Irma Adlawan, TP Win Big in Gawad Buhay

Irma Adlawan (center) won Female Lead performance in a Play for BUHAY NA APOY with her from left: Karen Gaerlan (Aurora Alba) & Kyrie Samodio (Topaz). Kanakan Balintagos’ MGA BUHAY NA APOY – the TANGHALANG PILIPINO production ran at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Jude Bautista

(Contributed Article)

Star of stage and screen Irma Adlawan won her first Gawad Buhay, the annual Philstage Awards for the Performing arts – April 28, 2016. She was honored as Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Play for Tanghalang Pilipino’s MGA BUHAY NA APOY. The Kanakan Balintagos (aka Auraeus Solito) drama in which she played the matriarch of a troubled family rediscovering its mystical indigenous roots.

Audie Gemora – Male Lead Perf. In a Musical LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Veteran actor Audie Gemora was adjudged the Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Musical. It was for his turn as the flamboyant drag queen Albin in 9 Works Theatrical’s production of the classic Broadway musical LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.

Delphine Buencamino (center) Female Lead Perf in a Musical winner with her
from left: Carol Bello (Dionisia) & Marco Viaña (Pule). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA ran at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tanghalang Pilipino’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA, a musical production about the life and legacy of Apolinario Mabini, was the most honored production with 12 awards. Among them: Outstanding Original Libretto by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson and music by Jed Balsamo. Their leads Delphine Buencamino and Antonio Ferrer, Set designer Toym Imao, costumes by James Reyes and choreography by Denisa Reyes also earned nods among others.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES & MABINING MANDIRIGMA shares the stage for the opening. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

The 8^th Gawad Buhay, the annual Philstage Awards for the performing arts was held at Onstage Greenbelt. The venue is home to Repertory Philippines one of Philstage’s founding members.

Hosts Topper Fabregas and Kakai Bautista in costume from THE HORSE AND HIS BOY by Trumpets. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Victor Maguad and Janine Arisola performs excerpt from Peter Pan (Ballet Philippines) choreography by Edna Vida Froilan. PETER PAN won Outstanding Classical Dance and Outstanding Production for Children. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

In dance Ballet Philippines PETER PAN led the pack with 5 awards: Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production by Edna Vida Froilan and Outstanding Classical Dance Production. Ballet Mania’s BLOOM a highlight of the BM2.0 was adjudged Outstanding Modern Dance Production. Ballet Manila dancer Gerardo Francisco won the rare distinction of two awards in one evening: Outstanding Male Lead Perfromance in Modern Dance (ANG MAHIWAGANG BIYULIN in ANG TATLONG KWENTO NI LOLOA BASYANG and Outstanding Male Featured Performer in Classical Dance for ROMEO AND JULIET.

Bart Guingona praises his cast in NORMAL HEART after winning 3 nods: Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Stage Direction and Existing Material for a Play. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Natatanging Gawad Buhay for Lifestime achievement was given this year to two legends of Philippine performing arts, actress Celia Diaz Laurel and former Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Alice Reyes.

Philstage members from left: RWM Artistic Dir. Michael Williams, 9WT Exec Prod. Santi Santillan, PETA Artistic Dir. Maribel Legarda, PBT Pres. Sylvia Lichauco De Leon, RWM Artistic Dir. Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Repertory Phil Artistic Dir. Joy Virata, EGG Theater founding member Alvin Trono, Ballet Manila Artistic Dir Lisa Macuja Elizalde and BP Artistic DIr. Paul Alexander Morales. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Kanakan Balintagos – Outstanding Original Script for MGA BUHAY NA APOY, BP Artistic Dir. Paul Alexander Morales, Leonie Calo Solito and talented BP Alum Carissa Adea. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

List of Awards

Outstanding Original Script

KanakanBalintagos, “Mga Buhay na Apoy” (TP)

Outstanding Original Libretto

NicanorTiongson, “Mabining Mandirigma (TP)

Dr. Nick Tiongson – Outstanding Original Libretto for MABINING MANDIRIGMA. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Translation or Adaptation

Rody Vera, “Arbol de Fuego” (PETA)

Outstanding Musical Direction

Joed Balsamo, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Joed Balsamo earned 2 awards: Outstanding Original Musical Composition and Outstanding Musical Direction both for MABINING MANDIRIGMA. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Original Musical Composition

Joed Balsamo, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production

Edna Vida-Froilan, “Peter Pan” (BP)

MABINING MANDIRIGMA won a total of 12 awards. TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA ran at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Choreography for a Play or Musical

Denisa Reyes, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Costume Design

James Reyes, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Costume Designer James Reyes won for MABINING MANDIRIGMA but was also nominated for his work in JUEGO DE PELIGRO. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

John Battalla – Outstanding Lighting Designer – 33 VARIAITONS. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Lighting Design

John Batalla, “33 Variations” (RTT)

Outstanding Sound Design

TJ Ramos, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

from left: Toym Imao – Outstanding Set Design and TJ Ramos – Outstanding Sound Design both for MABINING MANDIRIGMA by Tanghalang Pilipino. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Set Design

Toym Imao, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Play

Irma Adlawan, “Mga Buhay na Apoy” (TP)

Irma Adlawan won Female Lead performance in a Play for BUHAY NA APOY beside her is Lhorvie Nuevo (Diwata). The TANGHALANG PILIPINO production ran at at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Play

Jef Flores, “This Is Our Youth” (RTT)

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Play

Roselyn Perez, “The Normal Heart” (RTT)

Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles) Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical; BITUING WALANG NINGNING ran at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical

CrisVillonco, “Bituing Walang Ningning, The Musical” (Full House)

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Play

Teroy Guzman, “33 Variations” (RTT)

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical

Delphine Buencamino, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Musical

Audie Gemora, “La Cage aux Folles” (9WT)

Audie Gemora – Male Lead Perf. In a Musical LA CAGE AUX FOLLES – The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016.

