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‘Kisapmata’ and ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.’ Tanghalang Pilipino/IdeaFirst Facebook

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ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176473989704320251203 (8).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>‘Kisapmata’ and ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.’ Tanghalang Pilipino/IdeaFirst Facebook</div>The country’s vibrant live entertainment scene takes center stage once again as the 38th Aliw Awards unveiled its finalists, spotlighting an especially strong year for theater artists, musical performers, and concert creators.Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Kisapmata” emerges as a major contender with nods across key acting and directing races, including Lhorvie Tadian for Best Lead Actress, Jonathan Tadioan for Best Lead Actor, and Guelan Luarca for Best Director for a Play. The production also received ensemble recognition, underscoring its strong critical reception.The reimagined “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” likewise comes in strong with nominations for Ross Pesigan (Best Featured Actor), Martin del Rosario (Best Lead Actor), Elora Espano (Best Lead Actress), and Tuxqs Rutaquio (Best Director).On the musical front, Full House Theater Company’s “Delia D.”, Hammock Production and Tanghalang Una Obra’s “Jeproks: The Musical”, and the buzz-heavy “We Aren’t Kids Anymore” lead the pack.This year’s list also reveals how porous the lines have become between theater and concert work.Arman Ferrer, a consistent presence in both opera and musical theater, headlines the Best Male Crossover Performer category, while fellow theater stalwarts Sheila Francisco, Lara Maigue, and Karla Gutierrez dominate the female counterpart.In the concert arena, theater artists also continue to shine: Gab Pangilinan, fresh from her stage triumphs, earns a nomination for Best Female Performance in a Concert for &quot;This Is Not a Musical,&quot; while Arman Ferrer and Sheila Valderrama secure a nod for Best Group Ensemble Performance in a Concert via &quot;As We Are&quot; at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater.Major concert categories highlight the powerhouses of OPM and live entertainment, with giants such as Gary Valenciano, Erik Santos, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, and Morissette Amon among this year’s contenders.Directing remains a competitive field with Paolo Valenciano, Maki, and Jon Moll recognized for large-scale concert spectacles.Winners will be announced later this month. Here is the complete list of finalists for the 38th Aliw Awards, released Tuesday,<div>BEST NEW MALE ARTIST</div>1.Rouelle Carino2.Bradd Chiong 3.Tyler Miraflor4.Benjamin Javier5.Jean Jordan Abina6.Kiel<div>BEST NEW ARTIST FEMALE</div>1.Elia Ilano2.Brielle Bitanga3.Rain Celmar4.Simone Valderrama Martinez5.Chloe6.Kristin Wang7.Elise Ybanez8.Rai Solomon<div>BEST NEW GROUP ARTIST</div>1.Pixie2.Gat3.NIOR4.Wink<div>BEST STAND UP COMEDIAN</div>1.Negi2.Petite3.Ryan J Rafael4.Super Tekla5.Amazing Peanut<div>BEST MALE CROSSOVER PERFORMER</div>1.Arman Ferrer 2.Tim Pavino3.Nazer Salcedo4.Christopher Cheng MD.5.Onyl Torres<div>BEST FEMALE CROSSOVER</div>1.Sheila Francisco 2.Margarita Roco3.Lara Maigue4.Sweet Buchanan5.Nina Campos6.Karla Guttierez<div>BEST INSPIRATIONAL /GOSPEL SINGER (MALE, FEMALE OR GROUP)</div>1.Dindo Fernandez2.Viola Natividad3.Jonathan Manalo4.Jesliah Almasco5.Diwa6.Reverb (group)7.Sheila Lee Palad8.EJ De Perio<div>BEST CULTURAL GROUP (THEATER and