Dulaang UP celebrates its 50th anniversary with parade and roundtable discussion

In celebration of the fiftieth founding anniversary of Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas last October 19, 2026, the Parada ng Singkwenta gathered Dulaang UP artists, alumni, collaborators, and leaders with prominent scholars in theatre and performance studies to honor the company’s artistic, educational, and institutional milestones.

The parade featured performances from the UP Varsity Pep Drummers & Crowdleaders, the UP Filipiniana Dance Group, the UP Varsity Pep Squad, Rhia S. Adona, Quiel Campo, and the Legacy Rhythm Ensemble.

Current College of Arts and Letters dean Prof. Jimmuel Naval, former College of Arts and Letters dean and DSCTA chairperson Prof. Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, Office of Initiatives for Culture and the Arts director Asst. Prof. Monica Santos, and DUP artistic director Asst. Prof. Arlo De Guzman shared their various experiences with DUP.

The parade was spearheaded by Prof. Sir Anril P. Tiatco and Asst. Prof. Kei Mamangun-Sison.

Shortly after the parade, a roundtable discussion with National Artist for Literature Nicanor Tiongson, PhD and Areté Ateneo Artistic Director Jerry Respeto, PhD commenced. They were joined by present and former Dulaang UP leaders and collaborators for a conversation on the 50-year legacy of the company.

Dr. Tiongson delivered a presentation entitled “Dulaang UP @ 50: Looking Back into the Future” which retraced the contributions of the company and its alumni to Philippine Theatre. Dr. Respeto followed with his presentation, “Ang Kampus Bilang Tanghalan: The University-based Theater in the Philippines.”

A roundtable session featuring former DUP Artistic Director Banaue Miclat, current DUP Artistic Director Arlo De Guzman, DUP resident dramaturg Jonas Gabriel Garcia, and DSCTA Theatre Arts instructor Lee Lim explored experiences in the company across generations. Retired DSCTA Professor Antoinette Hernandez honored Dulaang UP Founder National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa by recalling her experiences working on Dulaang UP’s first production for its very first season.

The event was moderated by former DSCTA Chairperson Prof. Sir Anril Tiatco, with opening and closing remarks from DSCTA and CAL Research, Creative Work, and Extension head Marc Stanley Mozo and Associate Dean Roselle Pineda.

The event was held in partnership with the UP Theater Complex and Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing. Established in 1976 by National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa, Dulaang UP is the production arm of the UP Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts.