Star Powerhouse

  With refined grace, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) continues its 42nd concert season, Modulatio , with CONCERT II: ELEGANCE on October 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., at Manila’s historic Metropolitan Theater. Guided by the baton of renowned Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the PPO reinterprets timeless compositions by Filipino conductor Redentor Romero, German-British Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, and Polish composer Zygmunt Noskowski with renewed elegance and sophistication.  The second installment of the concert series features Filipino classical pedal harpist Vien Ignacio in a world-class performance. A repertoire evoking the warmth of home The PPO sets the stage with the heartwarming nostalgia of Romero’s Philippine Portraits . Reflecting the composer’s profound love for his homeland, the piece passionately weaves iconic local romantic melodies into a rich symphonic tapestry.  In his legacy as the country’s pioneering conductor who made his mark on the int...

  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...