The University of the Philippines’ flagship cultural program, Tanghal Tertulia, was announced one of three winners in the Best Special Events Production category at the 38th Aliw Awards held at The Manila Hotel on Dec. 15.
Tanghal Tertulia distinguished itself as the only special event mounted by an educational institution of higher learning to be recognized in the competitive category, underscoring UP’s leadership in advancing arts and culture on the national stage.
The other winners are both ticketed commercial productions: “That’s Amore—RMA” and “JL 75th—The Beatles Concert.” In contrast, Tanghal Tertulia is 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.
Launched in 2024, Tanghal Tertulia traces its origin to an inspired evening at the UP Executive House Amphitheater, when UP president Angelo Jimenez delivered an impromptu poetry performance, moved by the swaying bamboo trees and the twinkling stars in the clear sky. That moment sparked a vision for a regular artistic gathering honoring UP’s National Artists.
Jimenez then tasked Fina de la Cuesta-Tantuico, VP for public relations of UP’s Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW), to convene a panel to conceptualize a program that would celebrate UP’s creative legacy and inspire new generations of Iskolars ng Bayan. The name “Tanghal Tertulia,” coined by professor emeritus Jose “Butch” Dalisay, draws from the Spanish tradition of the tertulia—a gathering for literary and artistic exchange.
“When we set up Tanghal Tertulia, we did not set out to win any awards. In fact, our motivations were far more modest,” Jimenez said on accepting the Aliw Award. “Sitting as we do on a powder keg of creative talent, it was impossible to ignore the fact that 44 of the country’s 81 National Artists came from UP. Tanghal Tertulia is 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 is under the collaborative leadership of De la Cuesta-Tantuico, Patricia Brillantes Silvestre (dean, UP College of Music), Toym Imao (dean, UP College of Fine Arts, and chair, UP President’s Committee on Culture and the Arts), Grace Javier Alfonso (executive director, TVUP), and Edlyn Frances V. Verzola (president, UP-PAUW).
Preparations are underway for the next edition of Tanghal Tertulia on Feb. 21, 2026. The event will serve to honor three more living National Artists from UP, continuing the university’s enduring commitment to celebrating artistic excellence and inspiring future generations through the transformative power of the arts. —CONTRIBUTED
