Philippine Stagers founder Atty. Vince Tañada wins Best Actor (Musical) in the 32nd Aliw Awards

THE “P” TALKS!
BY: Pilar Mateo

EIGHTEEN years ago, Atty. Vince Tañada started his life in Philippine Stagers Foundation with the vision of helping other would be artists to conquer acting in a different milieu.

At the recently concluded 32nd Aliw Awards, Vince received the Best Actor for A Musical Play.

“Ipinagpapatuloy ko lang ang nasimulan ko na gusto ko talaga. I am a lawyer. It was my Lolo’s dream na mag-abugado ako. My Lolo, Lorenzo Tañada was a politician. So, I had to go to the US to pursue my studies in Vallejo, California. Nang mawala si Lolo, that was the time na sinabi ko sa parents ko na gusto ko na i-pursue my acting career.”

Atty. Vince shared the challenges he faced in continuing being a “father” to the students he mentors through the years.

“I tried being in the movies. Dalawang pelikula rin with Direk Elwood Perez. But it’s not my cup of tea. Magkaiba talaga ang entablado at pelikula. Sanay ako na pagkabigay ng script paga-aralan mo na. Nung shoot ko na kay direk, all set na ako and ready biglang binago. Du’n ako sa gano’n nahirapan. At least I’ve tried.”

Receiving another plum and doing a “hakot” this time with his group, Atty. Vince promises to continue propagating his plays and musicals all throughout the country.

“We’ve made about 350 shows already for “Sindak 1941″. Gusto rin naman na makarating din ito sa Visayas and Mindanao. With the help of DepEd and Ched, we want to continue to educate more and more students through Philippine Stagers.”

Staying as humble as ever, Vince invited Lea Salonga to watch his plays in the future.

He got it from his Mom.

“Itong suot ko, at ng Stagers, si Mom pa rin ang tumahi. Ganyan siya ka-supportive sa akin at sa grupo eversince.”

Very good now at time management, Atty. Vince hopes to get the chance to work with mainstream celebrities in his future plays.