It was a sweeping night for Tanghalang Pilipino at the 15th Gawad Buhay! Awards, held at the Aliw Theater, as the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines brought home a staggering 17 out of 26 competitive awards for its critically acclaimed productions “Balete” and “Pingkian: Isang Musikal.”

“Balete”, adapted from F. Sionil José’s Tree and Promdi, emerged as the most awarded production of the year, clinching 10 trophies, including Outstanding Play (Original or Adaptation), Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play (Chris Millado), and Male Lead Performance in a Play (Nonie Buencamino). The work’s devised script was recognized for its powerful collaboration among Rody Vera, Millado, Sabrina Basilio, Delphine Buencamino (who also won for Outstanding Choreography), and the TP Actors Company.

Close behind, “Pingkian” earned 7 awards, including Outstanding Musical (Original or Adaptation), Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical (Jenny Jamora), and Male Lead Performance in a Musical for Vic Robinson’s moving portrayal of revolutionary hero Emilio Jacinto.

Meanwhile, Repertory Philippines earned wins for Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play (Betrayal) and Musical (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), while its children’s theater arm triumphed with “Jepoy and the Magic Circle” as Outstanding Production for Children.

This year’s Natatanging Gawad Buhay! (Lifetime Achievement Award) was conferred upon esteemed theater scholar and librettist Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson, recognized for his lasting contributions to Philippine theater, including his work on Mabining Mandirigma.

Hosted by Phi Palmos and Reb Atadero, the ceremony spotlighted 11 first-time winners, underscoring the evolving and inclusive landscape of Philippine stage talent.

The Gawad Buhay! is the country’s premier annual theater awards body, exclusively recognizing productions from Philstage-member companies, which include 9 Works Theatrical, The Sandbox Collective, Ballet Manila, PETA, Repertory Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, and more.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS – 15TH GAWAD BUHAY! AWARDS (2025)

Outstanding Translation or Adaptation

Rody Vera, Chris Millado, Sabrina Basilio, Delphine Buencamino, and TP Actors Company (Balete)

Outstanding Book of a Musical

Juan Ekis (Pingkian: Isang Musikal)

Outstanding Original Score

Ejay Yatco & Juan Ekis (Pingkian: Isang Musikal)

Outstanding Musical Direction

Ejay Yatco (Pingkian: Isang Musikal)

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: Isang Musikal)

PERFORMANCE AWARDS

Male Lead Performance in a Play

Nonie Buencamino (Balete)

Female Lead Performance in a Musical

Nicole Omillo (One More Chance, The Musical)

Male Lead Performance in a Musical

Vic Robinson (Pingkian: Isang Musikal)

Female Featured Performance in a Play

Toni Go-Yadao (Balete)

Male Featured Performance in a Play

Marco Viaña (Balete)

Female Featured Performance in a Musical

Sheila Francisco (Bar Boys: A New Musical)

Male Featured Performance in a Musical

Juliene Mendoza (Bar Boys: A New Musical)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Play

Balete (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Musical

Bar Boys: A New Musical (Barefoot Theatre Collaborative)

DIRECTION & PRODUCTION AWARDS

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play

Chris Millado (Balete)

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical

Jenny Jamora (Pingkian: Isang Musikal)

Outstanding Play (Original or Adaptation)

Balete (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Musical (Original or Adaptation)

Pingkian: Isang Musikal (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material – Play

Betrayal (Repertory Philippines)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material – Musical

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Repertory Philippines)

Outstanding Production for Children

Jepoy and the Magic Circle (Repertory Philippines)

SPECIAL CITATIONS – ACHIEVEMENT IN PUPPETRY

• Jepoy and the Magic Circle (Repertory Philippines)

• Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical (Full House Theater Company)

NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY! (Lifetime Achievement Award)

Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson

With a dazzling showcase of talent, innovation, and artistry, the 15th Gawad Buhay! affirmed that Philippine theater continues to flourish—onstage and in spirit.