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.