Philippine Stagers Foundation Accepts Five BWW Awards

Manila, Philippines, May 18, 2013--Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), the theater company that successfully mounted two original productions--"Joe: A Filipino Rock'sical" and the Palanca Award-winning straight play "Ang Bangkay"--last year was given its five 2012 BroadayWorld.com (BWW) Philippines Awards on Thursday night, May 16, at Tanghalang Pasigueño.

The framed certificates were awarded during the group's special performance of "Joe."

PSF, also known as The Stagers, earned five awards at BroadwayWorld.com's popular theater fans' choice poll: Best Filipino Musical-"Joe"; Best Book and Lyrics for a Filipino Musical- Vince Tañada for "Joe"; Best Lighting Design for a Musical or Play- Art Gabrentina for "Joe"; Best Filipino Play - "Ang Bangkay"; and Best Featured Actress in a Play- Cindy Liper for "Ang Bangkay."

"I'm honored to be recognized twice by BroadwayWorld.com," says Tañada, PSF's founder and artistic director.

"Despite the influx of foreign acts and foreign touring productions in the country, I 'm grateful that Filipinos still find a way to recognize original productions like ours.

"I believe in the unlimited talent of the Filipinos. The Stagers will always advocate for excellent home-grown, all-original Filipino shows," adds Tañada in his acceptance speech.

First-time winner Liper, who starred in PSF's "Cory and EDSA: A Filipino Musical" two years ago, says, "Thank you for seeing all our efforts, not just mine. The role that I had for 'Ang Bangkay' challenged me, and pushed me further to surpass every effort I put into every role that was given to me."

PSF is set to open two new musicals this year. Opening in July is "Bonifacio: Isang Sarzuwela," the group's tribute to Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio's 150th birth anniversary. Opening in September is "Pedro Calungsod: A Filipino Musical," which is based on the life of martyrdom of the Philippines' second Catholic saint.

Photo by Mark Miranda