Star Powerhouse

  The Virgin Labfest (VLF) officially comes of age in its 21st edition, stripping down all pretense of innocence while showcasing the bold Filipino voice and spirit. As it nurtures emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, it revels in the artistic and creative desires expressed through fearless storytelling.   Guided by the theme Hubo’t Hubad , this year’s VLF reflects on the many ways people reveal themselves. It invites audiences to engage with works that expose layers of identity, memory, and vulnerability.   Offering a deeper understanding of the human experience, the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns with 12 “virgin” scripts this June 3 to 28, 2026, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).   Unrestrained tales of the human experience   Featuring new works by eight “virgin” playwrights and four returning playwrights, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD elaborates on the unbri...

Embodying the spirit of interconnectedness this National Heritage Month, the CCP Channel curates a thoughtful selection of digital content that highlights the rich Philippine heritage. Aligned with this year’s theme, “ Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future, ” symbolized by the banig (woven mat), the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ online streaming platform weaves together stories that bridge generations to shape national sensibility.  This May, the CCP Channel presents select films from the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, entries from Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, Virgin Labfest (VLF) one-act featured plays, and  CCP T(A)YONG Dalawa: Indak sa Saliw ng Pusong Umiibig instructional videos on folk and indigenous dances.   Dive into VLF, Gawad Alternatibo, and Cinemalaya through the CCP Channel Catch filmmaker Iar Arondaing’s Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma on the CCP Channel. This Cinemalaya 2018 entry...

  9 Works Theatrical raises anticipation for its upcoming production YEMAYA as it officially reveals a powerhouse cast for the Filipino translation of Yemaya’s Belly by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes . Known for her work on In The Heights , Hudes’ lyrical storytelling is reimagined for local audiences through the translation of Eljay Castro Deldoc , under the direction of acclaimed theater artist Ed Lacson Jr. . Blending seasoned theater veterans with rising young talents, the production promises a visceral and emotionally resonant exploration of myth, motherhood, identity, and the tides of fate. Photo credits: Lee Morale | 9 Works Theatrical Taking on the dual role of Jesus/Mulo are Tommy Alejandrino and Benedix Ramos . Alejandrino, an award-winning film and theater actor, is widely recognized for his performance in The Baseball Player and notable roles in Mallari , GomBurZa , Salome , and Her Locket . A graduate of the Philippine High School for the A...

Multi-platinum pop-punk icons  SIMPLE PLAN  will make their highly anticipated return to Manila with their new headline tour “ The Bigger Than You Think! ”  Tour  on  November 25, 2026  at the  Araneta Coliseum . Presented by Midas Promotions and Wilbros Live. The tour promises an unforgettable night of nostalgia, energy and fan favorite anthems. Celebrating 25 years as a band, Simple Plan — comprising Pierre Bouvier, Chuck Comeau, Jeff   Stinco,   and   Sébastien Lefe bvre   —   have   built   a   global   leg acy   with   their   signature   blend   of infectious melodies and heartfelt   lyrics. With iconic hits such as  I’m Just a Kid ,  Welcome to My   Life ,  Perfect, Jet Lag,  and  I’d Do Anything , the band continues to resonate with fans worldwide through their electrifying live performances and timeless catalogue. Sharing   their ...

  The countdown has officially begun. With just weeks to go before tens of thousands of music fans gather once again in Pampanga,  Aurora Music Festival 2026 is all systems go  as it prepares to celebrate its  5th anniversary on May 2–3 at Clark Global City,  promising one of the most exciting weekends for OPM lovers this year. What began as a bold vision to spotlight Filipino music has evolved into one of the country’s most anticipated annual music festivals. Now in its fifth year, Aurora continues to bring together some of the biggest names in OPM, creating a rare live music experience where multiple generations of Filipino artists share one massive stage. For its milestone edition, the festival is pulling out all the stops. Headlining the two-day celebration are  SB19  and  IV OF SPADES , two of the most influential acts shaping the modern Filipino music scene today. Their performances are expected to be among the biggest highlights of the fest...

AYO is the latest addition to Sony Music Entertainment ’s esteemed roster of P-Pop acts. Arriving with primal energy and unmistakable superstar aura, the Davao-based, seven-member boy group is composed of Justin, Renzo, GV, TJ, Enzo, Zack, and Patrick. Their name is derived from the Cebuano word “ maayo ,” which means talented. It’s also commonly used as a call for attention, much like knocking on a door. Representing a new generation of pop groups that are unafraid to disrupt the norm, AYO embodies the multicultural spirit of their hometown while rewriting the rules with effortless confidence and discipline. These qualities reflect the unapologetically authentic sound of “ I'm Him ,” their pre-debut single. Anchored in rebellious spirit and self-awareness, the song defies expectations while encouraging their listeners to stand firm on who they are and embrace their individuality. “Within our group, we each bring different strengths and come from varied backgrounds,” shares the P-P...