RGA Chronicles

Celebration of Ricky’s Life

ABAD for the Ages at Areté

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[February 2024] We celebrate the undying and multifaceted legacy of our dear Dr Ricky Abad on the 40th day after his passing. Guests are welcome to attend the event onsite at Hyundai Hall, Areté or view the livestream. Fr Jett Villarin SJ celebrates Mass at 2pm and the formal program begins at 3pm. We will also launch a tribute book and the endowment fund in honor of Dr Abad. Campus access has been relaxed, and no prior registration is necessary for walk-in visitors, but regular security measures still apply.

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Funeral Mass for Ricardo G Abad PhD

[January 3, 2024] We celebrate the life of Dr Ricardo G Abad along with the many people and communities—in theater, social sciences, and other fields—whom Ricky has graced and transformed with his towering passion, courage, and intellect. His family invites guests to join them in prayer online over the next few days, with the public wake and viewing in Ateneo beginning on New Year’s Day.

Wake Mass for Ricardo G Abad PhD (Second Night)

[January 2, 2024] We celebrate the life of Dr Ricardo G Abad along with the many people and communities—in theater, social sciences, and other fields—whom Ricky has graced and transformed with his towering passion, courage, and intellect. His family invites guests to join them in prayer online over the next few days, with the public wake and viewing in Ateneo beginning on New Year’s Day.

Wake Mass for Ricardo G Abad PhD (First Night)

[January 1, 2024] We celebrate the life of Dr Ricardo G Abad along with the many people and communities—in theater, social sciences, and other fields—whom Ricky has graced and transformed with his towering passion, courage, and intellect. His family invites guests to join them in prayer online over the next few days, with the public wake and viewing in Ateneo beginning on New Year’s Day.

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[Tanghalang Ateneo, August 8, 2024] In honor of the late Dr. Ricardo G. Abad, beloved mentor and longest-serving Artistic Director and Moderator, Tanghalang Ateneo’s 46th season is themed, “𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀, 𝐒𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀, 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧.”

For pioneering research on social theory, innovating theater for social change, and bridging disciplines together, Sir Ricky is distinguished as an exemplar of Eloquentia, Sapientia, Humanitas. Tanghalang Ateneo remembers him more intimately as our playfellow—our trusted gatherer for stories that enchant with the spoken word, transform knowledge into embodied wisdom, and champion the well-being of humanity.

As per his favorite artist, Shakespeare:

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥,

𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘥𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴,

𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 —

It is from the space between grief and celebration, our rich history and everything that comes next, that we offer our songs.

Graphic Design by Zoë de Ocampo

Lundagin Mo, Beybeh! | 8 Jan 24 | Remembering Ricky

2024 Traditional University Awards

The Traditional University Awards of the Ateneo de Manila recognize the life and works of men and women in our society who exemplify the values of the university. For 2024, the Board of Trustees has chosen to award the following individuals, all exemplars in their respective fields:

GAWAD TANGLAW NG LAHI

Abad, a master in delicately and artfully interweaving sociology and theater, generously shared his knowledge, expertise, and passion. He dedicated his life to the art of theater, which he deemed a means for social change. With great creativity, Abad worked at inculturating, localizing, and decolonizing Western productions to reflect Philippine realities. Abad’s brilliance—on and off the stage—influenced generations of theater artists, critics, researchers, and enthusiasts, reaffirming the power of theater to inspire, instigate change, and transform for the better.

Philippine Leaf Awards

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Sintang Dalisay (2024)

Tanghalang Ateneo, in collaboration with Areté, proudly presented Sintang Dalisay, a full-length adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, adapted and directed by the late Ricardo G. Abad and Guelan Varela-Luarca. Sintang Dalisay ran from July 6-7, 12-14, and 18-20 at the Hyundai Hall of Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

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Videos

Magisterial Lectures | Ricardo G Abad PhD - Demography and Human Capital: Why Education Matters

[October 2020] In this lecture, Dr. Abad discusses demography and human capital, looking at how education affects a country’s population growth and overall resiliency. Magisterial Lectures is an Areté Production done in partnership with The Department of Communication, Loyola Schools and the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Multimedia Communication.

