Since 1976, Tanghalang Batingaw has launched student performers into successful careers across theater, media, education, law, and public service.
For generations of Lyceans, the stage has been more than a place to perform. It has been where friendships were made, confidence was built, and a young theater enthusiast could find a community of their own.
That community came together again on Sept. 12 as Tanghalang Batingaw, the theater organization of Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila, celebrated its 50th anniversary with “GEN50: ENCORE – An Endless Legacy.”
Founded in 1976, Batingaw has seen its members move from student productions into careers in theater, education, media, business, law, public service, and other fields. Its golden anniversary brought many of those generations back to the university for an evening of performances, stories, recognition, and reunion.
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The grand alumni homecoming opened with “OA,” a comedic take on LPU’s urban legends written by Kyla Lazaro and directed by Miguel Delos Santos and Jasmine Tabuena. A high-energy dance and musical production directed by Jordan Brigala followed, including a rearrangement of Batingaw’s theme song, “Pusong Batingaw.”
There was also “Singkwento,” a Golden Anniversary audio-visual presentation directed by JackLord Lanzo and produced by Bloc 22 Productions, which traced the organization’s five decades through its productions, people, and memories.
For former president Noel R. Amata, who chaired the anniversary organizing committee, the gathering was also a chance to look back at how different student life and theater-making were when he was part of Batingaw in the ’80s.
The organization also introduced the inaugural Gawad Tanghalang Batingaw for outstanding alumni. It recognized Oliver Pandile, Noel R. Amata, Atty. Joselito Alisuag, Carlon Matobato, Beverly Cumla-Nadonga, Catherine Diquit-Jennermann, Cris Jayson “Jack Logan” Santos, and Lord Jireh “DJ Jhai Ho” Seruelo for their achievements across theater, education, law, creative industries, entrepreneurship, digital media, and communications.
Two special awards also honored alumni who continue to contribute to the Batingaw community. SweetHearty Puyong and Aldo Glenn Vencilao received the Pusong Batingaw Award for their continued service, mentorship, and commitment to the organization, while Artemio Andrade, Jr. and Denzhelberg Junn Razal received the Alab ng Tanghalan Award for their continuing creative contributions and involvement in Batingaw.
But the 50th anniversary was not only a look back. Batingaw also launched Pusong Batingaw: Legacy Projects, turning its alumni network and five decades of experience into programs for its current and future members.
The initiative includes Lakbay Tanghalan for theater exposure and benchmarking, masterclasses with alumni and industry professionals, a Legacy Fund for production tools and future projects, and a Talent Pool connecting members with opportunities in theater, film, television, digital media, and other creative fields.
Diquit-Jennermann, a former Batingaw president and artistic director who introduced the initiative, framed the next chapter around a question for the generations who came before.
“An anniversary like this should not only make us ask, ‘What did Batingaw give us?’” she said. “It should also make us ask, ‘What are we leaving for those who come after us?’ That is the heart of Pusong Batingaw.”
That question will continue onstage in November, when Batingaw holds a Theatre Festival bringing alumni and current members together to create original Filipino theater through writing, directing, acting, and production.
For current president and artistic director Elmo Lozada, the organization’s lasting appeal comes from the kind of home it has created for its members.
“Tanghalang Batingaw is, and always will be, a home,” Lozada said. “Sa nakalipas na limang dekada, binago nito ang buhay ng napakaraming tao. Ipinakita nito na ang teatro ay hindi lamang simpleng arte, sayaw, o kanta, kundi isa itong instrumento ng pag-ibig, paghilom, at pagmulat.”
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