For its Golden Presentation, UP SamaskOM Presents Live A.I.D.S. 35: "A Laugh Story"

“’A Laugh Story’ brings together diverse tales and testimonies and tells stories of triumph and challenges with laughter and wit, mixing humor with heart. Behind every laugh there’s a story, and this show ensures that each story stands and speaks out against pressing social issues. We will show how humor can be a powerful tool for truth, and a powerful force for reflection and change.” ~John Kenneth De Leon, Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story Director

Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story, the 35th and golden edition of the popular comedy-musical-variety show that has delighted generations of students and comedy variety show enthusiasts since the 1970s, will take place at the Ignacio B. Jimenez (IBG) - KAL Theater in UP Diliman from May 9 to 11, 2025. 

Presented annually by the premier campus organization UP SAMASKOM, it is the longest-running comedy musical variety show. Always fresh and always relevant regardless of the decade or socio-political situation, Live A.I.D.S. teases and provokes all at once with positive vibes, laughter, and incisive social commentary.

The show's signature witty banter and contagious comedy are maintained in Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story.  The program entertains the audience with comedy, music, production numbers, and social commentary while telling humorous stories with a dash of sarcasm.  While jokingly parodying current events and viral trends, it also skims the surface of pop culture and sociopolitical themes while deftly integrating satire into Philippine society. 

More than just a popular comic variety program, Live A.I.D.S. is best known as a platform for growth, experience, and connection, nurturing budding performers, writers, creatives, and talents both on and off stage.  Live A.I.D.S. has paved the way for the careers of its alumni, who include Kuya Kim Atienza, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O' Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and Jervi Wrightson (KaladKaren), among others.

LIVE A.I.D.S. has also highlighted talent behind the scenes, including ABS-CBN's head of TV Production, Star Magic CEO and Pinoy Big Brother Head Director Laurenti (Loren) Dyogi, and ABS-CBN Global Head of Creative Services, Ned Legaspi.

“Live A.I.D.S is a vital and memorable journey for SAMASKOMERS. It is not just about how it makes you shine; it also fosters lifelong friendships and a strong sense of belonging through shared stories.” ~Mrs. Tan, Renowned Drag Artist and International Performer a Live A.I.D.S. veteran whose works have been featured in art festivals and exhibits around the world

“The show provides a stage to showcase extraordinary talents, build confidence, create opportunities to shine, and prepare you to step into the real world of entertainment.” ~Jervi Wrightson, a UP SAMASKOM alumna and seasoned performer, veteran writer, production member, and former resident officer

“LIVE A.I.D.S. connects its story with its members, performers, and audiences, keeping the laughter of the organization alive.” ~MJ Karaan, the Production Manager of the show

Well-known personalities such as Bianca Gonzalez, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap, and Vice Ganda are avowed Live A.I.D.S. fans, showing how the show is regarded in the entertainment industry.

U.P. SAMASKON The Legacy Lives On with LIVE A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33

LIVE A.I.D.S. – Ang Istoryang Dinibelop ng SAMASKOM -- is back! Now on its 33rd year, the longest running live comedy show – not just on campus, but in the country – is set to deliver more laughter, good times and rollicking entertainment. This year, the well-loved campus sketch-comedy and musical presentation will be staged during the weekend of June 21-23 at the ABELARDO HALL of UP Diliman and will feature skits and production numbers directed by Deo Divina Gracia. It will star your favorite entertainers plus new talents whose brand name is entertainment with a capital E.

Deo M. Divinagracia

“The biggest challenge in directing and staging a LIVE AIDS production is staying relevant and meaningful while delivering the laughs that our loyal viewers are always expecting. Logistically, gathering students and alumni who have different priorities, interests, sensibilities, and schedules is also a huge challenge for a director. UP Samaskom is such a great organization because it openly embraces everyone regardless of social status, gender identity and religious persuasion. It's a family that helps us discover and understand ourselves and also learn many things that help us succeed in the university and in our post-UP life. Live AIDS is that time each year when can drop everything and put on a show for everyone.” ~Director Deo M. Divinagracia

Director Deo M. Divinagracia

Batch 1994.2

BA Broadcast Communication

Director, Live AIDS 18, 33

Head Choreographer, several Live AIDS installments

Spot Choreographer, several Live AIDS installments

Sketch Writer, several Live AIDS installments

Stage Performer, several Live AIDS installments

As a result of its unique and unbridled brand of showmanship, Live AIDS has continually garnered fanatics and avid viewers who have regularly flocked to the show over the course of three decades of production. These include big names such as Vice Ganda, Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Lani Misalucha, Icy Mendoza, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, BJ Pascual, and Tim Yap.

RS Francisco

RS Francisco

Live AIDS remains a popular avenue for individuals from all across the university to hone their talents, celebrate their diversity, and showcase their creativity through the gift of self-expression. Its staying power can be attributed to the teamwork of the residents and alumni of UP SAMASKOM. The bonds that are built within the “samahan” and the trust that is fostered among the members do not only keep the show alive, but allow it to kickstart the careers of comedy stars like Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas and KaladKaren Davila to name a few.

KaladKaren Davila

KaladKaren Davila

KaladKaren Davila

KaladKaren Davila

The 33rd edition of Live AIDS will be quarterbacked by Director Deo Divinagracia. A bona fide veteran of the show both in terms of performance and production. He looks to incorporate both classic and modern methods of direction, stage production, and writing in order to create an even bigger explosion of social commentary and parody combined.

Live AIDS is an analysis, exposure, and creative satirization of the modern socio-political sphere we live in as well as the pop culture that has become so ingrained in our lives. Essentially, it parodies the experiences of modern-day Filipinos in our diverse society. Run by a company comprised of both young, talented students and experienced professionals, Live AIDS boldly tackles the present, trending, and viral. It portrays on stage social realities mixed with comedy, spectacle, and entertainment that everyone is certain to enjoy!

For tickets, log on to ktx.abs-cbn.com. For more updates on UP SAMASKOM and Live AIDS 33, follow their social media accounts on http://twitter.com/upsamaskom, http://instagram.com/upsamaskom, and on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom.

LIVE A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33

LIVE A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33

LIVE A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33

LIVE A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33

LIVE A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33

Promising to be nothing less than the most fun and memorable nights of your life, LIVE AIDS: G na G sa 33 is an event not to be missed!

About UP SAMASKOM
UP SAMAHAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL SA KOMUNIKASYON is a university-wide organization based in the College of Mass Communication. It is home to media personalities and industry heads Laurenti Dyogi, Tuesday Vargas, Kuya Kim Atienza, Tina Panganiban Perez, Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Raul Castro, Peter Acuna, RS Francisco, KaladKaren Davila, among many others who first honed their showmanship and comedic skills in the LONGEST-RUNNING MUSICAL COMEDY VARIETY SHOW IN THE COUNTRY - LIVE AIDS.