Vincent Abenojar de Jesus
Birth dateJune 10, 1968 (age 58)
Birth placePhilippines
EducationCollege of Music Piano and Voice major
Alma materUniversity of the Philippines, (Music)
Occupation
  • composer
  • librettist
  • actor
  • musical director
  • writer
  • educator
Years active1983–present
Employer
Known for
  • musical theater
  • film scores
  • television scores
Notable works
  • Care Divas
  • Changing Partners
  • Himala: Isang Musikal
  • Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady
  • Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diablo, at ang Limang Milyong Boto
  • Skin Deep
  • Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal
  • Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muveeh
Awards
  • Cinema One Originals Award
  • Entertainment Press - Golden Screen Awards
  • FAMAS Award
  • Film Academy of the Philippines - Luna Award
  • Gawad Tanglaw for Best Achievement in Film Music
  • GEMS Award
  • Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino - Gawad Urian
  • Palanca Awards for Literature
  • Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards
  • Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards for Outstanding Original Libretto

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.[1] 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.[2][3] 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[4] was born to parents who were artists and educators.[5] 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.[6] He studied piano and voice at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Music.[7]

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[8] and was restaged until 2019.[6][9] In 2006, he composed the music for Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal which was an adaptation of the graphic novel by Carlo Vergara.[10][11] The following year, De Jesus provided the composition, arrangement, and musical direction for Batang Rizal.[12][13] For his work, he received the Gawad Buhay Award for Outstanding Musical Direction.[14] Skin Deep followed in 2008,[15] which earned him Gawad Buhay Award for Outstanding Original Libretto.[16] His libretto and composition for Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diablo, at Ang Limang Milyong Boto brought him further acclaim, winning Outstanding Original Libretto and Outstanding Original Composition in the Gawad Buhay Awards in 2009.[17]

In 2011, De Jesus' Care Divas premiered at the PETA Theater Center. He wrote the libretto and provided musical direction for the musical while also joining its ensemble.[18][19] In 2015, he was the musical director and composer for Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady.[20][21]

De Jesus' other notable productions include Changing Partners (2016),[22] and Tabing Ilog: The Musical (2023).[23]

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.[24] He later co-hosted Wipeout: Matira ang Matibay on GMA Network alongside Paolo Contis.[25]

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.[26]

Accolades

Film

Awards and Nominations
OrganizationYearWorkCategoryResultRef.
CineFilipino Film Festival2016Straight to the HeartBest Supporting Actor
Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival2017Changing PartnersBest Screenplay[a][27]
Best Music
FAMAS Award2006Ako Legal Wife: Mano Po 4?Best Musical Score
2009Baler[28]
2018Changing PartnersBest Adapted Screenplay[b][29]
Gawad Urian Award2004Crying LadiesBest Music
2006La Visa Loca[30]
2007Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh
2008Pisay
2018Changing Partners[31][32]
Golden Screen Awards2006La Visa LocaBest Musical Score[33]
Best Original Song[c]
2007Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze MoveehBest Original Song[d][34]
2008PisayBest Musical Score[e][35]
2012Ang Babae sa Septic TankBest Musical Score[36]
2013I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila![37]
Luna Award2005Santa SantitaBest Musical Score
2006Ako Legal Wife: Mano Po 4?
2007Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh
2009I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust and Love You)
Baler
2012Ang Babae sa Septic Tank
2018Changing PartnersBest Music
Best Screenplay[f]
Metro Manila Film Festival2013Girl, Boy, Bakla, TomboyBest Musical Score
2015My Bebe Love: #Kilig Pa More[38]
2024Isang HimalaBest Original Theme Song[g]
Best Musical Score
PMPC Star Awards for Movies2006Let The Love BeginMovie Musical Scorer of the Year
2007ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh
2008Ang Cute ng Ina Mo!
PisayDigital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year[h]
2009BalerMovie Musical Scorer of the Year
2012Ang Babae sa Septic TankDigital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year
2013I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila!
2014EkstraMovie Supporting Actor of the Year
Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year
Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng PrequelMovie Original Theme Song of the Year[i]
2015The TrialMovie Supporting Actor of the Year
2018Changing PartnersIndie Movie Screenwriter of the Year[j]
Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year
2025Isang HimalaMovie Musical Scorer of the Year
Movie Theme Song of the Year[k]

Theater

Awards and Nominations
OrganizationYearWorkCategoryResultRef.
Gawad Buhay Awards2008Skin DeepOutstanding Libretto[16]
Batang RizalOutstanding Musical Direction
2011Care DivasOutstanding Musical Composition[14]
Outstanding Sound Design
Original Original Libretto
Original Musical Direction
2019Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong BotoOutstanding Original Libretto[17]
Original Musical Composition

Literary awards

OrganizationYearWorkCategoryResultRef.
Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards2005AtengDulang May Isang Yugto[39]
2017Changing PartnersDulang Ganap ang Haba[40][41]

Notes

  1. ^ Shared with Lilit Reyes.
  2. ^ Shared with Lilit Reyes.
  3. ^ Shared with Mark Meily and Isay Alvarez.
  4. ^ Shared with Zsa Zsa Padilla.
  5. ^ Shared with Jobin Ballesteros.
  6. ^ Shared with Lilit Reyes.
  7. ^ Shared with Ricky Lee and Juan Karlos Labajo.
  8. ^ Shared with Jobin Ballesteros.
  9. ^ Shared with Yeng Constantino.
  10. ^ Shared with Lilit Reyes.
  11. ^ Shared with Juan Karlos Labajo.

