The Plight of South East Asian Domestic Workers Through the Magic of Dance and Witchcraft

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and the Goethe-Institut Philippinen, proudly presents Magic Maids, a cultural ritual and dance performance interlacing the fear and oppression of women from centuries ago to today, at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) from November 7 to 9, 2025.

Conceptualized and choreographed by Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera, Magic Maids is a dance performance that interweaves the complexities and similarities of maids to the trials and tribulations of witches. Through the lens of feminist resistance, the 80-minute performance is told through the perspective of both the witch and the maid, using the broom, not only as a metaphor for the shared experiences of prejudice and sacrifice, but also as a physical device that connects both archetypal figures.

The dance performance is a ritual, a collective retelling of the hushed stories of domestic workers in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, providing a broader perspective on the exploitation of labor in the Global South likened to the European witch hunts.

With Jocson and Perera born and raised from the Global South, it adds an extra layer of cultural and personal touch in the show’s storytelling through its ritual in denouncing the oppression of women that continues to haunt the globe and uplifting feminist resistance.

On November 9 at 11:00 AM, Jocson and Perera will lead a workshop titled Broomology 101 at the TIG Lobby. In this session, the broom serves as a central axis linking the archetypes of the witch and the housemaid, becoming a tool for playful transformation and somatic exploration. Participants will explore what it means to extend themselves through the broom—merging, becoming wild, and engaging with the power of intention through movement and collective experience—while examining the spectrum between beauty and monstrosity.

Eisa Jocson
Photo by Rockbund Art Museum

Jocson is an interdisciplinary artist based in La Union. With a background in ballet, she drifted towards the contemporary dance genre and pole dancing, which continues to amplify her work and exploration of body politics and exploitation of migrant work in her own country, the Philippines.

Venuri Perera

Perera is an independent creator from Colombo. She has curated and produced projects of the Colombo Dance Platform and is currently a member of the Dance Panel of the Arts Council in Sri Lanka. Her works focus on the patriarchy, colonialism and class struggle, a reflection of her own experiences and the collective experience of women in her nation.

Performances for ‘Magic Maids’ will be held on November 7 and 8, at 5pm, and November 9, at 8pm.

Regular ticket price is Php600 and student discount ticket is priced at Php300 upon presentation of valid ID.

Interested workshop participants can register until November 4, 2025 through the registration link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3GUt_9AlzYuTEt31AiA-fhPT4A_FuctYhl1-Y4viMabAFjg/viewform. Selected participants will receive a confirmation from the Goethe-Institut.

To get the latest updates on CCP’s events, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more news.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert returns with KPop Demon Hunters, more K-Drama hits

The magic of Korean drama is set to return to the concert stage as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) proudly present OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert, on October 25, 2025 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City - with two shows at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert is in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization - Manila Office (KTO), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), SM Supermalls, VIU Philippines, and GMA.

Following the overwhelming success of its debut last year, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again bring drama, nostalgia, and well-loved soundtracks to life—this time, with even grander performances from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).

At the heart of this concert is the PPO led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera. Fresh from their successful UK tour, PPO will perform powerful and heart-stirring renditions of beloved K-Drama soundtracks. From the adrenaline-filled beats of Maggie Kang’s KPop Demon Hunters to the tender melodies of Crash Landing on You and the tear-jerking When Life Gives You Tangerines, the night hosts a journey through the emotions that made every K-Drama unforgettable.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert also features an exciting lineup of guest performers, including Korean singer-songwriter Hong Isaac and rising artist YEGNY, alongside Filipino artists Kyline Alcantara and Angel Guardian. These stars will add flair to the concert, bridging cultures through songs that celebrate both Korean and Filipino artistry.

Before the concert, KCC will also hold a K-OST and K-Show Production Workshop in partnership with GMA, gathering some of Korea’s leading music and show producers for a one-day creative exchange with Filipino professionals. The initiative aims to bring both industries closer and spark new opportunities for collaboration in storytelling and production.

This year’s concert also shines a spotlight on Gyeongju, the host city of the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Korea. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Gyeongju is bringing a piece of its charm to Manila through a promotional booth at the concert lobby, where guests can learn more about the city’s history and attractions. The space is complemented by a K-Drama merchandise display, offering fans an added layer of appreciation and a closer look at the cultural stories that inspire their favorite shows.

With a full house of K-drama fans, music lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again showcase that great stories know no borders—and that the universal language of music continues to unite hearts, one heartfelt soundtrack at a time.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert is free and open to the public. Tickets will be available soon through smtickets.com. For more information, follow the official accounts of the CCP, KCC, and NCCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Explore the latest in the Philippine arts and culture scene by visiting the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

Croatia's Got Talent winner Chriztel Renae Aceveda headlines Echoes of Croatia concert on Oct 14

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts and the FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS), in partnership with the soon to open Embassy of Croatia in Manila, proudly present "ECHOES OF CROATIA in the Philippines."

