Cover Cultural performers danced on the streets of Intramuros at the opening of National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
Cultural performers danced on the streets of Intramuros at the opening of National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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The country’s prime cultural agency, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), invites the public to gather in honour of the transformative power of the arts in our communities and to recognise the brilliance of Filipino artists
NCCA kicked off its celebrations of National Arts Month last February 3 at the cultural agency’s office building in Intramuros, followed by a festive parade around the heritage district all the way to Centro de Turismo in the afternoon and the Metropolitan Theater in the evening. The opening ceremony started with the unveiling of the NCCA’s façade decoration inspired by the singkaban, the traditional decorative arch of Bulacan, which also dons the Metropolitan Theater.
Gracing the momentous occasion was Miss Universe 2018 and NCCA ambassador for the arts Catriona Gray, joined by NCCA chairman Ino Manalo, executive director Dr Eric Zerrudo, commissioner Arvin Manuel Villalon of the NCCA’s subcommision on the arts (SCA). Each of the SCA’s seven national committees was well-represented in the parade, attended by students and performing groups, as well as their respected committee heads: Cathe Desiree Nadal of the National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts, Mahar Sulayman “Butch” Ibañez of the National Committee on Cinema, Dr Lordinio Vergara of the National Committee on Dance, Eduardo Perez of the National Committee on Dramatic Arts, Niles Jordan Breis of the National Committee on Literary Arts, and Dr Dennis Montera of the National Committee on Visual Arts.
Above NCCA executive director Dr Eric Zerrudo gives a bouquet of flowers to Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018 and NCCA ambassador for the arts (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
NCCA executive director Dr Eric Zerrudo gives a bouquet of flowers to Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018 and NCCA ambassador for the arts (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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NCCA presented a range of events, workshops, and performances happening across the country throughout the month, as it banners the theme, “Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin” [Harvest of the Arts: Soul and Passion], emphasising the nation’s creativity which springs forth from the passion of its people.
February was declared National Arts Month with the signing of the Presidential Proclamation 683 by then-president Corazon Aquino in 1991.
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Above Cultural performers danced in front of the Metropolitan Theater for the culmination of the opening of National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
Cultural performers danced in front of the Metropolitan Theater for the culmination of the opening of National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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Gray, NCCA officials, other cultural agencies, and the Intramuros Administration made for a joyful walk around Intramuros, dancing and smiling to the marching band’s beat and the street performers’ groove on Monday morning. Ending at the Museo de Intramuros courtyard, they were given a free tour of the adjacent museums, which recently became the latest addition to the district’s array of cultural destinations. Later in the evening, the Metropolitan Theater opened with a spectacular lighting design representing the seven art forms in commemoration of National Arts Month 2025.
Here’s a list of NCCA events you should not miss this month:
Saan Ka Lulugar 2025: Resiliency in the Built and Design Environment
Above One of the previous Saan Ka Lulugar sessions (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
One of the previous Saan Ka Lulugar sessions (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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An annual series of activities, including talks, workshops, and tours, organised by the National Committee on Architecture and the Allied Arts, this year’s Saan Ka Lulugar brings to the forefront discussion of truly Filipino values. It will serve as a platform for exploring the intellectual understanding (mind) and emotional connection (heart) of the evolving home concept through the lens of culture and the arts.
It will be held at Kublai Art Garden in Digos City, Davao del Sur, from February 22 to 25.
Diwa’t Damdamin sa Pelikula Natin
Above Tito Valiente during the Paano Magbasa ng Pelikula Workshop in Ormoc in 2024 (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
Tito Valiente during the Paano Magbasa ng Pelikula Workshop in Ormoc in 2024 (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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The National Committee on Cinema organises a lineup of events including the launch of Cinema Rehiyon Film Festival, which is dedicated to regional films, on February 8 in Butuan City; “Paano Magbasa ng Pelikula” [How to read a film], a film education initiative, on February 8 in Butuan City, on February 12 in Alaminos in Pangasinan, and February 18 in Bulacan; Solar Shorts Flix, screenings of regional films on SolarTV on February 12 and from February 17 to 21.
Various film workshops spearheaded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines were held last February 1 as part of the CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival, and the province of Quirino.
