Star Powerhouse

  What is the most essential building block for the future of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the visual arts? This question set the tone for the recent Philippine Arts Roundtable organized by the country’s premier cultural institution, bringing together a diverse group of experts to examine the current landscape and explore the future directions of Philippine contemporary art. The recent roundtable discussion brought together Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, contemporary visual artists and cultural practitioners; Isa Lorenzo, founder and co-director of Silverlens Galleries; Carlos Quijon Jr., art historian, critic, and curator currently serving as the C-MAP Fellow for Southeast and East Asia at the Museum of Modern Art in New York; Clarissa Chikiamco, curator at National Gallery Singapore and a PhD candidate at King’s College London; Dindin Araneta, co-founder of Art Fair Philippines and Director of the Benilde Center for Campus Exhibitions (CCE) at De La Salle–College of S...

  After ten years, the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir (Wiener Sängerknaben) will return to Manila for a special concert on April 26 and 27, 2026, at 8:00 PM, in the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Celebrating the strong cultural ties between Austria and the Philippines, the concert will be held in anticipation of the 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries in 2026.   With a history spanning more than five centuries, the Vienna Boys Choir is regarded as one of the most distinguished choirs in the world. Known for their remarkable musicality, purity of tone, and rich tradition, the young singers perform a wide-ranging repertoire that includes classical masterpieces, sacred music, traditional Austrian works, and international favorites. The upcoming Manila concert will mark the choir’s long-awaited return to the Philippines since their last performance in the country a decade ago. The event promises an evening of exceptional music and cultural exchan...

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), brings the excellent collection of classic CCP titles to the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) this March 12 to 15, 2026, from 10 am to 8 pm, at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Classic titles and collectibles up to 50% off Boasting discounts and promos exclusive only at the PBF, festival goers can enjoy up to 50% off of CCP books, merchandise, and collectibles, including the digital edition of the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art.  Restocks of bestsellers Mga Piling Dula mula sa Virgin Labfest IV , Natatauhan: Mga Dula ng Kababaihan , and Himig Himbing will be up for grabs at 20% off. Timeless Bundles worth Php700 and Php1,200 will be available at the CCP Shop in PBF. Attendees can also purchase Tuklas Sining, a limited edition coffee table book first published in 1991 that traces the roots of Filipino artistry, as well as Cinemalaya Film Festival catal...

The world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir is set to return to the Philippines for a pair of special concerts in Manila on April 26 and 27, 2026, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts . Presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and arranged through the Austrian Embassy in Manila , the performances celebrate the choir’s 100 years of global touring in 2026. Known as one of the most celebrated boys’ choirs in the world, the Vienna Boys’ Choir has captivated audiences for generations with its rich choral tradition and exceptional musical artistry. The upcoming Manila concerts mark a highly anticipated return following their last Philippine performance in 2016, giving Filipino audiences another chance to experience the timeless sound of the historic Austrian ensemble live on stage.

Expanding access to Philippine arts and culture and celebrating womanhood, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) unveils a selection of exclusive performances, original productions, and award-winning films honoring the struggles, strengths, and memories of Filipino women on its  CCP Channel  platform this March . Catch Cinemalaya films, Gawad Alternatibo finalists, and a VLF play in the CCP Channel This month, CCP Channel’s line-up underscores stories that urge conversations and reflections on women’s contributions and narratives. Catch  Absurdo: Event Day  by  BJ Crisostomo , a   Virgin Labfest (VLF) one-act play staged in 2022, as well as selected Cinemalaya films,  Mga Dayo (Resident Aliens)  directed by  Julius Sotomayor Cena , and the 2022 Cinemalaya Audience Choice Award film  Kargo  directed by  TM Malones.   Gawad Alternatibo finalists  Ang Pagbukod Ni Melmel  by  Nathaniel Tulingan ,...

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra continues its landmark 41st season with its seventh concert on March 13, 2026, 7:30 pm, at the Metropolitan Theater. Led by music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the evening features British soprano Katerina Mina in a program that showcases the orchestra’s remarkable versatility and artistic excellence.   With the concert season featuring masterworks, world premieres and collaborations with top local and international artists, this upcoming concert, billed as  CONCERT VII: OPERA  blends classical repertoire with pieces that highlight the power and beauty of the vocal prowess.   Versatility in Italian, Swiss, German, and Filipino Notes   Featured works are Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi’s  La forza del destino: Overture , and  La forza del destino: Pace, pace mio Dio ; Italian composer Umberto Giordano’s  Andrea Chénier - La Mamma Morta ; Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s  Tosca:...