting or Sound Design) at an advanced or post-college level; professional theatrical design experience; plans on staying in the field/teaching for at least the next 5 years

Goals/Objectives:
-Allow participants to work one-on-one and in small groups with a U.S. theatre designer to further develop a specific design project
-Exposure to new techniques in theatrical design via the USITT conference and meetings with design professionals
-Establish ongoing dialogue with leading theater designers

3. The Jazz Musicians Program: Participants will experience jazz music through participation in meetings, workshops, lessons and jam sessions with musicians in the U.S. Participants can expect to visit Jazz Fest, held annually in New Orleans [http://www.nojazzfest.com], and attend performances and workshops. This program will take place in April/May 2010 in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Participant Profile: Trained as a musician at an advanced level with professional performance experience; has knowledge of, and experience playing, jazz music; plans on staying in the field/teaching for at least the next 5 years

Goals/Objectives:
-Enhance understanding of jazz music and its evolution in the United States
-Establish ongoing dialogue with American jazz musicians

4. The Theater Actors Program: Participants will receive an overview of United States acting techniques with a specific emphasis on actor training both professionally and in a university setting. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with a variety of theater companies in Washington, DC and another city in the United States. This program will take place in Washington, D.C. and a second city during May of 2010.

Participant Profile: Trained in acting at an advanced level with professional performance experience; has keen interest in expanding knowledge of acting techniques; plans on staying in the field/teaching for at least the next 5 years

Goals/Objectives:
-Exposure to various acting techniques through observation and participation in classes and attendance at performances
-Learn how professional actors are trained in the U.S. and how one is able to make a living
-Establish ongoing dialogue with American actors

5. The Theater Directors Program: Theatrical directors will be able to see performances in several different genres of theater and meet with highly-respected theater companies and directors in both Washington, D.C. and another city in the United States. Participants may also have the opportunity to observe multiple stages in the rehearsal and performance process. In June 2010, this program will take place in Washington, D.C. and a second U.S. city.

Participant Profile: Trained in directing for the theatre at an advanced level with professional directing experience; plans on staying in the field/teaching for at least the next 5 years

Goals/Objectives:
-Learn directing techniques via hands-on interaction with professional American directors
-Increase knowledge of directing by observing rehearsals and attending performances
-Meet with American directors to understand directing as a profession in the U.S.
-Establish ongoing dialogue with American directors

6. The Hip-Hop Dancers Program: Participants will work with renowned hip-hop dancers, exploring the history of hip-hop culture and dance in the United States. Participants will attend the International Illadelph Legends Festival (Philadelphia, PA) produced by Rennie Harris Puremovement [http://www.rhpm.org/illadelph.php]. Illadelph takes place over 7 days in July and includes master classes in hip-hop dance, lectures, and demonstrations. This program will take place in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY during July 2010.

Participant Profile: Trained in the hip-hop dance technique at an advanced level with performance experience; plans on staying in the field/teaching for at least the next 5 years

Goals/Objectives:
-Meet with individual dancers and dance companies to understand hip-hop dance in the U.S.
-Attend hip-hop dance intensives to increase knowledge of and proficiency with the form
-Establish ongoing dialogue with leading American dancers

7. The Classical Music Performers Program: Participants will take lessons from professional musicians such as members of the National Symphony Orchestra and/or the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Participants may also attend festivals and learn about other types of training programs for classical musicians in the United States. They should expect to visit a summer music festival, where they will attend master classes and performances. Evening performances may include classical and contemporary music. This program will take place in Washington, D.C. and a second U.S. city.

