38th Aliw Awards releases full list of finalists for theater, concerts

‘Kisapmata’ and ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.’ Tanghalang Pilipino/IdeaFirst Facebook

The country’s vibrant live entertainment scene takes center stage once again as the 38th Aliw Awards unveiled its finalists, spotlighting an especially strong year for theater artists, musical performers, and concert creators.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Kisapmata” emerges as a major contender with nods across key acting and directing races, including Lhorvie Tadian for Best Lead Actress, Jonathan Tadioan for Best Lead Actor, and Guelan Luarca for Best Director for a Play. The production also received ensemble recognition, underscoring its strong critical reception.

The reimagined “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” likewise comes in strong with nominations for Ross Pesigan (Best Featured Actor), Martin del Rosario (Best Lead Actor), Elora Espano (Best Lead Actress), and Tuxqs Rutaquio (Best Director).

On the musical front, Full House Theater Company’s “Delia D.”, Hammock Production and Tanghalang Una Obra’s “Jeproks: The Musical”, and the buzz-heavy “We Aren’t Kids Anymore” lead the pack.

This year’s list also reveals how porous the lines have become between theater and concert work.

Arman Ferrer, a consistent presence in both opera and musical theater, headlines the Best Male Crossover Performer category, while fellow theater stalwarts Sheila Francisco, Lara Maigue, and Karla Gutierrez dominate the female counterpart.

In the concert arena, theater artists also continue to shine: Gab Pangilinan, fresh from her stage triumphs, earns a nomination for Best Female Performance in a Concert for "This Is Not a Musical," while Arman Ferrer and Sheila Valderrama secure a nod for Best Group Ensemble Performance in a Concert via "As We Are" at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater.

Major concert categories highlight the powerhouses of OPM and live entertainment, with giants such as Gary Valenciano, Erik Santos, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, and Morissette Amon among this year’s contenders.

Directing remains a competitive field with Paolo Valenciano, Maki, and Jon Moll recognized for large-scale concert spectacles.

Winners will be announced later this month. Here is the complete list of finalists for the 38th Aliw Awards, released Tuesday,

BEST NEW MALE ARTIST

1.Rouelle Carino

2.Bradd Chiong 

3.Tyler Miraflor

4.Benjamin Javier

5.Jean Jordan Abina

6.Kiel

BEST NEW ARTIST FEMALE

1.Elia Ilano

2.Brielle Bitanga

3.Rain Celmar

4.Simone Valderrama Martinez

5.Chloe

6.Kristin Wang

7.Elise Ybanez

8.Rai Solomon

BEST NEW GROUP ARTIST

1.Pixie

2.Gat

3.NIOR

4.Wink

BEST STAND UP COMEDIAN

1.Negi

2.Petite

3.Ryan J Rafael

4.Super Tekla

5.Amazing Peanut

BEST MALE CROSSOVER PERFORMER

1.Arman Ferrer 

2.Tim Pavino

3.Nazer Salcedo

4.Christopher Cheng MD.

5.Onyl Torres

BEST FEMALE CROSSOVER

1.Sheila Francisco 

2.Margarita Roco

3.Lara Maigue

4.Sweet Buchanan

5.Nina Campos

6.Karla Guttierez

BEST INSPIRATIONAL /GOSPEL SINGER (MALE, FEMALE OR GROUP)

1.Dindo Fernandez

2.Viola Natividad

3.Jonathan Manalo

4.Jesliah Almasco

5.Diwa

6.Reverb (group)

7.Sheila Lee Palad

8.EJ De Perio

BEST CULTURAL GROUP (THEATER and DANCE)

1.Tribu

2.Uyat Artista - Pampanga

3.Tanghalang Bagong Sibul Dance Company

4.Harlequin Theater Guild – DLSU Manila

5.Arti Sta Rita

6.Sinukwang Kapampangan

7.Tinig Kayumanggi

BEST FESTIVAL PRACTISES & PERFORMANCE

1.Manggahan Festival – Guimaras Island 

2.Mammangi Festival – Ilagan City, Isabela

3.Kneeling Carabao – Pulilan, Bulacan

4.Paru- Paru Festival  - Dasmarinas, Cavite

5.Tultugan Festival-  Maasin, Iloilo

6.Magayon Hinuptanan Festival – Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental

