Backstage Pass October 2025 at the CCP

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Board of Trustees — comprised of Chairman Jaime C. Laya, and Trustees Isidro A. Consunji, Ma. Carissa O. Coscolluela, Junie S. Del Mundo, Marivic H. Del Pilar, Felix Monino S. Duque, Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo, Atty. Gizela M. Gonzalez, Atty. Jose Tomas C. Syquia, and Jonathan M. Velasco — recently conducted a site visit to the Gusaling Pambansa (CCP Main Building) to assess the progress of its ongoing rehabilitation.

Led by President Kaye C. Tinga, Vice President and Artist Director Dennis N. Marasigan, and Vice President for Administration Jose Victor Gaite, the inspection focused on key structural upgrades, safety improvements, and restoration efforts aimed at preserving the building’s historic and cultural significance. This rehabilitation is a critical part of CCP’s broader vision to transform the complex into a world-class cultural hub for both the arts community and the public.

Originally designed by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, the CCP Main Building is set to be modernized with theater facilities that meet contemporary needs while honoring its architectural heritage. The rehabilitation is slated for completion in late 2026.

CCP X ASEAN CONNECTION

Affirming the importance of regional collaboration in promoting and preserving Southeast Asian culture, CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis N. Marasigan represented the Philippines at the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information / Sub-Committee on Culture, held from September 9 to 12, 2025, at the Concorde Hotel in Singapore. The meeting addressed key cultural issues affecting ASEAN Member States, including updates on ongoing initiatives and discussions on proposed projects slated for implementation in 2026.

He was joined by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Eric Zerrudo, and Paula Montopar.

CCP JOINS ASEAN DIGITAL CONTENT SUMMIT IN MALAYSIA

The Cultural Center of the Philippines represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Digital Content Summit held from September 2 to 4, 2024, at the Persada Johor International Convention Center in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

As part of the Philippine delegation, CCP showcased its support for digital creative industries through its grant programs for game development and animation. During the ASEAN Roundtable Meeting, CCP shared updates on the country’s creative industries, current initiatives, and potential pathways for future growth.

In the Industry Landscape Sharing Session, CCP presented Digital Economy as the New Pillar of National Growth in the Philippines, emphasizing the growing role of digital content in national development. CCP also took part in business exchange and networking activities, building regional connections and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the digital creative space.

CCP x CFO MOA SIGNING

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on September 24, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. The signing was attended by CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II, CCP President Kaye C. Tinga, CCP Board of Trustee Teodoro “Junie” Del Mundo, CCP Vice President for Administration Jose Victor M. Gaite, and CFO Project Management Division Chief Marita Del Rosario Apattad. The partnership aims to advocate for the welfare and interests of Filipinos abroad while strengthening their connection to Filipino culture and heritage, no matter how far they are from home.

Both agencies share a common goal of promoting Filipino heritage around the world. This shared commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the CFO’s YouLeaD program, which offers in-depth exploration of Philippine history, language, and cultural practices for young migrants and overseas-born Filipinos; the Virtual Sentro Rizal, an online resource on Filipino culture, identity, and history; the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art; and CCP’s roster of experts who can deliver artistic workshops and performances for our kababayans abroad.

CCP SHOWCASES FILIPINO CREATIVITY AT DTI MALIKHAING PINOY CREATIVE EXPO 2025

The Cultural Center of the Philippines proudly participated as one of the partner exhibitors under the Performing Arts Hub at the DTI Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo held from September 3 to 7, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City. 

Demonstrating its dedication to celebrating Filipino artistry, the CCP booth showcased a vibrant collection of cultural products, publications, digital content, and exclusive merchandise, including the CCP Channel, CCP-published books, educational materials, and literary works, among others. 

Through its presence at the creative expo, CCP strengthened its role as a key advocate for the creative industries, connecting with artists, cultural enthusiasts, and potential collaborators while highlighting its mission to bring world-class Filipino performing arts to wider audiences.

CINEMALAYA 2025 IS NOW SAILING

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2025 has officially launched, ushering in another exciting season of bold and original Filipino storytelling. This year’s theme, “Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos,” reflects the journey of independent filmmakers navigating through challenges, uncertainties, and changes — yet continuing to move forward with purpose and passion.