Talakayan | What Will Philippine Theater Look Like in the Future?

[December 2022] In this episode, three young theater makers –Guelan Luarca, Katte Sabate, Neil Azcuna — join Ricardo Abad to imagine the future of Philippine Theater in post-pandemic times.

BECKETT'S LEGACIES | Prof. Victor Merriman and Prof. Ricardo Abad

[March 2022] “Beckett’s Legacies: Authoritarianism, Artists and Activism in David Lloyd’s The Press (2009) and The Pact (2021)”

Lundagin Mo, Beybeh! | 24 Jan 22

LIVE | Lundagin Mo, Beybeh! | 24 Jan 22 Hosts: Dr. Jovi Miroy and Mr. Ronan Capinding Episode: ABAD Episode: A Conversation on Performing Arts and Innovation and Hope Guest: Dr. Ricky Abad, AdMU Professor Emeritus

Joy~Nostalg Mind Session (With Dr. Ricardo Abad)

[October 2021] Today, Joy~Nostalg invited Dr. Ricardo “Ricky” Abad for its monthly Mind Session to discuss more about the value of Happiness and ways to hone it especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In his talk, Dr. Ricky, explained that Happiness is for everyone, as well as how it is a state of being and a choice.

Risk and Resilience in the City: An Animated Lecture

[September 2021] Why is the Philippine prone to hazards like typhoons and floods? Who are the most vulnerable when floods and typhoons come? What can we do about it? Based on the research findings of the Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines project, this animated lecture entitled “RISK AND RESILIENCE IN THE CITY” answers these questions in animated form.

Against The Light - Dr. Ricky Abad

[August 2021] A reject of his high school’s staging of Hamlet. Dr. Ricky Abad shares with us his memories with National Artist Rolando Tinio and his challenge to Filipino Playmakers.

AZUL : Ang Sirena ng Sigwa, Kuwentuhan at Kantahan Para sa Kalikasan

[July 2021] AZUL: Ang Sirena ng Sigwa is an original musical written and directed by BJ Crisostomo, produced by Areté and CCARPH. This is an online stage reading created for the virtual theater. Azul: Ang Sirena ng Sigwa, focuses on the relationships between two individuals and their love for the mermaid Azul, through the years – and how climate change and our vulnerability to floods and typhoons brought about by it greatly impact our lives…

Conversation with Ricardo Abad & Melissa Maramara

[July 2020]

Tanghalang Ateneo's Lysistrata Ng Bakwit (dir. Ricardo Abad, 2018) - Full Show

[April – May 2018] LYSISTRATA NG BAKWIT hango sa Lysistrata ni Aristophanes April 17 – May 5, 2018 The Doreen Black Box, Soledad V. Pangilinan Arts Wing, Arete

Tanghalang Ateneo's SINTANG DALISAY on Mornings@ANC

[August 2011] The cast of Tanghalang Ateneo’s SINTANG DALISAY performs on the July 27 episode of Mornings@ANC.

Transcribed Interviews

A snippet from Dr. Abad’s interview featured in the book, “University Traditions: The Social Sciences Interviews” published by the Ateneo de Manila University in 2010.

Interviewer (Mr. Ron Capinding): The next questions are more personal in nature. How would you describe the legacy you will leave the university?

Dr. Abad: That’s a tough question to answer. Others will define that legacy for you. But I can foresee several aspects of that legacy. One is my work in sustaining college theater. Another is my style of teaching, my classroom work. A third will be my academic work, hopefully to include a textbook. I would like to think that during my stay in the Ateneo, I have moved or inspired people to do good, to be better persons, to love the country. That’s my spirit in others.

