In a year marked by social reflection and artistic resurgence, Vince Tañada has stood at the heart of Philippine theatre with a quiet, steadfast grace. As ‘Andres Bonifacio: Ang Supremo Isang Musikal’, captivated audiences across the country, culminating in standing ovations and stirring conversations about history and identity, Tañada’s voice emerged not just as a creative force but as a grateful storyteller, deeply thankful for the year that was.
For Tañada, a lawyer by profession and a playwright, director, actor, and producer by passion, 2025 will be remembered as a year of affirmation. He looks back with gratitude, not just for applause, but for connection. “I’m beyond grateful for every performance, every student who watched, and every soul who felt something from the show. To see hearts stirred, that’s what makes it worthwhile,” he shared in a recent reflection on the year’s journey.
‘Andres Bonifacio: Ang Supremo Isang Musikal’ wasn’t merely a stage production, it was a cultural event. Originally staged in earlier years, this 2025 revival brought fresh urgency to the story of Andres Bonifacio, the revolutionary hero, marrying history with a contemporary sense of purpose. Audiences from Manila to provinces beyond were moved by its emotional intensity and relevance, often brought to tears, and always left contemplating courage, sacrifice, and national identity.
The show’s success is a testament to Tañada’s vision, one that honors Filipino heritage while inviting audiences to see themselves in the stories of the past. “This musical isn’t just a tribute to history, it’s a reminder that the spirit of Bonifacio lives in each of us, especially in how we confront today’s challenges,” Tañada explained, capturing the heart of the production’s impact.
At the helm of PhilStagers Foundation (PSF), Vince’s leadership reflects a lifetime of dedication. As the founding artistic director of the company, which began in the early 2000s and has since become a renowned name in Philippine theatre, Tañada has spent decades telling Filipino stories through musical theater. His body of work spans well beyond Bonifacio to include poignant dramas and musicals that resonate with students and seasoned theatergoers alike.
But Vince doesn’t make art alone. Few are as integral to PhilStagers’ ongoing success as Johnrey Rivas, acclaimed actor, director, and now President of the Foundation. Rivas has grown from his early days in PSF to become a creative leader in his own right, balancing performance and strategic innovation as he helps bring theatre to new audiences.
Reflecting on the year’s milestones, Rivas shared, “Seeing Bonifacio: Ang Supremo touch so many lives reminds me why we do this work. It’s about inspiration, education, and the power of storytelling to unite us, and I’m so thankful to be part of it.”
2025 has been a year of gratitude and growth. It is also landmark year for PSF, the musical toured multiple regions, drawing young audiences and sparking conversations about heritage and hope. For Tañada, success isn’t measured only in full houses or awards, it’s reflected in the moments after the curtain falls, when students understand their history in a profound, personal way.
“I’m thankful for this community, for every performer who pours their heart into each show, and for the audiences who come with open minds and hearts,” Vince reflected. “This year reminded me that theatre is not just entertainment, it’s a way to uplift, educate, and inspire change.”
As the curtain closes on 2025, both Vince Tañada and Johnrey Rivas look ahead with optimism and gratitude. They carry with them not just the echoes of applause but the deeper resonance of a year that strengthened connections, among artists, audiences, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Philippine theatre.
In a world hungry for stories that matter, this dynamic duo and their PhilStagers family have offered something rare and beautiful, art that not only entertains but awakens the soul.
