16th Gawad Buhay! Awards Nominations

The 16th Gawad Buhay! Awards nominations were announced on May 26, with Tanghalang Pilipino’s (TP) “Kisapmata” and The Sandbox Collective’s “Side Show” leading the tally with 14 nods apiece.

“Kisapmata,” a new adaptation of the eponymous 1981 film directed by Mike de Leon, was nominated for every category it was eligible for: all five performance categories, six design categories, direction and production of a play, and original script (penned by Guelan Varela-Luarca with the TP Actors Company).

“Side Show,” the 1997 Broadway musical about a pair of conjoined twins in vaudeville-era America, scored nominations for its four alternating actresses who played the twins, and was the only production recognized in all seven design categories.

Full House Theater Company’s “Shrek the Musical,” the 2008 Broadway adaptation of the acclaimed animated film from 2001, landed 12 nominations, while Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s “We Aren’t Kids Anymore,” a song cycle by Drew Gasparini, followed with nine.

All 18 eligible Philstage productions that opened between January 1 to December 31, 2025 garnered a nomination. These nominations were drawn from a pool of 155 citations determined through four separate meetings by a 13-person independent jury of theater practitioners, academics, reviewers, and journalists. For the first time since 2015, every competitive category had a recipient for a citation. Among the 78 nominated individuals, 25 (or 32%) are first-time nominees.

The following productions were co-produced with non-Philstage member companies: “Come From Away” (Stages Production Specialists, Inc. with GMG Productions), “Kaliwaan” (Stages Production Specialists, Inc. with MusicArtes, Inc.), “Nobody Is Home” (Philippine Educational Theater Association with Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater), and “Via Dolorosa” (The Necessary Theatre with WHYNot Manila).

The 16th Gawad Buhay! Awards ceremonies will be held on July 28, 2026 at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. 

See below for the complete list of nominations:

Outstanding Original Script

1. Chesie Galvez-Cariño (‘The Foxtrot’)
2. Liza Magtoto, J-mee Katanyag, Nina Gühlstorff, and the cast of ‘Nobody Is Home’ (‘Nobody Is Home’)

Outstanding Translation or Adaptation

1. Guelan Varela-Luarca and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company (‘Kisapmata’)

Outstanding Book of a Musical

1. Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc (‘Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’)

Outstanding Original Score

1. Nica del Rosario, Matthew Chang, Nicanor Tiongson, and Eljay Castro Deldoc (‘Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’)
2. Gabriel Ramos and Dexter Lansang (‘Via Dolorosa’)

Outstanding Musical Direction

1. Farley Asuncion and Myke Salomon (‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’)
2. Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang (‘Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’)
3. Rony Fortich (‘Come From Away’)
4. Ejay Yatco (‘Shrek the Musical’)
5. Ejay Yatco (‘Side Show’)

Outstanding Choreography

1. JM Cabling (‘Kisapmata’)
2. JM Cabling (‘Side Show’)
3. Jomelle Era (‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’)
4. Paul Alexander Morales (‘The Foxtrot’)
5. Stephen Viñas (‘Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’)
6. Stephen Viñas (‘Shrek the Musical’)

Outstanding Costume Design

1. Bonsai Cielo (‘Kisapmata’)
2. Mitoy Sta. Ana (‘Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’)
3. Carlos Siongco (‘Side Show’)
4. Hershee Tantiado and Phillip Domingo (‘Alice in Wonderland’)
5. Marco Viaña (‘Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’)

Outstanding Lighting Design

1. John Batalla (‘Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’)
2. D Cortezano (‘Kisapmata’)
3. D Cortezano (‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’)
4. Meliton Roxas Jr. (‘Shrek the Musical’)
5. Gabo Tolentino (‘Side Show’)

Outstanding Sound Design

1. Arvy Dimaculangan (‘Kisapmata’)
2. Aji Manalo (‘Side Show’)
3. Fabian Obispo (‘Art’)
4. Aron Roca (‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’)
5. Luke Swaffield (‘Come From Away’)

Outstanding Set Design

1. Lawyn Cruz (‘Shrek the Musical’)
2. Mark Dalacat (‘Side Show’)
3. Joey Mendoza (‘Kisapmata’)
4. Joey Mendoza (‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’)
5. Mikayla Teodoro (‘Come From Away’)

Outstanding Projection and Video Design

1. GA Fallarme (‘Liwanag sa Dilim’)
2. GA Fallarme and Joyce Garcia (‘Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’)
3. GA Fallarme, Justin Santiago, and JM Jimenez (‘Shrek the Musical’)
4. Joey Mendoza, D Cortezano, Justin Santiago, and JM Jimenez (‘Kisapmata’)

Female Lead Performance in a Play

1. Jackie Lou Blanco (‘The Foxtrot’)
2. Meann Espinosa (‘Nobody Is Home’)
3. Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan (‘Kisapmata’)