DANCE)</div>1.Tribu2.Uyat Artista - Pampanga3.Tanghalang Bagong Sibul Dance Company4.Harlequin Theater Guild – DLSU Manila5.Arti Sta Rita6.Sinukwang Kapampangan7.Tinig Kayumanggi<div>BEST FESTIVAL PRACTISES &amp; PERFORMANCE</div>1.Manggahan Festival – Guimaras Island 2.Mammangi Festival – Ilagan City, Isabela3.Kneeling Carabao – Pulilan, Bulacan4.Paru- Paru Festival  - Dasmarinas, Cavite5.Tultugan Festival-  Maasin, Iloilo6.Magayon Hinuptanan Festival – Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental<div>BEST FESTIVAL CATALYST/ORGANIZER</div>1.Gov. Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. Nava, MD- Manggahan Festival 2.Mayor JoseMarie L. Diaz – Ilagan City, Isabela3.Mayor Rolando S. Peralta – Pulilan Bulacan4.Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga – Dasmarinas, Cavite5.Mayor Amboy – Francis A. Amboy Masain, Iloilo 6.Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo – Moises Padilla Negros Occidental<div>BEST FESTIVAL DIRECTOR</div>1.Bing Pascual – Manggahan Festival2.Mayor Francis Amboy – Tultugan Festival3.Joseph Navarro – Kneeling Carabao4.Jose Mari L. Diaz – Mamanggi Festival5.Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo6.Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga- Paru-Paru Festial<div>BEST SPECIAL EVENTS PRODUCTION</div>1.Pinoy Playlst Music Festival - BGC2.That’s Amore - RMA3.JL 75th – The Beatles Concert4.Elegant Filipina5.Pari Ako, Ako Pari 46.Gabay Guro7.Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw- Mteropolitan Theater, NCCA8.Tanghal Turtulia – University of the Philippines<div>BEST SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR</div>1.Nazer Salcedo – That’s Amore2.Manni Coloma3.Aleli Bustamante -Gabay Guru4.Peter Macrohon - Pari Ako, Ako Pari 45.Dexter Santos-<div>BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY</div>1.Ash Nicanor – Let’s Do Lunch2.Toni Go Yadao - Kisapmata<div>BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY</div>1.Marco Viana – Kisapmata2.Ross Pesigan – ANINO Sa Likod ng Buwan<div>BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL</div>1.John Lapus – Delia D.2.Floyd Tena – Delia D3.Tim Pavino – Side Show4.Myke Salomon – We Aren’t Kids Anymore5.Nino Alejandro – Jeproks : The Musical6.Jet Pangan – Jeproks: The Musical7.Jeffrey Hidalgo – Jeproks: The Musical<div>BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL</div>1.Gab Pangilinan – We aren’t Kids Anymore 2.Carla Guevara Laforteza – Come from Away3.Shiela Francisco – Come from Away4.Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo – Come from Away5.Geneva Cruz- Jeproks: The Musical6.Shiela Ferrer – Jeproks: The Musical7.Sheena Belarmino – Next to Normal8.Jam Binay – Next to Normal<div>BEST ENSEMBLE IN A MUSICAL OR PLAY </div>1.That’s Amore - RMA2. Pilato -The Corner Studio 3.Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw – Metropolitant Theater, NCCA4.Kisapmata -Tanghalang Pilipino5.Come From Away6.Delia D – Full House Company Theater7.We Aren’t Kids Anymore8.Jeproks: The Musical – Tanghalang Una Obra &amp; Hammock Production Inc.<div>BEST MUSIC DIRECTION FOR A MUSICAL</div>1.Pauline Ariola – Pilato2.Nikki Jacinto - Delia D3.Myke Salomom &amp; Farly Asuncion – We aren’t Kids Anymore4.Eugene Belbis – Romeo &amp; Julie Muaical5.Joed Balsamo – Jeproks: The Musical<div>BEST COMPOSER FOR ORIGINAL MUSICAL THEATER</div>1.Yanni Robeniol - Pilato2.Eugene Belbis – Romeo &amp; Juliet3.Jonathan Manalo – Delia D.<div>BEST CONCERT STAGE DIRECTOR</div>1.Rowell Santiago - “Wagi”2.Nikko Angeles – “This is not a musical”3.Paolo Ignacio – Tanging Yaman4.Ana Ylagan – Bo Cerrudo <div>BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR A CONCERT/DANCE</div>1.Rodel Colmenar – JL 75th – Beatles Concert2.Homer Flores – Wagi”, “Through the Years”3.Toma Cayabyab – “Still Lani”4.Ejay Yatco – “As we Are”5.Ivan Lee Espinosa – “Being Ice Live”, “Love Sessonis6. Gabby Ramos “Imelda Papin Bday Concert’7.Marvin Querido – Everybody loves Raymond”<div>BEST DIRECTOR FOR A PLAY</div>1.Paul Morales -  The Foxtrot2.Guelan Luarca – Kisapmata3.Bart Guingona – Via Dolorosa4.Michael Williams – Come From May5.Tuxqs Rutaquio – ANINO Sa Likod ng Buwan<div>BEST DIRECTOR FOR MUSICAL</div>1.Dexter Santos – Delia D. 2.Luigi Nacario &amp; Meldrig Costuna – Romeo &amp; Juliet3.Eldrin Veloso -  Pilato4.Renz Zamora – We Aren’t  Kids Anymore5.Frannie Zamora – Jeproks: The Musical6.Robbie Guevarra – Liwanag sa Dilim<div>BEST PLAY</div>1.Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan 2.The Foxtrot3.Kisapmata<div>BEST MUSICAL PLAY</div>1.Jeproks: The Musical2.Side Show3.We Aren’t Kids Anymore4.Come From Away5.Liwanag sa Dilim6.Pilato7.Delia D8.Next to Normal<div>BEST CHILD PERFORMER (MALE)</div>1.Mika Aguas2.Theodore Tiu3.Kim Safra4.Lucas5.Prince6.Erkin7.Vincent8.Giani Sarita9.Kaloy Estrella <div>BEST CHILD PERFORMER (FEMALE)</div>1.Natalie Grace Yanson2.Zia Dantes3.Alejandra Ongsiako4.Cassidy Cua5.Scarlet Belo6.Aliyana Alvarez7.Imogen8.Hyacinth<div>BEST INSTRUMENTALIST</div>1.Dingdong Fiel – Piano2.Teddy Diaz- Guitar3.Mary Anne Espina4.Nicole Reluya Saxophone5.Martin Tan Avila – Piano <div>BEST FEMALE HOST</div>1.Gabby Garcia2.Rosie Domingo3.Sheena Lee Palad4.Kakki Teodoro5.Nicole Ramos<div>BEST MALE HOST</div>1.Johann Enriquez2.Raymond Gorospe3.Tim Yap4.Rico Hizon5.Lance Raymudo<div>BEST FEMALE CLASSICAL PERFORMER</div>1.Anna Feleo2.Nenen Espina3.Thea Perez4.Margarita Rocco5.Angeli Benipayo6.Sheila Ferrer<div>BEST MALE CLASSICAL PERFORMER</div>1.Redday Nuestro2.Ronan Ferrer3.Christoper Cheng4.Cipriano De Guzman Jr.5.Nazer Salcedo6.Lawrence Jatayna<div>BEST R&amp;B/JAZZ ARTIST (MALE &amp; FEMALE)</div>1.Jeannie Tiongco2.Nicole Asencio Laurel3.Lynn Sherman4.Jacqueline Sollono<div>BEST JAZZ ARTIST GROUP</div>1.Colby Dela Calzada Quartet2.UP Jazz Ensemble3.Yodzjazz Band<div>BEST POP MALE /FEMALE ARTIST</div>1.Moira Dela Torre2.Jona3.Isha Panti4.Isabella<div>BEST MALE/FEMALE RAP ARTIST</div>1.Andrew E.2.Gloc 93.Shanti Dope4.Flow G5.Nik Makino<div>BEST DANCE PRODUCTION</div>1.D Legends on the Dance Floor – PowerDance2.Swan Lake – Ballet Manila3.Alice in Wonderland – Ballet Philippines4.Dancing Samar Legacy Program<div>BEST CHORAL GROUP</div>1.Los Cantantes DeManila2.Imuscapela3.Kamerchor Manila4.University of Mindanao Chorale5.The Philippine Meister singers<div>BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY</div>1.Jonathan Tadioan – Kisapmata2.Bart Guingona – Art3.Martin Sarell – Art4.Royce Cabrera -  The Foxtrot5.JC Santos -The Foxtrot6.Martin Del Rosario – ANINO Sa Likod ng Buwan<div>BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY</div>1.Lhorvie Tadian - Kisapmata2.Jackie Lou Blanco -The Foxtrot3.Elora Espano – ANINO: Sa Likod ng Buwan<div>BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL</div>1.Phi Palmos – Delia D.2.Myke Solomon – We aren’t Kids3.Noel Comia – Romeo &amp; Juliet4.Jerome Ferguson - Pilato5.David Ezra – Jeproks: The Musical6.CJ Navato  - Liwanag  Sa Dilim7.Khalil Ramos – Liwanag Sa Dilim<div>BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL</div>1.Gab Pangilinan – We Aren’t Kids Anymore2.Alexa Ilacad – Liwanag sa Dilim3.Nicole Omilo – Liwanag sa Dilim4.Sheila Valderrama – Next to Normal5.Nikki Valdez – Next to Normal6.Cristy