Live A.I.D.S. 35: “A Laugh Story” is staged by UP Samaskom for its Golden presentation

Presentor of longest-running live comedy musical variety show turns 50

UP SAMASKOM is returning with more fun and stunning performances with Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story from May 9–11, 2025 at the Ignacio B. Jimenez (IBG) – KAL Theater in UP Diliman, following last year’s exciting production of Live A.I.D.S. 34: Hysterical Revisionism.

The popular comedy-musical-variety program, which has been entertaining students and fans of comedy variety shows since the 1970s, is in its 35th and golden edition. UP SAMASKOM, the top university group, hosts the longest-running comedy musical variety show every year. With positive vibes, humor, and incisive social commentary, Live A.I.D.S. simultaneously teases and provokes, regardless of the decade or sociopolitical context.

We had an absolutely fantastic night, captivated by their incredible and side-splitting performance. The evening was a perfect blend of fun and laughter as they delivered their punchlines with impeccable timing. Their humor was not only witty but also infused with sharp insights and profound observations on various societal issues and concerns, making the experience both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The show’s signature witty banter and contagious comedy are maintained in Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story. The program entertains the audience with comedy, music, production numbers, and social criticism while telling humorous stories with a dash of sarcasm. While jokingly parodying current events and viral trends, it also skims the surface of pop culture and sociopolitical themes while deftly integrating satire into Philippine society.

More than just a hit comedy variety show, Live A.I.D.S. is best known as a platform for growth, experience and connection that nurtures aspiring performers, writers, creatives and talents, both in front and behind the stage. Providing experience, confidence, exposure and a space on which to shine, Live A.I.D.S. has paved the way for the careers of its alumni such as Kuya Kim Atienza, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and Jervi Wrightson (KaladKaren), among others.

LIVE A.I.D.S. has also spotlighted talents behind the scenes, among them ABS-CBN’s head of TV Production, Star Magic chief and Pinoy Big Brother Head Director Laurenti (Loren) Dyogi and ABS-CBN Global Head of Creative Services, Ned Legaspi.

Renowned drag artist and international performer Mrs. Tan, a Live A.I.D.S. veteran whose works have been featured in art festivals and exhibits around the world, says “Live A.I.D.S is a vital and memorable journey for SAMASKOMERS. It is not just about how it makes you shine; it also fosters lifelong friendships and a strong sense of belonging through shared stories.”  

“The show provides a stage to showcase extraordinary talents, build confidence, create opportunities to shine, and prepare you to step into the real world of entertainment,” shares Jervi Wrightson, a UP SAMASKOM alumna and seasoned performer, veteran writer, production member, and former resident officer.

Well-known personalities such as Bianca Gonzalez, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap, and Vice Ganda are avowed Live A.I.D.S. fans, showing how the show is regarded in the entertainment industry.

“LIVE A.I.D.S. connects its story with its members, performers, and audiences, keeping the laughter of the organization alive,” says MJ Karaan, the Production Manager of the show.

“’A Laugh Story’ brings together diverse tales and testimonies and tells stories of triumph and challenges with laughter and wit, mixing humor with heart. 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 a powerful force for reflection and change,” says Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story Director, John Kenneth De Leon.

On Monday, March 31, tickets for Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Laugh Story will go on sale at https://liveaids.helixpay.ph. Follow @upsamaskom on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter) for additional information.