Sandaang Salaysay

Sandaang Salaysay, Areté Ateneo

Sandaang Salaysay is a podcast series featuring Filipino folktales and short stories for the younger generation, co-created by Areté and Ateneo de Manila Basic Education. This collection of audio episodes aims to cultivate cultural appreciation and literary exploration among the youth.

Articles

“Democracy, Morality, and Filipino Protest Potential: Data from the 2019 World Values Survey,” in Martial Law in the Philippines: Lessons and Legacies 1972-2022, Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2023. Pp. 183-209.

“Survey Research And Philippine Sociological Practice” completed June 2021, for the Handbook of Philippine Sociology, A Philippine Sociological Society Problication, 2023.

“Bohol: A Resilient Religiosity.” In Sinag; Religiosity in Bohol, 2023.

“Theater after the Pandemic,” Paper presented in an online conference on theater in pandemic times, ISI Jogjakarta, Publication 2023.

“The Importance of Being in the Moment: Pandemic Lessons,” Papers of the International Theatre Schools Directors Conference (2020), Shanghai: Shanghai Theatre Academy, 2021. Pp. 77-84.

“Navigating our Well-Being in the Time of COVID-19,” Our Way Forward, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, March 28, 2020. https://Areté.ateneo.edu/connect/losing-and-regaining-happiness-in-the-time-of-covid-19

“The Ten Mats of Sintang Dalisay, or How Romeo and Juliet Became Rashiddin and Jamila,” Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia, 10:1 (2020); pp.3-16.

(with Matthew Santamaria) “Localizing Shakespeare and Folk Performance: Romeo and Juliet, Sintang Dalisay and the Igal of the Sama Bajau in Southern Philippines, Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia, 10:1 (2020): 17-66.

“Using Local Knowledge to Enhance Muslim-Christian Relations: Sintang Dalisay and The Igal of the Sama-Bajau in Southern Philippines,” in Ahmad Zuhairi Abdul Majid and A.S Hardy Shafii, Eds. Local Knowledge through the Integration of Design and Perspectives of Visual and Performing Arts. Penang, Malaysia:Universiti Sains Malaysia Press, 2020.

(with Guelan Varela Luarca) “Sintang Dalisay: Bersyong Pampitong Aktor at Tatlong Musikero” Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia 10:1 (2020): 105-130.

(with Guelan Varela Luarca and Matthew Santamaria) “Sintang Dalisay: A Performance Text for Seven Actors and Three Musicians.” Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia 10:1 (2020)”131-154.

(with Guelan Varela-Luarca) “Sintang Dalisay: A Play in Eleven Scenes” Based on the awit of G.D. Roke and Rolando Tinio’s translation of Willima Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet,” in Glecy C. Atienza, Ed., Tipanan: Mga Aral ng Dula mula sa Unibersidad ng Pambansang Punung-Lungsod. Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 2020 Pp. 203-237.

(with Nicolo Ricardo Magno) “Bilibid Weeks: An Account of a Prison Theater in the Philippines,” Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia, 9:2 (2019), pp. 29-53. The article is a revised version of a paper presented at the Asian University Network-Culture and the Arts (AUN-CA) Conference, Vientiane, Laos, October 13-18

“Lysistrata ng Bakwit: Peace-Building via a Performance Project,” Research Report submitted to the CHED Salikha Grants Program and the National Commission of Culture and the Arts,” March 2019.

“Shakespeare at Bilibid: A Passport to Freedom.” Lifestyle.INQ, 2018 (https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/312866/shakespeare-at-bilibid-a-passport-to-freedom/).

“Shakespeare as Cultural Capital: Its Rise, Fall and Renaissance in Elite Education,” in Beatrice Li, Judy Ick, and Poonam Trivedi, eds. Shakespeare’s Asian Journeys: Critical Encounters, Cultural Geographies and the Politics of Travel. London: Routledge, 2017. Pp. 159-183.

