Vincent de Jesus

Vincent Abenojar De Jesus is a Filipino composer, librettist, musical director, writer, lyricist, actor, singer, and educator known for his work in theater, film, and television. De Jesus has written the music and libretti for several Filipino stage musicals, including Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal, Changing Partners, and Care Divas. In addition to his theater work, he has composed musical scores for films including Ang Babae sa Septic Tank and Isang Himala.

He is a two-time recipient of the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. His accolades also include three Gawad Urian Awards for Best Musical Score, eight Star Awards for Movies for Best Musical Score, two Luna Awards for Best Musical Score, two MMFF Awards for Best Musical Score and Original Theme Song and a FAMAS Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Early life and education Vincent Abenojar De Jesus was born to parents who were artists and educators. He began exploring the arts early, writing poetry and composing short piano pieces during his childhood. In 1983, he became a member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), remaining affiliated with the organization until 2020. He studied piano and voice at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Music.

Career Theater De Jesus' theatrical work spans multiple Filipino stage musicals. He co-wrote the libretto of Himala: Isang Musikal with Ricky Lee. It first premiered in 2003 and was restaged until 2019. In 2006, he composed the music for Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal which was an adaptation of the graphic novel by Carlo Vergara. The following year, De Jesus provided the composition, arrangement, and musical direction for Batang Rizal. For his work, he received the Gawad Buhay Award for Outstanding Musical Direction. which earned him Gawad Buhay Award for Outstanding Original Libretto. In 2015, he was the musical director and composer for Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady.

De Jesus' other notable productions include Changing Partners (2016), and Tabing Ilog: The Musical (2023).

Film In film, De Jesus has worked as a musical scorer, screenwriter, and actor.

In 2013, he appeared as the "Assistant Director" in the Cinemalayan film, Esktra. He also portrayed the father of John Lloyd Cruz's Ronald in the Star Cinema film, The Trial.

Television He wrote for and portrayed the character Pipay in Camera Café, a sitcom produced by Euro-Asia Media Group Ltd. and aired on GMA Network. The series won Best Comedy Program at the 13th Asian Television Awards. He later co-hosted Wipeout: Matira ang Matibay on GMA Network alongside Paolo Contis.

De Jesus served as the comedy head writer of GMA Network’s variety show All-Out Sundays and also worked as the arranger and musical director for its comedy segments until 2024.

Accolades Film + Awards and Nominations Organization Year Work Category Result Ref. CineFilipino Film Festival 2016 Straight to the Heart Best Supporting Actor Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2017 Changing Partners Best Screenplay Best Music FAMAS Award 2006 Ako Legal Wife: Mano Po 4? Best Musical Score 2009 Baler 2018 Changing Partners Best Adapted Screenplay Gawad Urian Award 2004 Crying Ladies Best Music 2006 La Visa Loca 2007 Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh 2008 Pisay 2018 Changing Partners Golden Screen Awards 2006 La Visa Loca Best Musical Score Best Original Song 2007 Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh Best Original Song 2008 Pisay Best Musical Score 2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Best Musical Score 2013 I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! Luna Award 2005 Santa Santita Best Musical Score 2006 Ako Legal Wife: Mano Po 4? 2007 Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh 2009 I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust and Love You) Baler 2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2018 Changing Partners Best Music Best Screenplay Metro Manila Film Festival 2013 Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy Best Musical Score 2015 My Bebe Love: #Kilig Pa More 2024 Isang Himala Best Original Theme Song Best Musical Score PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2006 Let The Love Begin Movie Musical Scorer of the Year 2007 ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh 2008 Ang Cute ng Ina Mo! Pisay Digital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year 2009 Baler Movie Musical Scorer of the Year 2012 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Digital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year 2013 I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! 2014 Ekstra Movie Supporting Actor of the Year Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel Movie Original Theme Song of the Year 2015 The Trial Movie Supporting Actor of the Year 2018 Changing Partners Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year 2025 Isang Himala Movie Musical Scorer of the Year Movie Theme Song of the Year

Theater + Awards and Nominations Organization Year Work Category Result Ref. Gawad Buhay Awards 2008 Skin Deep Outstanding Libretto Batang Rizal Outstanding Musical Direction 2011 Care Divas Outstanding Musical Composition Outstanding Sound Design Original Original Libretto Original Musical Direction 2019 Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto Outstanding Original Libretto Original Musical Composition

Literary awards + Organization Year Work Category Result Ref. Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards 2005 Ateng Dulang May Isang Yugto 2017 Changing Partners Dulang Ganap ang Haba