BEST FESTIVAL CATALYST/ORGANIZER

1.Gov. Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. Nava, MD- Manggahan Festival 

2.Mayor JoseMarie L. Diaz – Ilagan City, Isabela

3.Mayor Rolando S. Peralta – Pulilan Bulacan

4.Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga – Dasmarinas, Cavite

5.Mayor Amboy – Francis A. Amboy Masain, Iloilo 

6.Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo – Moises Padilla Negros Occidental

BEST FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

1.Bing Pascual – Manggahan Festival

2.Mayor Francis Amboy – Tultugan Festival

3.Joseph Navarro – Kneeling Carabao

4.Jose Mari L. Diaz – Mamanggi Festival

5.Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo

6.Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga- Paru-Paru Festial

BEST SPECIAL EVENTS PRODUCTION

1.Pinoy Playlst Music Festival - BGC

2.That’s Amore - RMA

3.JL 75th – The Beatles Concert

4.Elegant Filipina

5.Pari Ako, Ako Pari 4

6.Gabay Guro

7.Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw- Mteropolitan Theater, NCCA

8.Tanghal Turtulia – University of the Philippines

BEST SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR

1.Nazer Salcedo – That’s Amore

2.Manni Coloma

3.Aleli Bustamante -Gabay Guru

4.Peter Macrohon - Pari Ako, Ako Pari 4

5.Dexter Santos-

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY

1.Ash Nicanor – Let’s Do Lunch

2.Toni Go Yadao - Kisapmata

BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY

1.Marco Viana – Kisapmata

2.Ross Pesigan – ANINO Sa Likod ng Buwan

BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

1.John Lapus – Delia D.

2.Floyd Tena – Delia D

3.Tim Pavino – Side Show

4.Myke Salomon – We Aren’t Kids Anymore

5.Nino Alejandro – Jeproks : The Musical

6.Jet Pangan – Jeproks: The Musical

7.Jeffrey Hidalgo – Jeproks: The Musical

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

1.Gab Pangilinan – We aren’t Kids Anymore 

2.Carla Guevara Laforteza – Come from Away

3.Shiela Francisco – Come from Away

4.Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo – Come from Away

5.Geneva Cruz- Jeproks: The Musical

6.Shiela Ferrer – Jeproks: The Musical

7.Sheena Belarmino – Next to Normal

8.Jam Binay – Next to Normal

BEST ENSEMBLE IN A MUSICAL OR PLAY 

1.That’s Amore - RMA

2. Pilato -The Corner Studio 

3.Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw – Metropolitant Theater, NCCA

4.Kisapmata -Tanghalang Pilipino

5.Come From Away

6.Delia D – Full House Company Theater

7.We Aren’t Kids Anymore

8.Jeproks: The Musical – Tanghalang Una Obra & Hammock Production Inc.

BEST MUSIC DIRECTION FOR A MUSICAL

1.Pauline Ariola – Pilato

2.Nikki Jacinto - Delia D

3.Myke Salomom & Farly Asuncion – We aren’t Kids Anymore

4.Eugene Belbis – Romeo & Julie Muaical

5.Joed Balsamo – Jeproks: The Musical

BEST COMPOSER FOR ORIGINAL MUSICAL THEATER

1.Yanni Robeniol - Pilato

2.Eugene Belbis – Romeo & Juliet

3.Jonathan Manalo – Delia D.

BEST CONCERT STAGE DIRECTOR

1.Rowell Santiago - “Wagi”

2.Nikko Angeles – “This is not a musical”

3.Paolo Ignacio – Tanging Yaman

4.Ana Ylagan – Bo Cerrudo 

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR A CONCERT/DANCE

1.Rodel Colmenar – JL 75th – Beatles Concert

2.Homer Flores – Wagi”, “Through the Years”

3.Toma Cayabyab – “Still Lani”

4.Ejay Yatco – “As we Are”

5.Ivan Lee Espinosa – “Being Ice Live”, “Love Sessonis

6. Gabby Ramos “Imelda Papin Bday Concert’

7.Marvin Querido – Everybody loves Raymond”

BEST DIRECTOR FOR A PLAY

1.Paul Morales -  The Foxtrot

2.Guelan Luarca – Kisapmata

3.Bart Guingona – Via Dolorosa

4.Michael Williams – Come From May

5.Tuxqs Rutaquio – ANINO Sa Likod ng Buwan

BEST DIRECTOR FOR MUSICAL

1.Dexter Santos – Delia D. 

