Cover One of the performances at the recent 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: Philippine LEAF Awards)
One of the performances at the recent 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: Philippine LEAF Awards)
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In a night of elegance, celebration, and cultural pride, the Philippine Leaf Awards once again attested to the richness of the country’s art and culture scene by recognising distinguished and emerging talents across disciplines
The much-anticipated second Philippine Leaf Awards put the insurmountable richness and diversity of the Philippine arts and culture scene in the spotlight last February at the Metropolitan Theater, coinciding with the national observance of Arts Month.
Esteemed movers and shakers from various artistic fields, such as visual arts, theatre, music, dance, and more, gathered for the sartorial affair, which was bedazzled by the competitive and special awards. Donning modern Filipiniana and indigenous-inspired ensembles, the who’s who of the Philippine arts and culture scene enjoyed the soirée, marking a night of elegance, celebration, and cultural pride.
The award-giving body’s president emeritus and co-founder, Sonny O Valencia, reiterated in his opening remarks that the awards night was meant to celebrate integrity, creativity, and excellence in the arts, on which the Philippine Leaf Awards was founded. Since its conception, the Philippine Leaf Awards has committed to honour Filipino individuals and organisations that push the boundaries of artistic expression and contribute to the enrichment of Filipino culture, arts, and society.
Above The iconic anahaw-inspired trophy and logo of the Philippine Leaf Awards
The iconic anahaw-inspired trophy and logo of the Philippine Leaf Awards
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The official logo of the award-giving body represents the cultural heritage and core values that define the nation’s identity, as explained on the Philippine Leaf Awards’ website. At its centre stands the golden anahaw, resplendent in full bloom. Many revere the anahaw as the “Queen of the Philippine palm family”, symbolising resilience, strength, and adaptability.
Befittingly, Valencia presented the President Emeritus Award for “Heroes of the Pandemic” to the people who best showcased ingenious creativity amid the disruption in the art and culture scene that occurred when COVID hit the country in 2020 and lasted for about two years.
The awardees in this category are namely Angelo Aurelio from Baguio City, Alexis Allen Cruz from Malolos City, Anthony Cruz from Malabon City, Juan Isaac Cuyo from Bacnotan in La Union, Dr Rommel V Espejo from Llanera in Nueva Ecija, the Kasing Sining Ensemble from Bohol, Dr Willie Ong from Quezon City, Mayor Ronnie Roy Pascual from Llanera in Nueva Ecija, Paul Jake Paule from Quezon City, Norman Peñaflorida from Manila, Basilidas Pilapil Jr from Zamboanga del Norte, Raul Prima from Northern Mindanao, Hassanain Abdulmalic Magarang from Iligan City in Lanao del Sur, Rommel Ramilo from Quezon City, Rommel Padillo Serrano from Catanauan, Quezon, Moira Claire Trinidad Tan from Iloilo City.
Read also: The state of the Philippine art scene during the Covid-19 pandemic
Above Recipients of the Sonny O Valencia President Emeritus Award for “Heroes of the Pandemic”
Recipients of the Sonny O Valencia President Emeritus Award for “Heroes of the Pandemic”
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One of the highlights of the evening was the introduction of the “speech busters”, a comedic touch tasked with ensuring the brevity of acceptance speeches, much to the audience's delight.
The program started in style with an electrifying opening number by the fabulous Club Mwah, followed by captivating performances throughout the night. The Kalilayan Folkloric Group of Catanauan, Quezon, and two-time Leaf awardee Tribu showcased the richness of Philippine cultural heritage through their performances. Then, acclaimed soprano Camille Molina mesmerised the audience with her rendition of Maganda ang Ating Bayan Anak from the Leaf Outstanding Ensemble Cast for Musical-winning production, Bayan Bayanan: Letters from Home.
Read also: Anton Juan’s musical adaptation of ‘Bayan-Bayanan’ by Bienvenido Noriega
Above Ice Seguerra performing at the 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards
Ice Seguerra performing at the 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards
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Another unforgettable musical highlight of the evening was Leaf Outstanding Solo Performance in a Concert winner, Ice Seguerra’s soul-stirring rendition of the Joey Ayala classic, Walang Hanggang Paalam.
The atmosphere was filled with cheer and camaraderie as artists and cultural champions were recognised and celebrated for their contributions to Philippine arts and culture. In addition to the competitive awards given for live entertainment, music, dance, festivals, and theatre, special awards such as the Gintong Dahon (Iconic) Award, Hitik (Trendsetter) Award, and Bagong Sibol (Emerging) Award were given to deserving individuals in their respective disciplines.
In recognition of their excellence in their respective artistic fields and cultural disciplines and inspiring the industries they belong to and the communities they actively reach out to, the Philippine Leaf Awards gave utmost recognition to select individuals and institutions through the Golden Leaf Presidential Award.
Dr Anton Juan (Theatre) | “His groundbreaking work in theatre, film, and literature has effectively challenged convention, and enriched our cultural tapestry with stunning visual poetry and literary oeuvres...”
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The Golden Leaf Presidential awardees include Dr Anton Juan for theatre, Joey Ayala for music, Kublai Millan for arts, Ed Murillo for theatre, artist educator Nap Jamir II for film, Tanya Lopez for cultural preservation and arts management, Manila Clock Tower Museum (cultural institution), Club Mwah (for entertainment), Rafael Rivera and the Erehwon Center for the Arts (cultural institution), Marichu Tellano for cultural leadership, Dr Vim Nadera for performance art, and Dr Felipe De Leon Jr for cultural education.
Meanwhile, the Beacons of Culture and the Arts award recognises individuals as radiant symbols of unwavering commitment, transformative leadership, and groundbreaking innovation in Philippine culture and the arts. These include Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Dr Shirley Halili-Cruz, Congressman Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, Catriona Gray, Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, and Governor Susan Yap.
Above Recipients of the Beacons of Culture and the Arts of the 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards
Recipients of the Beacons of Culture and the Arts of the 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards
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Above One of the performances at the recent 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: Philippine LEAF Awards)
One of the performances at the recent 2nd Philippine Leaf Awards at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: Philippine LEAF Awards)
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In addition, the People’s Choice Award winners for the Sumisibol (Budding Actors) and Umaani (Established Actors) categories were awarded to Alexa Ilacad for Walang Aray and Piolo Pascual for Ibarra, The Musical, respectively.
The prestigious Ginoo and Binibining Bituin ng Tertulia or Star of the Night Awardees, determined by the jurors, were bestowed upon Congressman Christoper “Toff” De Venecia and Nicole Laurel Asensio, adding an extra layer of honour to the unforgettable evening.
The Philippine Leaf Awards’ Tertulia at Parangal’ 2024 was a resounding success. It left a lasting impression on all who attended and reaffirmed the vibrant spirit of Philippine creativity and excellence. Overall, the event served as a testament to the nation’s commitment to uplift and enrich Philippine culture and arts.
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Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