Set your eyes and ears on Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old Filipina prodigy and Croatia’s Got Talent 2023 winner, as she captivates you with her stunning voice alongside internationally acclaimed Croatian artists — Blanka Tkalčić (mezzo-soprano) and Danijel Oto (pianist, educator, and chamber musician).

Experience an afternoon filled with harmony that bridges nations on October 14, 3:00 pm at the FEU Auditorium.

Chriztel Renae Aceveda

Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old soprano originally from Pampanga, Philippines, has been living in Sveti Martin na Muri, Croatia since 2020. She first captured the hearts of the public with her interpretation of a traditional Međimurje folk song on Supertalent, and has continued to delight audiences across Croatia ever since. From the age of five, she showed a passion for music, singing karaoke with her mother. In Croatia, she quickly embraced the local culture, especially the region’s musical heritage and traditional attire. Chriztel is an 8th-grade student at Primary School Sveti Martin na Muri, a member of the school choir and part of the local cultural and artistic society HKUU Sveti Martin. She studies voice in the preparatory program of the Varaždin Music School under the guidance of Blanka Tkalčić. Her performances of authentic Međimurje folk songs have been compared to the legendary "Aunt Liza", and her emotional expressiveness leaves audiences breathless. She has performed at numerous traditional music events, charity concerts, and public festivals, including collaborations with Croatia's folk music icon Lidija Bajuk. She won the Supertalent show, the Prvi glas Zagorja contest, the Mali MEF Grand Prix, and first prize at the Brežice Festival in Slovenia. Through her singing, Chriztel celebrates her second homeland—Croatia—while remaining proudly connected to her Filipino roots.

Blanka Tkalčić

Blanka Tkalčić, mezzo-soprano, was born in Čakovec in 1978. She attended the Varaždin Music School and studied voice with Darija Hreljanović, later continuing at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz under Ulf Bästlein. She holds both a diploma and master’s degree in lied and oratorio and specialized further under renowned mentors such as Silvia Bazzoni-Bartoli and Lidija Horvat-Dunjko. Blanka has performed widely in Croatia and abroad (Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.), with prestigious orchestras such as the Zagreb Philharmonic, Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Wiener Johann Strauss Capelle, and Paris Chamber Orchestra. Her repertoire spans oratorios, masses, and operas—from Mozart’s Requiem to roles in operettas like The Merry Widow, Countess Maritza, and Die Fledermaus. She is also an acclaimed pedagogue, teaching voice at the Varaždin Music School and working with Opera BB under maestro Vladimir Kranjčević, with whom she has sung roles in operas by Pergolesi, Menotti, Rossini, Donizetti, and others. She is a member of the Europeisches Musik Zentrum Wien.

Danijel Oto

Danijel Oto, pianist, began his piano studies at the age of 12 and entered the Zagreb Music Academy at 18 under the tutelage of Vladimir Krpan. He graduated in 2009 with top honors and has continued his development through masterclasses with renowned pedagogues such as Franco Scala, Peter Eicher, and Konstantin Krasnitsky. He has performed in prestigious venues across Europe (Vienna, Paris, Rome, Zurich, Zagreb, Belgrade), recorded for Croatian Radio and Television, and collaborated with prominent artists. A sought-after chamber musician and official accompanist at international competitions, Danijel is regularly invited as a jury member in piano competitions across Europe. Since 2008, he has been working as an accompanist and piano teacher at the Varaždin School of Music, and he is currently also an assistant at University North (Department of Music and Media). His students have won over 200 awards at national and international competitions. He is also a regular faculty member at the Grožnjan International Summer Piano School.

Admission is FREE!

Secure your seats by registering through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/yx6wzkkxvn

Celebrating Philippine-Italian connection with chamber music concert on Oct. 16

Italian violinist Alessio Benvenuti has firmly established himself as one of the key figures in Philippine classical music scene as the concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra for the past year. His presence in the country is a testament of how music and culture has strengthened the bond between his home country Italy and his current home, the Philippines. And this bond has been championed by the the Philippine-Italian Association for more than six decades already.

In celebration of this friendship bridged by culture, the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), in collaboration with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), and sponsored by Joel’s Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master's Touch, presents the Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert on October 16, 2025, at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium located at 3 Humabon Place, Magallanes, Makati City.

The concert features Alessio Benvenuti to be joined on stage by violinist Alfonso Encina, violist Sara Gonzales, cellist Arnold Josue, double bassist Lawrence Palad, and pianist Mariel Ilusorio.