2.Luigi Nacario & Meldrig Costuna – Romeo & Juliet

3.Eldrin Veloso -  Pilato

4.Renz Zamora – We Aren’t  Kids Anymore

5.Frannie Zamora – Jeproks: The Musical

6.Robbie Guevarra – Liwanag sa Dilim

BEST PLAY

1.Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan 

2.The Foxtrot

3.Kisapmata

BEST MUSICAL PLAY

1.Jeproks: The Musical

2.Side Show

3.We Aren’t Kids Anymore

4.Come From Away

5.Liwanag sa Dilim

6.Pilato

7.Delia D

8.Next to Normal

BEST CHILD PERFORMER (MALE)

1.Mika Aguas

2.Theodore Tiu

3.Kim Safra

4.Lucas

5.Prince

6.Erkin

7.Vincent

8.Giani Sarita

9.Kaloy Estrella 

BEST CHILD PERFORMER (FEMALE)

1.Natalie Grace Yanson

2.Zia Dantes

3.Alejandra Ongsiako

4.Cassidy Cua

5.Scarlet Belo

6.Aliyana Alvarez

7.Imogen

8.Hyacinth

BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

1.Dingdong Fiel – Piano

2.Teddy Diaz- Guitar

3.Mary Anne Espina

4.Nicole Reluya Saxophone

5.Martin Tan Avila – Piano 

BEST FEMALE HOST

1.Gabby Garcia

2.Rosie Domingo

3.Sheena Lee Palad

4.Kakki Teodoro

5.Nicole Ramos

BEST MALE HOST

1.Johann Enriquez

2.Raymond Gorospe

3.Tim Yap

4.Rico Hizon

5.Lance Raymudo

BEST FEMALE CLASSICAL PERFORMER

1.Anna Feleo

2.Nenen Espina

3.Thea Perez

4.Margarita Rocco

5.Angeli Benipayo

6.Sheila Ferrer

BEST MALE CLASSICAL PERFORMER

1.Redday Nuestro

2.Ronan Ferrer

3.Christoper Cheng

4.Cipriano De Guzman Jr.

5.Nazer Salcedo

6.Lawrence Jatayna

BEST R&B/JAZZ ARTIST (MALE & FEMALE)

1.Jeannie Tiongco

2.Nicole Asencio Laurel

3.Lynn Sherman

4.Jacqueline Sollono

BEST JAZZ ARTIST GROUP

1.Colby Dela Calzada Quartet

2.UP Jazz Ensemble

3.Yodzjazz Band

BEST POP MALE /FEMALE ARTIST

1.Moira Dela Torre

2.Jona

3.Isha Panti

4.Isabella

BEST MALE/FEMALE RAP ARTIST

1.Andrew E.

2.Gloc 9

3.Shanti Dope

4.Flow G

5.Nik Makino

BEST DANCE PRODUCTION

1.D Legends on the Dance Floor – PowerDance

2.Swan Lake – Ballet Manila

3.Alice in Wonderland – Ballet Philippines

4.Dancing Samar Legacy Program

BEST CHORAL GROUP

1.Los Cantantes DeManila

2.Imuscapela

3.Kamerchor Manila

4.University of Mindanao Chorale

5.The Philippine Meister singers

BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY

1.Jonathan Tadioan – Kisapmata

2.Bart Guingona – Art

3.Martin Sarell – Art

4.Royce Cabrera -  The Foxtrot

5.JC Santos -The Foxtrot

6.Martin Del Rosario – ANINO Sa Likod ng Buwan

BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY

1.Lhorvie Tadian - Kisapmata

2.Jackie Lou Blanco -The Foxtrot

3.Elora Espano – ANINO: Sa Likod ng Buwan

BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

1.Phi Palmos – Delia D.

