Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Tanghalan Mandaluyong Looks Back at the Pandemic, And Marches On

Tanghalan Mandaluyong Looks Back at the Pandemic, And Marches On

Their weapon against the dreaded virus: compassion for others.

Manila, Philippines--Aliw Awards' Best Cultural Group nominee Tanghalan Mandaluyong Inc., a nonprofit and community-based theater company whose original purpose was to introduce the rudiments of the performing arts among the less-privileged youths in Mandaluyong City, is one shining example of a selfless warrior. Amid the onslaught of COVID-19 and lockdowns of countless cities and barangays, members of the organization--both young and adults--braved the streets to lend their helping hand.

Their weapon against the dreaded virus: compassion for others.

During TMI's recent annual get-together and "Gabi ng Parangal," we're thrilled to have sat down with Chummy Quimpo, one of the TMI's pioneers who acts and writes for the group. One of his most recent plays, "Manda at Luyong," tells the origins of their hometown, Mandaluyong, is set to premiere this year.

On video, Quimpo recalls TMI's unwavering spirit during the height of the pandemic and gives us just the right amount of tease of what's in store from these notable actors, creatives, and community volunteers this year.

Established in 2011, TMI began with volunteer actors from various theater companies. Collectively, they staged a senakulo, a re-enactment of Christ's passion and death during the Holy Week. Since then, the organization has been holding summer performing arts workshops, talent shows, short films aired on television, and charitable events.

Ronel Coronado is TMI's founder. He is joined by Japoy Dones, chairman-executive director; Laurent Mercado, president and managing director; Ralph Finuliar, vice-president (external); Valerie Dantis, vice-president (internal); Sam Guerrero, secretary; Carla Herrera, assistant secretary; Edwin Baloloy, treasurer; Rodel Bantilan, auditor; JM Bonifacio, public relations officer, and Patricia Blances, public information officer.

Its board of directors comprises Coronado, Efriel Raymundo, Charlemagne Pobre, Jay Ar Antiojo, Rona Calmerin, Bheallyn Palaroan, Lennio Antiojo, and Lalaine Mercado.

(BWW Video/Oliver Oliveros)




Review: This SOUND OF MUSIC Sings a Different Tune Photo
It took eight years for three-time Tony awardee Jack O’Brien-directed 'The Sound of Music,' a warhorse title from the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s catalog, to reach the Philippines’ capital—a rare feat because most of the international productions visiting town are either from South Africa or the United Kingdom.

PHOTOS: Take a First Look at MINTeatros ROMEO AND JULIET Photo
Take a first look at MINTeatro’s production of William Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet,' a timeless and tragic tale of young love, from an edited text by Nelsito Gomez and Giselle Giorgia, who also directs the play, featuring an all-student cast.

Photos: Take a Peek at ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH, The Musical (Yun Lang) Photo
Ateneo Blue Repertory rises from the pandemic with its in-person production of the cult classic 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah, The Musical' ('Yun Lang), based on the comic book superheroine of the same name created by National Book Awardee Carlo Vergara.

Video: ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH, The Musical (Yun Lang) Cast Take their Opening Weekend Bows Photo
Ateneo Blue Repertory rises from the pandemic with its in-person production of the cult classic 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah, The Musical' (‘Yun Lang), based on the comic book superheroine of the same name created by National Book Awardee Carlo Vergara.


From This Author - Oliver Oliveros

Oliver is a seasoned organizational communication, public relations, and digital marketing professional who works with CEOs and young professionals to hone their creativity, stakeholders' engag... (read more about this author)


PHOTOS: Take a First Look at MINTeatro's ROMEO AND JULIETPHOTOS: Take a First Look at MINTeatro's ROMEO AND JULIET
March 19, 2023

Take a first look at MINTeatro’s production of William Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet,' a timeless and tragic tale of young love, from an edited text by Nelsito Gomez and Giselle Giorgia, who also directs the play, featuring an all-student cast.

Photos: Take a Peek at ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH, The Musical ('Yun Lang)Photos: Take a Peek at ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH, The Musical ('Yun Lang)
March 18, 2023

Ateneo Blue Repertory rises from the pandemic with its in-person production of the cult classic 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah, The Musical' ('Yun Lang), based on the comic book superheroine of the same name created by National Book Awardee Carlo Vergara.

Video: ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH, The Musical ('Yun Lang) Cast Take their Opening Weekend BowsVideo: ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH, The Musical ('Yun Lang) Cast Take their Opening Weekend Bows
March 18, 2023

Ateneo Blue Repertory rises from the pandemic with its in-person production of the cult classic 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah, The Musical' (‘Yun Lang), based on the comic book superheroine of the same name created by National Book Awardee Carlo Vergara.

VIDEO: Lauren Kidwell Belts Out 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'VIDEO: Lauren Kidwell Belts Out 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'
March 17, 2023

Lauren Kidwell, who plays Mother Abbess in the US National Tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 'The Sound of Music,' reprises the same role in the Asian tour engagements of the beloved family musical, which plays the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre at Circuit Makati until March 26, 2023.

VIDEO: Jack O'Brien-Directed THE SOUND OF MUSIC Opens in ManilaVIDEO: Jack O'Brien-Directed THE SOUND OF MUSIC Opens in Manila
March 13, 2023

The North American touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 'The Sound of Music,' directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien, has reached Manila and plays at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre at Ayala Malls’ Circuit Makati until March 26, 2023.