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‘Quomodo Desolata Es?’ tops inaugural awards of Manila theater reviewers

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ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768027559382533682072_1176005401213641_6986534735269635627_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>&#x27;Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati&#x27; tops the inaugural MSTR Awards. Facebook/Arete</div>MANILA — “Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati,” a contemporary Filipino adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino,” was the big winner at the first Manila Society of Theater Reviewers (MSTR) Awards, taking home four honors including best production of a play.The stage work — translated by Jerry Respeto and adapted and directed by Guelan Varela‑Luarca — reimagines Joaquin’s classic about two sisters who cling to their decaying ancestral home in pre–World War II Intramuros.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/8/16/guelan-luarca-deconstructs-nick-joaquin-s-classic-play-into-a-brilliant-new-version-1305">Guelan Luarca deconstructs Nick Joaquin’s classic play into a brilliant new version</a></div>The annual MSTR Awards recognize outstanding theatrical achievements for productions that opened in Metro Manila during the 2025 calendar year. Winners were announced Saturday, January 10, on the group’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.MSTR was founded in 2025 by veteran Manila theater reviewers from print and online platforms to spotlight excellence in Philippine theater and cultivate broader public engagement with the performing arts. The inaugural awards considered 66 eligible productions, with nominees selected according to criteria that include full staging in the Philippines and evaluation by at least three voting members.The winners were chosen by MSTR voting members from ABS‑CBN News Online, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Esquire Philippines, TheaterFansManila.com, The Philippine Star and independent critics. In addition to category winners, honorable mentions were also recognized. The MSTR said honorable mentions in all categories reflected the year’s depth and competitiveness in Manila’s theatrical scene.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768027784445586414781_1257537466393767_6731649253585753721_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>&#x27;Si Faust&#x27; wins best musical at the inaugural MSTR Awards. Facebook/Arete</div>Here are the winners of the 1st MSTR Awards:Best Production of a Play: Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati — Arete Ateneo, directed by Guelan Varela‑LuarcaBest Production of a Musical: Si Faust — Arete Ateneo, directed by Nelsito GomezBest Director: Guelan Varela‑Luarca — 3 Upuan and Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang DalamhatiBest New Filipino Work: Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati — translation by Jerry Respeto and adapted by Guelan Varela‑LuarcaBest Lead Performance in a Play: Jojit Lorenzo — 3 UpuanBest Lead Performance in a Musical: Maita Ponce — Si FaustBest Featured Performance in a Play: Benedix Ramos — DagitabBest Featured Performance in a Musical: Marvin Ong — Side ShowEmerging Talent Award: Benedix Ramos (performance), Bar Boys: The Musical, Dagitab and Next to NormalBest Achievement in Design: D Cortezano (set), Ali Figueroa (costumes), Jethro Nibaten (lighting) and Ronelson Yadao (movement) — Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang DalamhatiOutstanding Contribution to the Theater: GA Fallarme and George De Jesus III

“Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati,” a contemporary Filipino adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino,” was the big winner at the first Manila Society of Theater Reviewers (MSTR) Awards, taking home four honors including best production of a play.

“Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati,” a contemporary Filipino adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino,” was the big winner at the first Manila Society of Theater Reviewers (MSTR) Awards, taking home four honors including best production of a play.

Arete's ‘Quomodo Desolata Es?’ tops inaugural awards of Manila theater reviewers

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Arete's ‘Quomodo Desolata Es?’ tops inaugural awards of Manila theater reviewers

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published January 10, 2026 02:56 PM PHT

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