University of Santo Tomas (UST) Symphony Orchestra (SO) Conductor Assoc. Prof. Herminigildo Ranera, Ph.D., was named Outstanding Musical Director during the Philippine Live Entertainment, Arts and Festivals (LEAF) Awards in ceremonies held on February 8, 2020 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
Ranera, a well-known conductor, composer, arranger, and educator, was awarded for his work in “Noli Me Tangere,” an opera production on the classic Filipino novel written by national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, himself a Thomasian.
A multi-awarded performer, Ranera was a three-time winner of the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). He is a faculty member of the UST Conservatory of Music, and the associate conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the resident symphony orchestra of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Ranera graduated from the UST Conservatory of Music.
Also recognized were: the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (SDT), who won the Outstanding Cultural Dance Group (School-Based) category, and SDT Artistic Director Robert Stephen Biadoma, who won the Outstanding Festival Choreographer award for his work on the Abrenian Kawayan Festival in Bangued, Abra.
The Philippine Live Entertainment, Arts, and Festivals (LEAF) Awards is an organization that recognizes outstanding live performances in theater, dance, music, and festivals all over the country. This was the inaugural awarding ceremonies of the organization.