Male Lead Performance in a Play

1. Ron Capinding (‘Kaliwaan’)
2. Bart Guingona (‘Via Dolorosa’)
3. JC Santos (‘The Foxtrot’)
4. Brian Sy (‘Art’)
5. Jonathan Tadioan (‘Kisapmata’)

Female Featured Performance in a Play

1. Ute Baggeröhr (‘Nobody Is Home’)
2. Toni Go-Yadao (‘Kisapmata’)
3. Ash Nicanor (‘Let’s Do Lunch’)
4. Susi Wirth (‘Nobody Is Home’)

Male Featured Performance in a Play

1. Marco Viaña (‘Kisapmata’)

Female Lead Performance in a Musical

1. Krystal Kane (‘Side Show’)
2. Molly Langley (‘Side Show’)
3. Marynor Madamesila (‘Side Show’)
4. Tanya Manalang (‘Side Show’)
5. Nikki Valdez (‘Next to Normal’)

Male Lead Performance in a Musical

1. Arnel Carrion (‘A Christmas Carol’)
2. Phi Palmos (‘Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’)
3. Jamie Wilson (‘Shrek the Musical’)

Female Featured Performance in a Musical

1. Cathy Azanza-Dy (‘Come From Away’)
2. Maronne Cruz (‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’)
3. Sheila Francisco (‘Come From Away’)
4. Sheena Lee Palad (‘The Bodyguard The Musical’)
5. Heart Puyong (‘Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’)

Male Featured Performance in a Musical

1. Topper Fabregas (‘Shrek the Musical’)
2. John Lapus (‘Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’)
3. Vino Mabalot (‘Next to Normal’)
4. Marvin Ong (‘Side Show’)
5. Benedix Ramos (‘Next to Normal’)
6. Alfredo Reyes (‘Shrek the Musical’)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Play

1. ’Kisapmata’ (Tanghalang Pilipino)
2. ‘Nobody Is Home’ (Philippine Educational Theater Association)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical

1. ’Come From Away’ (Stages Production Specialists, Inc.)
2. ‘Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’ (Tanghalang Pilipino)
3. ‘Shrek The Musical’ (Full House Theater Company)
4. ‘Side Show’ (The Sandbox Collective)
5. ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ (Barefoot Theatre Collaborative)

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play

1. Bart Guingona (‘Via Dolorosa’)
2. Nina Gühlstorff and J-mee Katanyag (‘Nobody Is Home’)
3. Guelan Varela-Luarca (‘Kisapmata’)
4. Paul Alexander Morales (‘The Foxtrot’)

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical

1. Delphine Buencamino (‘Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’)
2. Toff de Venecia (‘Side Show’)
3. Dexter Santos (‘Shrek the Musical’)
4. Michael Williams (‘Come From Away’)
5. Rem Zamora (‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’)

Outstanding Play – Original or Translation/Adaptation

1. ’The Foxtrot’ (Theatre Titas)
2. ‘Kisapmata’ (Tanghalang Pilipino)
3. ‘Nobody Is Home’ (Philippine Educational Theater Association)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play

1. ’Via Dolorosa’ (The Necessary Theatre)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical

1. ’Come From Away’ (Stages Production Specialists, Inc.)
2. ‘Shrek the Musical’ (Full House Theater Company)
3. ‘Side Show’ (The Sandbox Collective) -
4. ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ (Barefoot Theatre Collaborative)

Outstanding Musical – Original or Translation/Adaptation

1. ’Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical’) (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Outstanding Production for Children

1. ’A Christmas Carol’ (9 Works Theatrical)
2. ‘Shrek the Musical’ (Full House Theater Company)

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The Manila Hotel named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards anew

The Manila Hotel once again earns international recognition as it is named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel 2025 at the 32nd World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, held on October 13, 2025, at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong.

Following its 2024 win, this consecutive victory reaffirms The Manila Hotel’s enduring excellence and its stature as the country’s premier luxury landmark. The World Travel Awards—often regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry”—honor organizations that set new standards of excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality worldwide.

Grand Lobby

Champagne Room

Cafe Ylang-ylang

Accepting the award was Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., President of The Manila Hotel, who expressed deep gratitude for the international recognition.

“To be named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel once is already a distinct honor, but to receive this award for the second consecutive year is truly humbling,” said Atty. Lina. “This recognition belongs to our people—the heart and soul of The Manila Hotel—whose passion and dedication continue to define Filipino hospitality at its finest. For 113 years, The Manila Hotel has stood as a symbol of heritage and excellence, and this honor further inspires us to uphold that legacy as we continue to elevate the experience of our guests.”

