Lyceum’s Tanghalang Batingaw honors outstanding alumni at 50th anniversary

MANILA — Tanghalang Batingaw honored 12 alumni for their achievements in theater, education, media, entrepreneurship and other fields during its 50th anniversary celebration, GEN50: ENCORE – An Endless Legacy, held last September 12 at Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila.

Founded in 1976, Tanghalang Batingaw is the theater organization of Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila. Over five decades, it has served as a training ground for generations of students who went on to pursue careers in theater, film, television, media, education, business and other fields.

The inaugural Gawad Tanghalang Batingaw recognized alumni whose careers and contributions reflect the organization’s legacy beyond the stage.

The awardees are:

Oliver Pandile — Lifetime Achievement Award: Founder of Tanghalang Batingaw; educator, actor, director, poet, playwright and author.

Noel R. Amata — Legacy Achievement Award: Actor, director and former Tanghalang Batingaw president; chairman of the 50th anniversary celebration.

Atty. Joselito Alisuag — Education and Mentorship Award: Lawyer, academic and former CHED-MIMAROPA regional director; former Tanghalang Batingaw president.

Carlon Matobato — Theater Excellence Award: Actor, dancer, choreographer and director in theater, television and independent film.

Beverly Cumla-Nadonga — Creative Industries Excellence Award: Spoken word artist, actress, filmmaker, digital creator and writer.

Catherine Diquit-Jennerman — Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award: Social entrepreneur, cultural advocate and television producer.

Cris Jayson “Jack Logan” Santos — Digital Creator Excellence Award: Filmmaker, writer, actor, director, comedian, content creator and author.

Lord Jireh “DJ Jhai Ho” Seruelo — Media and Communication Excellence Award: Radio DJ, television host, actor and showbiz reporter.

Two special awards recognized alumni for their continuing involvement with Tanghalang Batingaw:

SweetHearty Puyong — Pusong Batingaw Award: Actress, writer, director and professional theater artist with Tanghalang Pilipino.

Aldo Glenn Vencilao — Pusong Batingaw Award: Professional theater actor in television, film and commercials; former Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company resident actor.

Artemio Andrade Jr. — Alab ng Tanghalan Award: Actor and director; vice chairman of the 50th anniversary celebration.

Denzhelberg Junn Razal — Alab ng Tanghalan Award: Actor, non-performing arts director and member of the anniversary celebration’s design team.

The 50th anniversary celebration also marked the launch of Pusong Batingaw: Legacy Projects, which includes theater exposure programs, masterclasses, a legacy fund and a talent pool connecting current members with opportunities in theater, film, television and digital media.

Tanghalang Batingaw also announced a theater festival in November featuring original Filipino works and collaborations between alumni and current student members.