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Laughter, music, and timely social commentary took center stage as UP SAMASKOM mounted the 36th run of Live A.I.D.S: Let There Be Laughs from June 26 to 28 at the IBG-KAL Theatre in UP Diliman.

Held from June 26 to 28 at the IBG-KAL Theatre in UP Diliman, Live A.I.D.S: Let There Be Laughs entertained audiences with its signature blend of comedy, music, and timely social commentary.

Mounted alongside the Lovelaban Pride PH Festival 2026, this year's production also became a celebration of equality, diversity, and inclusivity as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies gathered for one of the country's biggest Pride events.

Living up to its theme, "Let There Be Laughs," the annual production invited audiences to laugh while reflecting on current social and political issues through witty sketches, musical performances, and heartfelt storytelling.

Many audience members took to social media to praise the show after watching it.

One audience member wrote, "Another iconic show by UP Samaskom! Soooobrang funny. While it will absolutely make me laugh out loud, it serves as a much bigger purpose. It leaves us deeply inspired to stay vigilant, speak truth to power and keep fighting for what is right."

A showgoer commented that the production's "wit gets sharper and the sociopolitical commentaries are biting as always."

A different theatergoer shared, "From politics to TikToks, and all the Filipino humor in between, every reference landed perfectly."

An online commenter expressed appreciation for the student performers, writing, "Nice to watch how passionate and creative these kids are, nakakamiss maging estudyante, nakakamiss ang org life sa UP!"

One attendee also remarked, "Ang nice pala 'pag 'yung material na gamit ay close to your heart / what you believe in."

Meanwhile, another audience member reflected on the show's impact, saying, "Buhay na buhay ang Teatrong Pilipino. Patuloy na pinatutunayan ng #LiveAIDS na ang entablado ay hindi lamang lugar ng aliwan, kundi isang espasyo para mamulat, maging mapanuri, at makilahok sa mahahalagang usapin ng ating lipunan."

For decades, Live A.I.D.S. has remained one of the country's most anticipated student-led theatrical productions, serving as both a platform for entertainment and a training ground for aspiring performers, writers, directors, and production talents.

Over the years, the production has helped shape the careers of personalities including Kim Atienza, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O'Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and Jervi Wrightson, popularly known as KaladKaren.

As audiences filled the theater throughout its three-day run, this year's Live A.I.D.S. once again highlighted the power of comedy and performance to spark conversations while celebrating Pride, inclusivity, and self-expression.