Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila’s (LPU Manila) student theater group, Tanghalang Batingaw, earned double wins at the 2025 Act Avenue Theater Festival: Kwentong Barbero, a competition highlighting theater’s role in fostering social change.
Tanghalang Batingaw’s original production Tiftuo, written by senior Multimedia Arts student Christian Mikee Ricafort, tells the story of “Jackson who struggles to pick up his clothes for his first day in school. It tackles the societal objections and clear stereotypes that a teenager faces in expressing his sexuality, especially in the household setting.”
The production bagged two major awards: Best Poster and Best Featured Actor for Kate Arbby C. Manahan, who portrayed Jackson’s mother, Tanya.
LPU Manila was among the 10 performing groups from universities across Luzon invited to participate in the 2025 edition of the festival which ran from January 11 – 12 at the Parc Foundation in San Juan, Metro Manila.
LPU Manila won the following Awards and Nominations:
- Best Poster award went to Tiftuo of Tanghalang Batingaw
- Jackson’s mother, Tanya, portrayed by Kate Arbby C. Manahan, took home the Best Featured Actor award
- Eco Navarro was nominated for Best Actor
- Jeanne Latrell Bermal was nominated for Best Director
LPU Manila proudly shared the theater group’s achievements:
Here is the full list of winners at the 2025 Act Avenue Theater Festival:
- Best Production: Patayin sa Barbershop si Barbara by PAUICAN, Bicol University College of Arts and Letters
- Best Playwright: Jobert Grey Landeza, PAUICAN Theater Ensemble
- Best Director: Lloyd Neville Reynoso, ARTES Global, STI College Global City
- Best Actress: Jaira Esperida, PAUICAN Theater Ensemble
- Best Actor: Lloyd Neville Reynoso, ARTES Global, STI College Global City
- Best Featured Actor: Kate Arbby C. Manahan, Tanghalang Batingaw, LPU Manila
- Best Poster: Tiftuo by Tanghalang Batingaw, LPU Manila
- People’s Choice Award: Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi by Tanghalang Lykeion, LPU Cavite
Act Avenue Theater Festival’s social media congratulated all the winners:
Tanghalang Batingaw adviser Haydee Claire Dy and Arts & Cultural Affairs Event Director John Reigh Celario guided the student theater group throughout the competition.
“This win signals the unending commitment of the group to create relevant stories that inspire and spark discourse among young audiences,” the LPU Manila report said.
The Act Avenue Theater Festival aims to showcase local theater stories that highlight the experiences of individuals facing censorship or marginalization due to political, religious, cultural, or economic factors. The festival creates a safe environment where artists can explore their aspirations and collaborate to improve future theater productions.
With its theme of shared narratives often exchanged in the intimate setting of a barbershop, the festival seeks to amplify diverse voices and promote their liberation through local theater. It serves as a platform for social change and community engagement, fostering transformative actions and meaningful connections.
Celebrate this proud moment for LPU Manila and the Filipino arts community! Read more about Good School stories on GoodNewsPilipinas.com.
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