Cover Alice Reyes Dance Philippines mounts a scene from ‘Rama, Hari’ for the Best of Asean Performing Arts 2026 at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines mounts a scene from ‘Rama, Hari’ for the Best of Asean Performing Arts 2026 at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
1 / 1
Young artists from across Southeast Asia gathered in the Philippines earlier this August to celebrate shared heritage, forge regional friendships and present the Best of ASEAN Performing Arts at the historic Metropolitan Theater
In an inspiring demonstration of regional unity, the Philippines successfully hosted the Best of ASEAN Performing Arts (BOAPA) 2026: Navigating Cultural Currents from August 5 to 9. Organised by the Philippines’ ASEAN National Committee on Culture and Information Sub-Committee on Culture (COCI-SCC PH) through the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the event proved to be a vibrant celebration of Southeast Asia’s shared heritage and unique cultural identities.
Read more: August 2026 Local Art Agenda: memory, materiality and collective identity
Above Periyachi Roshini and Yong Fong Shin perform ‘Dance of the Seas’ to represent the Republic of Singapore at the Best of Asean Performing Arts 2026 held at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
Periyachi Roshini and Yong Fong Shin perform ‘Dance of the Seas’ to represent the Republic of Singapore at the Best of Asean Performing Arts 2026 held at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
1 / 1
As part of the broader Asean Month festivities, BOAPA stood out as one of the region’s flagship cultural initiatives. True to the vision of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”, the programme brought together emerging and young artists from the 11 Asean member-states. It served as a vital platform where the next generation of cultural bearers forged lasting friendships, exchanged creative practices and deepened their mutual understanding.
The cultural journey commenced at the National Arts Center in Los Baños, Laguna, where delegates gathered from August 5 to 7. During this period, the young performers participated in a series of collaborative activities designed to foster regional camaraderie. The itinerary included cultural exchange sessions, artistic workshops, collaborative rehearsals and cultural immersion activities. Notably, the delegates also interacted closely with students from the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), allowing for a dynamic exchange of artistic techniques and stories.
Read more: Cinemalaya 2026 unveils ‘Reel Reflections’ and the power of Philippine independent cinema
Above Delegates from Thailand perform the Sat Chatri Dance at the Best of Asean Performing Arts 2026 held at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
Delegates from Thailand perform the Sat Chatri Dance at the Best of Asean Performing Arts 2026 held at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
1 / 1
The highlight of the BOAPA 2026 programme took place on August 9 at 6pm at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila. The performance, open to the public, saw delegates from each Asean member-state showcase their unique cultural traditions.
Above Nadia Godinho Soares and Expedito Coelho Caldeira Barbosa perform Hare Fos Dance to represent the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
Nadia Godinho Soares and Expedito Coelho Caldeira Barbosa perform Hare Fos Dance to represent the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
1 / 1
Following the individual country presentations, the young artists joined Alice Reyes Dance Philippines to perform excerpts from Rama, Hari. This iconic production boasts a formidable creative pedigree, directed and choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, with music by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and a libretto by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera.
Dennis Marasigan, vice president and artistic director of CCP, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “The Ramayana is part of the common heritage among the countries of Southeast Asia. The participation of the delegates in a production of the Rama, Hari, as well as their country presentations will showcase ASEAN’s rich culture and evolving heritage while providing opportunities for interaction among the region’s young artists.”
Read more: Chasing after ‘Rama, Hari’: how this theatrical masterpiece defied odds to be reborn
Above His Excellency San Lwin, First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, NCCA chair Eric Zerrudo (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
His Excellency San Lwin, First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, NCCA chair Eric Zerrudo (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
1 / 1
Before the BOAPA culmination, the delegates were special guests at the inauguration of the Asean Cultural Center in Manila (ACCM), also located at the Metropolitan Theater. The establishment of the ACCM, an initiative first envisioned during the Philippines’ previous Asean Chairmanship in 2017, positioned culture at the heart of the nation’s 2026 chairmanship. The ACCM seeks to deepen ties among member states through knowledge-sharing, joint programmes and robust cultural policies.
The inauguration featured a distinguished roster of national and regional leaders, including First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos and His Excellency San Lwin, deputy secretary-general of Asean for the Asean socio-cultural community.
Read more: National Arts Month 2026 celebrates the Filipino spirit across the country
Above Inside the gallery exhibition, “FLOW: Navigating the Future Together” (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
Inside the gallery exhibition, “FLOW: Navigating the Future Together” (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
1 / 1
The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the gallery exhibition, “FLOW: Navigating the Future Together”. Exploring the diverse cultures of ASEAN through the lens of traditional boats from across the region, the exhibition highlighted the shared connections among communities, illustrating how regional diversity thrives alongside a common identity.
As NCCA chair and executive director Eric Zerrudo eloquently stated during his welcome remarks, “Through creation myths, horizons, textiles, boat-building traditions and architecture, the exhibition celebrates the different expressions of who we are, yet together, they tell one shared story.” He further reflected on the importance of the centre: “May the Asean Cultural Center in Manila become a vibrant space where our cultures meet, our stories are shared and new partnerships are forged.”
Above During the opening ceremonies of Asean Cultural Center in Manila (ACCM) at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
During the opening ceremonies of Asean Cultural Center in Manila (ACCM) at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
1 / 1
The BOAPA performance and the ACCM inauguration were key highlights of the month-long Asean Month 2026 celebration. Under the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together”, the NCCA and its partners curated a vibrant lineup of accessible and free events across Metro Manila.
From August 6 onwards, attendees participated in events celebrating the 59th founding anniversary of Asean. Highlights included the Viet Nam Cultural Days, featuring Vietnamese water puppet workshops and performances at Centro de Turismo and Fort Santiago, alongside various Asean Corner activities. Participants of the SULONG SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan continue to be encouraged to collect stamps through the Stamp Rally at participating activities for a chance to win exclusive prizes later in the year.
Above Monino Duque, Kaye Tinga, Jeremy Barns and Carissa Coscolluela at the opening of ‘FLOW: Navigating the Future Together’ at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
Monino Duque, Kaye Tinga, Jeremy Barns and Carissa Coscolluela at the opening of ‘FLOW: Navigating the Future Together’ at the Metropolitan Theater (Photo: courtesy of NCCA)
1 / 1
By hosting BOAPA 2026 and launching the ACCM, the Philippines reinforced its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation. These initiatives affirmed that the peoples of ASEAN remain deeply connected by the stories and artistic expressions that enable them to navigate the cultural currents of a shared community.
NOW READ
Restoring a 125-year-old icon: How NYC’s Flatiron building is being transformed from the inside out
The choreography of calm: a glimpse into NAIA Terminal 3’s First Meridian Lounge
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
