STUDENTS from Bicol University secured three major awards for their play ‘Patayin sa Barbershop si Barbara’ at the recently concluded Act Avenue Theater Festival: Kwentong Barbero.

Led by the Department of Performing Arts – Performing Arts Union Integrated for Culture, Arts, and Nature, the students won Best Production, Best Actress for Jaira Esperida, and Best Playwright for Prof. Jobert Landeza.

Patayin sa Barbershop si Barbara is a one-act comedy by Prof. Landeza that blends humor with a poignant critique of gender discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. The story follows Barbara, a transwoman, as she navigates a barbershop encounter with her would-be killer.

The production competed against nine other groups nationwide and received multiple nominations, including Best Featured Actor for Francis James Daep and Gennard Encarnacion, Best Actress for Jaune Jacobs, and Best Director for Shaira Mae Nase.

Directed by Nase, the production team included John Patrick Martínez and Reina Revilla as stage managers; Gene Rey Francisco on technicals; and a props and costume team led by Dahna Baldo, Lourraine Loseriaga, Renie Adille, and Muzien Lofamia. Joshney Camu designed the publication materials.

The Act Avenue Theater Festival, organized by Act Avenue, a Manila-based non-profit theater organization, promotes local narratives and fosters collaboration among theater groups.

Following their success, the group has been invited by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to perform at PASINAYA 2025 in Batangas City this February.