‘Live A.I.D.S.’ 36th Year: Laughs and Satire

UP SAMASKOM’s longest-running comedy-musical “Live A.I.D.S.” returns for its 36th year with fearless humor and bold satire.

Get ready for the laughs, shock, and awe this June as the University of the Philippines’ Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon brings back “Live A.I.D.S.,” the longest-running comedy-musical variety show in the Philippines.

Now in its 36th year, “Live A.I.D.S.”—Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM—returns with high-energy production numbers laced with bold sociopolitical commentary. The 2026 theme, “Let There Be Laughs,” highlights comedy as a “flashlight” that exposes absurdities, confronts power, and finds hope where darkness tries to prevail.

‘Live A.I.D.S.’ 36th year — Live A.I.D.S. 36 has the theme “Let There Be Laughs,” highlighting comedy as a “flashlight” that exposes absurdities, confronts power, and finds hope where darkness tries to prevail.

Originally staged in 1983 as a batch applicant project, the show has since evolved into a beloved campus tradition—consistently drawing record-breaking crowds across its runs.

Over the years, it has produced notable alumni who have made their mark in showbiz, including Kaladkaren, Tuesday Vargas, Kim Atienza, and Ate Glow. It has also nurtured industry leaders like Laurenti Dyogi, RS Francisco, Raul Castro, and Peter Acuna.

The show also boasts a loyal following from different industries, including National Artist Ricky Lee, Unkabogable Phenomenal Box Office Superstar Vice Ganda, award-winning filmmaker Quark Henares, television host Bianca Gonzalez, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, makeup artist Jigs Mayuga, and nightlife mogul Tim Yap.

“Live A.I.D.S. 36” will run from June 26 to 28 at the Ignacio B. Gimenez – Kolehiyo ng Arte at Literatura Theater. Opening night is at 8 PM, while the second and final nights will have 3 PM and 7 PM shows.

Originally staged in 1983 as a batch applicant project, Live A.I.D.S. has since evolved into a beloved campus tradition.

Tickets are priced at ₱1,500 (regular), ₱750 (non-UP student), and ₱650 (UP student)—available at ticket2me.net/LiveAIDS36.

This year’ installment is directed by Deo Divinagracia, a multi-hyphenate who has been part of the production since its 11th edition.

Originally staged in 1983 as a batch applicant project, the show has since evolved into a beloved campus tradition—consistently drawing record-breaking crowds across its runs.