Participant Profile: Trained in classical music performance at an advanced level with professional performance experience; string musicians preferred but not required; plans on staying in the field/teaching for at least the next 5 years

Goals/Objectives:
-Increase knowledge of classical music techniques and understanding of the instrument through private instruction and classes
-Experience how string musicians in the U.S are professionally trained
-Increase knowledge of classical music training techniques
-Establish ongoing dialogue with American classical musicians

8. The Modern Dancers Program: Participants will further their knowledge of modern dance technique through demonstrations, private lessons, and open classes with representatives from major modern dance traditions in the United States (e.g., Graham, Horton, Limon, Cunningham). Additionally, they will interact with a number of American modern dance companies, including Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mark Morris Dance Company, CityDance Ensemble, and Paul Taylor Dance Company. In the evenings, dancers will attend performances. This may include the Fall for Dance Festival (New York, NY)[http://www.nycitycenter.org/content/stage/ffd.aspx], a series of modern dance performances by major US and international dance companies which takes place over 11 days. This program will take place in Washington, D.C. and New York City, NY during September 2010.

Participant Profile: Trained in Modern Dance at an advanced level with professional dance performance experience; multiple dancers from the same company are encouraged to apply as a team; plans on staying in the field/teaching for at least the next 5 years

Goals/Objectives:
-Increase knowledge in modern dance techniques through exposure to professional modern dance performances
-Understand modern dance management and facilities through meetings and tours
-Meet with individual dancers to learn the specifics of the modern dance industry in the U.S. and establish ongoing dialogue

The nomination form is found below. Please fill in and send electronically (word format) to Tony Perez at PerezAS@state.gov, keeping in the mind the deadlines we have set above.

PETA LAUNCH: VOTER’S EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

The Power of One Enlightened, Impassioned Youth Raised to the Millions

At the end of this month, five million youth voters are expected to register for the 2010 elections. Five million virgin votes – each one with the power to swing the course of the national elections and eventually the entire Philippine political history.

PETA invites you to the launch of its voter’s education campaign Casting Call: The Virgin Voter’s Campaign “I Want My First Vote to Count” back to back with the premier of its hilarious vaudeville on the Philippine Elections, Vincent A. DeJesus’ Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto on October 13, 2009 7:00pm-10:00pm at the PETA PHINMA THEATER The PETA Theater Center (No. 5 Eymard Drive New Manila Quezon City)

Please contact Leloi Arcete to confirm your attendance at the following numbers: 7256244 or 0917-8044428/ or email petampro@yahoo.com

NOLI AT FILI DEKADA DOS MIL

After numerous roaring standing ovations, sixty hugely packed shows witnessed by students and teachers who came in droves, PETA’s Noli at Fili Dekada 2000 (Dos Mil) is back for a re-run! Since it’s last curtain call, many have requested for a repeat of the production. Because of its powerful message and ingenious direction that more often than not left audiences in tears, it became an instant viewer’s favorite.

“I hope you can continue to extend the show for a few more months for the people who are interested to wake up. For our country where corruption is still rampant and old politics still reigns. I believe its our obligation to make a stand for the good and interest of our country and our children.” (Anonymous email)

Aimed at revamping and contemporizing Rizal’s classics, Noli at Fili Dekada 2000 (Dos Mil) penned by noted academic and scholar Nic Toingson, used a language that easily ‘sticked’: mixing English and the vernacular, the olden with pop culture. “It is Tiongson’s keen understanding of Rizal’s works that enables him to invest his work with imagination and creativity”, one critic said.

The production aslo employed underscoring, swift movement and action scenes and crafty lighting to create a scenic materpiece that rivals a cinematic experience. But unlike many adaptations, this production stands out because of its new take on the 18th century novels: a historic take-off – the liberation of Maria Clara and the rebirth of the nation through local, grassroots, community-oriented efforts.

Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil also features an assortment of young and veteran actors: Lex Marcos, Robert Seña, Bembol Roco, Bodgie Pascua, Jack Yabut, Julia Enriquez, Buddy Caramat, Jojo Atienza, Jeffrey Hernandez, Joel Saracho, Marichu Belarmino, Joshua Deocareza, Upeng Galang-Fernandez, Ian Segarra, She Maala, Neomi Gonzales, George de Jesus, Raffy Tejada, Joel Molina, Jess Evardone, Ryan Alfonso and Paolo Rodriguez.

Opening PETA’s 42nd Theater Season, the production is pegged to have twenty-four shows at the Theater Center every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (10:00am and 3:00pm) from July 17-August 9, 2009. With the literary genius of Nic Tiongson and the unparalleled direction of Soxie Topacio, Noli at Fili Dekada 2000 (Dos Mil) is surely a theatrical experience worth another encore.

