Star Powerhouse

  The main building may remain asleep, but the shows must go on. For CCP President Michelle Nikki Junia, the people do not need to go to Manila to experience world-class productions and training because the Cultural Center of the Philippines endeavors to bring the best of Philippine culture and arts closer to all Filipino people in the regions. The CCP Office of the President's Outreach Program has its calendar full of concerts featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Kabataang Guitarista, with select guest performers. While the CCP Main Building remains closed due to the ongoing rehabilitation, CCP intensifies its outreach programs and events, reaching as far as Tawi-Tawi, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon in the south, and Nueva Ecija in the north. “Our outreach programs help us connect with our kababayan in the regions, and also learn what are the cultural and artistic needs of the locals. In this way, the CCP can expand its artistic programmi...

  The highly anticipated collaboration between Asia's megastar Lay Zhang and American pop sensation Lauv is set to make waves globally with their forthcoming single , "Run Back to You” , scheduled for release on February 23 rd at 13:00 Hong Kong Time .  "Run Back to You" presents a captivating blend of contemporary pop melodies and nostalgic retro vibes, promising to resonate with audiences worldwide. Playing on romantic themes including the complications of relationships, Lay croons “All I do is run back to you / Why do we keep making the same mistakes?” over top Lauv’s sweet and heartfelt harmonies, intertwined with catchy building pop synths.  Lay Zhang shared his enthusiasm for the project remarking, “ ‘Run Back To You’ is a new song that I made with my friend Lauv - It’s about learning from your past and growing from it all. We had so much fun making this together, and hope everyone can dance along.” And from Lauv’s own words: “I met Lay on my first trip to M...

  The highly-anticipated Nihongo Fiesta 2024 by the Japan Foundation, Manila, which took place last February 24, Saturday, at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong concluded with a series of events centered on a celebration of language, culture, and creativity. The Nihongo Fiesta stands as a cherished tradition serving not only as an event but as a celebration that fosters deeper connections between Japan and the Philippines. It provides a fertile ground for the flourishing community of Nihongo speakers and enthusiasts, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, from eager language learners to seasoned professionals, to take part in an immersive arts and cultural experience unlike any other. One of the highlights of the Nihongo Fiesta 2024 is the 51st Nihongo Speech Contest, wherein nine finalists from all over the Philippines showcased their talents and skills in communicating their thoughts in Japanese. This year's Grand Champion is Jacob Fuentebella (Bulacan), a UP Diliman gradu...

  In less than 2 weeks, fans in the Philippines will have the incredible opportunity to witness the biggest music event of the year, the highly anticipated Ed Sheeran '+ - = ÷ x Tour' in Manila, happening on March 9, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds, Paranaque City, with special guests Calum Scott and our very own OPM artist, Ben&Ben. Also, in response to popular demand new seats have been added as well as a new General Admission (Cat 8) Section.    The 9-piece Filipino indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben is composed of twin brothers Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin on acoustic guitars and vocals, Poch Barretto on electric guitar, Keifer Cabugao on violin, Andrew De Pano and Toni Munoz on percussion, Pat Lasaten on keyboards, Agnes Reoma on bass, and Jam Villanueva on drums. They are known for their songs Leaves, Make It With You, Panindigan Kita, Maybe The Night, and Pagtingin. The band has received numerous awards, including an Asia Artist Award, an Aliw Award,...

If one fancies Ballet Manila as an ensemble, Le Corsaire (the pirate) is among the few to best showcase a whole cast with various settings, character highlights, and intricate clothing that complements the expressions. The story is about the corsairs or pirates who arrive at a land that enacts a culture where girls are purchased to entertain. Ballet Manila takes the stage to showcase talents in this performance show, Le Corsaire last February 25, 2024 (Sunday) 5PM at the Aliw Theater in Pasay, Manila.  Aliw Theater as a venue is interesting as it was built as a gift to Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, founder of Ballet Manila and Prima Ballerina, by her husband. Aliw Theater is also beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In the millennium, stand-alone theaters like Aliw Theater were a rare gem. As a form of community center, the theater brings citizens together to a dedicated purpose towards theater at a location. The theater, renovated in 2022, 20 years after its founding, can accomm...

 León Gallery once again opens another art-filled year with its traditional annual partnership with The Asian Cultural Council to commemorate and celebrate the visionary artistry of Filipino talent.  "There is much to be grateful for and many milestones to remember with our first major auction of the year—the much-awaited Asian Cultural Council Auction of 2024," León Gallery Director Jaime Ponce de Leon says.  ACC Philippines Chairman Ernest L. Escaler remarks that León Gallery and the Asian Cultural Council have, for the past nine years, produced nothing short of a fruitful and "wonderful partnership." "Filled with gratitude for the year that was, we recommence with greater optimism to move forward building a legacy that espouses the transformative power of the arts," Escaler says.  "As we aim to actualize ACC's mission year after year, we seek the support of like-minded individuals and form alliances along the way to support our advocacy." ...

Korean superstar  AHN BO HYUN  is finally coming to Manila for the very first time! 2024 AHN BO HYUN Fan Meeting in Manila will happen on  Saturday, May 25, 6PM  at the  New Frontier Theater . Presented by  Wilbros Live  and  IAM Worldwide . Catch the Korean actor behind the hit dramas  “ Military Prosecutor Doberman ”, “ Yumi’s Cell ”, “ My Name ”, “ Itaewon Class ”, “ See You in My 19th Life ”, and “ Flex X Cop ”  in his much-awaited fan meeting tour this summer. Known for his exceptional talent and charismatic acting, Ahn Bo Hyun will finally have an up-close and personal encounter with his fans. Tickets go on-sale on March 9 at 12PM via  TicketNet.com.ph  and TicketNet outlets. Fan benefits include Group Photo for Diamond section and 10 lucky winners each from VIP and Orchestra sections, Hi-Bye Session and Official Poster for all sections, and Signed Poster for Diamond to

  The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) while its main building in Pasay City being renovated extends its reach to the masses through a Kanto Kultura (corner culture) flash mob performance with the Ramon Obusan Folklore Group, Madz et al, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra last February 18, 2024 for 20 minutes from 2:00 PM at SM Mall of Asia. The event is entitled Sining Sorpresa (Arts Surprise) to blend with the local modern culture of the masses in strolling around the shopping malls. Philippine mall giant, SM, graciously offered their space to entertain mall goers in February, also known as the love month. Songs featured were traditional love songs from historically known composers and a modern serenade from a famous 1980s local alternative rock band. The atrium of the SM Mall of Asia was designed with modern washout tile finishes surrounded by retail stores in dark lines and frames enveloping the performers at the center. Unknown to mall passersby, orchestra instr...

  It was fortunate last February 18, 2024 Sunday to be able to watch "Rama, Hari" (Rama, King) a Filipino rock musical led by Alice Reyes Dance Company' visionary founder and National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, now 80+ years old of age. My appreciation for ballet has been developed over the last few years especially last year through the generous invitation of a long-time friend, Axl, who is a fan of Philippine ballet. This time has once again elevated my appreciation for the art of ballet to a great extent. I watched with a fresh perspective without expectations and found myself smiling to learn what the standard of a National Artist for Dance is with ballet.  My innocence on what to expect goes with how I had nothing planned for that Sunday and just allowed my friend to lead the way. We met earlier at SM Mall of Asia that afternoon 2 PM to watch a 20-minute flashmob surprise Valentine's Month concert by the Ramon Obusan Folklore group, Philippine Philharmonic Or...

 What is it all about, a heartfelt, stripped down single from Multi-awarded artist Nicole Laurel Asensio and producer Gabe Dandan is set to launch on all listening platforms on Feb 23, 2024 under Warner Music Philippines, with an intimate launch party on Feb 29, 2024.  What is the song all about? “What is it all About?” was written last February on a windswept afternoon in the centuries-old Paco park. Nicole and I took an afternoon off and strolled through Paco park last February.  We begun jamming as the sun began to sink.” - Gabe Dandan recalls “It was an intriguing process to write a song comprised almost entirely of questions whilst simultaneously unfurling each chord and lyric on the spot. It was almost like unfolding a piece of paper to reveal a hidden pattern. Unlike our other songs, this one doesn’t play out like verse, chorus, verse, chorus, but rather it has a number of verses leading up to a bridge before falling silent and reverting back to questions that disp...

 Dua Lipa fans rejoice! After teasing the new single on social media, and giving a powerful performance of it at the Grammys, the pop superstar has finally released “Training Season” – complete with a dance-inducing music video!   WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO  HERE   A new era for Dua Earlier this month, Dua kicked off the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards with an  electric medley performance  of “Training Season,” “Dance The Night,” and “Houdini.” She’s also set to perform at the BRIT Awards on March 2nd, where she’s nominated for three awards – Artist of the Year, Best Pop Act, and Song of the Year for “Dance The Night.”   Her comeback has given listeners a taste of her distinct sound, but with a new-found confidence and more spunk. “Training Season” is the perfect example of this, which is all about embracing her singlehood and dating life without feeling any pressure of finding the ‘right’ one.   Speaking of the track, Dua shared, “I had been on a string ...