Veteran actor Tony Mabesa dies

Tony Mabesa — a veteran Philippine theater actor whose career spanned for 70 years — died Friday night.

According to a family statement, he passed away at 10:15 p.m.

“We thank you for your prayers. We hope you can respect the family’s wish for privacy at this time,” the statement said.

The founding artistic director of Dulaang UP, Mabesa staged dozens of productions over the years.

He was both director and actor, with some 170 shows to his name.