Rehabilitation Update
CCP RELOCATES ABUEVA AND CONTRERAS ARTWORKS AMID THE ONGOING MAIN BUILDING REHABILITATION
National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva’s Hilojan and Rey Paz Contreras’ Obra, works from the CCP 21AM Visual Arts Collection, were carefully transferred to a secure temporary site within the CCP Complex after being meticulously removed from the CCP Main Building as part of its ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
The relocation involved a tedious and highly controlled process due to the scale, material composition, and cultural significance of the artworks. Both pieces required detailed condition assessment, documentation, and step-by-step dismantling and handling procedures to ensure their integrity throughout the transfer.
Experts from Excell Contractors and Developers, Inc., the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division, and the CCP Maintenance and Engineering Services Division coordinated detailed documentation, protective packing, and controlled handling to ensure the safe transfer of the artworks.
Hilojan, an artwork made from traditional stone and wood press, is designed to facilitate a continuous rolling movement that employs the weight and durability of hardwood molave and narra, complemented by rounded stones anchored at its base. Originally composed of interlocking wooden components designed to fit together like a puzzle, Abueva reinforced the structure in 1996 with metal screws and bolts to ensure the safety of visitors.
International Linkages
CCP TO HOST FACP CONFERENCE, MIPAM THIS SEPTEMBER
The Cultural Center of the Philippines proudly steps into the spotlight as it hosts two prestigious back-to-back industry landmark events – the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP) 2026 Manila Conference on September 9 to 12, at Adamson University Manila, and the Manila International Performing Arts Market (MIPAM) on September 11 to 13 at the Center’s Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
Themed “Performing Arts: Beyond the Next Stage,” the FACP 2026 Manila Conference looks into the future of the arts, examining what lies beyond today’s technologies and innovations. The symposium will have insightful conversations on the evolving landscape of the arts. It will also feature two main programs – the Pitch for New Aspects with fresh visions and innovative ideas presented by emerging voices and the Asian Gems in the Arts, showcasing remarkable talents and cultural treasures across Asia.
Meanwhile, co-organized with CREATE Philippines/ Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), MIPAM 2026 carries the theme “Showcasing Asia to the World,” positioning itself as a premier marketplace dedicated to the exchange, presentation, and collaboration of performing arts across the region.
World-Class Performances
VIRGIN LABFEST XXI:
HUBO’T HUBAD
The annual playwrights’ festival featuring untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays by new, emerging, and established writers celebrates its 21st edition this year. With the theme Hubo’t Hubad, VLFXXI is a celebration of adulthood, raw energy, and fearless storytelling—embracing a bold and unflinching exploration of the human experience. Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Writer’s Bloc Inc., and Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc., the festival showcases 12 new plays, three revisited works, as well as educational components such as Staged Readings, Theater Talks and Playwrights’ Fair.
June 3 – 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, & 8:00 PM
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez
(CCP Black Box Theater)
Tickets: P1,200 (Premium) | P1,000 (Regular)
TERNOCON:
FILIPINIANA X OBRA
Experience TernoCon: Filipiniana x Obra and witness the evolving artistry of Filipiniana fashion. Discover stunning capsule collections inspired by the works of Filipino masters in visual arts, sculpture, and architecture, as designers reinterpret the terno, balintawak, and kimona through bold contemporary expressions of Filipino identity and craftsmanship. TernoCon exhibition runs until June 12, 2026 at the Central Atrium, SM Mall of Asia.
May 28 to June 12, 2026
Central Atrium, SM Mall of Asia
Admission is FREE and open to the public
SENATE EXHIBIT
The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Senate of the Philippines present selected works from the CCP’s 21st Century Art Museum Collection.
On view until July 9, 2026, 6th floor Ceremonial Hall and Conference Room, Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City
* Accessible only for those with official business at the Senate of the Philippines
Enriching Performing Arts (May Highlight)
CCP CHORALE MAKE THEIR COMEBACK PERFORMANCE AT NPC PRIVACY AWARENESS WEEK 2026
The CCP Chorale marked its comeback performance on May 28, 2026, during the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) program of the National Privacy Commission held at Okada Manila. Revived in 2024 after years of inactivity, the 17-member chorale, led by choirmaster Tristan C. Ignacio, rendered two songs: Paghahandog ng Sarili as the opening prayer and the Philippine national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang.”
Privacy Awareness Week is observed in the Philippines every fourth week of May. This year’s celebration also marked the 10th anniversary of the National Privacy Commission.
