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

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

Resurrected after a five-year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, the longest-running comedy variety show on the UP Diliman campus is back!

Acts, Improvisations, Dances, and Songs, or Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM), is an annual musical-comedy series presented by the talented student organization UP SAMASKOM. It is in its 34th year and will take place from July 5 to 7 at the Ignacio B. Jimenez - KAL Theater in UP.

Titled LIVE A.I.D.S.: HYSTERICAL REVISIONISM: “Tatlumpu’t Apat na Taon ng Makasaysayang Tawanan, Sayawan at Kimmy-nism” the program will once more offer a witty commentary on Philippine society, a comic touch to viral content, and a socio-political perspective on pop culture. It promises to make audiences laugh and enjoy themselves like never before, interspersed with dances and spectacular production numbers. 

“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, a former student at U.P. SAMASKOM and has been working on the show's production and creative teams for a number of years. 

Alumni from SAMASKOM dominate the regional entertainment scene, becoming well-known in front of or behind the camera. Kuya Kim Atienza, Giselle Sanchez, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O'Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and KaladKaren are just a few of the people whose careers have been impacted by liveAIDS. 

SAMASKOM alumni include Ned Legaspi, the global head of creative services at ABS-CBN, and Laurenti (Loren) Dyogi, the head of TV production and head director of Pinoy Big Brother at Star Magic Chief.

Fans and ardent viewers who have persistently pursued the show Live AIDS include well-known figures such as Ricky Lee, Vice Ganda, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap, John Lapus, Ricky Gonzales, Quark Henares, 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

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.