Catch stage plays in honor of National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa

After the success of “Nanay Bangis” and “Mga Anak ng Unos,” Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) returns to the stage by paying tribute to its founder and National Artist for Theater Antonio ‘Tony’ Mabesa. The tribute, titled “Para kay Tony: Tungo sa  Ginintuang Alaala,” is a twin bill showcasing two productions that capture the spirit of Dulaang UP’s nearly five-decade history.

The first half of the twin bill is a staging of “Kalahating Oras sa Isang Kumbento” by legendary Filipino playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero as translated by Lilia F. Antonio. The story follows Yolanda, a student at a convent school, who seeks comfort and companionship after being expelled.

UP Diliman Theatre Arts student Lloyd Sarmiento Uy serves as director, alongside director-mentor Erika Estacio. The cast includes Kris Caaya, Rona Lynne, Jan Magcaling, Paulyn Abando, Janna Talampas, Gena Suelto, and Sheryll Ceasico.

The second play in “Para kay Tony” features National Artist Rolando Tinio’s “May Katwiran ang

Katwiran.” The plot centers on Senyor, a wealthy haciendero who persuades his servant to join

him on a journey across the mountains. Along the way, they encounter obstacles that threaten

their survival. The staging is led by Theatre Arts student MJ Briones with director-mentor Charles Yee. Acting in the play are Francheska Andaya, Julianne Quimio, Akin Cullarin, Pat Ebro, Kerr Allen, Camille Fabian, and Daniel Duplon.

“Para Kay Tony” is part of Dulaang UP’s 48th theatre season “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?” The season is part of a multi-year initiative building to Dulaang UP’s 50th anniversary. Since its inception in 1976, Dulaang UP has been staging classic and experimental plays while providing a platform of artistic expression for the UP Diliman community.

Catch “Para Kay Tony” at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, today, November 29 at 7:30 PM and tomorrow, November 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM.

Tickets are priced at Php 1000 each and can be purchased through TicketMelon at [bit.ly/DUPParaKayTony].

Interested patrons may also buy tickets onsite at the Dulaang UP Office at Pavilion 3, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. UP students, faculty, and staff can enjoy a discounted rate of Php 500.