A Legacy That Looks Ahead
With this back-to-back win, The Manila Hotel further cements its place as a national icon of heritage and prestige. As it continues to evolve, the hotel remains committed to enhancing every guest experience. Rooted in history, thriving in the present, and focused on the future, The Manila Hotel stands as a living symbol of Filipino pride.

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The Manila Hotel receives Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the 1st Philippine Tourism Awards

The Manila Hotel has been honored with the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the first-ever Philippine Tourism Awards, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. The recognition highlights outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, with a focus on excellence, sustainability, and innovation.

A landmark in Philippine history, The Manila Hotel was cited for its enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. The accolade underscores the hotel’s commitment to preserving its storied heritage while evolving to meet the needs of the modern traveler.

“It is with immense pride and gratitude that we accept this award from the Department of Tourism,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This recognition reaffirms our belief that true hospitality lies in creating unforgettable experiences, from a warm welcome at the door, to impeccable service at every touchpoint, to the genuine attention extended to every guest. This award belongs not only to The Manila Hotel, but to the legacy of Filipino hospitality we strive to share with the world.”

The Philippine Tourism Awards—the first of its kind—aim to honor institutions and individuals that elevate Philippine tourism on the global stage. This platform paid tribute to enterprises that laid the foundations of Philippine tourism—pioneers and establishments that have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth over the years.

For The Manila Hotel, the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award stands as both a celebration of its rich heritage and a testament to its unwavering commitment to service excellence. For over a century, The Manila Hotel has stood as a symbol of Filipino pride, service, and hospitality. Today, it continues to uphold its legacy as the true heart of the Philippines.

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The Manila Hotel is Named No. 1 Cultural Hotel, No.1 Gourmet Hotel, and among the Top 20 Premium Hotels at Trip.Best Awards

The Manila Hotel has once again affirmed its stature as the Grand Dame of the Philippines, taking top honors at the Trip.Best awards by Trip.com. The iconic landmark was named No. 1 Cultural Hotel 2025 and No. 1 Gourmet Hotel 2024 in Metro Manila, while also earning a spot among the Top 20 Premium Hotels for 2025.

The No. 1 Cultural Hotel award is given to historic properties that preserve their architectural style and heritage, offering guests an immersive experience of history. Established in 1912, The Manila Hotel has welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities, with storied spaces such as the MacArthur Suite serving witnesses to pivotal moments in Philippine history.

Beyond heritage, The Manila Hotel shines in the culinary spotlight as its signature Chinese restaurant, Red Jade, secured the No. 1 Gourmet Hotel distinction. Known for its refined take on traditional Chinese cuisine, Red Jade has become a dining destination in its own right.

The Manila Hotel’s recognition as one of the Top 20 Premium Hotels confirms its standing as one of Metro Manila’s leading luxury destinations, blending heritage with modern amenities and world-class service. This distinction also highlights the hotel’s unwavering commitment to upholding Filipino hospitality at its finest.

Rose Angelie Quilicol, market manager for High Star and Local Chains of Trip.com extended her congratulations, “Warmest congratulations to The Manila Hotel for being honored with the prestigious Trip.Gourmet and Trip.Best awards. Long celebrated as the Grand Dame of Philippine hospitality, The Manila Hotel continues to stand as a timeless icon—where history, elegance, and exceptional service come together to create unforgettable experiences.”

“We are honored to receive these recognitions, which affirm our commitment to preserving the rich heritage of The Manila Hotel while continuously enhancing our service and culinary offerings. We remain grateful to our guests, whose support inspires us to keep the True Heart of the Philippines alive for generations to come,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

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LG 2025 OLED TVs Achieve “True Visual Experience with Indoor Lighting” Certification

LG’s 2025 OLED TVs Become the First to Be Certified by TÜV Rheinland forMaintaining Perfect Black and Clarity Under Indoor Lighting

LG Electronics (LG) has announced that its latest OLED TVs* have earned the “True Visual Experience with Indoor Lighting” certification from TÜV Rheinland, a renowned German testing and certification organization. LG 2025 OLED TVs are the first to achieve this certification, showcasing their exceptional picture quality in indoor lighting environments.

TÜV Rheinland’s rigorous certification process granted LG’s latest OLED TVs a “Perfect” grade across five critical evaluation areas: blackness, vividness, perceptual contrast length, gradation and ambient contrast modulation. Tested under 500 lux lighting, equivalent to a daytime living room, the results demonstrate LG OLED TVs’ ability to maintain high visual fidelity with precise tonal accuracy and depth in various lighting conditions.

In addition to the TÜV Rheinland certification, LG OLED displays have been verified by UL Solutions for “Perfect Black” and “Perfect Color,” and confirmed by Intertek for 100 percent color fidelity and 100 percent color volume. These achievements underscore LG OLED TV’s ability to render absolute blacks and accurate colors, further solidifying their reputation for excellence in visual technology.