References

  1. ^ Amadis Ma. Guerrero (22 February 2009). "Best stage actors of 2008". Philippine Daily Inquirer
  2. ^ "Full list: Winners of 67th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature – The Manila Times". www.manilatimes.net. September 2017.
  3. ^ "Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Archives | Inquirer Lifestyle". lifestyle.inquirer.net
  4. ^ Carballo, Bibsy M. (30 September 2013). "Vince suspends us in mid-air". Philstar.com
  5. ^ Cinema One (2019-04-07). Musical Scorer: Vince de Jesus recalls humble beginnings | INSIDE THE CINEMA. Retrieved 2026-02-13. – via YouTube.
  6. ^ gcadiz (2018-02-09). "On its 15th year, Vince de Jesus' 'Himala, Isang Musikal' gets a brand-new staging". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  7. ^ Gil, Baby A. "Songs to slash your wrist by Vincent de Jesus". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  8. ^ Santiago, Katrina Stuart (2013-03-23). "Theater review: One-dimensional 'Himala' as musical". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  9. ^ "REVIEW: Himala: Isang Musikal offers immersive experience". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  10. ^ Hawson, Fred (Mar 19, 2023). "Theater review: Inspired casting banners new 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah'". ABS-CBN
  11. ^ "ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Musikal plays again at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino starting Feb 18". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  12. ^ Santos, Rhea Manila (Sep 10, 2022). "PETA returns to the stage with the play 'Batang Rizal'". ABS-CBN
  13. ^ Almazan, Faye. "'Batang Rizal' to return on stage". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  14. ^ "Philstage bares 2011 Gawad Buhay! nominees, honors 4 performing arts icons". Inquirer Lifestyle. 2012-06-24.
  15. ^ "PETA's "Skin-Deep" to be staged from February 1 to March 9". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  16. ^ "PHILSTAGE announces winners of 2008 Gawad Buhay!". PEP.ph
  17. ^ "The winningest director, two best actresses and other Gawad Buhay facts". Inquirer Lifestyle. 2019-04-26.
  18. ^ "Musical dramedy Care Divas will be staged until March 13". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  19. ^ "Theater Review: Care Divas is more than just glitter". SPOT.PH. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  20. ^ Mateo, Ibarra C. (2015-04-28). "'Finding yourself' in 'Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady'". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  21. ^ Alviar, Vaughn (2015-04-17). "Why 'Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady' might just turn out to be the year's biggest musical". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  22. ^ "Changing Partners musical will get a sequel soon". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  23. ^ De Jesus, Totel V. (Dec 15, 2023). "'Tabing Ilog' composer Vincent de Jesus: 'Goal is to always make your actors shine'". ABS-CBN
  24. ^ ""Camera Café" wins Best Comedy Program in 13th Asian TV Awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  25. ^ "Paolo Contis and Vince De Jesus join forces for Wipeout". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  26. ^ Donato, Jerry. "A promise of all-out Sunday entertainment". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  27. ^ Urrutia, Ian. "Sappy Together". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  28. ^ "57th FAMAS Awards finalists revealed". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  29. ^ Villano, Alexa (2018-06-11). "FULL LIST: Winners, FAMAS awards 2018". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
  30. ^ Calderon, Ricky L. "Indie Films make a big splash at Urian". Philstar.com
  31. ^ "Gawad Urian 2018 nominees announced". INQUIRER.net. 2018-05-23.
  32. ^ "How Gawad Urian gives nods". Manila Bulletin. 2018-05-24.
  33. ^ Calderon, Ricky L. "'Blue Moon' chalks up most nominations in 3rd Golden Screen Awards". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  34. ^ "Maricel Soriano and Gina Pareno tie for Best Actress at the Golden Screen Awards". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  35. ^ Calderon, Ricky L. "Winners of this year's Golden Screen Awards bared • “Pisay,” indie film on student geniuses, is big winner". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  36. ^ "EnPress honors best in Philippine film at 9th Golden Screen Awards". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  37. ^ "WINNERS: 10th Golden Screen Awards". Rappler. April 27, 2013.
  38. ^ Smith, Chuck. "Winners: 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival awardsnight". Philippine Star
  39. ^ Viloria, Manuel. "Carlos Palanca Award Winners for the Year 2005 - Secondthoughts - Viloria.com". www.viloria.com
  40. ^ Rappler.com (September 2017). "FULL LIST: Winners, Palanca Awards 2017". Rappler
  41. ^ Interaksyon (2017-09-01). "UPDATED | List of 67th Palanca Awards winners". Interaksyon