Star Powerhouse

  The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its groundbreaking program CCP National Theatre Live, traverses the complex human mind in classics “Hamlet” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” this July. Shot live from the National Theatres in London, Hamlet returns to the Philippine shore this July 29, 6:00 p.m., at Glorietta 4 Cinema 4 in Makati City, while A Streetcar Named Desire will premiere at the Ayala Malls Vertis North & Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu on the same date and time. The downward spiral of a vengeful son Watch Prince Hamlet’s slow descent to madness after his father’s ghosts reveal the truth about his own death. Academy Award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) plays the titular character in William Shakespeare's most famous play. Directed by Lyndsey Turner and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, this version of Hamlet seems to dissect the Prince of Denmark and his darkening world with political precision and psychological insight. The st...

 The biblical tale of the wicked  Salome  takes center stage in the seventh installment of CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines)’s The Met: LIVE in HD, screening on August 12, 2025, 5:30 pm, at Glorietta 4, Cinema 1 in Makati City.    Composed by Richard Strauss , Salome intertwines the life of the young girl with her stepfather, King Herod, and the prophet Jochanaan. Enthralled by Jochanaan, Salome makes advances. He then rejects her and advises her to seek Christ instead. Blinded by anger, the girl seduces King Herod to get the prophet for herself.   Due to its scandalous tale of eroticism and indecency, Strauss’ Salome was banned in London until 1908. Its provocative number, Dance of the Seven Veils , paints the once innocent girl in a new light. The spoiled princess displays her sexual awakening as a terrifying force, enough to commit murder in the name of her desires. Highlighting Salome’s dangerous obsession with Jochanaan, the opera narrates her i...

  IV OF SPADES are finally back!  After going on hiatus to pursue their respective solo careers and side projects, the Filipino rock supergroup breaks their silence with the surprise release of “ Aura ,” their first single since 2020’s “ Sariling Multo (Sa Panaginip) .” Produced by IV OF SPADES and Brian Lotho , the song explores themes of longing and unconditional love, searching for meaning and home among the sea of people. Accompanying the release of “Aura” is a music video directed and produced by the award-winning team at Lunchbox . Shot on a scenic hilltop, the visuals capture the band in candid moments: walking, goofing around, and enjoying their time together. It’s both intimate and cinematic, reminding fans of the chemistry that once made IV OF SPADES a household name. The comeback single also serves as IV OF SPADES’ first official release under their new label, Sony Music Entertainment, and new management, Balcony Music Entertainment .  Roslyn Pineda , Genera...

  Indonesia's acclaimed surf rock quartet, The Panturas , is set to bring their high-octane energy to Manila on July 19, 2025, at Sari Sari in Makati City.  Presented by Shoplifters United , the Manila show marks their first-ever performance in the Philippines and will serve as the first stop of their 2025 Asian tour before the band heads to Japan for a coveted slot at the iconic Fuji Rock Festival. Known for their electrifying blend of vintage surf riffs, psychedelic textures, and garage-punk energy, The Panturas have built a loyal following across Southeast Asia for nearly a decade. Their music evokes the energy of a Tarantino film, only that it’s set in Bandung or coastal Java. Armed with infectious stage presence and global appeal, they’ve carved out a sound that’s equal parts retro swagger and post-modern cool: a perfect match for Manila's ever-evolving indie music crowd. For the Manila leg of the tour, the Indonesian band will be joined by a stellar lineup of local ...

  The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is now accepting applications for Batch 13 of the CCP Kabataang Gitarista (KG) Program, a project spearheaded by the Artist Training Division under the CCP Arts Education Department. The CCP KG Program provides classical guitar training and performing opportunities for aspiring guitarists while developing an increased appreciation for classical guitar. Interested applicants must be a bona fide Grade 7, 8, or 9 student in a public high school within the National Capital Region, with good moral character and an average or higher scholastic standing. Applicants may apply by downloading and filling out the Application Form (downloadable through https://linktr.ee/CCPKGProgramAuditions2025 ) and submitting the duly accomplished form via email to artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph on or before September 5, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 NN.  Auditions will be held on September 6, 2025 (Saturday), 7 AM, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP...

  This year marks an incredible milestone for Filipino music as Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) celebrates its 11th anniversary with a robust slate of events and programs designed to put a spotlight on the vibrant and evolving landscape of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). With the theme “ LMP25: Ikaw. Ako. Tayo ,” the month-long celebration honors the spirit of the community and collaboration that defines the Filipino musical identity.  Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit's (OPM) Executive Director Gab Cabangon emphasizes that this edition aims to embrace the culture of community and collaboration while celebrating how integral music is to the lives of the Filipino people. “This is why we have a mix of OPM Spotlight performances in different areas of Metro Manila that retained the ‘back-to-basics’ approach we had for LMP 2024 and the music talk series designed to inspire music artists to pursue artistic excellence and to create an accessible learning space for artists ...

  Filipino soul-pop artist Muri and Japanese electronic producer Shigge have finally dropped  “ Golden Hour ,” the luminous first single off their upcoming joint EP, SETSUNA —slated to be released next month. Photo credits: Ted Orsenado The soulful electronic track serves as the entry point into the shared universe Muri and Shigge crafted together, capturing the fleeting beauty of twilight: the moment when day dissolves into night.   “It’s the kind of song that lives in transition: when you wrap up work, call it a day, and grab a happy hour beer on a rooftop,” Muri shares. “It’s for that moment when the house DJ begins to play, and you let the music take you somewhere else. Everything else—your wins, frustrations, and should-have-beens, disappear into the sunset.”   Exuding warmth and airiness in equal measure, “Golden Hour” reveals its sophistication through layers of soft textures, downtempo rhythms, and breathy, emotive vocals. Shigge’s introspective production,...