According to market research firm Omdia, LG has reaffirmed its leadership in the global OLED TV market. In the first quarter of 2025, LG held a dominant market share of approximately 52 percent based on shipments. Furthermore, LG became the first brand to surpass 10 million OLED TV sales in Europe as of April 2025.

“This certification highlights the distinctive capabilities of LG OLED TVs, setting them apart in the global OLED TV market,” said Jung Jae-chul, head of MS R&D Lab at the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. “We are dedicated to advancing OLED technology to create unparalleled viewing experiences through our premium TVs in any lighting environment.”

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The Manila Hotel shines bright with Trip.com’s Rising Star Award at Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference

The Manila Hotel proudly adds another accolade to its legacy of excellence, having received the Rising Star Award from Trip.com at the recently concluded Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference held in Shanghai, China. The prestigious event brought together hospitality and tourism leaders from around the world, honoring outstanding performance and forward-thinking partnerships in the global travel industry.

Bestowed upon properties that demonstrate exceptional growth, guest satisfaction, and service excellence, the Rising Star Award shines a spotlight on The Manila Hotel’s growing visibility on the Trip.com platform and its sustained efforts to elevate the guest experience. The recognition marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s dedication to blending heritage with modern hospitality.

“We are honored and humbled to receive the Rising Star Award from Trip.com,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, whose passion and commitment continue to define the soul of the country’s first premier hotel. Our partnership with Trip.com has allowed us to share The Manila Hotel’s historic charm with a broader international audience. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our purpose to create memorable experiences, raise the bar in delivering quality service, and uphold the standards that have earned us this distinction.”

Mr. Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel VP for Marketing and Sales receives the Rising Star Award

As it celebrates this milestone, The Manila Hotel continues to honor its rich history while embracing innovation, remaining a symbol of world-class Filipino hospitality for generations to come.

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LG Honored with Multiple Awards for Innovative Product Design at IDEA 2023

Company Receives Total of 13 Awards for Groundbreaking Lifestyle Solutions,

Including LG PuriCare AeroTower and LG OLED Flex

LG Electronics (LG) has once again been recognized for outstanding product design, earning 13 awards at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2023, announced at the International Design Conference in New York, New York.

The LG PuriCare AeroTower, an air purifier that can also be used as a side table and mood lamp, was honored with a Bronze Award at yesterday’s conference. Offering personalized performance and design options, as well as a compact form factor, LG’s air purifier can be tailored to match any home interior and is ideal for smaller spaces. With its latest win, the LG PuriCare AeroTower has now been recognized by all three of the world’s top industrial design award programs: IDEA, the Red Dot Award and iF Design Award.

Another IDEA 2023 honoree, the LG OLED Flex (model LX3) is an innovative TV featuring the world’s first bendable 42-inch OLED screen. The LX3, which made its international debut at IFA last year, offers a new level of screen customizability – its self-lit display able to go from completely flat to spectacularly curved with the push of a button.

“The achievement from this year’s IDEA is the result of the synergy between customer experience-centered technology and aesthetics,” said Hwang Sung-gyul, head of the Design Management Center at LG Electronics. “We will continue to improve the level of perfection by reflecting innovative customer experiences beyond the existing framework in product design by constantly communicating and empathizing with customers.”

Organized annually by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), IDEA is one of the world’s leading design award programs, recognizing exceptional achievements in the area of industrial design while taking into consideration various factors relating to design strategy, digital interaction, the environment, and social impact, when selecting award recipients.

Life's about more than having the latest technology, rather, it's about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers consumer electronics through top-of-the-line home entertainment appliances that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring "Innovation for a Better Life" nationwide - from Luzon, to Visayas, and Mindanao. LG products are available via lg.com/ph and through its flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee. For more information, visit and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube (@lgphilippines).

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SM Center Angono receives Safety Seal from LGU

Good news for SM Center Angono shoppers!

Compliance to health and safety protocols is a top priority of business establishments in this time of pandemic. Recently, SM Center Angono is awarded with the Safety Seal certification by the municipal government of Angono led by Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon. It is the first establishment in the municipality to receive the seal.

The Safety Seal Certification Program is an initiative of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases through a joint memorandum circular (JMC) among national government agencies. These agencies include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) along with the Local Government Units.

Through this certification, the government hopes to regain confidence of the public to patronize certified business establishments while ensuring they are safe and the minimum health protocols are being implemented. Businesses such malls may apply for safety seal certification from their local government units, which is valid for six (6) months upon issuance.

Follow the official social media accounts of SM Center Angono for official announcements and more information. @smcenterangono (Twitter) @smcenterangono (Instagram)

* images from SM Center Angono

 

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