Now based in Makati, Benvenuti has had an extensive career performing in over 2,000 concerts in five continents since 1996. An interesting fact about him is that he has worked for the now defunct women's volleyball club in Perugia, Italy. He provided translations in line with the acquisition of foreign players for the club that included Olympic champions namely Mirka Francia who played for Cuba back then, Fofão and Walewska, both from Brazil. He is very thrilled that the Italian men's volleyball team successfully defended the World Championship trophy in Manila.

This one night only performance will feature masterpieces by various Filipino and Italian composers including Nicanor Abelardo, Antonio Molina, Antonino Buenaventura, Antonio Vivaldi, Tomaso Albinoni, and Gioachino Rossini.

Audiences can look forward to timeless works such as Rossini’s Sonata No. 1 for Strings in G Major, Tartini’s evocative Sonata in G Minor (Didone Abbandonata), and Ennio Morricone’s beloved film scores Cinema Paradiso and La Califfa.

Adding further variety are the spirited classic Funiculi Funicula and Debussy’s Piano Trio, 3rd Movement.

Complementing these European works are Filipino gems, including Constancio de Guzman’s patriotic Bayan Ko (arr. Orlando Dela Cruz), Nicanor Abelardo’s lyrical Cavatina, and Mike Velarde’s enduring Dahil Sa Iyo, as well as treasured folksongs such as Si Nanay Tatay Di Ko Babayaan (Bicolano), Ili-Ili Tulog Anay (Ilonggo), and Salidumay (Igorot).

Alessio Benvenuti and Sara Gonzales

This collaboration is made possible through the shared vision of the PIA, the MSO, Joel's Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master's Touch.

Now celebrating its 63rd year, PIA continues to fulfill its mission of fostering unity between Filipino and Italian cultures through Italian language instruction, translation services, and social security and welfare assistance provided via the Patronato Acli.

Likewise, the MSO, one of the oldest orchestras in Asia and the longest surviving artistic institution in the Philippines, remains steadfast in its goal of discovering and nurturing Filipino musical talent, while making the appreciation and practice of music a vibrant part of Filipino life.

Joel’s Place, further complements this collaboration. A modern lifestyle grocerant seamlessly blends grocery, specialty, and dining concepts, offering a curated mix of local and international products. With its commitment to healthy living and distinctive shop and dine experiences, Joel’s Place brings a contemporary edge to the partnership while celebrating cultural exchange.

"The Master's Touch" on 98.7 DZFE-FM is the only classical music service in the country today and has delivered "masterworks and Master's Word" programs to its listening community since 1954. DZFE belongs to FEBC Philippines, a non-profit, non-commercial and non-denominational Evangelical media network serving Filipinos and their communities with biblical commentary and public service programs.

Tickets are priced at ₱1500 with 20% discount for Senior Citizens/PWD or 10% discount for PIA Members.

For ticket inquiries and reservations, please get in touch with Ms. Jan Dacera at 09954305118 and/or at this email address: philitalassociation@gmail.com

Through this landmark collaboration, PIA, MSO Joel's Place, and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master's Touch reaffirm their commitment to bridging cultures and inspiring communities through the transformative power of music.

Follow the Philippine Italian Association at:

Facebook: The Philippine Italian Association

Instagram: @philitalian

Experience the Stories of Gaza Told Through Traditional Japanese Music this October

This October, The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) presents a unique chronicle of the conflict in Gaza as told through traditional Japanese music and storytelling.

Ikusamonogatari II - Stories of Battle in Gaza is a live narration of tales, reflecting the courage, sorrow, and struggles from the conflict-torn city of Gaza, accompanied by the timeless sounds of the Japanese Biwa and Koto instruments. Inspired by the classical style of the Heike Monogatari and its iconic recounting of the Battle of Dannoura, this performance reimagines the art of oral storytelling to reflect the modern-day struggles of the people of Gaza.

Performing the Ikusamonogatari, literally translated to “battle stories,” are two masters of traditional Japanese music, together with one of the Philippines’ foremost wordsmiths.

Hiroko Nagai

Hiroko Nagai pursued her mastery of the koto after training as a classical pianist. She is now part of the School of Social Sciences faculty at the Ateneo de Manila University, as well as an instructor at the College of Music at the University of the Philippines. Her work throughout the years has received recognition, including accolades from the Young Critics Circle and the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences.

Keiko Yokota

Keiko Yokota is an actress and Chikuzen Biwa storyteller from Saitama, Japan. Formerly with the Black Tent Theater in Tokyo, she now works independently, performing with the traditional Japanese instrument biwa - both classical Heike pieces and original works in her distinctive style. Her music has taken her around the world, performing in France, Peru, Norway, and the Philippines.

The koto and biwa performed together is a unique occurrence, making this special performance singular and unforgettable; an opportunity to see two beautiful instruments in rare harmony.