Arman Ferrer (Male Feat Perf. In a Musical) as Aguinaldo carries his friend and adviser Mabini played by Delphine Buencamino (Female Lead Perf in a Musical). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA ran at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in a Musical

Antonio Ferrer, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in Modern Dance

Rita Winder, “Sarong Banggi” (BP)

Joan Sia and Romeo Peralta performs excerpt from Bloom (Ballet Manila) choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. BLOOM earned Outstanding Modern Dance Production. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in Modern Dance

Gerardo Francisco, “Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin” /from “Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (BM)

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in Modern Dance

Monica Gana, “Sarong Banggi” (BP)

Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Missy Macuja Elizalde. Lisa received BM’s 5 awards: Outstanding Modern Prod-BLOOM, Pia Dames-Female Feat. Perf. In Classical Dance, Gerardo Francisco – Male Lead Perf Modern Dance, Male Feat Perf. In Classical Dance, Outstanding Ensemble Perf for Modern Dance- BLOOM. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in Modern Dance

Earl John Arisola, “Sarong Banggi” (BP)

Outstanding Female Lead Performance in Classical Dance

Lobreza Pimentel, “Don Quixote” (PBT)

from left: Victor Maguad and Janine Arisola PETER PAN (Ballet Philippines), Romeo Peralta and Joan Sia BLOOM (Ballet Manila), Regina Magbitang and Ian Ocampo DANCING IN ONE VOICE – JUST GIVE ME A REASON (Philippine Ballet Theater). The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance

Victor Maguad, “Peter Pan” (BP)

Outstanding Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance

Pia Dames, “Romeo and Juliet” (BM)

BP Artistic Dir Paul Alexander Morales accepts Outstanding Classical Dance Production and Outstanding Choreography for PETER PAN by Ballet Phil. Behind him are back up dancers Jerald Napoles and Pepe Herrera. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Male Featured Performance in Classical Dance

Gerardo Francisco, “Romeo and Juliet” (BM)

Outstanding Modern Dance Production

“Bloom” /from “BM 2.0” (BM)

Regina Magbitang and Ian Ocampo Dancing in One Voice – Just Give me a Reason choreography by Ronilo Jaynario (Philippine Ballet Theater). The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Classical Dance Production

“Peter Pan” (BP)

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play

Bart Guingona, “The Normal Heart” (AAI/TNT)

CCP VP and Artistic Director Chris Millado credits the MABINING MANDIRIGMA cast for Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical plus eleven other awards. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical

Chris Millado, “Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Play

“The Normal Heart” (AAI/TNT)

Delphine Buencamino (center) Female Lead Perf in a Musical winner with her
from left: Jonathan Tadioan (Felipe Buencamino)& & JV Ibesate (Pedro Paterno). TP’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA ran at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino , CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical

“Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Modern Dance

“Bloom” /from “BM 2.0” (BM)

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES –Outstanding Prod of Existing Material. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Classical Dance

“Peter Pan” (BP)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical

“La Cage aux Folles” (9WT)

Cherie Gil kisses director Loy Arcenas after winning Outstanding Play—Original or Translation/Adaptation ARBOL DE FUEGO (Peta). The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Play—Original or Translation/Adaptation

“Arbol de Fuego” (Peta)

Outstanding Musical—Original or Translation/Adaptation

“Mabining Mandirigma” (TP)

Presenters from left: Caisa Borromeo, John Herrera and Giannina Ocampo. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Production for Children
“Peter Pan” (BP)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play

“The Normal Heart” (AAI/TNT)

9 Works Theatrical Executive Producer Santi Santamaria- LA CAGE AUX FOLLES –Outstanding Prod of Existing Material. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Natatanging Gawad Buhay for Lifetime Achievement

Celia Diaz-Laurel
Alice Reyes

Presenters from left: Jerald Napoles, Kim Molina and Pepe Herrera of RAK F AEGIS. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Repertory Philippines’ Joy Virata and RWM Artistic Dir. Menchu Lauchengco Yulo. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Presenters from left: Caisa Borromeo and Giannina Ocampo. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Shamaine Buencamino received the award for Delphine Buencamino who won Female Lead Performer In a Musical for MABINING MANDIRIGMA. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: James Reyes – Outstanding Costume design and writer Ibarra Mateo. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Irma Adlawan (won Female Lead performance in a Play for BUHAY NA APOY) with her are Kyrie Samodio (Topaz) & Malou Crisologo (Selmah). Kanakan Balintagos’ MGA BUHAY NA APOY – the TANGHALANG PILIPINO production ran at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Photo by Jude Bautista

Award show director Jenny Jamora and Audie Gemora- The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Bart Guingona hugs his cast in NORMAL HEART winning 3 nods: Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Stage Direction and Existing Material for a Play. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Kanakan Balintagos – Outstanding Original Script for MGA BUHAY NA APOY with Lhorvie Nuevo in the role of Diwata. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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LA CAGE AUX FOLLES –Outstanding Prod of Existing Material. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016.

from left: Dr. Nick Tiongson Original Librettist awardee, Events Coordinator Lee Cundañgan and Actress Liesl Batucan. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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9 Works Theatrical Executive Producer Santi Santamaria hugs Michael De Mesa as Audie Gemora looks on LA CAGE AUX FOLLES –Outstanding Prod of Existing Material. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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LA CAGE AUX FOLLES –Outstanding Prod of Existing Material. The 8th Philstage Gawad Buhay was held at Onstage Greenbelt last April 28, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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