The Longest-Running Campus Comedy Variety Show in the Philippines is Back!

SAMASKOM Alumna Mrs. Tan

After five (5) years’ absence in the theater scene due to the restrictions set by the pandemic, the longest-running comedy variety show out of the UP Diliman campus is back!

Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, an annual musical-comedy series mounted by talent-laden student organization, UP SAMASKOM, is mounting its 34th edition from July 5 to 7 at the Ignacio B. Jimenez - KAL Theater in UP.

Entitled LIVE A.I.D.S.: HYSTERICAL REVISIONISM: “Tatlumpu’t Apat na Taon ng Makasaysayang Tawanan, Sayawan at Kimmy-nism”, the show will again put a funny but sharp spin on socio-political issues and pop culture, providing witty commentary on Philippine society and adding a comic touch to trending topics and viral content. Interspersed with dances and dazzling production numbers, it promises to make audiences laugh and have fun like never before. 

“What started as a mere applicants’ batch project in 1983 is now one of the most awaited events in the Diliman Republic. Each year, Live AIDS always surpasses its previous record number of fans who watch the show.” ~Venice Atienza, Live A.I.D.S Hysterical Revisionism Production Management Mentor

Venice Atienza, who is an alumna of U.P. SAMASKOM and has been part of both the production and creative departments of the show for several years now. 

SAMASKOM alumni fill the local entertainment scene, finding fame in front of or behind the camera. LiveAIDS has given rise to the careers of Kuya Kim Atienza, Giselle Sanchez, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and KaladKaren, among others. 

ABS-CBN’s head of TV Production, Star Magic Chief and Pinoy Big Brother Head Director Laurenti (Loren) Dyogi and ABS-CBN Global Head of Creative Services Ned Legaspi are SAMASKOM alumni.

Live AIDS continuously garners fanatics and avid viewers who have steadfastly sought out the show, including known personalities like Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap, and Vice Ganda.

“Live A.I.D.S. and the UP SAMASKOM are platforms where students and alumni members alike are given the opportunity to nurture their talents and skill sets, and essentially nurture them to face the real world.” ~Mrs. Tan, Filipino Drag Artista, seasoned dancer and performer of the show

Kaldkaren, UP SAMASKOM Alumna and a seasoned performer, veteran writer, production member, and former resident officer

“This show bolsters one’s talent, skills, and self-confidence. It’s evident in our alumni members.” ~Kaldkaren, UP SAMASKOM Alumna and a seasoned performer, veteran writer, production member, and former resident officer

Bill Barrinuevo, Live AIDS Hysterical Revisionism Director

“With the issues and concerns of the Philippines at present and history distortion as well, it is time to continue the UP SAMASKOM tradition of amusing audiences and making them aware of political and social matters. This year, through the Live AIDS legacy, everyone will hear what Samaskom will say about the current times. This is a show that finds humor on the right side of history. There is pressure to outdo ourselves every show. This is our comeback show - we want to reawaken our audience as we give them the best show they will ever see. It is terrifying but it is a welcome challenge. UP SAMASKOM is passionate in creating a show that speaks out and entertains at the same time.” ~Bill Barrinuevo, Live AIDS Hysterical Revisionism Director

[L-R] LIVE AIDS 34 Production Manager and SAMASKOM President Danielle Asuncion, Mrs. Tan, Kaladkaren, and LIVE AIDS 34 Director Bill Barrinuevo

Tickets to Live AIDS Hysterical Revisionism can be bought at https://liveaids.helixpay.ph. For more information, follow on X Twitter and  Instagram, and on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom.