Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story – The Golden Milestone of Philippine Comedy-Variety

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The stage is set. The spotlight is on. The laughter is ready to erupt as UP SAMASKOM brings back the longest-running live comedy musical variety show in the Philippines—Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story! From May 9 to 11, 2025, the Ignacio B. Jimenez (IBG) - KAL Theater in UP Diliman will be the epicenter of wit, satire, and dazzling performances as UP SAMASKOM celebrates a historic milestone: its 50th anniversary.

A Legacy of Laughter and Social Commentary

From its inception in the 70s, Live A.I.D.S. has evolved from a simple campus production to a cultural institution. It has fearlessly tackled the country's ever-changing political landscape, pop culture trends, and social issues, all while delivering riotous humor and jaw-dropping performances. More than just a comedic spectacle, Live A.I.D.S. has become a mirror of Philippine society—reflecting its highs and lows, its absurdities and ironies, all wrapped in an electrifying showcase of music, dance, and biting satire.

This year’s edition, Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story, promises an unforgettable blend of hilarity and heart. The show will weave together diverse stories of triumph and tribulation, demonstrating how humor can be a potent force for truth, reflection, and change. At a time when laughter is needed more than ever, this production ensures that behind every joke lies a deeper message—one that resonates with its audience and encourages critical thought amid the chaos of everyday life.

A Launchpad for Legends

Live A.I.D.S. is not just a show—it is a legacy. Over the decades, it has served as the launching pad for some of the biggest names in the Philippine entertainment industry. Alumni such as Kuya Kim Atienza, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and KaladKaren (Jervi Wrightson) honed their skills under the Live A.I.D.S. spotlight before making waves in their respective fields.

Even behind the curtains, the show has produced industry leaders, including Laurenti Dyogi, ABS-CBN’s head of TV Production and Star Magic chief, and Ned Legaspi, ABS-CBN Global’s Head of Creative Services. Their contributions to media and entertainment can be traced back to the invaluable experience gained from this legendary campus production.

A Show with Fans in High Places

Live A.I.D.S. has not only shaped artists—it has also cultivated a loyal fanbase that includes some of the country’s most renowned personalities. From celebrated filmmakers like Ricky Lee and Quark Henares to fashion icons like Rajo Laurel and Jigs Mayuga, and media personalities like Bianca Gonzalez, Tim Yap, John Lapus, and Vice Ganda, the show’s impact stretches far beyond the university grounds.

As Production Manager MJ Karaan puts it, “Live A.I.D.S. connects its story with its members, performers, and audiences, keeping the laughter of the organization alive.” Indeed, this connection is what has sustained the show for five decades and counting.

More Than Just a Laugh

Director John Kenneth De Leon encapsulates the essence of this year’s production: “A Laugh Story brings together diverse tales and testimonies, telling stories of triumph and challenges with laughter and wit. 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 change.”

For those who have never experienced the magic of Live A.I.D.S., now is the perfect time to witness its brilliance. For loyal fans, this golden edition promises to be a nostalgic yet groundbreaking celebration of everything that makes the show a national treasure.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Be part of history! Tickets to Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story will be available starting March 31, 2025, via https://liveaids.helixpay.ph. Stay updated by following @upsamaskom on Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook (facebook.com/upsamaskom).

Mark your calendars and brace yourselves for an uproarious, eye-opening, and unforgettable theatrical experience. This is Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story—where comedy meets legacy, and laughter becomes a movement.

Breaking the Toxic Cycle: EcoWaste Coalition Unveils Lead-Free Spray Paints Amid Alarming Industry Violations

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a dramatic turn of events that highlights both progress and peril in the paint industry, the EcoWaste Coalition has uncovered a silver lining amid a sea of toxic concerns. After exposing a shocking list of 168 imported aerosol paints tainted with alarming levels of lead, the environmental watchdog has now announced a significant discovery—14 spray paint brands that have successfully eliminated lead from their formulations.

This revelation is more than just good news; it is undeniable proof that producing safe, lead-free paint is not just possible but necessary. It is a win for public health, consumer safety, and ethical manufacturing, proving that companies can—and must—comply with regulations designed to protect vulnerable populations from the devastating effects of lead exposure.

The Poison in Our Paint: A Harsh Reality

On March 15, the EcoWaste Coalition dropped a bombshell report listing 168 aerosol spray paints still being sold locally, despite containing excessive levels of lead. The figures were nothing short of horrifying: 119 of these paints contained over 10,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead, while 50 exceeded the 50,000 ppm mark. Even more alarming, eight paints registered a staggering 100,000 ppm and above—far beyond the legally permissible 90 ppm limit.

This blatant disregard for health and safety regulations underscores a grave threat, particularly to children, pregnant women, and workers who are at the highest risk of lead poisoning. Lead exposure has been scientifically linked to severe health issues, including irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, and reduced IQ in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead exposure, making any presence of this toxic metal in consumer products unacceptable.

A Beacon of Hope: Lead-Free Paints Prove Compliance is Possible

Amid the bleak findings, a beacon of hope has emerged. EcoWaste’s latest market investigation has identified 14 spray paint products that adhere to the country’s stringent lead paint regulations. The group procured 10 samples of Omega All-Purpose Spray Paint, which boldly claims a "lead-free formulation." Each of these samples—including deep green, Yamaha green, orange, rose pink, and signal red—underwent rigorous screening via an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device, confirming compliance with the 90 ppm limit.

Omega All-Purpose Spray Paint, imported and distributed by March Resources Manufacturing Corp., is a proud member of the Philippine Paint & Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI). With a price tag of ₱95 per 400mL can, this brand proves that safe and affordable options exist for consumers who refuse to compromise on health and environmental responsibility.

Another compliant brand is Tradesman Spray Paint, with four lead-free colors—forest green, Jialing red, scarlet red, and art yellow. Manufactured in China exclusively for Handyman, one of the Philippines’ leading home improvement retailers, this paint retails at ₱99 per 400mL can and meets all regulatory standards for lead safety.

Further laboratory tests commissioned by the EcoWaste Coalition have also confirmed that other brands—including Bosny, Champ, Krylon, Pylox, Rust-Oleum, and Sherlux—adhere to the legal limit, setting a precedent for responsible manufacturing in the industry.

The Fight Against Lead Paint: Urgent Calls for Stricter Enforcement

Despite these positive strides, the fight against lead paint is far from over. The EcoWaste Coalition is intensifying its call for stricter border controls and customs inspections to prevent hazardous products from infiltrating the local market. The group also advocates for enhanced monitoring of compliance, ensuring that all manufacturers, importers, and retailers prioritize public safety over profit.

On a global scale, EcoWaste urges the international community to implement stronger trade restrictions on lead chromates, a primary source of lead contamination in paints. Such measures would not only curb the production of toxic paints but also shield consumers worldwide from unnecessary exposure.

The Devastating Impact of Lead Poisoning: Why This Matters

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Health Organization (WHO) have long warned of the severe consequences of lead exposure. Chronic exposure, even at low levels, can cause long-term health complications across all age groups. However, children are particularly vulnerable—early exposure can damage the developing brain and nervous system, leading to cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders.

For workers in the painting and construction industries, prolonged lead exposure can result in cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and reproductive health issues. Pregnant women exposed to lead risk passing the toxin to their unborn children, leading to premature births and developmental problems.

A Call to Action: The Industry Must Step Up

The EcoWaste Coalition is unwavering in its call for paint manufacturers, importers, and retailers to take full responsibility for their products. The success of Omega, Tradesman, and other lead-free brands proves that compliance with the law is not just feasible but essential. Consumers deserve safer choices, and it is the industry's duty to provide them.

“We commend the companies behind Omega and Tradesman spray paints for their commitment to producing lead-safe products,” EcoWaste said in a statement. “We urge all manufacturers and retailers to follow their lead and ensure that only compliant products enter the market. This is not just about business—it is about protecting lives, especially those most vulnerable to lead poisoning.”

The Road Ahead: Ensuring a Lead-Free Future

The battle against leaded paint is an ongoing one, but it is a fight that must be won. With strengthened enforcement, heightened consumer awareness, and unwavering pressure on manufacturers, the vision of a lead-free Philippines is within reach. Every compliant brand, every regulatory action, and every informed consumer choice brings us one step closer to a future where lead poisoning is nothing more than a cautionary tale from the past.

As EcoWaste continues to expose violations and champion safer alternatives, one thing is clear: the toxic legacy of leaded paint must end. The industry has no excuse. The technology exists. The regulations are in place. Now, it is simply a matter of accountability and action.

Philippines to Compete with Global Innovators at Geneva 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippines is set to make waves on the global stage once again as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), proudly presents an impressive lineup of groundbreaking technologies at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG). From April 9 to 13, 2025, the nation’s brightest minds will compete with the world’s most innovative thinkers, showcasing Filipino ingenuity and technological prowess.

As the agency spearheading the country’s scientific and technological initiatives, DOST-TAPI, under the Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits (SPICE) Program, aims to strengthen international collaborations and highlight the Philippines’ capability to address global challenges through innovation.

“Our participation in Geneva is more than just an exhibition—it is a testament to the country’s commitment to harnessing science and technology for national and global development,” said Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, CESO III, the head of the delegation and Director of DOST-TAPI. “For the third time, we are bringing Filipino innovations to the world stage, reinforcing our dedication to advancing solutions that make an impact.”

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

At the 49th IEIG in 2024, the Philippines proudly secured silver and bronze awards for all nine of its showcased inventions. This achievement not only underscored the nation’s growing influence in innovation but also set the stage for an even stronger performance in the upcoming exhibition. With a diverse array of technologies spanning various industries, the Philippines is prepared to elevate its standing in the global innovation ecosystem.

A Glimpse into the Future of Filipino Innovation

This year’s delegation is set to impress with cutting-edge solutions across multiple fields, including food processing, disaster resilience, sustainable materials, and healthcare management. Here are some of the trailblazing technologies representing the Philippines:

1. Continuous Screw Type Salt Washer

Developed by: Industrial Technology Development Institute, DOST (ITDI-DOST)A revolutionary system designed to remove impurities from salt, ensuring it meets industry standards for food production. This technology is a game-changer for the Philippine salt industry, enhancing product quality and competitiveness in the global market.

2. Three-in-One Mobile Salt Crusher, Washer, and Harvester Equipment

Developed by: ITDI-DOSTA compact, mobile system that enables salt producers to process high-purity salt directly at production sites, reducing time, costs, and production complexity while increasing efficiency and profitability.

3. HazardHunterPH: Advanced Disaster Risk Assessment

Developed by: DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS)An intuitive digital tool designed for rapid hazard mapping and analysis, allowing individuals, businesses, and governments to make informed decisions for disaster preparedness and response.

4. Earth Board: Sustainable Structural Panels

Developed by: Lesstics Inc.A high-density polyurethane composite panel reinforced with coconut coir, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. This innovative solution promotes sustainability while maintaining superior strength and durability.

5. GeoAnalyticsPH: Smart Risk Analysis

Developed by: DOST-PHIVOLCSA powerful digital platform that provides real-time, interactive hazard data to support climate resilience and disaster risk reduction efforts, ensuring safer communities and informed policy-making.

6. A System and Method for Managing Healthcare Services and Networks

Developed by: SeeYouDoc, Corp.A comprehensive, cloud-based healthcare management system that integrates telemedicine, appointment scheduling, electronic prescriptions, and seamless payment processing—enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

Bridging Research with Global Impact

Beyond the competition, DOST-TAPI is actively seeking collaborations with international partners for technology licensing, joint ventures, and research initiatives. By engaging with global innovators, the Philippines aims to accelerate the commercialization of its technologies, driving economic growth and societal benefits.

Visitors to the DOST-TAPI booth at the 50th IEIG will have the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the potential of Filipino innovation and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The Philippines’ Innovation Renaissance

DOST-TAPI plays a crucial role in transforming research into real-world applications, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and industry impact. As the Philippines continues to build its reputation in the global  landscape, its participation in the 50th IEIG marks another significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward technological excellence.

For more details, visit www.tapi.dost.gov.ph or follow the official Facebook page at DOST-TAPI.