There is a particular kind of beauty that unfolds when generosity meets purpose — and it was witnessed in full at the University of San Agustin when Mabining Mandirigma, Tanghalang Pilipino’s celebrated steampunk musical, graced the USA Auditorium last April 29, 2026, marking the first time this acclaimed production journeyed beyond Manila to the Visayas. This historic cultural milestone was brought to life through the collaborative vision of the following units: Philanthropic, External and Alumni Relations (PEAR), Student Affairs and Welfare Office (SAWO) the University of San Agustin Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (USARDFI), the International Relations Office (IRO), the students of the Tourism Management program and personnel of Hotel Sta. Monica, Administrative and General Services Office and the University of San Agustin Alumni Association (USAAA) — a coalition of hearts and hands united by one compelling conviction: that world-class art must be made available to all. None of what transpired could have happened without the donors, sponsors, and partners whose acts of giving — quiet, deliberate, and deeply human — turned an extraordinary production into an extraordinary gift. Because of their generosity, the Ati Community in Lanit, Jaro found themselves seated in a theater, witnessing stories that honored culture and identity. Because of their giving, more than 300 public school students from Oton, Iloilo National, Iloilo City National, La Paz, Mandurriao, and Jaro National High Schools — young minds for whom such an experience might otherwise have remained out of reach — sat in wonder before a world-class stage. Student artists of the Fine Arts Majors Organization (FAMO), Assumption Iloilo, and officers of the University’s recognized student organizations were equally embraced by this culture of generosity, as were the academic scholars and faculty of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education; students and faculty of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology; more than 300 grant-in-aid scholars; and scholars of the University’s own performing arts groups. Members and friends of the Zonta Club Iloilo, the USA Catholic Parents’ Association (USACPA), the USA Faculty and Administrative Personnel Association (USAFAPA), the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Iloilo Chapter and the University of San Agustin Alumni Association (USAAA) rounded out an audience as wide and as warm as the giving that made it possible. The University of San Agustin is profoundly grateful — for every sponsored seat was not simply a ticket, but a declaration that culture belongs to everyone.
The beauty of this milestone did not end when the curtain rose — it deepened with every act of shared humanity that surrounded it. In a gesture of genuine cultural solidarity, Tanghalang Pilipino, in collaboration with USARDFI and SAWO, conducted an eco-theater workshop for the Ati Community in Lanit, Jaro, graced by the presence of Tanghalang Pilipino’s beloved Artistic Director, Nanding Josef, who brought with him not only his artistry but his deep and abiding respect for indigenous culture and expression. The University’s performing arts groups were further enriched through dedicated workshops while the Fine Arts students were treated to an inspiring talk by Toym Imao — National Artist for Sculpture, Set Designer of Mabining Mandirigma, and Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman — a man who gave generously of his knowledge, his craft, and his time. Rounding out this celebration of art and dialogue was an intimate talk-back session after the matinee show with composer Joed Balsamo, Director Chris Millado, Toym Imao, and esteemed cultural scholar Dr. Nicanor Tiongson — a rare and treasured conversation with the very hearts and minds behind the musical that reminded audiences everywhere that truly great art never ends when the curtain falls. To every donor, every sponsor, every collaborator, and every partner who poured their resources, their networks, and their passion into this endeavor — the University of San Agustin offers its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude. You did not merely fund a production. You changed lives, opened worlds, and reminded this community that the most enduring art is always the art of giving.
The University would like to thank the following sponsors:
DIAMOND: DoubleDragon and Dr.Edgar “Injap” Sia II; EuroAsia Pharmaceuticals Corp. and Dr. Eugenio Michael O. Plana; Florete Group and Dr. Rogelio and Mrs. Imelda Florete
PLATINUM: Engrs. Nestor and Edith Ardiente; University of San Agustin Research and Development, Incorporated; University of San Agustin International Foundation, Inc. Dr. Rene and Daisy Lim Foundation, Christa Lim, JD, MBA
GOLD: University of San Agustin Pharmacy and Medical Technology International Alumni Association (USAPMTIAA); Henann Group of Resorts and Dr. Henry Chusuey; LT PRO
SILVER: University of San Agustin and Dr. Asuncion L. Faro; University of San Agustin Faculty and Administrative Personnel Association; Philippine Dental Association – Iloilo Chapter; Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc., Mrs. Olivia Hilado-Pullan; University of San Agustin Catholic Parents’ Association; VH Builders Corporation and Arch. Katherine Barranco
BRONZE: MC’s Catering; Nutrends; Mr. Ramon Cua Locsin
COMPLIMENTARY: F&E Enterprises; Goson Marketing Inc.; Zovida Marketing; JVS Audio System-Iloilo; USA High School Class of 1967 and Mr. Reynato Gayanilo; Alicia’s Batchoy; Nature’s Spring; Nang Palang’s Pies; La Roasteria
Photo credits: USA Publications and USA Little Theater
OTON NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL
LAPAZ NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL
ILOILO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
JARO NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL
MANDURRIAO NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL
WVSU TEATRO TAYO
ANILAO NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL
ASSUMPTION ILOILO
MABINING MANDIRIGMA AUDIENCE
