The Manila Society of Theater Reviewers (MSTR) officially unveiled the winners of the 1st MSTR Awards on January 10, 2026, with “Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati” emerging as the most awarded production after securing four wins. The announcement was made through MSTR’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts, recognizing outstanding theater productions that opened in Metro Manila during the 2025 calendar year.
Founded in 2025, MSTR was created to promote, support, and celebrate the Metro Manila theater industry. The Society is composed of regular theater reviewers writing across print and online platforms. Its mission is anchored on publicly accessible criticism and annual awards that honor artistic excellence. MSTR also encourages meaningful dialogue among theater practitioners, journalists, academics, and audiences.
The inaugural awards covered 66 eligible productions that premiered in 2025. Eligible works included fully staged theatrical productions developed, created, and first presented in the Philippines. These spanned professional companies, campus-based and student-led organizations, and thesis performances. Each production had to be viewed by at least three voting members, ensuring careful and informed deliberations.
Winners were selected by a nine-member panel of theater critics: Vladimir Bunoan, Gibbs Cadiz, Christa De La Cruz, Nikki Francisco, Arturo Hilado, Emil Hofileña, Ricky Toledo, Chito Vijandre, and Vincen Gregory Yu. Their collective expertise reflected the breadth and diversity of Metro Manila’s theater landscape.
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Leading the winners, “Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati” secured four awards, including Best Production of a Play, Best New Filipino Work, Best Achievement in Design, and a directing win for Guelan Varela-Luarca. Benedix Ramos also stood out, winning multiple awards: the Emerging Talent Award and Best Featured Performance in a Play for Dagitab. Other multiple award recipients included “3 Upuan” and “Si Faust,” highlighting the depth of original Filipino theater. Musical productions such as “Bar Boys: The Musical,” “Next to Normal,” and “Side Show” were also recognized for excellence.
Individual achievements in performance, design, and direction were spotlighted. The Society also honored the GA Fallarme and George De Jesus III with Outstanding Contribution to the Theater, recognizing their lasting impact on the Philippine stage. Both passed away just last year.
Honorable mentions were named across all categories, underscoring a competitive and creatively rich year. With its first awards complete, MSTR positions itself as a key voice in shaping the future of Philippine theater.
Complete List of Winners – 1st MSTR Awards
Best Achievement in Design
D Cortezano (set), Ali Figueroa (costumes), Jethro Nibaten (lighting), Ronelson Yadao (movement) – Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati
Emerging Talent Award
Benedix Ramos (performance), Bar Boys: The Musical, Dagitab, Next to Normal
Best Featured Performance in a Musical
Marvin Ong – Side Show
Best Featured Performance in a Play
Benedix Ramos – Dagitab
Best Lead Performance in a Musical
Maita Ponce – Si Faust
Best Lead Performance in a Play
Jojit Lorenzo – 3 Upuan
Best Director
Guelan Varela-Luarca – 3 Upuan and Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati
Outstanding Contribution to the Theater
GA Fallarme
George De Jesus III
Best New Filipino Work
Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati – translation by Jerry Respeto, adapted by Guelan Varela-Luarca
Best Production of a Musical
Si Faust – produced by Arete Ateneo, directed by Nelsito Gomez
Best Production of a Play
Quomodo Desolata Es? Isang Dalamhati – produced by Arete Ateneo, directed by Guelan Varela-Luarca
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