Puso ng Pasko: The All-Filipino Christmas Ballet Returns

PUSO NG PASKO, the first full-length, all-Filipino Christmas ballet by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, returns for performances at the Metropolitan Theater on December 1-2.

PUSO NG PASKO is another epic collaboration between RAMA, HARI creators, and National Artists Alice Reyes and Ryan Cayabyab. It features Cayabyab’s musical arrangements of timeless Filipino Christmas carols and choreography by a talented group of rising Filipino choreographers under the mentorship of Alice Reyes.

CCP Celebrates Earth Day With Captivating Outdoor Art Installations And Film Screening

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2023, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will unveil a series of public art installations in collaboration with several visual artists to be held at various locations in the CCP Complex starting April 20, 2023.  The conceptual installations will showcase a diverse array of natural, indigenous, and found objects and materials transformed into public art, with the aim of promoting public consciousness about environmental issues.  

For this year, one solo and one group of visual artists will exhibit their artworks: “Tanod-Lupa” (Nature Guardians) by Abdulmari “Toym” De Leon-Imao, a multimedia artist in both classical and contemporary styles; and “Surogpon Kita” by Kintab Artists Group, Inc., a Bicol-based non-profit group of visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creative talents, dedicated to expressing diverse identities through their unique artworks.  

Tanghalang Pilipino, CCP, and VISA partner to stream “Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog” via TP’s “PangsamanTanghalan”

Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and VISA, continues its mission of providing informative and highly-entertaining content online by streaming “Lukot-Lukot, Bilog-Bilog”, through “PansamanTanghalan”, TP’s digital platform on Youtube.

Written by Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Abner Delina, the play focuses on the financial challenges of SHS student Gwyneth as she makes her way to her dream university. Aided by various personalities in Philippine history, Gwyneth gets caught in different situations that will teach her, and the audience, about making informed financial decisions. “Lukot-Lukot, Bilog-Bilog” was staged last December 2017 at the CCP Little Theater, and has enjoyed a successful school tour since then.

Tanghalang Pilipino goes online with ‘PansamanTANGHALAN’

The NCOV-19 pandemic may have caused stage productions to prematurely close, but Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), has prepared a slew of programs on its temporary home – the digital platform.

Aptly-billed “PansamanTANGHALAN,” this program aims to defy the limitations brought about by this crisis and with the use of the online platform, to continuously educate and awaken the cultural consciousness of Filipinos, not just in the country, but all over the world.

Qingdao Peking Opera Company's “THE MONKEY KING MAKING HAVOC IN HEAVEN ” To Be Presented At CCP

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, together with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China proudly present a special Beijing Opera performance of “ The Monkey King Making Havoc in Heaven ” featuring The Qingdao Peking Opera Company on Friday, 18 May 2018 (Gala Night) at 7:30 pm and Saturday, 19 May 2018 at 7:30 pm at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.  

Swing Back Into Disco Fever With Ballet Philippines In “AWITIN MO AT ISASAYAW KO” This December 2-11

From December 2 to 11 at the CCP Main Theater, celebrate the holidays with “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”, Ballet Philippines’ new dance musical featuring the songs of popular Filipino disco group, VST & Co. The show is an exciting collaboration with ABS-CBN and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga.

“Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” tells the story of the forbidden love between Teresa, a high-class kolehiyala and Victor, a construction worker. They are brought together and torn apart amidst the backdrop of the Philippines in the late ‘70s – brimming with disco fever but within the confines of Martial Law.

The show features Filipino disco favorites such as “Rock Baby Rock”, “Magsayawan”, and “Ipagpatawad Mo”, along with Bert de Leon’s “Hindi Ko Akalain, Roger Rigor’s “Ikaw ang Aking Pasko”, and Celso Llarina & Roger Rigor’s “Puwede Ba?”, all woven together by a libretto by Bibeth Orteza and transformed into dance by choreographers Carissa Adea, James Laforteza, and PJ Rebullida. It will be directed by BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales.

Taking the lead roles of Victor and Teresa are two of Ballet Philippines’ legendary principal dancers: Nonoy Froilan and Edna Vida Froilan. Their younger selves will be portrayed by Jean Marc Cordero, Rita Angela Winder, Denise Parungao, and Garry Corpuz.

Joining them are two casts of singers culled from the ABS-CBN talent pool and distinguished actors from the Philippine theater scene. The gala cast from ABS-CBN is comprised of Michael Pangilinan, Karylle, Markki Stroem, and Kyle Echarri. They will be alternating with Sandino Martin, Cooky Chua, Jef Flores, and Noel Comia.

“This has been a rather fortuitous undertaking,” shares Morales. “Jed Balsamo had the idea to do a show with the music of VST and Co., then ABS-CBN approached us to do a project together... We’re very lucky that all of these pieces came together so easily.”

A Filipino disco group prominent in the late 1970s, VST & Co. is one of the pioneering groups of the music genre known as the Manila Sound. The group is composed of Vic Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Tito Sotto, Val Sotto, Celso Llavina, Monet Gaskell, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Jun Medina, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, Chito Ilagan, Ben Escasa, Fred Concepcion, Boy Alcaide, and Clod Baria. Their impressive collection of hits has left a legacy that endures to this day.

“Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” will be staged at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) from December 2 to 11, 2016. Ticket prices range from Php 500 to Php 3500, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #awitinmoatisasayawko

A New Generation Of Filipino Contemporary Dance Merges In "Bagong Sayaw" This Sepr

Six brave choreographers are set to push the boundaries of dance with the young dancers of Ballet Philippines II this September with “Bagong Sayaw”, to be staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater).

Translated as “new dance”, this production celebrates just that – the emergence of fresh ideas expressed in various choreographic forms. The choreographers featured in this production are Al Bernard Garcia, Erl Sorilla, Gia Gequinto, Bonifacio Guerrero Jr., Danilo Dayo Jr., and John Ababon.

“’Bagong Sayaw’ is a venue for us to give our young dancers and choreographers the necessary challenges and for them to be able to grow as artists,” says Ballet Philippines artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. “They say that experience is the best teacher, but more than that, we also think it’s important to let their voices be heard.”

Bring Out The Ballerina (Or Danseur) In You At The 47th CCP Summer Dance Workshop

This summer, explore the art of dance with the Ballet Philippines Dance School in its annual 7-week intensive training program, the Summer Dance Workshop. Students from the age of 4 to pre-professional and professional levels, as well as adult beginners can take courses in Classical Ballet, Modern & Contemporary Dance, and Hip Hop.

Workshop participants may choose to focus on their preferred genre, or expand their dance vocabulary further by enrolling in the Full Course package, which places them in both classical ballet and modern dance classes for their age and skill level. Students will have the chance to learn from BP alumni such as Nonoy Froilan, Gina Katigbak-Garcia, Rhea Dumdum-Bautista, as well as current dancers Jean Marc Cordero, Gillianne Gequinto, and Erl Sorilla, just to name a few.

Chose Art This Valentine's Day WIth Ballet Philippines' Opera

As a special Valentine’s treat, young professionals aged 30 and below may avail of a 30% discount on the 6pm shows of Ballet Philippines’ Opera - February 13 and 14 at the CCP Main Theater. Tickets may be purchased with this discount at the CCP Open House, the Pasinaya Festival on February 7, the Ballet Philippines office or through BP at 5511013.

Ballet Philippines “Opera” is choreographed by French dance maker Redha based on Gabriel Barredo’s acclaimed installation of the same title. The unique show seamlessly merges contemporary art and dance into a new groundbreaking production.

“Opera is a special production for lovers of contemporary art and dance, it breaks many barriers and transcends our expectations of a dance show” muses BP’s Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Morales. “We are offering this special promotion for the young art loving generation to give them a special option for Valentine’s”.

Pioneer Stories of Hope Playwrighting Competition is EXTENDED!

Great news! If the given time was not enough the deadline for the submission of entries for the Stories of Hope Playwriting Competition has been EXTENDED!

Pioneer, Your Insurance is now giving college students nationwide an opportunity to share their stories through the Stories of Hope Playwriting Competition. Young and aspiring playwrights can submit their original works as one-act plays written in English, Tagalog or Taglish. The stories must convey hope to the audience, whether as a drama, comedy, or even musical. The deadline has been moved to November 27, 2015. Announcement of winner will be on December 14, 2015. 

BP's Sarong Banggi Celebrates The Filipino Family This October 16-18

Rediscover local musical treasures in a new ballet about the Filipino family. Ballet Philippines’ Sarong Banggi features new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s best-loved composer. Renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel designs the costumes for this ballet. 

The show features choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis. Each choreographer brings to the stage  his unique impression of the Filipino family in a new  contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder, and Monica Amanda Gana.

“Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales”. “It will be exciting to see these choreographers’ different takes on familiar themes; love, loss and reconciliation that cements the Filipino family”

Do You Have A Story To Share? Join the Pioneer Insurance Stories of Hope Playwright Contest!

Everyone’s a storyteller. Whether it’s a true-to-life experience or a fictional one woven from the imagination, we all love sharing and listening to stories. If you’re a college student and you’ve had one brewing in your head and urging to be told, now’s your chance to bring it to life.

Pioneer, Your Insurance is now giving college students nationwide an opportunity to share their stories through the Stories of Hope Playwriting Competition. Young and aspiring playwrights can submit their original works as one-act plays written in English, Tagalog or Taglish. The stories must convey hope to the audience, whether as a drama, comedy, or even musical.

“This competition aims not just to tell stories, but to uplift others as well,” said Lorenzo Chan, Jr., Pioneer Life President & CEO. “We hope we can do that through the Stories of Hope competition.”

Bring In The "Feels" With MANHID The Pinoy Supehero Musical

We love superheroes, whatever their powers are we can't deny their presence. And they usually come in the most dark parts of history where hope is nowhere to be found. Ballet Philippines "MANHID The Pinoy Superhero Musical" brings the world of the Philippine society with the integration of superheroes. Originally played in the 90's back in University of the Philippines, it has now leveled up into a bigger stage with still all of the favorite songs paired with action-packed choreography .

Set in a world where the dictatorship still reign and protesters were all killed, the children of the revolution acquired various superpowers which also shaped their own individual characters. Named after Filipino epic characters like Lam-Ang, Bantugan, Allunsina,  Radia Indarapatra,  Gawigawen, Urduja, Lagrimas, Sarimanok, Akasi, Malyari, Gonongleda, and Rasagadang. Most of them are quite familiar but other are quite hard to find their epic (even with google). The struggle to be free remains to be suppressed by all the corruption and greed that continues and can even turn superheroes into villains.

Dencio's Bar and Grill Restaurant The Old is new Again

When it first opened it doors, Dencio's Bar and Grill brought the eclectic flavor of the barrio to the urban metropolis. Twenty-tree years later, the homegrown brand is revisiting the same idea that made it one of the country's favorite dining traditions.

Now a member of the Max's group family of brands, Dencio's- on of the Philippines first provincial-resort type restaurants - recently unveiled a new store cocept in its branch in Harbor Square at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

"Dencio's remains a beloved restaurant among Pinoy's," said Jim Fuentebella, BRanding Director of Max's Group Inc. (MGI). "To stay top of mind, we refurbished the store look to better reflect the core values that built the brand. And we couldn't do this without the help of the original founder."

ART IS A BANG: Musikal at CCP

The Cultural Center of the Philippines brings together the well liked original Filipino musicals in a single evening featuring the original cast and the best musical theater performers. A gala event billed as MUSIKAL! A Musical Theater Celebration of CCP’s 45th takes place on September 5 and September 6, at 8:00 pm at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The musical revue features excerpts from “Rak of Aegis”, “Rama Hari”, “Maxie the Musical”, “Katy!”, “Caredivas”, “Noli Me Tangere”, “Magsimula Ka”, “ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal”, “Bluebird of Happiness”, “Rock Supremo”, “Rivalry”, “Lorenzo”, among others.

