College of Arts and Letters

History

Based on a resolution approved by the PUP Board of Regents in August 2012, the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) was established by merging two colleges: the College of Arts and the College of Languages and Linguistics. Initially, CAL offered four bachelor’s degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in English, Batsilyer ng Artes sa Filipinolohiya (Bachelor of Arts in Filipinology), Bachelor of Performing Arts, and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Today, its offerings have expanded to include the Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies and Batsilyer ng Artes sa Malikhaing Pagsulat (Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing).

As a service college of the University, CAL continues to promote and uphold humanistic ideals to empower the Filipino people. Currently, CAL consists of four departments: the Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Linguistics (DEFLL), Kagawaran ng Filipinolohiya/Department of Filipinology (KF/DF), the Department of Humanities and Philosophy (DHP), and the Department of Performing Arts (DPeA).

Rafael Michael O. Paz

Dean, College of Arts and Letters

Ma. Cecilia S. Angeles

Chairperson

Department of English, Foreign Languages, Linguistics

Marvin G. Lai

Chairperson

Kagawaran ng Filipinolohiya

Jayson C. Jimenez

Chairperson

Department of Humanities and Philosophy

Joseph Victor D. Deseo

Chairperson

Department of Performing Arts

Bachelor of

Performing Arts

Students from the BPeA represented the National Capital Region at the 11th PASUC National Culture and Arts Festival in April 2024

Program Description

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPeA) - Major in Theater Arts Program comprises theoretical, conceptual, and conceptual courses in the discipline of theater focusing on performance creation, critical reading of performance, and creative work and research, to equip students in various aspects and allied fields of theater to become 21st century skilled performance-makers and theater artists.

Program Learning Objectives

Analyze theater traditions and practices and its role in the enrichment of Philippine theater and culture.
Explore techniques in acting, directing, design, and backstage work in producing a relevant and transformative theater production.
Create theatrical pieces, performances, and productions that reflect local and global perspectives.
Produce theater artists who are competent, responsible, and responsive to the call of the society and the times.

Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC)

In 2019, the Bachelor of Performing Arts program (formerly known as the Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts) was granted a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC), signifying its adherence to the standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for quality program delivery.

CMO No. 25, series of 2017

By virtue of CMO No. 25, Series of 2017, the Department of Performing Arts adheres to the nationally prescribed curriculum for its Bachelor of Performing Arts program, ensuring that students are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required in the field of theatre and performance.

Change of Nomenclature from ABTA to BPeA

Due to the CMO No. 25, Series of 2017, the program applied for a Change of Nomenclature, transitioning from the Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts to the Bachelor of Performing Arts. This change aimed to align the program with updated standards and the evolving demands of the field.

In 2022, the BPeA Program underwent curriculum revision

The BPeA Program updated its curriculum to better align with current trends and practices in theatre and performance. This revision aimed to enhance the program's relevance, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in both traditional and contemporary areas of the performing arts industry. The changes likely included adjustments to course offerings, teaching methodologies, and learning outcomes to improve the overall quality of education and training provided to students.

STUDENTS

Students of the BPeA Program are a diverse group of emerging artists with a deep passion for theatre-making and performance creation. Their interests span various aspects of the craft, from acting and directing to design and technical production, all united by a shared commitment to the exploration and development of traditional and new forms of theatre. Through rigorous training and creative collaboration, they continually refine their skills and expand their artistic vision.

PUP Tanghalang Molave

PUP Tanghalang Molave is an institutionally accredited organization operating under the College of Arts and Letters and the BPeA Program. As a recognized student organization, it serves as a creative platform for aspiring theatre artists, providing opportunities for members to engage in theatrical productions, performance workshops, and collaborative projects. Through its various activities, Tanghalang Molave fosters artistic growth, professional development, and a strong sense of community among students passionate about theatre and the performing arts.

Students' Achievements

ALUMNI

Alumni of the Department of Performing Arts are distinguished scholars, practitioners, and experts across various specialized and allied areas within theatre and performance. With their diverse expertise, they have made significant contributions to academic research, creative practice, and the professional arts scene. Their achievements reflect comprehensive training in both traditional and contemporary performance techniques, showcasing the breadth and depth of their education at the university.

Hazel Orencio

Ms. Hazel Orencio is an actress in theater, television, and film. She won the 2021 Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Genus Pan.

Jorrybell Agoto

Ms. Jorrybell Agoto is an actress for theater, television, and film. She was one of the nominees in the 2024 Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film When this is All Over.

Rapah Manalo

Mr. Rapah Manalo is a musical theater performer who has appeared in various critically acclaimed Filipino productions, including Ang Huling El Bimbo, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Bar Boys: A New Musical, and Mula sa Buwan.

Jeremy Calilung

Mr. Calilung is an active member of the Theater Actors Guild (TAG PH) and also works as a commercial artist, theater actor, and independent film actor.

Davidson G. Oliveros

Mr. Oliveros is a practicing dramaturg and an assistant professor at the College of Arts and Letters and currently serves as the Chief of the Student Affairs Section at the PUP Office of Student Services.

Claire Navarra

Ms. Navarra is a resident production manager at Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Bradley Jason Pantajo

Mr. Pantajo is a queer filmmaker from the Philippines primarily interested in themes of grief, loneliness, and alienation. He is known for his short films Love in the Ungodly Hour (2021), Rock, Paper, Scissors (2021), and Grandmother Heiress (2019).

Harvey R. Sallador

Mr. Sallador works at the UP Institute of Creative Writing and is also a practicing playwright. He was a former writing fellow at the Virgin Labfest, and one of his plays is now included in the 2025 main selection.

Ariel L. Cruz

Mr. Cruz is a production designer for theater and film, with credits including Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune (2022), Bula (2022), GomBurZa (2023), and Pintor at Paraluman (2024).

Silvester Bagadiong

Mr. Bagadiong is a part-time faculty member at both the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Assumption College Makati. He is a former scholar of the Actors' Company of Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Claire Bicencio

Ms. Bicencio is an alumna of the program who represented the Philippines at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States.

Jo Ann Requiestas

Ms. Requiestas has served as an assistant production manager at Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, for nearly 15 years. In addition to her managerial role, she also works as a props, set, costume, and technical director.

Erwin B. Gaspar

Mr. Gaspar is a part-time faculty member at both the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Assumption College Makati. He has collaborated with Ana Valdes Lim to stage both foreign and Filipino classics at the Marie Eugenie Theater of the Assumption (METTA).

Micah Andre G. Santos

Mr. Santos works as an Arts Manager at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and is a part-time faculty member at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

FACULTY MEMBERS

Faculty members of the Department of Performing Arts consist of scholars, practitioners, and experts in a wide range of specialized and allied areas within the fields of theatre and performance. With diverse expertise, they contribute to the enrichment of academic research, creative practice, and professional development, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training and exposure to both traditional and contemporary performance techniques.