Rody Vera

Completing the trio of performers is award winning author, playwright, theatre actor, and director Rody Vera. As a playwright, he has written at least twenty-five original plays, ten of which have won Palanca Awards. In 2015, he was awarded the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi by the Ateneo de Manila University, and In 2019, he received the Dangal ni Balagtas Award from the Commission on the Filipino Language in recognition of his contributions to Philippine literature.

Ikusamonogatari II - Stories of Battle in Gaza forges a connection between past and present, exploring the shared human experiences of grief, hope, and impermanence across cultures and generations. This performance is a tribute to the enduring human spirit and a reminder of the universal themes that bind us all. Because in a war, nobody truly wins—and peace is not just a dream, but our shared responsibility.

The series of performances will kick off in Manila and will continue in Davao and Cagayan de Oro during the following dates with venue partners Ateneo de Davao University and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan:

20 October 2025 7:00PM Carlos P Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City

21 October 2025 4:30PM PETA Studio A&B, Quezon City

23 October 2025 10:00AM Ateneo de Davao University Finster Auditorium, Davao City

25 October 2025 10:30AM Xavier University Little Theater, Cagayan de Oro City

Admission to all performances is free. To register, visit the JFM official website at www.jfmo.org.ph.

Follow JFM’s official social media accounts for updates.

Instituto Cervantes’ 24th PELÍCULA Spanish Film Festival returns to Makati

The anticipated Spanish Film Festival, PELÍCULA>PELIKULA, is returning to Makati in Ayala Triangle Gardens and Powerplant Mall from October 10 to 16, 2025 for its 24th edition. Since its creation in 2002 by Instituto Cervantes, PELÍCULA has become a much-awaited annual event in Philippine theaters. This year’s Festival will showcase over 20 acclaimed films from Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.

The Festival will open on October 10 at Ayala Triangle Gardens with the screening of El 47 (Marcel Barrena, 2024). Over the week, audiences will enjoy a variety of genres, including dramas such as Soy Nevenka (Icíar Bollaín, 2024) and Nosotros (Helena Taberna, 2024); documentaries such as Un hombre libre (Laura Hojman, 2024) and La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés (C. Tangana, 2024); and animations such as Mariposas negras (David Baute, 2024) and Robotia (Diego Cagide and Diego Lucero, 2024).

In addition to Spanish productions, the Official Selection will feature films from Latin America, including the Argentinian drama Por tu bien (Axel Monsú, 2024), the Brazilian Até que a música pare (Cristiane Oliveira, 2023), Uruguay’s Becho (José Infantozzi, 2024), and the Peruvian Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024). Filipino cinema will also have its place through the program En corto: Short films from the Philippines, Latin America, and Spain, which will be screened on October 16.

Like in previous years, spectators will decide the Audience Choice Award. Since 2004, this recognition has been one of the Festival’s most beloved traditions. Viewers may vote for their favorite films after each screening. The winning title will be announced on October 16 and will be screened again that evening at Power Plant Cinema 6 during the Festival’s closing ceremony.

Special sections and activities

Marking its return to Makati, PELÍCULA>PELIKULA will treat audiences to the extravaganza of Cine Maratón at Ayala Triangle Gardens on October 11, featuring a whole day of films such as Dalia y el libro rojo (David Bisbano, 2024), Tasio (Montxo Armendáriz, 1984), Solos en la noche (Guillermo Rojas, 2024), and Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024), from 11:45am to 11:00pm.

Since its first edition, PELÍCULA>PELIKULA has programmed activities aiming to showcase emerging Spanish and Filipino filmmakers. In line with this, on October 16 PELíCULA will be holding “Encuentros en el cine: En corto”, an activity which will feature three recent Filipino short films: Lip Sync Assassin, (Jon Galvez, 2025), Animal Lovers, (Aedrian Araojo, 2023), and Radikals (Arvin Belarmino, 2024). The movies will be presented by their directors.

The Festival also includes parallel activities. On October 11, Instituto Cervantes will also offer an activity related to films for children, where the Spanish Cultural Center will invite young participants to join fun and creative activities such as crafts and games that spark their imagination and curiosity.

On the following day, October 12, before the 2:00 p.m. screening of Robotia at Power Plant Cinema 6, children will have the chance to win several footballs and an official Real Madrid jersey signed by football legend Emilio Butragueño. These prizes are generously provided by Real Madrid C.F. through the Manila-based Peña Madridista Emilio Butragueño.

El 47 | The 47 (2024, Spain)

Director: Marcel Barrenada

Cast: Eduard Fernández, Clara Segura, David Verdaguer, Zoe Bonafonte, Salva Reina, Aimar Vega, Carlos Cuevas, Vicente Romero, Óscar de la Fuente, Betsy Túrnez

In 1978, Manolo Vital, a bus driver from Barcelona, challenged the official narrative: buses could not climb the steep streets of Torre Baró, a working-class neighborhood on the city’s outskirts. Tired of this repeated lie by the City Council, he took control of the line 47 bus to prove otherwise. This peaceful act of defiance sparked a neighborhood movement that transformed the suburbs and laid the foundations of modern Barcelona, highlighting both working-class pride and the strength of collective solidarity.

Dalia y el libro rojo | Dalia and the Red Book (2024, Argentina)

Director: David Bisbano

Cast: Agustina Cirulnik, Mora Kind, Gustavo Barrientos, Mariana Correa, Andrés Burecovics, Natalia Rosminati

When Dalia was a child, her father includes a character in the novel he's writing as a tribute to her: a goat, inspired by her favorite stuffed toy. Years later, after her father dies and leaves the book unfinished, Dalia is kidnapped by the characters from the novel, who pull her into the world of fiction through a portal.

Tasio (1984, Spain)

Director: Montxo Armendáriz

Cast: Patxi Bisquert, Isidro José Solano, Garikoitz Mendigutxia, Amaia Lasa, Nacho Martínez, José María Asín, Paco Sagarzazu, Enrique Goicoechea, Elena Uriz

Since the age of fourteen, Tasio has worked as a charcoal burner in the Urbasa mountains. His life unfolds between the forest, his family, and the hardships of artisanal labor, always in close contact with nature. The film portrays with realism and sensitivity the daily life of a man deeply rooted in his land and a traditional craft on the verge of extinction, offering a reflection on a way of life that defies time.

Solos en la noche | Alone in the Night (2024, Spain)

Director: Guillermo Rojas

Cast: Pablo Gomez Pando, Andrea Carballo, Alfonso Sánchez, Félix Gómez, Paula Usero, Beatriz Arjona, Jacinto Bobo, Vicente Vergara

A group of politically active labor lawyers take refuge in a remote house during the attempted coup d'État of February 23, 1981 in Spain. Amid uncertainty, they debate whether to flee, remain hidden, or take action to defend the fledgling democracy. A dramedy blending tension, humor, and conviction, offering a critical yet affectionate take on the dilemmas of that era.

Reinas (2024, Peru, Spain)

Director: Klaudia Reynicke

Cast: Abril Gjurinovic, Luana Vega, Jimena Lindo, Gonzalo Molina, Susi Sánchez

Summer 1992 in Lima. Lucía, Aurora and their mother Elena are preparing to leave their country. They are apprehensive about saying goodbye to their loved ones and especially to Carlos, a father and ex-husband who has practically disappeared from their lives. In the midst of the social and political chaos that reigns in Peru at that time, this announced exile generates contradictory feelings, revives old regrets and generates new illusions. The future is impregnated with uncertainty. In a maelstrom of hope, fear, frustration and expectation, Lucía, Aurora and Elena are forced to confront everything that leaving implies.

Robotia (2024, Spain, Argentina)

Directors: Diego Cagide, Diego Lucero

Cast: Annabel Gallardo, Ariel Cister, Valeria Stilman, Florencia Rosemblit, Diego Recagno

In a world inhabited by androids who live, dream, and grow, Alex and Bibi are two robots built in the same factory with the same materials and at the same time, yet their paths diverge from the very beginning. Alex, born with a factory defect, is sent to a small village; Bibi grows up in a conservative household where she is forbidden to play football. Despite their differences, they share a passion for the sport. Fate brings them together on the football field with quirky robotic friends, and when the chance to enter a children’s championship arises, they will do everything possible to include Bibi and prove that dreams can overcome all obstacles through friendship and teamwork.

Una quinta portuguesa | The Portuguese House (2025, Spain)

Director: Avelina Prat

Cast: Manolo Solo, Maria de Medeiros, Branka Katić, Rita Cabaço

The sudden disappearance of his wife plunges Fernando, a calm and methodical geography professor, into disarray. Unable to cope with the void she leaves behind, he assumes the identity of a gardener and begins working in a Portuguese estate. There, he forms an unexpected friendship with Amalia, the enigmatic owner, and slowly finds peace and renewal in a life that isn’t his own.

Segundo premio | Saturn Return (2024, Spain)

Directors: Isaki Lacuesta, Pol Rodríguez

Cast: Daniel Ibáñez, Cristalino, Stéphanie Magnin Vella, Mafo, Chesco Ruiz, Edu Rejón

Granada, late 90s. In the midst of artistic and cultural effervescence, an indie music group is going through its most delicate moment: the bass player breaks up with the band looking for his place outside music and the guitarist is immersed in a dangerous spiral of self-destruction. Meanwhile, the singer is facing a complicated process of writing and recording his third album. Little does anyone know that this album will forever change the music scene across the country. This is (not) a film about los Planetas

Un hombre libre | A Free Man (2024, Spain)

Director: Laura Hojman

The documentary brings back the figure of Andalusian writer Agustín Gómez Arcos, whose work, censored in Spain during Franco’s dictatorship, gained international acclaim during his exile in France. Through his writings, interviews, and archival material, the film recovers the memory of a free, uncompromising and committed creator. An intimate and necessary portrait of an author whose voice resonates more powerfully than ever today.

Nosotros | The Story of Us (2025, Spain)

Director: Helena Taberna

Cast: María Vázquez, Pablo Molinero

Ángela and Antonio meet in their youth and, like so many couples, fall in love and begin to build a shared life. Over the years, they experience the different stages of a relationship: passion, routine, doubts, loss, and the need to reinvent themselves in order to move forward together. With an intimate and sensitive perspective, the film portrays how love evolves and transforms without losing its essence. A universal story about the bond that unites two people as time goes by.

Los aitas (2025, Spain)

Director: Borja Cobeaga

Cast: Quim Gutiérrez, Juan Diego Botto, Mikel Losada, Iñaki Ardanaz, Laura Weissmahr, Ramón Barea, Sofía Otero, Irati García Pérez, Irati Goitia Arraibi, Mara Garcés Renedo, Josean Bengoetxea

In the working-class suburbs of Bilbao in 1989, a children’s rhythmic gymnastics team is preparing to take part in a championship in Berlin. Since the mothers are unable to accompany their daughters, the task unexpectedly falls to the fathers. What begins as a reluctant responsibility soon turns into a transformative journey, as these men—accustomed to the routines of factory life and to traditional family roles—discover new ways of connecting with their daughters and with each other. Blending pride, clumsiness, and genuine emotion, The Dads offers a tender and humorous portrait of fatherhood, friendship, and the winds of social change in a Spain moving steadily toward modernity.

Mariposas negras | Black Butterflies (2024, Spain)

Director: David Baute

Tanit lives in Turkana, northern Kenya, where extreme drought forces her to move to Nairobi with her family. Valeria, from the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, must flee after the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma. And Shaila, on the Indian island of Ghoramara, sees her home and crops destroyed by rising sea levels, compelling her to migrate to the city. These moving stories of loss are bound by the shared experience of climate migration—fragile like butterflies, they struggle to survive in a world that no longer sustains them. A necessary look at the human impact of climate change

Sorda | Deaf (2025, Spain)

Director: Eva Libertad

Cast: Miriam Garlo, Álvaro Cervantes, Elena Irureta, Joaquín Notario

Angela, a deaf woman, is going to have a baby with Hector, her hearing partner. The pregnancy brings to the surface her fears about motherhood and how she will be able to communicate with her daughter. The arrival of the child generates a crisis in the couple and leads Angela to face the upbringing of her daughter in a world that is not made for her. Feature film based on the 2021 short film of the same name.

Becho (2024, Uruguay)

Director: José Infantozzi

Cast: Santiago Infantozzi, Quico Grecco, Piero Dátole, Santiago Moreira, Moré, Diego D'Angelo, Lucila Rada

Becho is a boy with a unique gift: he can see passion as a golden, radiant energy flowing from people and special moments. One day, during a concert, that force transports him into a magical world where La Cumparsita resides. There he discovers that he can also generate this inner light, and with his horse Skat he embarks on adventures that lead him from joy to devastating loss. When all seems lost, Becho sets out on a journey of rediscovery—of his gift and of himself. A poetic fable about courage, music, and hope.

La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés | The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés (2024, Spain)

Director: C. Tangana

When Antón Álvarez, C.Tangana, meets Yerai Cortés he is completely fascinated by his talent and intrigued by his family history. Yerai is an unusual figure within flamenco; as respected by the more traditionalist gypsies as he is by the avant-garde artists of the new wave of which he is a part. They decide to embark on a journey together to record an album in which the songs are marked by a great sorrow, where the artistic process itself confronts him with his past and pushes him to explore a family secret through which he tries to redeem the relationship with his parents. The result is a film that develops a unique musical experience to immerse us in a story of passion, love and forgiveness.

Até que música pare | Until the Music is Over (2023, Brazil)

Director: Cristiane Oliveira

Cast: Cibele Tedesco, Hugo Lorensatti, Nicolas Vaporidis, Elisa Volpatto, Teti Tedesco, Tamara Zanotto Padilha, Jonas Piccoli

Chiara is the matriarch of an Italian-descendant family torn apart. After her youngest son moves out, she decides to go along with Alfredo, her husband, on his trips as a salesman in the bars of Serra Gaúcha. Their trust in each other breaks down when Chiara finds out about Alfredo’s life on the road and he realizes she hides something. A turtle and decks of cards will put to the test their 50-years relationship.

Por tu bien | For Your Sake (Argentina)

Director: Axel Monsú

Cast: Sabrina Melgarejo, Jabes Alatiel Mulka, Gastón Ricaud, Cynthia Krawczyk, Camila Kreinibig, Gicela Méndez Ribeiro, Juan Ramón Núñez

Zulma is a teenager growing in a rural town and assuming the mandates her family and religious community impose on her, until something happens that prompts her to take the reigns of her own destiny.

Soy Nevenka | I'm Nevenka (2024, Spain)

Director: Icíar Bollaín

Cast: Mireia Oriol, Urko Olazábal, Ricardo Gómez, Carlos Serrano, Lucía Veiga

Nevenka Fernández, a municipal finance councillor in Ponferrada, is subjected to sexual harassment by the mayor—a powerful man used to exerting control both politically and personally. Despite facing emotional and professional persecution, Nevenka bravely decides to speak out. She confronts ostracism from her community, a public trial in the media, and pays a high price for breaking the silence. A true story that catalyzed change and left a lasting impact on Spain's battle against harassment.

Encuentros en el cine: En corto

Lip Sync Assassin (2025, Philippines)

Director: Jon Galvez

Cast: Precious Paula Nicole, Peewee O’Hara, Argel Saycon, Erin Espiritu, Angel Galang, Mrs. Tan, Hana Beshie, Jel Tarun

Sampaguita, a fabulous drag queen moonlights as a hired killer to earn extra money and provide a good life for her talented daughter and sickly mother. Just when she thought she could handle any contract killing mission, her new target tests how far she can go to support her loved ones.

Animal Lovers (2023, Philippines)

Director: Aedrian Araojo

Cast: Iana Bernardez, Karl Medina, Ryanne Murcia

A pregnant woman, suspicious of her husband’s romantic relationship with his carabao, schemes to banish her beastly rival and reclaim her title as the fairest creature of the land.

Radikals (2024, Philippines)

Director: Alvin Belarmino

Cast: Elora Españo, Timothy Castillo, Ross Pesigan

A young rookie from a bizarre chicken-dance group faces a heckler after being the worst dancer at a performance -- leading him to a series of strange events that reveal what the group does to their weakest link.

Below is the schedule of screening.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

October 10, 2025

7:30 PM El 47

October 11, 2025

11:45 AM Dalia y el libro rojo

2:00 PM Tasio

4:00 PM El 47

6:00 PM Solos en la noche

8:30 PM Reinas

Power Plant Cinema

October 12, 2025

2:00 PM Robotia

5:00 PM Una quinta portuguesa

7:30 PM Segundo premio

October 13, 2025

2:00 PM A Free Man

5:00 PM The Story of Us

7:30 PM Los Aitas

October 14, 2025

2:00 PM Black Butterflies

5:00 PM Deaf

7:30 PM Becho

October 15, 2025

2:00 PM The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés

5:00 PM Until the Music is Over

7:30 PM For Your Sake

October 16, 2025

2:00 PM I’m Nevenka

5:00 PM Encuentros en el cine: En corto

7:30 PM Premio del Público

PELíCULA>PELIKULA 2025 is a project of Instituto Cervantes in Manila, presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, the AECID, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Intramuros Administration, the Embassy of Argentina in the Philippines, the Embassy of Brazil in the Philippines, the Embassy of Perú, the Embassy of Uruguay, QCinema, the Quezon City Film Commision, Make it Makati, Power Plant Cinema, University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University--College of Saint Benilde, the Department of European Languages of the University of the Philippines, UP Círculo Hispánico, Far Eastern University, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, Mapúa University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Mint College, Ateneo de Manila University-Modern Languages, Peña Madridista de Manila Emilio Butragueño. Sponsored by Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Acciona, Ayala Corporation, Fundador, and Boysen.

All screenings are free of charge with films presented in their original language and accompanied by English subtitles.

For more updates on the Festival, you may visit the website of Instituto Cervantes de Manila (https://manila.cervantes.es) or facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

Basilio Manalo tribute concert at the Met

The Filipino String Teachers Association (FSTA), in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Metropolitan Theater, and with the assistance of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), will present “MAESTRO: Basilio Manalo’s Music and Legacy”, a tribute concert celebrating the life and artistry of Maestro Basilio “Sir Billy” Manalo. The concert will be held on October 21, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater at 6p.m.

Admission is free, with registration required through http://tinyurl.com/fsta-bmt-reg.

This concert will feature performances by Maestro Billy’s students, colleagues, and fellow musicians whose lives were shaped by his influence. More than a concert, the gathering serves as a living testament to the discipline, generosity, and passion of a man whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipino artists.

Born in Baguio City in 1927, Basilio Cajucom Manalo displayed remarkable musical gifts from an early age, nurtured by a family deeply rooted in culture and public service. A child prodigy on the violin, he performed works by Kreisler and Paganini before the age of ten and pursued formal studies under Ernesto Vallejo. His precocious talent brought him to the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music at only twelve years old, and later to the Juilliard School in New York, where he trained under the legendary pedagogue Ivan Galamian. Returning to the Philippines despite international opportunities, Manalo became a central figure in the country’s musical life as a virtuoso violinist, conductor, and educator.

His career spanned leadership roles in the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and, most significantly, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, which he helped reorganize in the 1980s. His vision extended beyond performance. devotedly cultivating future generations of Filipino musicians. Through initiatives such as the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists (PREDIS), the Philippine Youth Orchestra (PYO), and later the Manila Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), he provided training and opportunities for countless young players. Many of his students would go on to lead and perform in the nation’s premier orchestras and conservatories, carrying forward his philosophy of rigorous rehearsal and uncompromising artistry. This feat was recognized in 1992 with the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award from the City of Manila.

Basilio Manalo

The program consists of Bach’s Branderburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major; two works of Vivaldi, namely Concerto for 2 Violins in A Major, with Paul Gilbert J. Ramos, Violin 1 and Matias L. Mercurio, Violin 2, and “Concerto for Four Violins” with Kaya Alexa S. Pabico, Violin 1, Gavril Tiburcio, Violin 2, Gabrielle A. Abad, Violin 3, and Andrea L. Mercurio, Violin 4. Carmen Fantasie by F. Waxman and Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22 with Diomedes Saraza, violin and Inna Montesclaros, piano; Mozart’s Divertimento No. 2 in B flat Major, K. 137/125b; Antonino Buenaventura’s “Rondino” and Sibelius’ Andante festivo.

The ensemble is composed of former students of the late Maestro Manalo and their current students.

A short video documentary on the late Maestro’s life will be shown.

Organized by the FSTA, the concert reflects the association’s commitment to advancing string teaching and performance in the Philippines. A non-profit community of string teachers and performers, the FSTA promotes excellence in pedagogy and performance while fostering a network for Filipino string players both locally and abroad. Its programs aim to elevate teaching standards, nurture the talents of young musicians, and champion Filipino composers and their works.

The concert celebrates not only the achievements of a towering figure in Philippine music but also the values he embodied — discipline, artistry, and the unyielding belief in music as a force for growth and inspiration.

Cellist Damodar Das Castillo, conductor Alexander Vikulov headline MSO's Tchaikovsky overload concert

A concert filled to the brim with Tchaikovsky music goodness is set to wrap up September as the Manila Symphony Orchestra presents Dancing with Tchaikovsky happening on September 27, 2025, 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

Presented by the MSO Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance, in partnership with EastWest Bank, this concert will feature Russian Romanticism at its core with timeless tunes composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky namely the Festival Coronation March in D major, Variations on a Rococo Theme, and the Sleeping Beauty Dance Suite.

Damodar Das Castillo

Performing the cello solo for the Rococo Variations is Damodar Das Castillo. He is a top prizewinner of five international competitions including The Young Musician (Tallinn, 2019), the International Anton Rubinstein Competition (Düsseldorf, 2020), The Young Ludwig Competition (Berlin, 2020), the Vienna International Music Competition (2020), and Musica Goritiensis (Italy, 2021), Damodar Das Castillo is one of the most promising young cellists today. He studied at the Pre-College of Mozarteum University Salzburg under Prof. Barbara Lübke-Herzl and, as a scholar of the MSJO–Standard Insurance International Scholarship Program, he performs on a George Gerl cello

Alexander Vikulov

Frequent Manila visitor and Manila Symphony Orchestra collaborator Alexander Vikulov takes to the podium as guest conductor Born in Saint Petersburg to renowned ballet dancers Sergey Vikulov and Tatiana Udalenkova, Vikulov has built an international career that bridges opera, ballet, and symphonic music. Since his 2002 Mariinsky Theater debut with Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, he has conducted at the Vienna State Opera, Finnish National Opera, Seoul Arts Center, Teatro Regio di Torino, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Currently permanent guest conductor of the Saint Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra “Klassika” and musical director at Manila’s Star and Aliw Theaters, Vikulov continues to unite cultures through the universal language of music. Damodar Das Castillo, cello

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), founded in 1926 by Alexander Lippay, is one of Asia’s oldest orchestras and the Philippines’ longest surviving artistic institution. A symbol of resistance during World War II, the MSO has since collaborated with legends under the batons of Andre Kostelanetz, Arthur Fiedler, Mendi Rodan, Robert Feist, Gareth Nair, Helen Quach, and Eduard Strauss II. Antonio Molina, Antonino Buenaventura, Lucio San Pedro, Ernani Cuenco, Levi Celerio, and Ryan Cayabyab have also graced its stage.

Now nearing its 100th year in 2026, the MSO remains one of the country’s most active artistic institutions, presenting world-class performances and nurturing young Filipino talent under Marlon Chen (Music Director) and Jeffrey Solares (Associate Conductor).