Lagapa - Pilato<div>BEST SOLO PERFORMER IN HOTELS, BARS &amp; MUSIC LOUNGES</div>1.Nina2.Jaya3.Isabella4.Marq Dollantes5.Mike Cuneta6.Essay Kirstin7.Jenny Sugay<div>BEST GROUP PERFORMER IN HOTELS, BARS &amp; MUSIC LOUNGES</div>1.Progeny (Red Rhino Art Bar &amp; Restaurant)2.Replay Band3.Inner Vioce4.South Boarder5.MOBB6.70’s super band7.Highway 54 Band8.TAC IV9.HARU Band10.De Bonair District<div>BEST MALE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT</div>1.John Lesaca2.Jed Madela3.Joey G4.Dindo Fernandez 5.Bo Cerrudo6.Chad Borja7.Nino Alejandro8.Rannie Raymundo<div>BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT</div>1.Dulce – “Wagi” – BGC2.Kuh Ledesma - I Love OPM3.Frenchie Dy – Here to Stay – Music Museum4.Gab Pangilinan – This is not a Musical<div>BEST GROUP ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT</div>1.Arman Ferrer and Sheila Valderrama Martinez – “As We Are - Maybank Performing Arts2.Ryan Cayabyab -   Maestro Class:  The Songs of Ryan Cayabyab – Proscenium3.Q &amp;A (Odette Quesada &amp; Ogie Alcasid)4.Super Divas Concert Vice Ganda &amp; Regine Velasquez<div>BEST MALE ARTIST IN MAJOR CONCERT</div>1.Marco Sison – “Seasons of OPM” – The Theatre at Solaire2.Nonoy Zuniga – “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime”  3.Gary Valenciano – “Pure Energy: One more Time” – Smart Araneta 4.Erik Santos – “Stories of the Heart” Newport World Resort5.MAKKI - “KOLORCOASTER” – Smart Araneta<div>BEST DIRECTOR FOR A MAJOR CONCERT</div>1.Paolo Valenciano – “Simula at Wakas” – SB 192.Makki- Star Music Events team – Maki KolorCoaster3.Micky Perz &amp; Jon R. Moll - “BINIFied” – BINI4.Jon R Moll – Super Divas5.Paolo Valenciano – Stardust – Cup of Joe<div>BEST FEMALE ARTIST IN A MAJOR CONCERT</div>1.Zsa Zsa Padilla “Through the Years”, Samsung Theater 2.Ice – “BEING ICE Live! The Concert Experience”, Newport Performing Arts Theater3.Lani Misalucha – “Still Lani”, Theater at Solaire4.Jona – “Journey to Arena”, SM Mall of Asia5.Morissette Amon – “EMBER: Morissette’s 15th Anniversary Concert”, Smart Araneta6.Regine Velasquez - “RESET”, Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati<div>BEST COLLABORATION IN A MAJOR CONCERT</div>1.Martin and Pops – “Always &amp; Forever”, SM Mall of Asia Arena 2.Regine and Vice Ganda – “Super Divas”, Smart Araneta3.Odette Quezada &amp; Ogie - “Q &amp; A”, SM Mall of Asia Arena<div>BEST FILIPINO ARTIST BASED ABROAD MALE</div>1.Bong Galagar2.Joaquin Pedro Valdez3.Cipriano De Guzman Jr.4.Joselito Logdat5.Felson Palad<div>BEST FEMALE FILIPINO PERFORMER BASED ABROAD </div>1.Joey Albert2.Rachel Alejandro3.Kea Chan4.Ivy Violan <div>BEST VENUE FOR THEATERS AND CONCERT</div>1.Samsung Theater Circuit Ayala Mall2.Newport Resort3.Solaire 4.MOA Arena5.Smart Araneta6.Manila Hotel7.BGC Maybank Theater8.GSIS Theater

The country’s vibrant live entertainment scene takes center stage once again as the 38th Aliw Awards unveiled its finalists, spotlighting an especially strong year for theater artists, musical performers, and concert creators.

The country’s vibrant live entertainment scene takes center stage once again as the 38th Aliw Awards unveiled its finalists, spotlighting an especially strong year for theater artists, musical performers, and concert creators.

38th Aliw Awards releases full list of finalists for theater, concerts

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38th Aliw Awards releases full list of finalists for theater, concerts

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published December 03, 2025 01:53 PM PHT

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