Now on its 33rd year, the longest-running musical comedy variety show in the Philippines is set for its funniest, most endearing, and most memorable installment yet! Taking place on June, 21, 22, and 23 of 2019, Live AIDS 33: G na G sa 33 is sure to give every audience member their time’s worth within the first couple of acts alone!
Live AIDS (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, is an annual musical-comedy series mounted by UP SAMASKOM. What started as a mere applicants’ batch project back in 1983 has grown into one of the most awaited events in the entire Diliman community. With each successive installment, the team behind Live AIDS continues to step up its game, and raise the bar both in terms of audience size, and on how sharp and relatable, yet satirical and enjoyable Philippine comedy can be.
However, more than just comedy, Live AIDS is an analysis, exposure, and creative satirization of the modern socio-political sphere we live in as well as the pop culture that has become so ingrained in our lives. Essentially, it parodies the experiences of modern-day Filipinos in our diverse society. Run by a company comprised of both young, talented students and experienced professionals, Live AIDS boldly tackles the present, trending, and viral. It portrays on stage social realities mixed with comedy, spectacle, and entertainment that everyone is certain to enjoy!
As a result of its unique and unbridled brand of showmanship, Live AIDS has continually garnered fanatics and avid viewers who have regularly flocked to the show over the course of three decades of production. These include big names such as Vice Ganda, Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Lani Misalucha, Icy Mendoza, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, BJ Pascual, and Tim Yap.
Live AIDS remains a popular avenue for individuals from all across the university to hone their talents, celebrate their diversity, and showcase their creativity through the gift of self-expression. Its staying power can be attributed to the teamwork of the residents and alumni of UP SAMASKOM. The bonds that are built within the “samahan” and the trust that is fostered among the members do not only keep the show alive, but allow it to kickstart the careers of comedy stars like Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, and KaladKaren Davila to name a few.
The 33rd edition of Live AIDS will be quarterbacked by Director Deo Divinagracia. A bona fide veteran of the show both in terms of performance and production. He looks to incorporate both classic and modern methods of direction, stage production, and writing in order to create an even bigger explosion of social commentary and parody combined.
Mounting this show yearly comes at the cost of blood, sweat, and tears from the members. Director Divinagracia stated that, “The biggest challenge in directing and staging a LIVE AIDS production is staying relevant and meaningful while delivering the laughs that our loyal viewers are always expecting. Logistically, gathering students and alumni who have different priorities, interests, sensibilities, and schedules is also a huge challenge for a director.”
This 2019 installment of Live AIDS is filled top to bottom with satire based on trending topics and viral content kept very relatable all throughout. It is both a sharp commentary, and just an all-around good time for anyone who watches. Live AIDS 33: G na G sa 33 is sure to leave a mark on both the show’s devoted fans and on first-time viewers all the same.
Promising to be nothing less than the most fun and memorable nights of your life, Live AIDS 33: G na G sa 33 is an event not to be missed!
For tickets, visit ktx.abs-cbn.com/category/live-aids-33.
For more updates on UP SAMASKOM and Live AIDS 33, please follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @upsamaskom, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom.
THE LEGACY LIVES ON WITH LIVE AIDS 33: G na G sa 33
About the Director of Live AIDS 33
Deo M. Divinagracia
Batch 1994.2
BA Broadcast Communication Director, Live AIDS 18, 33
Head Choreographer, several Live AIDS installments Spot Choreographer, several Live AIDS installments Sketch Writer, several Live AIDS installments
Stage Performer, several Live AIDS installments
Having joined UP SAMASKOM both to continue the Live AIDS legacy and to garner more experience and opportunities in the diverse world of media, Divinagracia began to explore and accumulate training in direction once he obtained his degree.
As such, direction is a field in which he now has a wealth of experience. Despite his success as a director and artist, Director Deo always finds himself coming back to his home that is UP SAMASKOM.
“UP SAMASKOM is such a great organization because it openly embraces everyone regardless of social status, gender identity and religious persuasion. It’s a family that helps us discover and understand ourselves and also learn many things that help us succeed in the university and in our post-UP life. Live AIDS is that time each year when can drop everything and put on a show for everyone,” said Deo.
About UP SAMASKOM
UP SAMAHAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL SA KOMUNIKASYON is a university-wide organization based in the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines-Diliman. It is home to media personalities and industry heads Laurenti Dyogi, Tuesday Vargas, Kuya Kim Atienza, Tina Panganiban Perez, Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Raul Castro, Peter Acuna, RS Francisco, KaladKaren Davila, among many others who first honed their showmanship and comedic skills in the LONGEST-RUNNING MUSICAL COMEDY VARIETY SHOW IN THE COUNTRY – LIVE AIDS.