2.Myke Solomon – We aren’t Kids

3.Noel Comia – Romeo & Juliet

4.Jerome Ferguson - Pilato

5.David Ezra – Jeproks: The Musical

6.CJ Navato  - Liwanag  Sa Dilim

7.Khalil Ramos – Liwanag Sa Dilim

BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

1.Gab Pangilinan – We Aren’t Kids Anymore

2.Alexa Ilacad – Liwanag sa Dilim

3.Nicole Omilo – Liwanag sa Dilim

4.Sheila Valderrama – Next to Normal

5.Nikki Valdez – Next to Normal

6.Cristy Lagapa - Pilato

BEST SOLO PERFORMER IN HOTELS, BARS & MUSIC LOUNGES

1.Nina

2.Jaya

3.Isabella

4.Marq Dollantes

5.Mike Cuneta

6.Essay Kirstin

7.Jenny Sugay

BEST GROUP PERFORMER IN HOTELS, BARS & MUSIC LOUNGES

1.Progeny (Red Rhino Art Bar & Restaurant)

2.Replay Band

3.Inner Vioce

4.South Boarder

5.MOBB

6.70’s super band

7.Highway 54 Band

8.TAC IV

9.HARU Band

10.De Bonair District

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT

1.John Lesaca

2.Jed Madela

3.Joey G

4.Dindo Fernandez 

5.Bo Cerrudo

6.Chad Borja

7.Nino Alejandro

8.Rannie Raymundo

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT

1.Dulce – “Wagi” – BGC

2.Kuh Ledesma - I Love OPM

3.Frenchie Dy – Here to Stay – Music Museum

4.Gab Pangilinan – This is not a Musical

BEST GROUP ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT

1.Arman Ferrer and Sheila Valderrama Martinez – “As We Are - Maybank Performing Arts

2.Ryan Cayabyab -   Maestro Class:  The Songs of Ryan Cayabyab – Proscenium

3.Q &A (Odette Quesada & Ogie Alcasid)

4.Super Divas Concert Vice Ganda & Regine Velasquez

BEST MALE ARTIST IN MAJOR CONCERT

1.Marco Sison – “Seasons of OPM” – The Theatre at Solaire

2.Nonoy Zuniga – “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime”  

3.Gary Valenciano – “Pure Energy: One more Time” – Smart Araneta 

4.Erik Santos – “Stories of the Heart” Newport World Resort

5.MAKKI - “KOLORCOASTER” – Smart Araneta

BEST DIRECTOR FOR A MAJOR CONCERT

1.Paolo Valenciano – “Simula at Wakas” – SB 19

2.Makki- Star Music Events team – Maki KolorCoaster

3.Micky Perz & Jon R. Moll - “BINIFied” – BINI

4.Jon R Moll – Super Divas

5.Paolo Valenciano – Stardust – Cup of Joe

BEST FEMALE ARTIST IN A MAJOR CONCERT

1.Zsa Zsa Padilla “Through the Years”, Samsung Theater 

2.Ice – “BEING ICE Live! The Concert Experience”, Newport Performing Arts Theater

3.Lani Misalucha – “Still Lani”, Theater at Solaire

4.Jona – “Journey to Arena”, SM Mall of Asia

5.Morissette Amon – “EMBER: Morissette’s 15th Anniversary Concert”, Smart Araneta

6.Regine Velasquez - “RESET”, Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati

BEST COLLABORATION IN A MAJOR CONCERT

1.Martin and Pops – “Always & Forever”, SM Mall of Asia Arena 

2.Regine and Vice Ganda – “Super Divas”, Smart Araneta

3.Odette Quezada & Ogie - “Q & A”, SM Mall of Asia Arena

BEST FILIPINO ARTIST BASED ABROAD MALE

1.Bong Galagar

2.Joaquin Pedro Valdez

3.Cipriano De Guzman Jr.

4.Joselito Logdat

5.Felson Palad

BEST FEMALE FILIPINO PERFORMER BASED ABROAD 

1.Joey Albert

2.Rachel Alejandro

3.Kea Chan

4.Ivy Violan 

BEST VENUE FOR THEATERS AND CONCERT

1.Samsung Theater Circuit Ayala Mall

2.Newport Resort

3.Solaire 

4.MOA Arena

5.Smart Araneta

6.Manila Hotel

7.BGC Maybank Theater

8.GSIS Theater