The 16th Philstage Gawad Buhay awards, held on July 28 at the Aliw Theater, celebrated Philippine theater with a night of recognition for outstanding productions, performances, and technical achievements.
Tanghalang Pilipino’s adaptation of Mike De Leon’s 1981 filmKisapmatadominated the ceremony, taking eleven awards including Outstanding Play – Original or Translation/Adaptation, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play, Outstanding Ensemble Performance, and Best Male and Female Lead in a Play.
First‑time winner Jonathan Tadioan reflected on the honor, saying the award reminds the community that storytelling can preserve culture and inspire change, urging continued creation of meaningful and inspiring narratives.
Kisapmataexplores a patriarch’s tyrannical hold over his family, a story that the company premiered in March 2025 and brought to life with powerful performances and design.
Full House Theater Company’sShrek the Musicalsecured six awards, including Outstanding Production for Children, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical, and Best Male Lead and Male Featured Performance. The comedy‑fantasy production adapts the DreamWorks film and William Steig’s book.
Director Dexter Santos, who could not attend the ceremony in person, expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit of the theater community, emphasizing the importance of audiences continuing to support live performance.
The event, hosted by Reb Atadero, featured musical numbers from the cast ofCome From Away, which also received two awards, and highlighted performances fromGregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop MusicalandSide Show.
Other notable recognitions included Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical awarded toCome From Away, Outstanding Female Lead in a Musical to Marynor Madamesila ofSide Show, and Outstanding Choreography to Stephen Viñas forShrek the Musical.
The awards also honored technical achievements such as Outstanding Set Design forKisapmata, Outstanding Sound Design and Lighting Design for the same production, and Outstanding Projection and Video Design forShrek the Musical.
A Special Citation for Achievement in Puppetry was awarded toShrek the Musical, recognizing its innovative use of puppetry on stage.