The National Privacy Commission is an independent government body established under Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. As the country’s privacy watchdog, it is mandated to administer and implement the law, as well as monitor and ensure the Philippines’ compliance with international standards for data protection.
INTRODUCING VIRGIN LABFEST XXI: HUBO’T HUBAD LINEUP
The Cultural Center of the Philippines, together with Tanghalang Pilipino and Writers’ Bloc, recently held a press conference for Virgin Labfest XXI: Hubo’t Hubad, as an early preview of the country’s pioneering theater festival of one-act plays.
CCP President Kaye C. Tinga delivered the keynote message, emphasizing support for new Filipino plays and creative development in the performing arts. “VLF finally comes of age, bearing the theme, ‘Hubo’t Hubad,’ as it finally captures the maturity and artistry expected at 21 while continuing to harness the magic of theater and the arts.”
Festival directors Toni Go-Yadao and Marco Viana introduced the 12 featured plays and three revisited works, highlighting this year’s diverse lineup of fresh and experimental productions, along with the festival’s education components, including Theater Talks and the Playwrights Fair.
Virgin Labfest XXI: “Hubo’t Hubad” (Virgin Labfest XXI) continues its tradition of staging untried, untested, and unstaged plays, serving as a vital platform for the discovery and development of new voices in Philippine theater.
Beyond presenting fresh works for the stage, the festival plays a key role in nurturing playwrights by providing a professional space for experimentation, collaboration, and creative risk-taking, helping shape the next generation of Filipino theater artists.
CCP Partnership Spotlight
CCP X CEU PARTNERSHIP
The Cultural Center of the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centro Escolar University – School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music, and Social Work (CEU-SELAMS).
This initiative, led by the Marketing Department, succeeds CCP’s similar engagements with José Rizal University and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 2025. It will offer CEU students opportunities and exposure to CCP activities, performances, group discounts and promos, and access to campaigns executed by CCP’s partner institutions.
Present in the ceremony are (from left): CCP VP for Administration Jay Gaite, CCP Pres. Kaye C. Tinga, CEU Pres. Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion, CEU-SELAMS Dean Dr. Maria Rita D. Lucas, CEU Communication and Media Program Head JC Sotto, and CEU Conservatory of Music Program Head Dr. Angelito E. Ayran.
Cultural Exchange
FASHIONING THE TERNO: A REGIONAL WORKSHOP AND
MENTORING PROGRAM
The Visayas leg of Fashioning the Terno: A Regional Workshop and Mentoring Program brought together emerging designers in Iloilo City for an immersive exploration of the Philippine national dress. Hosted at the Taohay NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub from April 8–12, the five-day workshop combined lectures, hands-on sessions, and mentorship under the guidance of previous Ternocon artistic directors Gino Gonzales and Eric Cruz.
Participants engaged deeply with the terno’s evolution from 1860 to 1960, refining their skills in construction, proportion, and silhouette. The program culminated in a public exhibition at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo from April 13–30, showcasing exemplary works from Ternocon 2025 finalists and mentors, and celebrating regional creativity and the enduring legacy of the Filipino dress.
Gender and Development (GAD) Corner
CHAMPIONING SAFE SPACE, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Cultural Center of the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for artists, cultural workers, and members of the creative community.
In line with this commitment, and in recognition of Pride Month, which celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the ongoing struggle for equality, the CCP continues to champion safe spaces that uphold dignity and respect for all individuals, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This reinforces the institution’s broader advocacy for equity, representation, and inclusivity across all its programs, venues, and artistic engagements.
As part of this commitment, CCP has developed the Safe Space Handbook, which serves as a guiding framework for its policies and actions in maintaining safe environments across its operations. The handbook outlines standards that promote accountability, respect, and the protection of all stakeholders within the creative community.
The CCP Safe Space Handbook is available for viewing and download here:
CCP CHANNEL IS NOW LIVE
Experience the richness of Filipino arts and culture anytime, anywhere through the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ official streaming platform.
The CCP Channel offers exclusive access to award-winning films, world-class performances, and original productions that showcase the best of Filipino creativity.
For only Php99 per month or Php599 per year, you can enjoy unlimited streaming of curated content that brings the CCP experience straight to your screen.
Celebrate Filipino artistry and be part of this cultural movement. Subscribe now and stream content via ccpchannel.culturalcenter.gov.ph.
