Star Powerhouse

  Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) has been a home for Filipino theatre talent to flourish for almost 5 decades since its founding by National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. Alumni and past collaborators have gone on to pave their own unique paths in the creative and entertainment industry, some taking their learnings to explore other fields as well. Whether the artist performs, directs, writes, designs, researches or manages, passion and out of the box thinking is embedded within the DUP training into each student and colleague.   In their 48th Theatre Season, “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?” Dulaang UP picks up on probing the question of intentionality in coming home through looking back at their humble beginnings building upon the nearing 50th Theatre Season. Sir Tony’s legacy lives on with the university-based company bringing their student-artists, collaborators, and alumni at the forefront, initiated by their recently staged first ever all student-led twin-bill ...

Looking toward the company’s longevity in providing relevant and powerful theatre works to the people, more so as their 50th Theatre Season approaches, Dulaang UP’s invitation is a communal celebration of their students, alumni, and previous collaborators. Initiated in their recent run of DUP Classics’ Para Kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala, A Tribute to our National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa , the first ever all student-led process and choice of plays tackling oppressive authorities were the message. The production was a display of how far Dulaang UP has transformed through its decades of ups and downs to become a space for sharp questioning and nurturing curiosity — as the late DUP Founding Artistic Director Sir Tony envisioned the program. Dulaang UP’s 48th Theatre Season, “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?” picks up on probing the question of intentionality in coming home through looking back at DUP’s humble beginnings. Sir Tony’s legacy lives on with the revival of UP Playw...

Barq, the rap alias of Arkin Magalona, delivers a powerful punch with his latest single, “TUMATAK,” released under Sony Music Entertainment . The track chronicles his journey as a young artist determined to honor the grind and make his mark in the music industry. “It’s all about leaving your mark on the world,” shares the rising hip-hop artist. “No matter what you do in life, always aim to create something lasting and memorable. Impact isn’t just about fame or status—it’s about legacy.” Fueled by thunderous production and razor-sharp lyricism, “TUMATAK” reveals a reflective, intimate side of Barq. The song challenges preconceived notions about his principles and lifestyle while showcasing his potential as a storyteller. Raised among individuals who overcame adversity to achieve greatness, Barq speaks directly to dreamers who have faced doubt, pressure, and high expectations yet remained committed to their goals without shortcuts. “I wrote the track from a very personal place,” he ...

  The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) officially announces the headlining cast of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! running from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center. From two iconic films to a hit series, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank has become beloved for its hyperreal, meta commentary on arts, culture, and society. The first film skewered the indie movie scene, the second tackled mainstream cinema, and the third confronted historical revisionism. This fourth installment turns its sharp gaze toward theater, but it doesn’t just peek behind the curtain; it tears it down entirely, exposing the messy, hilarious, and painfully relatable process of making theater in the Philippines today. At the center of the mayhem is Eugene Domingo , returning as a gloriously amplified version of herself—navigating ego, ambition, and the beautiful absurdity of mounting a live show. Long celebrated for her fearless comedic brilliance, Domingo on...

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 ,...

  In 2025,  ena mori  reaffirmed her position as one of the most compelling creative forces in Asian pop music. The avant-pop shapeshifter greeted the year with high-profile festival appearances, brand deals, and a growing international listenership, culminating in the release of her six-track EP rOe. Informed by restraint and emotional fragility,  rOe  showcased ena mori’s ability to translate vulnerability into a riveting pop fantasia. As expected, the EP earned universal praise from critics and fans, landing on several year-end lists across the globe. Today, February 27, 2026, ena mori completes that orbit with  Ore , a six-track companion piece that both mirrors and resists its predecessor. Originally conceived alongside  rOe  as part of a single body of work before unraveling themselves as fraternal counterparts, the two projects diverge in tone and intent, with the latter retaining emotional nuance while foregrounding sharper textures and st...

  In a historic first , Abramorama  has acquired the theatrical rights to screen  Eraserheads:   Combo On The Run  in North America, marking the distributor’s first Philippine documentary.   Following a strong festival run abroad, the docu film joins Abramorama’s slate of prestige music film titles, including   The Beatles: Eight Days   (Ron Howard),   The Sparks Brothers  (Edgar Wright), and Radiohead’s   Meeting People Is Easy   (Grant Gee) .   The acquisition will be marked by an official event at SXSW 2026 next month to celebrate its forthcoming theatrical release in Canada and the United States. Directed and produced by  Maria Diane Ventura , Eraserheads: Combo On The Run tells the story of the Philippines’ most influential band, tracing their meteoric rise from their formation in UP Diliman to becoming a defining voice of a generation, their painful breakup, and their eventual resurgence years later.  Set a...