Star Powerhouse

  Seven films from the 21st edition of Cinemalaya have earned a total of 29 nominations at the Gawad Urian Awards, recognizing the filmmakers, artists, and creatives behind some of the festival’s most compelling works. The nominations span major categories from Best Film and Best Director to acting, screenplay, cinematography, editing, music and sound, reaffirming the strength of the country’s indie filmmaking scene. The nominated films are Bloom Where You Are Planted , Cinemartyrs , Republika ng Pipolipinas , Paglilitis , Raging , Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan , and Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana . All seven were part of the full-length category of Cinemalaya 21 (2025). Leading the nominations is Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, with eight nods, including Best Film for Kino Arts, Best Director for Sari Dalena, Best Screenplay for Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat, Best Actress for Nour Hooshmand, Best Production Design for Toym Imao, Best Cinematography for Neil Daza and Kiri Da...

Championing the best of Filipino alternative storytelling, the CCP Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video returns this 2026 with Pag-aninag (Reflecting the Light) , inviting audiences to discover stories that illuminate hope, memory, struggle, and the dreams that connect people and communities. Established in 1987, CCP Gawad Alternatibo is considered the longest-running film competition and festival in the country and Southeast Asia, harvesting the best of Philippine films competing in various categories of Animation, Documentary, Experimental, and Narrative.  Now in its 38th year, Gawad Alternatibo reaffirms its commitment to provide a platform for emerging and established Filipino filmmakers who dare to challenge conventions and tell stories that evoke critical reflection, cultural discourse, and social transformation. Participating films for the Animation category are: AKO AY MAY LOBO by Siege Ledesma; ANO KA, ASO? by Marc Trisha Domingo; BANGKANG PAPEL by Rey Tamayo, Jr....

  Every story has the power to leave a lasting impression. Some remind us of the sacrifices people quietly make for those they love, while others encourage us to confront difficult truths, embrace compassion, and see the world through another person's eyes. This July, the CCP Channel features select productions from the Virgin Labfest (VLF), the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, and the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video. Covering different themes and storytelling styles that offer the opportunity to experience stories that reflect the realities, struggles, and aspirations of Filipinos across generations. Personal stories from the VLF stage translated onscreen Beginning this month’s lineup are three VLF plays presenting stories of individuals facing life's challenges, difficult decisions, and moments that shape their lives.  Originally staged as part of VLF 9, playwright Carlo Vergara’s KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY tells the story of a...

  The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Cultural Exchange brings the 2026 Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) Apprenticeship Program (AP) to Tagum City from July 22-31. Now on its 8th edition, the City of Tagum Cultural Center will be the official venue of program specifically at the Herminigildo Balayo MD Hall.  This year’s apprentices total to 24 from 17 KSS organizations nationwide.  The hands-on training modules are designed to enhance the competence level and skills of regional cultural workers in technical theater (sound and lights), and stage and production management.  The roster of trainors, facilitators and resource speakers are prominent in their respective fields to include Arnelio Manzano, Joey Nombres, Renz Sevilla and Chinggay Bernardo.  Mentoring on specific work areas in arts and theater with accompanying lectures, interactions, demonstrations, case studies, practical applications are included in the program. Three apprentices from the 2026 batch expre...

  The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with National Theatre Live and Ayala Malls Cinemas, brings another exciting lineup of world-class British theatre to Philippine shores through the third season of CCP National Theatre Live, running from July 2026 to July 2027. Featuring some of the finest stage productions from London's most celebrated theatres, the new season offers audiences the unique opportunity to experience acclaimed plays filmed live on stage and especially adapted for cinema screens. Through this program, CCP continues its commitment to making international theatre more accessible to Filipino audiences. Following the success of its previous seasons, CCP National Theatre Live expands its reach with screenings at Ayala Greenbelt in Makati, Ayala Vertis North in Quezon City, and Ayala Nuvali in Laguna, bringing exceptional theatre productions closer to audiences in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The third season opens on July 28 with The Audien...