Kicking off with a lively press conference, the festival gathered filmmakers, artists, and industry movers who reaffirmed Cinemalaya’s commitment to giving space to stories that speak truth, stir thought, and reflect the many facets of the Filipino experience. Featuring 10 full-length films and 10 short features in competition screening at Shangri-la Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cinemas, Cinemalaya remains a steadfast vessel for creative voices — undaunted, uncompromising, and always in motion.

PPO OPENS 41st SEASON WITH MAESTRO NOWAK & PIANIST ANDREY GUGNIN IN A TRIUMPHANT CONCERT

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra launched its 41st season – Versatile, with ‘Ouverture,’ a triumphant opening concert on September 12, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater. Led by Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the program featured Dvořák’s Carnival Overture, Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini featuring Russian pianist Andrey Gugnin, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. The highlight of the evening was the brilliant performance of Russian pianist Andrey Gugnin, whose interpretation of Rachmaninov drew both admiration and resounding applause, marking a powerful start to a season of world-class music.

TANGHALANG PILIPINO’S “PINGKIAN: ISANG MUSIKAL”

Back by popular demand! Tanghalang Pilipino’s award-winning musical Pingkian: Isang Musikal returns to the stage after winning Best Musical and three other honors at the 37th Aliw Awards. This powerful, full-length production is inspired by the story of Emilio Jacinto, the “Brains of the Katipunan,” as he faces the final chapters of the Philippine Revolution and the dawn of the Philippine-American War. Written by Juan Ekis, with music by Ejay Yatco, and direction by Jenny Jamora, Pingkian is a moving tribute to courage, conviction, and the fight for freedom. Don’t miss this award-winning musical’s much-awaited return!

October 3 to 12, 2025 | 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM | Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) Tickets: 2,000 (VIP), 1,800 (REGULAR)

CCP CINEMALAYA PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL 2025

Now on its 21st year, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival continues its mission of championing bold stories and diverse voices in cinema. Featuring a new slate of full-length and short films, Cinemalaya remains the country’s premier platform for fresh perspectives, fearless narratives, and groundbreaking works that reflect the depth and spirit of the Filipino experience.

Dates: October 4 to 11, 2025
Venue: CCP @ Red Carpet Cinemas –  Shangri-la Plaza
Tickets: P350 | 250

TICKETING PLATFORMS:

CCP GAWAD ALTERNATIBO

The Ika-37 CCP Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video (Gawad Alternatibo) is Southeast Asia’s longest-running independent film competition. Catch award-winning Pinoy works in Animation, Experimental, Documentary, and Short Feature this October at Shangri-La Plaza. The festival continues online via CINEMATA from October 12 to November 30, and on the CCP Channel starting December.

October 6 to 10, 2025 | Shangri-la Plaza, Red Carpet Cinema 3
Tickets: Free Admission

PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 41ST SEASON “VERSATILE” – CONCERT 3:  CONCERTO

Showcasing its full power and range, the PPO’s third concert, led by Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, features the world premiere of Jeffrey Ching’s Creation Fugue and Arctic Chase from Frankenstein, Schumann’s Cello Concerto with renowned celiist Tomasz Strahl, and Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra.

October 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM |  Metropolitan Theater
Tickets: P3,000 | 2,500 | 2,000 | 1,500 | 800

CCP’S NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: 
NOËL COWARD’S “PRESENT LAUGHTER”

Andrew Scott stars in this sharp comedy about fame, desire, and identity. As actor Garry Essendine’s life spins out of control before an overseas tour, chaos unfolds in a whirlwind of relationships and self-discovery. Captured live from The Old Vic and directed by Matthew Warchus.

October 28, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Glorietta 4 Cinema 1, Makati City
Tickets: P300 | 150 

CCP’S NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: 
SUZIE MILLER’S “INTER ALIA”

From the team behind Prima Facie comes a powerful new drama. Rosamund Pike stars as Jessica Parks, a sharp London judge juggling justice, family, and personal turmoil. Written by Suzie Miller and directed by Justin Martin, the play explores modern masculinity and the price of having it all.

October 28, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Vertis North – Quezon City & Ayala Center Cebu
Tickets: Ayala Vertis North – P350 | 150 
Ayala Center Cebu – P300 | 150

MAGIC MAIDS

A powerful ritual-dance performance by Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera, where the witch and the maid converge. Through movement, ritual, and storytelling, they channel unheard voices from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, revealing the deep ties between colonial histories, care work, and gendered labor. Don’t miss this spellbinding fusion of performance and resistance. 

November 7 & 8, 2025 | 8:00 PM 
November 9, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP