UP SAMASKOM’s Golden Anniversary Shines with Live A.I.D.S. 35: "A Laugh Story"

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

For half a century, the University of the Philippines' Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon (UP SAMASKOM) has been a pillar of creative excellence, producing some of the country's most talented comedians, performers, and storytellers. In 2025, as SAMASKOM marks its milestone 50th anniversary, the organization is set to bring back its longest-running, much-anticipated comedy variety show—Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM)—for its 35th installment, titled "A Laugh Story."

Set to take center stage at the Ignacio B. Gimenez-KAL Theater in UP Diliman this May 2025, Live A.I.D.S. 35 promises a fresh and dynamic take on the humor and satire that have made the show a beloved institution.

The Kickoff: Celebrating 50 Years of Legacy

To usher in this historic event, Gold A.I.D.S.: The Live A.I.D.S. 35 Kickoff Party was held on February 15, 2024, at the Edge Skyview Bar, Ibis Styles Hotel. The evening was a grand reunion of resident members, alumni, and supporters who gathered to unveil exciting new projects and activities leading up to the show. The event also served as a platform to recognize the impact of Live A.I.D.S. in shaping Philippine entertainment and fostering a new generation of creative minds.

One of the key highlights of the night was the launch of an exclusive album that encapsulates the Live A.I.D.S. experience. This special collection features a mix of beloved classics from previous editions alongside new compositions crafted specifically for Live A.I.D.S. 35, reflecting the essence of comedy, music, and storytelling that have defined the show for decades.

Meet the Visionary Behind Live A.I.D.S. 35

This year, television writer Ken De Leon makes his directorial debut with Live A.I.D.S. 35, bringing a fresh perspective and sharp storytelling skills honed in the Philippine entertainment industry. Known for his innovative approach to humor and drama, De Leon describes "A Laugh Story" as more than just a comedy show—it's a journey through the stories that shape Filipinos’ lives.

“From the bedtime stories that lulled us to sleep as children to the everyday chismis that fuels our curiosity, stories are central to our connections and understanding of the world. Live A.I.D.S. 35 is a celebration of these narratives, using humor and heart to remind us of the shared experiences that unite us all.” – Ken De Leon, Director

The upcoming installment is expected to push the boundaries of satire and social commentary while keeping the audience in stitches. With a mix of witty political and social humor, musical performances, and laugh-out-loud skits, "A Laugh Story" will take audiences on a nostalgic and relevant journey that reflects the Filipino experience.

A Legacy of Excellence: SAMASKOM’s Influence on Philippine Entertainment

Live A.I.D.S. is more than just an annual comedy variety show—it has become a launching pad for some of the most recognizable names in Philippine media and entertainment. Many of its alumni have made significant contributions to the industry, including:

KaladKaren (Jervi Wrightson) – TV host, LGBTQ+ advocate, and celebrated impersonator

Giselle Sanchez – Comedian, actress, and writer

Tuesday Vargas – Singer, actress, and stand-up comedian

RS Francisco – Theater and film actor, entrepreneur

Lauren Dyogi – Acclaimed director and network executive

The show continues to serve as a training ground for young talents who aspire to make their mark in the industry, giving them a stage to refine their craft and develop their unique comedic voices.

Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Must-Watch Spectacle

As UP SAMASKOM gears up for its biggest and most meaningful production yet, anticipation is at an all-time high. Tickets for Live A.I.D.S. 35: "A Laugh Story" will be available starting March 2025. The show promises to be a spectacular mix of nostalgia, innovation, and timeless humor—a testament to SAMASKOM’s five decades of fearless storytelling, artistic expression, and creative excellence.

For updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and ticket information, follow UP SAMASKOM’s official social media channels.

About U.P. SAMASKOM

Founded in 1974, the U.P. Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon (UP SAMASKOM) is the premier academic organization based at the College of Media and Communication (formerly College of Mass Communication), University of the Philippines Diliman. For 50 years, SAMASKOM has been at the forefront of innovative, socially relevant, and creative content production, helping shape the next generation of Filipino communicators, artists, and storytellers.

Don’t miss Live A.I.D.S. 35: "A Laugh Story"—the biggest comedy event of the year! Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate the power of storytelling this May 2025 at the IBG-KAL Theater, UP Diliman.

EXPOSED: 86 Party-List Groups Caught Hijacking the Elections – Are You Voting for One?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​In the lead-up to the May 2025 Philippine elections, the integrity of the party-list system has come under intense scrutiny. Established to ensure representation for marginalized and underrepresented sectors in the House of Representatives, the system now faces allegations of being co-opted by political dynasties, big businesses, and individuals with dubious advocacies.​

Kontra Daya's Revelations

Election watchdog Kontra Daya recently released a report highlighting that over half of the 156 party-list groups vying for seats do not genuinely represent the marginalized sectors they claim to support. Specifically, 86 groups have been flagged for "hijacking" the party-list system, with ties to political dynasties, big businesses, and the military or police establishments. Some even have pending corruption cases or provide insufficient public information about their organizations. ​

Danilo Arao, Kontra Daya's convenor, emphasized that while the percentage of questionable party-list groups has slightly decreased from 70% in the 2022 elections to 55.13% in 2025, the infiltration by political dynasties remains concerning. In the current roster, 40 out of 156 groups have links to political dynasties, a marginal decrease from 43 out of 177 in the previous elections. ​

Campaign Dynamics and Public Response

The official campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups commenced on February 11, 2025. As the election season progresses, the public is urged to critically assess the backgrounds and advocacies of party-list candidates to ensure that only genuine representatives of marginalized sectors are elected. ​

In response to Kontra Daya's findings, groups like the Click Party-list have expressed strong support for the call for authentic representation. They advocate for a thorough review and possible disqualification of groups that do not genuinely represent marginalized communities. ​

Notable Political Movements

The political landscape is further complicated by the re-emergence of figures like former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces a criminal complaint for inciting violence and sedition after suggesting harm to senators during a recent rally. Additionally, human rights groups are urging voters to reject candidates with serious criminal allegations, such as Duterte and detained televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, in the upcoming elections. ​

Meanwhile, former Senator Leila de Lima, a staunch critic of Duterte, plans to return to politics after spending over six years in detention on unfounded charges. She aims to run as the lead nominee of the newly formed Mamamayang Liberal party, advocating for marginalized groups. ​

The Call for Vigilance

As the May 12 elections approach, the integrity of the party-list system remains a focal point of national discourse. Voters are encouraged to exercise vigilance, ensuring that their choices align with the original intent of the party-list system: to amplify the voices of the marginalized and underrepresented.​

DOTR Chief Vince Dizon Orders Mass Courtesy Resignation of Officials in Sweeping Reform Move

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a bold move aimed at restructuring the Department of Transportation (DOTr), newly appointed Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon has issued a memorandum ordering all Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors of the department, along with its attached agencies, to submit their unqualified courtesy resignations no later than February 26, 2025.

Dizon, who took his oath as DOTr Secretary on February 21, 2025, issued the directive just days after his appointment, following the unexpected resignation of Jaime Bautista due to health concerns. The official memorandum, dated February 24, 2025, states:

"In the exigency of service, and in order to give the undersigned a free hand to perform the mandate given to him by the President, ALL incumbent Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors of this Department are hereby directed to tender their UNQUALIFIED COURTESY RESIGNATIONS, not later than 26 February 2025, subject to pertinent civil service laws, rules, and regulations."

Dizon emphasized that until further notice, all affected officials should continue fulfilling their usual duties and responsibilities, subject to any modifications he may implement.

This directive is seen as part of Dizon’s sweeping reform agenda, particularly amid persistent corruption allegations and inefficiencies within DOTr’s attached agencies, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Both agencies have long been plagued by controversies, including issues surrounding the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program, severe shortages of vehicle license plates, and allegations of LTO plates being found on smuggled vehicles—problems that have drawn frustration from motorists and commuters alike.

Anti-Corruption and Public Service Overhaul

According to sources within the DOTr, Secretary Dizon’s directive stems from mounting concerns over widespread corruption in various agencies under the department. The move is widely interpreted as a "housecleaning" measure to replace underperforming and questionable officials with individuals who align with the government’s transparency and accountability initiatives.

Dizon, who previously served as President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and as a Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Action Plan Against COVID-19, is known for his hands-on leadership style and efficiency in government projects. His appointment signals a strong push for modernization and reform within the country’s transportation sector.

Immediate Policy Changes Under Dizon

On his first day in office, Dizon wasted no time in making critical policy decisions. One of his first actions was the suspension of the full cashless payment system for tollways, a move that he deemed "anti-poor." This decision highlights his commitment to ensuring that transportation policies remain inclusive and beneficial to the broader public.

Meanwhile, Dizon is also expected to address lingering issues in railway projects, particularly right-of-way problems that have hindered the progress of major infrastructure developments. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that public transportation modernization projects move forward efficiently and with minimal disruption.

What’s Next for the DOTr?

With the deadline for courtesy resignations fast approaching, industry observers anticipate a major reshuffling within the department in the coming weeks. While some officials may be reinstated, others are expected to be replaced with new appointees aligned with Dizon’s vision of a corruption-free, efficient, and commuter-friendly transport system.

As the DOTr undergoes one of its biggest leadership overhauls in recent years, the public remains hopeful that these reforms will bring genuine improvements to the country’s transportation system, ensuring safer, more efficient, and more accountable governance in the sector.

For Immediate Compliance

The memorandum concludes with a strict order for compliance, as indicated by Dizon’s official signature and authentication seal. A copy was also furnished to the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang, underscoring the high-level support for this drastic but necessary action.

With Dizon now at the helm of DOTr, will this bold reform be enough to fix the long-standing issues plaguing the country’s transportation system?

Stay tuned for further updates.