ART IS A BANG: Witness The First Ever Staging do Disney's Phenomenal Broadway Musical 'Beauty And The Beast' In The Philippines!

Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group, and Ovation Productions will present the first International Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in celebration of the production’s 20th anniversary.

The tour will play in markets to include Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The musical, which will reunite the original Broadway creative, will be seen for the first time in these territories. For Manila, Beauty and the Beast will be handled by veteran concert promoter Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions which is, coincidentally, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Venue is the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) main theater and dates are in January 2015.

Ron Kollen, senior vice president international for Disney Theatrical Productions, shared in a statement, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with NETWorks and Broadway Entertainment Group, to launch this first-ever international tour. To premiere Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in these cities throughout the Middle East and Asia, is a perfect way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our beloved stage musical.”

ART IS A BANG: Cinemalaya 2014 Director Showcase and New Breed Categories Revealed!

Here are the Finalists for Cinemalaya 2014 - Year 10 -- DIRECTORS SHOWCASE Category, based on the posts and tweets of award-winning scriptwriter-director Joey Javier Reyes, one of the screening committee of our favorite indie filmfest in the country: 

1. JOEL LAMANGAN -- "Hustisya"

2. JOSELITO ALTAREJOS -- "Kasal"

3. CARLOS SIGIUON-REYNA -- "Hari ng Tondo"

4. MICHAEL TUVIERA -- "The Janitor"

5. LOUIE IGNACIO -- "Asintado"

ART IS A BANG: See "Red" at CCP This February

A two character play might be overlooked by many because it may look too simple and may seem boring. But when one would see the award-winning play "Red" by  John Logan staged at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute, it will take the audience in sharing the moment and feeling each lines. Starring Bart Guingona and Joaquin Valdes, the play goes into layers upon layers of ideas, struggles, hopes, dream, and of course the eternal evolution of the visual arts.

Seeing two guys for a play is quite unusual for me, as most productions stars at least 10 characters for a stage play. But I eventually saw myself being part of the studio of Mark Rothko (Bart Guingona) and his assistant Ken (Joaquin Valdes) who have their own opinion on everything and would never have an agreement.

With a whole lot of areas to discuss, from tragedies of life, the interpretation of the paintings, to the rise and fall of art trends, the science of psychology, and even mythology are just some of the vast conversations the two will engage giving images and tickling the minds of the audience.

ART IS A BANG: Der Kaufmann - Ang Negosyante ng Venecia REVIEW

From Shakespeare's timeless classic comedy "The Merchant of Venice", Tanghalang Pilipino gives a whole new light and perspective to it with DER KAUFMANN (Ang Negosyante ng Venecia). With translation by Rolando Tinio from the original play by William Shakespeare, and directed by Rodolfo Vera and Tuxqs Rutaquio. 

As a Filipino adaptation of one of the famous stage plays, Der Kaufmann comes to life onstage with a very cryptic yet critical approach to the story which has been told and lived in many stages around the globe. Taking into the limelight of the theme is the Antisemitism movement and homosexuality aligned with the plot opens it into a whole new view of the celebrated piece as more of dark and devious bringing the audience into the period of the Second World War during the mass execution of Jews, Gypsies, Homosexuals performed by the Nazis.

Ayala Mall Cinemas Hosts CINEMALAYA 2013 Entries

Promoting and championing Filipino talents, Ayala Malls Cinemas hosts for the 3rd time entries that will compete in Cinemalaya Festival on its 9th year themed “Cinemalaya Cinesthesia.”

Ayala Malls Cinemas’ first collaboration with Cinemalaya back in July 2011 opened its Greenbelt3 screens to the entries, paving easy access for the festival’s followers within the metro. Ayala Malls Cinemas solidified its support to the festival by adding Trinoma screens as an additional venue on its 2nd year of partnership with Cinemalaya in 2012.