For inquiries, contact PETA Marketing at 4100821, 7256244, 0917-8044428, petampro@yahoo.com or www.petatheater.com

THE MALE VOICE

THE MALE VOICE

NVC marks milestone with ‘The Male Voice’
By Rito P. Asilo

IT’S A LITTLE IRONIC for a theater group known for its provocative and groundbreaking feminist productions—from David Mamet’s “Oleanna” and Diane Shaffer’s “Sacrilege” to Caryl Churchill’s “Top Girls” and Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues”—to celebrate its 15th anniversary with a devised play called “The Male Voice” (TMV).

Rare pairing

But, through the years, the New Voice Company—or its founder, Monique Wilson—has always managed to keep its productions exciting and dynamic by cooking up shows that are as uniquely entertaining as they are thematically relevant. “TMV” will have a limited run on May 22, 23 and 31 at the RCBC Theater at 8 p.m. (Call 896-5497, or email nvc@pldtdsl. net), and will be followed in August by a play that will feature the rare pairing of two theatrical icons.

Tommy Abuel, Michael Williams, Jamie Wilson and Joaqui Valdes, last seen together in NVC’s acclaimed restaging of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods,” reunite to breathe life into the play’s dramatic and hilarious true-to-life stories, culled from interviews that aim to examine gender issues and the roots of violence as seen from the male perspective. Nope, the scenes don’t make any judgment about the subject matter they tackle, but they prove that the polish of fiction is no match for the power of unsullied truth, honesty and candor.

Indispensable element

The concept of “TMV” was born in 2003, when Eve Ensler decided to include men in her annual “VDay” benefit shows. The new development in the feisty feminist’s controversial advocacy immediately made sense to Monique’s theater group: After all, how do you address the problem of violence against women if you don’t include an indispensable element—men—in that contentious equation?

The series of workshops and interviews with a diverse group of men that followed at the New Voice studio gave birth to a short but highly acclaimed segment of the “VDay” show at the AFP Theater that year.

Next month, New Voice expounds further on that theme by bringing onstage touching, rib-tickling and eye-opening stories of men from all walks of life: Artists, students, priests, gay and straight men, illegal Filipino workers abroad, macho dancers, businessmen, male prostitutes, military men, abused children, doctors, etc. Interestingly, it was easier for some of them to share their colorful stories or discuss their sexuality than answer questions like: “What does it take to be a man?”

Inch-long scar

For instance, a young military officer, Dennis, recounted how horrified he was as he witnessed how eight cosoldiers seated across him inside a military truck “dropped like flies” during an ambush by leftist insurgents in Cebu (he barely escaped death after a bullet grazed his forehead, leaving an inch-long scar). But, it took Dennis some time to answer when he was confronted with the question: “Should real men cry?”

Dennis’ story is just one of many featured in next month’s “The Male Voice.”


NEW VOICE COMPANY
NVC Actors Studio
8020 Tanguile Street, San Antonio Village,
Makati City 1203 Philippines
Tel Nos: (63-2) 896-5497 / 896-6695
Email Address: nvc@pldtdsl. net
Website: www.newvoicecompany .com

HESUS NA BUHAY

We would like to invite you and your members to watch “HESUS NA BUHAY” A Musical Play about the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. It is to be staged at the NCCA Auditorium, on April 8, 2009 3:00 pm.

HESUS NA BUHAY was first staged in 2002 as the beginning of our scholarship program in Musical Theater. From then on, members and scholars of this program grew and gave way to other musical plays that share good moral values to the youth.

HESUS NA BUHAY is a roving performance and we bring it to different venues every year, such as:

(2002) Teatro Sta Ana & Sta Isabel College
(2003) Pius XII Auditorium & Concordia College
(2004) Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sta Mesa
(2005) Philippine Independent Church Pandacan
(2006) Sto Nino de Pandacan Parish
(2007) in the streets of Caloocan
(2008) Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Tayuman, Tondo & Holy Child Parish Pandacan

We sincerely hope to see you there. The show is free but seats are limited so please text me thru 0917-8013248 or email me thru supervoicefamily@yahoo.com to reserve seats. Walk-ins are also welcome but on a first come first served basis.

MARTIR SA GOLGOTA

Despite the modern and usually controversial approach of some of its film and theater counterparts, Martir Sa Golgota, Tanghalang Sta.Ana's now Manila Mobile Theater depiction of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, sticks to tradition's something that they've been doing for the past 22 years.Manila Mobile Theater version adheres to the Pinoy format of the senakulo, with subliminal implications on the coming May elections.

"I believe that we have to insert some commentary, otherwise, Christ's death would have been in vain. So yearly, we have different themes. We have integrated topics on family, drugs, abortion, peace and order" explains the director, former Councilor Lou Veloso. But we're still trying to be as close to the traditional portrayal of the Passion as possible.” The music composed by Lou Veloso and arranged by award winning musical scorer Vincent de Jesus for Martir sa Golgota is also a big addition to senaculo play.

For Veloso, the birth of "Martir Sa Golgota" and of the Tanghalang Sta. Ana came as a form of a personal Cavalry 22 years ago. These two was a product of a persistant dream to put up a community theater in his area. For him, this project was a great means to introduce culture and the arts even to the people from Classes D and E, who, at normal circumstances, wouldn't have the means to watch a full- length play. "We've had more than a hundred members from all walks of life. We had drivers, teachers, mothers, out- of- school youth as members," recalls Veloso.

After the Tanghalang Sta. Ana's success in their initial production of "Martir sa Golgota" the theater group went on to create various productions, some of which were related to the Filipino Catholic rituals, such as the "Panunuluyan" The nine- day presentation mostly involved the poor residents of Sta. Ana as actors.

Tanghalang Sta. Ana likewise toured the community to stage productions tackling drugs, family life and the environment.

Veloso's dream of nurturing community theater in Sta. Ana leaped forward when he was first elected as a councilor in 1995. After a few years, Veloso was able to acquire a small portion in Plaza Hugo Sta. ana which became the Sta. Ana Arts Center .

"It was a nearly dilapidated bodega which we all cleaned with our own bare hands. We all helped one another. My dream to have a legitimate venue was finally realized and wanted Tanghalang Sta. Ana to become a professional group this year. The community theater is now called Manila Mobile Theater, now on its 23 years of mounting of this play is a dream comes true." relates Veloso.

With the success of his community theater and after nine years of being a councilor and additional three years, Veloso was able to convince the council to integrate art and culture in the academic curriculum. He believes that art develops one's skills.

Veloso also observes that the community theater serves as a good instrument where the youth can have something productive to keep them busy, thereby keeping them away from drugs and illegal activities not uncommon from depressed areas.

"I guess this success is one of the reasons why we're staging Martir sa Golgota," says Veloso. "For us working in this play, this serves as our annual religious offering. “We have upcoming plays for our members in Manila Mobile Theatre, Palanca Award winning plays will be our top of the list.” He added.

Movie actors Ariel Rivera, Christopher de Leon, Rez Cortez, Daniel Fernando, Rita Avila, Pinky Marquez,Tommy Abuel, Bodjie Pascua, Alma Conception, Ricky Davao, Carmi Martin, Ronnie Lazaro, Archi Adamos, Jao Mapa, Perry Escaño, Ernie Garcia and Yul Servo have at one time or another played major roles in the Lenten offering. Its first Jesus was former action actor Raymond Keanu.

This year television and film actor Migui Moreno will play as Jesus Christ for the first alternating Manila Mobile Theater resident actor Jojo Riguerra who played as Jesus Christ the Nazareth last year helping out celebrities include theater, television and award winning film actor Bembol Roco (Pontius Pilate), Bodgie Pascua (John the Baptist), Isabel Granada and Millette Africa (Virgin Mary), Andy Bais (San Miguel),Perry Escaño and Molts Menesses (Captain Abanader), Jojo Bolado and Al Gatmaitan (Judas),Dante Balois (Nicodemus), Abel Napuran and Tony Roma (Herod), Pamela hundana and Jeanette Quebalatin (Claudia), Arkin Da Silva (Peter), Richard Manabat(Annas),Joan Palisoc and Eizen Arana (Magdalene), and Ces Aldava (Caiphas) plus Archi Adamos (Berdugo).

Completing the cast are supporting actors Ronald Solidum (Flavius),Paul Sy (Hestas), Gina Villa,Trixie Dauz (Blind), Jonil Mortil (Mathew), Niesty Lompera (Thomas), Xeno Alejandro (Devil,) Mark Ador (Dimas),Tony Demiao (Barabbas) and the Manila Mobile Theater Actors company.

"The thought that they're presenting it in several communities for free, was enough motivation for the Opus Dei believer to look at the Lenten ritual in a whole new perspective, " said Veloso.

"Actually, some of the participants in this play are doing it as an offering. Seeing how passionate they are about the production, in a way, gives you drive to perfect your work." Veloso added.

"Martir Sa Golgota" by Manila Mobile Theater will be shown on April 5 at Plaza Hernandez Tondo, in front of Sto. Niño Church Tondo Manila under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, April 6 Malabon City Hall, April 8, Plaza Hugo Sta. Ana Manila near the church and April 9 San Juan Plaza under Mayor J.V. Ejercito, All shows start at 7pm.

For inquiries on "Martir Sa Golgota" by Manila Mobile Theater and presenting it in your city or baranggay for free call 09178718511.

KUNG PAANO MAGHIWALAY

When one falls out of love, how does one end a relationship? KUNG PAANO MAGHIWALAY tackles the subject of love in scenes that capture moments when break-ups happen. From the hysterically funny to the clinically blasé, the play captures snapshots of relationships disintegrating: a husband decides to split with his wife after recovering from a heart attack, a couple jokes around about breaking up and actually does, a gay couple tries to have a friendly separation, another couple cries through their break-up.

Kung Paano Maghiwalay does not follow a chronological structure but is emotionally threaded by the pathos, anger, and pain of breaking-up seeking to answer the question where does the love go when couples end a relationship?

The new theater company Stage Right Theater Productions, Inc brings Kung Paano Maghiwalay to the stage and features a powerhouse cast of thespians: Madeleine Nicolas, Bituin Escalante, Aiza Marquez, Gilleth Sandico, Gem Padilla, Juliene Mendoza, Eric dela Cruz, GA Fallarme, Erwin Flores, Kristine Balmes, Lorna Lopez, and Bembol Roco.

Remaining playdates are on March 12 and March 13, 2009, 9:00 pm at the Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills.

Tiickets at 500 PHP.

For inquiries, please contact: 09157859325, 09228559139, and 09289077777.

PETA AND TANGHALANG PILIPINO PLAYS DOMINATE PHILSTAGE’s GAWAD BUHAY

With four major awards each, the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s Skin Deep and Tanghalang Pilipino’s Golden Child and Kudeta won the most number of production, technical and performance awards in the 2008 Gawad Buhay, the PHILSTAGE Awards for the Performing Arts, held last night at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino.

Ballet Philippines’ La Revolucion Filipina, Repertory Philippines’ Hamlet and Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna figured in another three-way tie for the second most awarded production with three awards each.

Skin Deep, a musical comedy on ordinary people’s search for beauty and happiness, got the jury’s nod for outstanding musical production, original libretto (Vincent De Jesus), male and female lead performances in a musical play (Robert Seña and May Bayot, respectively).

Golden Child -- winner of the outstanding production of a full-length play, stage direction (Loy Arcenas), ensemble performance (the entire cast), and set design (Loy Arcenas) – depicts the conflicts of introducing modern changes to a 20th century traditional Chinese household.

Kudeta, a hilarious take on a coup that toppled a country's president, won for outstanding translation or adaptation (George De Jesus III), lighting design (Dennis Marasigan), set design (Tuqxs Rutaquio) and featured male performance in a play (Bong Cabrera).

