‘By recognizing excellence and promoting innovation, the awards help to sustain the industry’s momentum and ensure its continued relevance’
The Philippines has a vibrant theater scene that continues to thrive. While film audiences have shifted to online platforms, theater enthusiasts remain willing to pay premium ticket prices to experience live performances. This phenomenon underscores the significance of theater in Filipino culture and highlights the importance of recognizing excellence in this art form.
The PhilStage Gawad Buhay Awards plays a crucial role in promoting and celebrating Philippine theater. By acknowledging outstanding productions, performances and technical achievements, the awards provide a much-needed platform for artists to gain recognition and validation. This, in turn, encourages innovation and pushes the boundaries of storytelling and artistic expression.
The awards also serve as a catalyst for growth and development in the industry. By identifying and honoring exceptional talent, PhilStage Gawad Buhay Awards helps to nurture the next generation of theater practitioners and inspires them to strive for excellence. Furthermore, the awards provide a valuable opportunity for theater companies and producers to gain exposure and attract new audiences.
Moreover, the PhilStage Gawad Buhay Awards contributes to the preservation and promotion of Philippine cultural heritage. By recognizing and celebrating outstanding theater productions, the awards help to keep traditional forms and themes alive while also encouraging experimentation and innovation. This balance between tradition and innovation ensures that Philippine theater remains relevant and dynamic, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
This year’s roster of winners boasts 11 first-time Gawad Buhay recipients, including seven who won on their first nominations.
Here is the full list of winners:
Outstanding Translation or Adaptation: Rody Vera, Chris Millado, Sabrina Basilio, Delphine Buencamino, and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company (“Balete”)
Outstanding Book of a Musical: Juan Ekis (“Pingkian: Isang Musikal”)
Outstanding Original Score: Ejay Yatco & Juan Ekis (“Pingkian”)
Outstanding Musical Direction: Ejay Yatco (“Pingkian”)
Outstanding Choreography: Delphine Buencamino (“Balete”)
Outstanding Costume Design: Raven Ong (“Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical”)
Outstanding Lighting Design: Roman Cruz (“Balete”)
Outstanding Sound Design: Fabian Obispo (“Betrayal”)
Outstanding Set Design: Wika Nadera (‘Balete’)
Outstanding Projection and Video Design: GA Fallarme (“Pingkian”)
Male Lead Performance in a Play: Nonie Buencamino (“Balete”)
Female Featured Performance in a Play: Toni Go-Yadao (“Balete”)
Male Featured Performance in a Play: Marco Viaña (“Balete”)
Female Lead Performance in a Musical: Nicole Omillo (“One More Chance, The Musical”)
Male Lead Performance in a Musical: Vic Robinson (“Pingkian”)
Female Featured Performance in a Musical: Sheila Francisco (“Bar Boys: A New Musical”)
Male Featured Performance in a Musical: Juliene Mendoza (“Bar Boys”)
Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Play: “Balete” (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical: “Bar Boys: A New Musical” (Barefoot Theatre Collaborative)
Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play: Chris Millado (“Balete”)
Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical: Jenny Jamora (“Pingkian: Isang Musikal”)
Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play: “Betrayal” (Repertory Philippines)
Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical: “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” (Repertory Philippines)
Outstanding Play – Original or Translation/Adaptation: “Balete” (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Outstanding Musical – Original or Translation/Adaptation: “Pingkian: Isang Musikal” (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Outstanding Production for Children: “Jepoy and the Magic Circle” (Repertory Philippines)
Special Citations for Achievement in Puppetry: “Jepoy and the Magic Circle” (Repertory Philippines); “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical” (Full House Theater Company)
Natatanging Gawad Buhay!: Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson
Truly, the PhilStage Gawad Buhay Awards is a vital component of the Philippine theater ecosystem. By recognizing excellence and promoting innovation, the awards help to sustain the industry’s momentum and ensure its continued relevance in the face of changing audience habits.
