Fresh from last year’s rollicking staging of Live A.I.D.S. 34: Hysterical Revisionism, UP SAMASKOM is back with more laughter and bedazzling performances with Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story from May 9 to 11, 2025 at the Ignacio B. Jimenez (IBG) – KAL Theater in UP Diliman.
The show is the 35th and golden edition of the popular comedy-musical-variety show that has entertained generations of students and comedy variety show enthusiasts since the 70’s. Presented yearly by the premiere campus organization UP SAMASKOM, it is the longest –running comedy musical variety show. Ever new and always relevant no matter what decade or socio-political situation, Live A.I.D.S. teases and provokes all at once with good vibes, laughter and sharp social commentary.
Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story stays true to the show’s trademark of sharp wit and infectious humor. The show tells funny stories with biting sarcasm as it wows the audience with comedy, music, production numbers and social commentary. Carefully weaving satire into Philippine society, it does a fly-by as well on pop culture and socio-political issues while playfully taking on viral trends and current events.
More than just a hit comedy variety show, Live A.I.D.S. is best known as a platform for growth, experience and connection that nurtures aspiring performers, writers, creatives and talents, both in front and behind the stage. Providing experience, confidence, exposure and a space on which to shine, Live A.I.D.S. has paved the way for the careers of its alumni such as 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 spotlighted talents behind the scenes, among them 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.
Renowned drag artist and international performer Mrs. Tan, a Live A.I.D.S. veteran whose works have been featured in art festivals and exhibits around the world, says “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.”
“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,” shares Jervi Wrightson, a UP SAMASKOM alumna and seasoned performer, veteran writer, production member, and former resident officer.
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.
“LIVE A.I.D.S. connects its story with its members, performers, and audiences, keeping the laughter of the organization alive,” says MJ Karaan, the Production Manager of the show.
“’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,” says Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story Director, John Kenneth De Leon.
Tickets to Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story will be available at https://liveaids.helixpay.ph starting March 31, Monday. For more information, follow @upsamaskom on X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom.