Among the big winners for the individual awards categories are Floy Quintos’ Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna, which won the outstanding production of a one-act play and original play, and Vincent De Jesus whose work on Skin Deep and Batang Rizal won for outstanding original libretto and musical direction, respectively.

Dubbed as the first-ever industry awards exclusively for the performing arts, Gawad Buhay! was juried by an independent panel of critics, scholars, artists and theater enthusiasts who were deputized to watch all productions of PHILSTAGE member-companies for the entire year. Outstanding individual and group achievements in various artistic and technical aspects of play, musical and dance productions and performances are honored based on quarterly citations deliberated by the jury.

In his acceptance speech for outstanding original play for Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna, playwright-director Floy Quintos expressed appreciation of the performing arts’ unique quality as a form of creative expression. “We have become the source of talents of other industries like film and television.”

CCP President Nestor Jardin, who was one of the awards presenters, praised the high quality of productions by PHILSTAGE member-companies. “There are many of these, and there can be no better proof of this than in the next category,” referring to the thirteen nominees for the outstanding ensemble performance.

“I am very happy that we are having this award while I am still dancing,” enthused Camille Ordinario-Joson who won the outstanding featured performer in a dance production for her work on Ballet Philippines’ Latin Heat.

The mostly theater practitioner crowd cheered on approvingly as Jose Mari Avellana’s name was announced by presenter Gary Lim as winner of the outstanding male lead performance for a play. Visibly touched and appreciative of the gesture, Avellana thanked the theater community and exhorted them to uphold quality works and continue the traditions of professionalism and family kinship in the profession.

PHILSTAGE President Fernando Josef, concurrent artistic director of Tanghalang Pilipino, expressed elation over the participation of a big number of nominees. “They came with friends and family. This is a historic event as we are witnessing the maturity of an industry that responds to audiences, artists and society.”

Directed by Dennis Marasigan and produced by Elmar Beltran Ingles, the awards ceremonies featured moving performances by Ballet Philippines’ Biag Gaongen, winner of the outstanding male lead performance in dance, and the cast of PETA’s Batang Rizal.

Below is the complete list of proclaimed winners in various categories:

Outstanding Production of a Full-Length Play: Golden Child (Tanghalang Pilipino);

Outstanding Production of a One-Act Play: Ang Kalungkutan ng Mga Reyna (Tanghalang Pilipino);

Outstanding Musical Production: Skin Deep (PETA).

Outstanding Dance Production: Ballet Philippines’ La Revolucion Filipina

Outstanding Stage Direction: Loy Arcenas (Golden Child)

Outstanding Original Choreography: Agnes Locsin (La Revolucion Filipina);

Outstanding Original Play: Floy Quintos’ Ang Kalungkutan ng Mga Reyna;

Outstanding Ensemble Performance: The Cast of Golden Child (Tanghalang Pilipino);

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Play: Jose Mari Avellana (Tuesdays with Morrie)

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Play: Shamaine Centenera Buencamino (Ang Kalungkutan ng Mga Reyna);

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Musical: Robert Seña (Skin Deep);

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical: May Bayot (Skin Deep);

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Dance Production: Biag Gaongen (La Revolucion Filipina and Latin Heat).

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Dance Production: Lisa Macuja Elizalde (Ballet Manila’s Le Corsaire)

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Play: Bong Cabrera (Kudeta);

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Play: Cris Villonco (Hamlet).

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Dance Production: Camille Ordinario-Joson (Latin Heat).

Outstanding Original Libretto: Vincent De Jesus (Skin Deep);

Outstanding Translation/ Adaptation: George de Jesus III (Kudeta)

Outstanding Musical Direction: Vincent De Jesus (Batang Rizal)

Outstanding Set Design: Loy Arcenas (Golden Child) and Tuxqs Rutaquio (Kudeta).

Outstanding Costume Design: Faust Peneyra (Hamlet)

Outstanding Lighting Design: Dennis Marasigan (Kudeta); and

Outstanding Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin (Hamlet).

DEVIANT LOVES