PhilStage 2014 Gawad Buhay - Reunion and Celebration of Philippines' Theatre Community

A Wonderful Evening, A reunion of great artists, super talented people in the Philippines' Theatre community happened last night in the PhilStage 2014 Gawad Buhay. An awarding and recognition for all the Best in theatre, from technical to the finest performers / entertainers.
Red Turnip Theater's Topper Fabregas hilariously hosted the event and resembling or much better to Neil Patrick Harris of the Oscars never failed to have the audiences laugh. Some glitches and technical errors happened during the ceremony but it turned out to be amongst the funny moments. One of the Jurors, Gibbs Cadiz of Phil. Daily Inquirer (Lifestyle Theater) was praised by the theatre community for guarding the trophies backstage during the entire show. In the last part of the program, comedian Jon Santos (known for impersonating several popular personalities) impersonates Ms. Armida Siguion-Reyna and join mother and son, Ms. Bibeth Orteza and Rafa Siguion-Reyna on presenting the remaining categories.

Here are some visuals from the event:

Joaquin Valdes, Kim Molina and Red Concepcion in a special opening number

Topper Fabregas hosting the event

Veteran Actor Spanky Manikan, Ms. Sheila Francisco and Tanghalang Pilipino's President, Tata Nanding Josef

Denise Parungao receiving her trophy for Outstanding Female Lead Performance in Classical Dance for "Cinderella" of Ballet Philippines
with presentors Steven Silva and Nikki Gil.

Bituin Escalante,  Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical for “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” of Full House Theater Company. 

Ms. Tami Monsod receiving the Best Female Featured Performance in a Play (tie up with Ms. Liesl Batucan) for "August: Osage County" of Repertory Philippines.

Pepe Herrera,  Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Musical for "RAK OF AEGIS" of Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). 

Joaquin Valdes and Nikki Gil performing an excerpt from 9 Works Theatrical's THE LAST FIVE YEARS. 

Nicco Manalo with the resident company of Tanghalang Pilipino, performing an excerpt from "KLEPTOMANIACS". 

Team "Fuwerza Filipinas" and Team "Kayumanggilas" joined their forces in a special number from Dalanghita Productions' "Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady The Musical". 

Sandino Martin, Regina de Vera and Bart Guingona, presentors. 

Carissa Adea, Outstanding Female Lead Performance in Modern Dance for "Songs of the Wayfare" from "The Blue Moon Series" of Ballet Philippines. 

Richardson Yadao, Outstanding Male Lead Performance in Modern Dance for "La Revolucion Filipina" of Ballet Philippines. 

Gio Gahol, won the Outstanding Choreography for a Play or Musical for "RAK OF AEGIS" of PETA. 

Myke Salomon holding the trophies for Outstanding Musical Direction and Outstanding Sound Design (with Happy Constantino) for "RAK OF AEGIS" of PETA.

Carlo Pagunaling became emotional while accepting his trophy for winning the Outstanding Costume Design for "RAK OF AEGIS" of PETA.

Sir Mio Infante won the Outstanding Set Design for "RAK OF AEGIS" of PETA. (Also nominated for Ballet Philippines' La Revolucion Filipina) 

Red Concepcion got the Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Musical for "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" of Full House Theater Company. 

Kim Molina won the Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical for "RAK OF AEGIS" of PETA. 

Direk Maribel Legarda won the Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical for "RAK OF AEGIS" of PETA. 

Direk Chris Millado got the Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play for "August: Osage County" of Repertory Philippines. 

Actor Yul Servo won the Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Play for "Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente" of Tanghalang Pilipino. 

"AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY" of Repertory Philippines got the Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Play and also the Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play.

The Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical

 goes to "RAK OF AEGIS" of  PETA. 

Antoinette Taus and Guji Lorenzana, both performed in 9 Works Theatrical's "GREASE" presented and announced the winners for Outstanding Ensemble Performances. 

Jon Santos, Michael Stuart-Williams and Red Concepcion in costume sing "True Colors" an excerpt from the musical play "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" of Full House Theater Company. The play also won as the Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical. 

OTHER WINNERS ARE:

Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production
>> Bam Damian, "Aramica"  from "Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads" of Ballet Manila.


Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Modern Dance
>> "Aramica" from "Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads" of Ballet Manila.

Female Lead Performance in a Play
>> Ms. Cherie Gil, for "Full Gallop" of Actors’ Actors, Inc. (AAI / The Necessary Theater)

Male Lead Performance in a Play
>> Robert Arevalo for "Mga Ama, Mga Anak" of Tanghalang Pilipino.

Outstanding Lighting Design
>> Katsch Catoy, for "La Revolucion Filipina" of Ballet Philippines.

Outstanding Translation or Adaptation
>> Rolando Tinio, for "Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente" of  Tanghalang Pilipino.

Outstanding Original Libretto
>> Liza Magtoto, for "Rak of Aegis" of PETA

Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance
>> Earl John Arisola, for "Cinderella" by Ballet Philippines.

Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance
>> Katherine Trofeo, for "Cinderella" by Ballet Philippines.

Outstanding Modern Dance Production
>> "La Revolucion Filipina" of Ballet Philippines


Natatanging Gawad Buhay. (Lifetime Achievement Award)
>> Sir Onofre Pagsanghan of "Dulaang Sibol" and
>> Mam Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio of "Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas"

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS

AND TO ALL THE ORGANIZERS FOR THIS SUCCESSFUL EVENT. 

The Philippine Theatre is so Alive. Mabuhay!

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Written & 

Photographs by Erickson Dela Cruz ©

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