Meanwhile, regional films will also be screened in various locations nationwide, including MiraNila Heritage House on February 4 and 12; from February 5 to 19 in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines; all Fridays of February in Imus, Cavite; as part of the Orange Tourism Festival in Quezon province on February 12 and 13; and as part of the Margaha Film Festival in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
Sayaw Pinoy
Above A performance of Singkil (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
A performance of Singkil (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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National Committee on Dance’s series of touring dance concerts, Sayaw Pinoy, remains one of the longest-running flagship projects for National Arts Month, providing a platform to both established and emerging dance groups, promoting collaborations.
This year, Sayaw Pinoy shows with workshops will be held from the second until the fourth week of the month in the provinces of Batangas, Pampanga, and NCR.
Additionally, the Sayaw Pinoy 2025 National Tiktok Dance Challenge will be held to popularise the new Sayaw Pinoy theme song. Winners will be selected each from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
On the other hand, in Sayaw Pinoy Online Dance Education Lecture Series, dance educators and experts will discuss and engage in discourse about dance in the K-12 MATATAG programme.
Tanghalang Bayan
Above Participants from a theatre workshop showcase their output performance in SM Ormoc (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
Participants from a theatre workshop showcase their output performance in SM Ormoc (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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National Committee on Dramatic Arts will hold Tanghalang Bayan, featuring workshops, discourse, and performances from various theatre groups within Metro Manila. This will be held at the Metropolitan Theater on February 26.
PANITIKaravan
Above Students participate in a poetry writing workshop for National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
Students participate in a poetry writing workshop for National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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National Committee on Literary Arts will mount a literary caravan, called PANITIKaravan, with three components—Pampublikong Panayam (public lecture), Mabilisang Palihan (quick workshop), and Malikhaing Pagtatanghal (creative performance). Manila will host PANITIKaravan in Araullo High School in partnership with the Department of Education Manila on February 24.
It will also conduct tie-up activities in the following sites: University of the Philippines Los Baños, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, various regional centres of Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino known as Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, and at Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A Gonzales.
Musikapuluan
Above A rondalla workshop held in Ormoc (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
A rondalla workshop held in Ormoc (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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The National Committee on Music will again hold Musikapuluan, a series of workshops and performances aimed at providing venues for musical groups and artists and offering a wide spectrum of music cultures in the Philippines. It will be held in three legs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Held in Mountain Province from February 26 to 27, the Luzon leg will feature traditional Cordilleran music with interactive workshops that highlight indigenous musical instruments and traditional vocal techniques.
The Visayan leg in Roxas City, Capiz, from February 15 to 16 will focus on Visayan musical styles, including performances of traditional folk songs and rondalla music as well as workshops.
Musikapuluan in Mindanao will feature kulintang performances, chants, and dances from the said island region, with workshops on traditional Mindanaoan music from February 17 to 18 in Lamitan, Basilan.
Bagong Biswal
Above The late Egai Talusan Fernandez spearheaded a sketching workshop for students (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
The late Egai Talusan Fernandez spearheaded a sketching workshop for students (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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The National Committee on Visual Arts’ project for National Arts Month is Bagong Biswal [new visual], which has many components, including art workshops (Sining Sanayan) and town hall meetings (Sining Biswal Scene). It will be held from February 6 to 8 in Cebu City and from February 22 to 24 in Baler, Aurora.
Above The ‘singkaban’ donned façade of the NCCA building in Intramuros (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
The ‘singkaban’ donned façade of the NCCA building in Intramuros (Photo: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
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Above Officials of NCCA, other cultural agencies, and Intramuros Administration led the festive opening of National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission of Culture and the Arts)
Officials of NCCA, other cultural agencies, and Intramuros Administration led the festive opening of National Arts Month (Photo: National Commission of Culture and the Arts)
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Another highly anticipated event this month is the annual Ani ng Dangal, which honours artists who have received international awards and recognitions in different fields for the past year. NCCA has yet to unveil this year’s recipients.
As the nation celebrates National Arts Month, Senator Loren Legarda, Dangal ng Haraya awardee and longstanding patroness of arts and culture, calls on all Filipinos to embrace, nurture, and honour the country’s artistic and cultural heritage that gives meaning and purpose to our identity as Filipinos.
“The arts and culture are the heartbeat of our nation, keeping alive the wisdom and artistry of our forebears while shaping the narratives that define us today. Let us take pride in our arts, embrace our rich traditions, and celebrate the creativity that defines us as a people. In doing so, not only do we preserve our heritage, but we also create a space for growth and discourse,” she said.
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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.
