29 March 2024

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Pagtutuloy, Pagtutulay: A Tribute to Tony Mabesa

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Tony Mabesa
Tony Mabesa, 27 JAN 1935 – 04 OCT 2019

I count myself as one of the lucky ones who had the privilege to attend Pagtutuloy, Pagtutulay: A Tribute to Tony Mabesa.  The name Antonio “Tony” Mabesa is a name that brings love, happiness, respect, and admiration to every person he has ever encountered. His career in theater, film, television, and the academe span about 70 years.

While he has done so much for the entertainment industry, his biggest contribution, in my opinion, has been as an educator and founder of the Dulaang UP and other theater groups. His passion infected the people around him and made all his students and mentees strive to be better than they thought they could be.

Watching testimonial after testimonial from former students and individuals (some of whom are renowned personalities in theater, TV, and film) he has worked with was very heartwarming and tear-inducing. It made me regret that I never had the opportunity to work with him.

Joel Lamangan – director, mentee, and friend

Joel Lamangan shares his experiences with Tony Mabesa

The most memorable part of the evening for me was when Dir. Joel Lamangan came onstage to share stories and anecdotes about learning and working with Tony Mabesa. I smiled and laughed with everyone in the crowd when he talked about how Tony could not act like a poor man, which is why as an actor, he was always cast as the businessman, the priest, and the don.

As Joel relates more of his anecdotes he segues into how Tony Mabesa is the reason why Philippine university theater exists. It is because of him that Dulaang UP exists.

Balikwas by Dulaang UP

This media event kicks off the new season of Dulaang UP called “Balikwas” which begins with a one-act play by Floy Quintos under the direction Dexter Santos called The Reconciliation Dinner.  It will be performed live from November 18 to 20 at the UP Theater Main Hall.

You can get your tickets at Ticket2Me. For ticket inquiries and sponsorship we can reach out to Dulaang UP at du***********@up.ph or we can send them a message on their Facebook Page: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP Official Page).

Congratulations, Dulaang UP! I look forward to watching your plays again soon.

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