MANILA (Dec. 15, 2025) — Tanghal Tertulia, the flagship cultural program of the University of the Philippines, won Best Special Events Production at the 38th Aliw Awards Dec. 15 at The Manila Hotel.
Tanghal Tertulia was the only event mounted by a higher education institution to be shortlisted and ultimately recognized as one of three winners in its category, underscoring UP’s leadership in advancing arts and culture on the national stage.
The university initiative also distinguished itself as a free cultural offering that is open to the public, reaffirming UP’s mission to democratize access to the arts and bring artistic excellence to the widest possible audience.
“When we set up Tanghal Tertulia, we did not set out to win any awards. In fact, our motivations were far more modest,” said UP President Angelo Jimenez. “Sitting as we do on a powder keg of creative talent, it was impossible not to ignore the fact that 44 of the country’s 81 National Artists came from UP. Tanghal Tertulia was our way of putting a spotlight on that legacy, and of sharing it generously with the public. We accept this award on behalf of mga Artista ng Bayan at mga Iskolar ng Bayan. UP Fight!”
Tanghal Tertulia was conceptualized by an ad hoc committee in December 2023 to honor UP’s National Artists, upon the prodding of Jimenez. He had asked Atty. Fina de la Cuesta-Tantuico, an English Literature graduate and the vice president for public relations of the Philippine Association of University Women-UP, to explore the possibility of holding a poetry reading session at the EH amphitheater. She later convened an ad hoc committee to conceptualize a program that would celebrate the university’s creative legacy and inspire new generations of Iskolar ng Bayan.
With de la Cuesta-Tantuico in this committee were: Dr. Ma. Patricia Brillantes Silvestre, College of Music dean; Dr. Jimmuel Naval, College of Arts and Letters dean; Dr. Rolando Tolentino, then vice president for public affairs; Dr. Romulo Baquiran Jr., UP Institute of Creative Writing director; and Professor Emeritus Jose Dalisay Jr., who coined “Tanghal Tertulia” — drawing from the Spanish “tertulia,” a gathering for literary and artistic exchange.
Tanghal Tertulia is headed by the collaborative leadership of de la Cuesta-Tantuico; Silvestre; Professor Toym Imao, College of Fine Arts dean and UP President’s Committee on Culture and the Arts chair; Professor Emeritus Grace Javier Alfonso, TVUP executive director; and Atty. Edlyn Frances Verzola, PAUW-UP president — whose collective vision and stewardship have transformed the program into a nationally-lauded cultural institution.
The inaugural Tanghal Tertulia that honored National Artists Geminio Abad (Literature), Virgilio Almario (Literature), and Ramon Santos (Music) was held Feb. 26, 2024 at the EH amphitheater, aligning with the celebration of National Arts Month.
The second Tanghal Tertulia held March 8 celebrated National Artists Fides Cuyugan Asensio (Music), Ryan Cayabyab (Music), and Ricky Lee (Film and Broadcast Arts).
Preparations are ongoing for the next Tanghal Tertulia on Feb. 21, 2026, which will honor three more living National Artists from the university. This continues UP’s enduring commitment to celebrating artistic excellence and inspiring future generations through the transformative power of the arts.
View scenes of the ceremony below (Photos by Fernando G. Sepe, Jr., UPS-MCO):
