Tony Mabesa

Antonio "Tony" Ocampo Mabesa ONA (January 27, 1935 – October 4, 2019) was a Filipino stage director, film and television actor, and professor. With a career spanning over 70 years, he was a founding father of Philippine university theater and one of the most prominent theater directors in the country. For his work, he was known as a "Lion of the Theater".

He founded the theater groups Dulaang UP and the UP Playwrights' Theatre.

Early life and education Antonio Ocampo Mabesa was born in Los Baños, Laguna. He entered high school at the University of the Philippines Rural High School, where he first directed a school production. He finished his degree in Agriculture at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where he was mentored by Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero.

He pursued a master's degree in theater arts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1965, and a master's degree in education at the University of Delaware in 1969. While in the US, worked as a stage manager to Sir Tyrone Guthrie, where he "observed up close how a campus-based theater organization should be run and could work."

Filmography

Film Rosa Mistica (1988) Macho Dancer (1988) – Customer 1 Tukso Layuan Mo Ako! (1991) Ipagpatawad Mo (1991) – EENT Doctor Sa Isang Sulok ng Mga Pangarap (1993) Kadenang Bulaklak (1994) – Mr. Benigno Doctolero Pangako ng Kahapon (1994) – Bishop The Maggie dela Riva Story: God... Why Me? (1994) – Appeal lawyer Iukit Mo sa Bala (1994) – Padre Celso Ang Ika-Labing Isang Utos: Mahalin Mo Asawa Mo (1994) – Priest Redeem Her Honor (1995) – Rosendo's lawyer The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995) – Foreign Affairs Sec. Roberto Romulo Closer to Home (1995) – Señor de Villa Muling Umawit ang Puso (1995) – Sen. Labrador Kristo (1996) – Caifás Bilang Na ang Araw Mo (1996) – Sen. Cepeda Bakit May Kahapon Pa? (1996) – Colonel Baluyot The Sarah Balabagan Story (1997) – Foreign Affairs Sec. Domingo Siazon José Rizal (1998) – Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja Katawan (1999) – Don Villaverde Mister Mo, Lover Ko (1999) – Priest Azucena (2000) – Tomas' boss Abandonada (2000) – Atty. Mallonca Deathrow (2000) – Governor Asunta Mila (2001) – Mr. De Castro Walang Kapalit (2003) – Mr. Cesar Rustia Filipinas (2003) – Father Manalo Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) – Mayor Aldecoa Pacquiao: The Movie (2006) – Ruben Novales Mano Po 5: Gua Ai Di (2006) – Ang Kong Ploning (2008) – Susing Fuchsia (2009) – Mayor Sunga Father Jejemon (2010) – Fr. Baby Niño (2011) Migrante (2012) The Mistress (2012) – Maestro Emil El Presidente (2012) – Gen. Echaluche Bayang Magiliw (2013) Lihis (2013) She's the One (2013) Bride for Rent (2014) – Mr. Benjamin Maybe This Time (2014) – Pancho Past Tense (2014) – Lolo Jules Felix Manalo (2015) – Pastor Guillermo Zarco Rainbow's Sunset (2018) Clarita (2019)

Television Year Title Role

Villa Quintana (1995–1997) Vietnam Rose (2005) Pasan Ko ang Daigdig (2007) Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita (2008) Una Kang Naging Akin (2008) May Bukas Pa (2009) Basahang Ginto (2010) My Little Juan (2013) Maalaala Mo Kaya (2014) FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2015)

Awards and legacy

Awards Best Supporting Actor, 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival: Rainbow's Sunset (2018) Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardee for Theater (2015) Upsilonian, Noble and Outstanding (UNO) Award Order of National Artists of the Philippines (2022)