Baguio artists Lynette Grace Bibal and Angelo Aurelio won top awards at the 3rd Philippine LEAF Awards held Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Porac, Pampanga.
Bibal was recognized for her Performance Art for Heritage Practices, while Aurelio won Best Contemporary Performance Art.
Founded in 2019, the Philippine LEAF Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Filipino artists in the fields of live entertainment, performing arts, fashion, and festivals. This year’s theme was “Tertulia at Parangal sa Porac.”
Bibal was honored for the traditional performance of her bonfire theater Chiva, the Ibaloy way of storytelling by the bonfire. Meanwhile, Aurelio was recognized for his butoh (a Japanese protest dance) piece titled People Vs. Power, which was performed at the People’s Park on Human Rights Day in 2025.
In his acceptance Aurelio said, “Ang performance art ay hindi bagong anyo ng panalangin—tulay ng selebrasyon at pagluluksa sa mga bayaning hindi napaglamayan. Maraming salamat sa pagkilala sa sining na muling nabubuhay sa ating panahon. Para sa mga patuloy na lumalaban! Para sa mga Artista ng Bayan! Para sa Mapagpalayang Tanghalan.”
The event was hosted by the Municipality of Porac through its Municipal Tourism, Arts and Culture Office.
The LEAF Awards were founded by playwright and director Frank G. Rivera, with CJ Andaluz as president. — Maria Elena Catajan
