CCP Pasinaya 2025 marks its most expansive programming to date, highlighting Philippine arts and culture on a global scale

“We are excited to share that the CCP Pasinaya 2025 is now a global initiative that not only showcases our nation’s cultural heritage but also promotes significant international collaborations. This helps ensure that Filipino creativity will soon be recognised worldwide,” she adds.

Besides having the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine embassies, the Philippine Consulate General, international partners, production companies, foundations, and performance venues at the Pasinaya Palitan, the arts exchange platform, and at the Buyers’ Lounge last February 1 and 2 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP has also marked satellite events in its partner countries in the 14th and 18th of February.

On February 14, the Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan will organise an event to celebrate Arts Month with both Filipinos and Jordanians. The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli, Libya will organise an event on the same day as a thanksgiving celebration for the Filipino communities that have remained despite the ongoing conflict. The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, together with various universities in China, will meet with performing groups virtually on February 18 in preparation for their festival in November 2025.

Read more: Margie Moran-Floirendo looks forward to future-ready Cultural Center of the Philippines

These international events are poised to continue the festival’s tradition of inclusivity by adhering to its pay-what-you-can, see-all-you-can scheme, ensuring accessibility for all.

“The CCP continuously creates more opportunities for all Filipino artists to showcase their talents to a wider audience,” says CCP vice president and artistic director Dennis Marasigan. “While we pursue our vision of cultivating and enhancing appreciation of Philippine arts, we also give the public free opportunities to experience exceptional artistic performances that can inspire and change their lives. Mabuhay and sining! [Long live the arts!]”

At the CCP Front Lawn, the beauty of dance took centre stage. Likhang Sining Dance Company, Marikina Dance Guild, and the Kalilayan Folkloric Group dazzled audiences early in the morning. Barangay Ukulele, an organisation of various ukulele clubs and communities, performed a flash mob dance with over 150 participants.

Literary performances at the CCP Liwasang Kalikhasan were held throughout the day. Kapisanan ng Diwa at Panitik and MAMULAT of the Philippine Normal University graced the CCP Pasinaya stage with their passion for the arts. Laya Philippines and Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral na Manunulat sa Pilipino performed along with Sintalab, Ang Pinoy Storytellers, and Samahang Lazaro Francisco.

Meanwhile, Gawad Alternatibo and Cinemalaya films, Tanghalang Pilipino’s Pingkian: Isang Musikal, Philippine Educational Theater Association’s Walang Aray, and other plays screened for free at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez auditorium and parking area.

In this edition of CCP Pasinaya, festival-goers explored Philippine landmarks and mythology through the new component, Palaro. With live gameplay demos, tournaments, and a simulation of the nation’s iconic heroes and landmarks crafted by the CCP Game and Comics Development grantees, a friendly competition-inspired camaraderie from the confines of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez basement.

“The addition of Palaro to this year’s CCP Pasinaya is a groundbreaking step in celebrating the intersection of art, technology, and creativity. By featuring the innovative works of the CCP Game Development grantees, we are highlighting the immense talent and potential of our Filipino creators in the gaming industry by providing them with a platform to showcase their craft. Palaro offers a fresh and exciting experience for our audience, making CCP Pasinaya 2025 even more dynamic and inclusive. Truly it is Para Sa Lahat,” Marasigan says.

Aliw Theater joined CCP Pasinaya with world-class performances from Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Suzuki Youth Orchestra, and the Philippine Ballet Theater. CCP’s resident company, Bayanihan, performed colourful folk dances alongside the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will also enchant audiences with classic melodies.

Himig Rizalia of Rizal Technological University, Sandiwang Kayumanggi Folk Dance Troupe, and Nueva Ecija’s Bungkos Palay Performing Arts Foundation expounded their love for Filipino music and dances at Circuit Makati. Guitarist singer-songwriter Ben Mara fascinated audiences, while Elijah Lunaria skillfully performed with his marionettes.

The Metropolitan Theater transformed into an avenue for acclaimed talent with performances from Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Philippine High School for the Arts’ Sanghiyas Pangkat Mananayaw and Musika Ibarang. Highlighting patriotism at the core of public service, Lipa Actors Company narrated Sa Puso ng Paglilingkod: The Josefa Llanes Escoda Musical.

Young Filipino artists have taken the lead in the CCP Pasinaya shows at Intramuros. In Fort Santiago, UST Salinggawi, Timoteo Paez Elementary School Rondalla, and SPA Bataan National High School proved that talent knows no age. Indak Kultura Dance Company and Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe presented the nation’s folk dances.

Adamson Dance Company and Komedya ng Don Galo narrated stories of life and love through dance and theatre in Baluarte De San Diego. Renowned conductor Anna Tabita Abeleda-Piquero’s award-winning choirs, Koro Ilustrado and Eastern Chamber Singers, sang their beloved musical arrangements and showcased their theatrical flair in choral music. Meanwhile, fresh from its historic win at the Tolosa Choral Competition last October 2024, the Sing Philippines Youth Choir performed at the same venue.

For its component, Paseo Museo, CCP Pasinaya partnered with around 20 galleries and museums within Manila and Pasay to offer audiences a hop-on, hop-off tour. Partner museums also hosted performances of varying art forms, such as chamber music, puppet theatre, and dances.

Established in 2005, the CCP Pasinaya was conceived as a launch event for the National Arts Month celebration. It was initially created as CCP’s marketing tool to provide previews for its upcoming productions and programming for the year. Through the years, the festival has grown bigger and become a venue for art appreciation and education, networking, and collaborations.

NOW READ

Painter and educator Janice Liuson-Young in a dance of turbulence and respite

Ternocon 2025 breathes life into tradition in a stunning ode to the Filipino masters

Behind the Walls: The spirited community of Intramuros and how they preserve its heritage and culture