“Theatre and Nation in Contemporary Malaysia,” Report prepared for the Asian Public Intellectuals Program, Nippon Foundation, September 2014. Presented at the API Regional Conference, Hiroshima, Japan, November 2014 and at the Bridges to Southeast Asia Conference, Ateneo de Manila University, March 2015. published in Kritika Kultura, August 2017.

(with Melissa Maramara) “Voice and Body Training at Ateneo Theater Arts.” Paper prepared for the 8^th Annual Asia-Pacific Bureau Festival of Theater Schools,” De La Salle College of the Arts, Singapore, Ap4il 6-11, 2015. Published in Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia 1:1-2 (October 2016).

“Using Local Knowledge to Enhance Muslim-Christian Relations: Sintang Dalisay and the Igal of the Sama-Bajau,” Local Wisdom: Universal Heritage — Conference Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Local Knowledge 2016. Penang, Malaysia, 2016.

(with Melissa Maramara) “Training Actors in the Ateneo Theater Arts Program: Negotiating Western Techniques in the Philippine Context.” Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia, 6:2 (2016), pp. 19-38.

“Problems of Representation in Intercultural Theater: The Case of Sintang Dalisay.” Paper prepared for the ALIA 2015 International Symposium, Asian League of Institutes of the Arts, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 27-29, 2015.

“To Our Own Selves Be True: Teaching Strategies for the Social Sciences,” Talk given to the School of Social Sciences, October 14, 2015. Text appears in the website of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

(with Matthew Santamaria) “Reconfiguring Folk Performance for the Contemporary Stage: Sintang Dalisay and the Igal Of The Sama-Bajau.” Paper prepared for the SAC International Conference on the theme “Folk Performing Arts in ASEAN,” Sirindhorn Anthropology Center, Bangkok, Thailand, 4-6 September 2015.

“An Intercultural Romeo and Juliet: Not Lost in Translation” by Ricardo Abad (Philippines Senior Fellow Year 2013-2014) API Newsletter, Issue 28 (January – December 2014)

“The IPC Memoirs: Craft, Collegiality and Commitment,” IPC @5 0, edited by Cynthia Veneracion. Quezon City: Institute of Philippine Culture, Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City” Institute of Philippine Culture 2013.

“Ateneo Theater Arts Excel in Vietnam Theater Festival,” Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 2013.

“Acting Lessons from Rolando and Ella,” Asian Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia, 2:2 (2012) pp. 1-7.

“Incredible Indian Theater: Impressions on the 13^th National Theater Festival,” Loyola Schools Bulletin, 2011.

“Tanghalang Ateneo: Heroism of the Ensemble,” To Give and Not To Count the Cost, Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2011

“Ateneo Shakespeare and National Identity,” Paper prepared for Magpakatao, A lecture Series Honoring the Ateneo Sesquicentennial sponsored by the School of Humanities, December 2009.

“Pinoy Shakespeare and Tanghalang Ateneo,” Paper presented to Tanghal, A National Theater Conference sponsored by the National Commission of Culture and the Arts, November 2009.

“College Theater and the Professional Life: Voices from Tanghalang Ateneo,” Loyola Schools Review (Humanities Edition) 8:1 (2009) Also included is a copy of the speech “The Spider, The Tiger, and the Theater,” given at the Loyola School Award for the Arts ceremony, March 2009).

“Appropriating Shakespeare and Resisting Colonialism: Reflections of A Stage Director,” in Hiroko Nagai and Tito Valiente, eds. Transnationalizing Culture in Asia: Dramas, Musics and Tourism, Manila: Japan Foundation and the Japanese Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University, 2009.

(with Matthew Santamaria) “W(i)elding Brecht and Igal in The Caucasian Chalk Circle: From Conversations to Rich Collaborations in Directing and Choreography,* in Solelah Ishak, “The Performing Arts as Culture Industries in Asia,” University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, February 2008..

“The Clothes We Wear: A Sociological View,” Paper prepared the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, March 2007.