PBT revives, celebrates 30 years of Gener Caringal's Andres Bonifacio KKK

Hoping to cultivate nationalism, empower the common man, and awaken the spirit of what it means to be a nation, the Philippine Ballet Theatre brings back Andres KKK this August 22-23, 2026 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati.

Matthew Davo

Choreographed by Gener Caringal, this ballet about Andres Bonifacio had its premiere back in 1996 in commemoration of the centennial of the Philippine Revolution. One of PBT's most widely toured productions, Andres KKK boasts a libretto by Lilia Quindoza Santiago and an original score by Jesse Lucas.

Jessa Tangalin

Dancing the lead role of Bonifacio are Matthew Davo and Dominador Delmo while Jessa Tangalin and Sophie Tiangco portray his wife Gregoria "Oryang" de Jesus.

Matthew Davo & Jessa Tangalin

PBT's Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario, who originated the role of Bonifacio during the 1996 premiere, says that the ballet has stoot the test of time because "PBT's version of history is not just pages of history in dance. It is a touching tribute to the struggles of the Filipino."

Sophie Tiangco

Jaynario still remembers how Caringal framed the hero: instead of portraying Bonifacio as an untouchable icon or an invincible warrior, Caringal reveals the man behind the monument. His Bonifacio struggles, questions, sacrifices, and perseveres. He is not defined by superhuman strength but by an unwavering belief in his people and their shared dream of freedom.

Dominador Delmo & Sophie Tiangco

Gener Caringal explains his Andres Bonifacio as a product of poverty, suffering, and love for his country. A hero was born because Bonifacio cared deeply for this land and its people. Moreover, in Caringal's vision, Bonifacio's greatest power does not come from standing above the people—it comes from standing among them. They were all heroes of their time, with Bonifacio serving as the symbol of their resolve.

Matthew Davo & Philippine Ballet Theatre

In revisiting Bonifacio's story, Philippine Ballet Theatre invites audiences to reflect on a question that remains as urgent today as it was more than a century ago: What kind of hero does our nation need—and what kind of people must we become to stand behind one? What would it take to make heroes of all of us?

PBT's Andres KKK will have a limited one weekend run on August 22-23, 2026 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Makati. Tickets are available through TicketWorld. For ticket inquiries, call 0968-870-8887.

CCP opens applications for 14th batch of Kabataang Gitarista

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Artist Training Division under the Arts Education Department, once again opens applications for Batch 14 of the CCP Kabataang Gitarista (KG) Program until August 25, 2026. An initiative designed for young musicians, the program provides FREE weekly classical guitar training that fosters understanding of the instrument and its repertoire.

Open to public high school students in the National Capital Region (NCR), the CCP KG program seeks aspiring classical guitarists in Grades 7, 8, or 9 who are eager to develop their skills. Applicants must be willing to commit to weekly training sessions on Saturdays at the CCP Annex Building and to dedicate time to self-practice on weekdays outside regular training hours. They must also be able to bring a nylon-stringed guitar to the lessons.

Interested applicants may complete and submit the online application form (through this link: https://tinyurl.com/ApplicationFormB14) on or before August 25, 2026 (Tuesday), 5:00 PM. They are expected to attend the onsite auditions on August 29, 2026 (Saturday), from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex. Walk-in applications will also be accommodated on the day of the auditions.

Applicants who successfully pass the onsite auditions will be invited, together with their parents and guardians, to attend an orientation and lecture on September 5, 2026 (Saturday), from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the CCP Annex Building.

Now in its 14th year, the CCP KG Program has provided young guitar players with quality classical guitar lessons and performance opportunities. Members of the ensemble have also performed across various CCP venues, selected public and private schools, outreach concerts outside Manila, and private engagements.

Several members have likewise distinguished themselves in local and international competitions, earning recognition for their schools and bringing pride to the country through their achievements. More than technical training, the program aims to develop a performing classical guitar ensemble and provide young musicians with opportunities to explore their musical potential.

For inquiries regarding the CCP Kabataang Gitarista Program, interested applicants may visit this link: https://linktr.ee/kabataanggitarista.official or contact the CCP Artist Training Division via email at kabataanggitarista.official@gmail.com. For updates and additional information, visit the official CCP website (https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/) and follow the CCP Arts Education Programs and CCP Kabataang Gitarista Facebook pages.

Philippine Ballet Theatre headlines Insular Life fundraiser

For the very first time, Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT), the country’s National Performing Arts Company for Dance, will perform in the south through Insular Life’s special fundraising event, Passion and Purpose.The show will only have one performance at Insular Life, Tanghalang Haribon, Alabang on September 20, 2026, 6:00 PM.

Jess Tangalin and Dom Delmo

The landmark evening brings together world-class Filipino artistry, beloved Original Pilipino Music, and a meaningful cause supporting education and the arts. At the center of the program is On the Wings of Song, otherwise known as the Jose Mari Chan Suite—a signature mixed-bill production celebrating the timeless music of Jose Mari Chan through ballet and contemporary movement.

Matthew Davo and Gabrielle Jaynario

Audiences can expect to hear some of Chan’s most beloved classics, including Please Be Careful With My Heart, Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile, Perhaps Love, Beautiful Girl, Movie Fan, Tsuper ng Aking Buhay, and more—transformed into expressive dance narratives that celebrate Filipino warmth, romance, humor, and family life. Company artist Gabrielle Jaynario shares her thoughts about the show: “Passion and Purpose will allow the audience an opportunity to become grounded for a moment and revisit our local culture. Everyday stories, all told through a fusion of Filipino song and dance, are interesting ways to capture the Filipino spirit. Our JMC Suite is a crowd favorite, always eliciting heartwarming applause because of it’s relateability. And when we can make audiences relate to us artists, it becomes a much more rewarding experience. That said, we are always excited to perform in Muntinlupa”

Philippine Ballet Theatre

Adding a local dimension to the evening, Hampton Court Ballet School will present a special guest performance featuring the young dancers of Muntinlupa City in contemporary ballet works choreographed by award-winning choreographer Fred Fernandez.

More than a performance, Passion and Purpose also serves as a fundraising initiative benefiting:

• Insular Life’s Education Program for the Youth
• Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Adopt-a-Dancer Program
• Hampton Court Ballet School Scholarship Fund

Organizers hope the event will further establish Muntinlupa City as an emerging center for arts and culture while providing more opportunities for young artists and students. Moreover, this is a chance to inspire young audiences to get up and dance as they see relatable art on stage.With limited seating available, organizers encourage you to check out the show and buy their tickets through Ticketmelon.

Sophie Tiangco and Julafer Fegarido

Ticket Prices:

P2,500 Front Orchestra Center

P2,500 Front Orchestra Side

P2,000 Back Orchestra Center

P1,500 Back Orchestra Side

P1,000 Balcony

NCCA opens call for proposals, conducts roadshow for 2027 Competitive Grants Program

Tapping Indigenous Peoples (IP) youths to participate as cultural practices gets transferred to their generation, strenghtening and digitizing the cultural database to combat intellectual property infringements with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and getting music and the arts back into early education were just some of the topics and pressing concerns discussed as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) officially kicked off its Call for Proposals for the Calendar Year 2027 Competitive Grants Program.

Artists, cultural workers, researchers, local government units, educational institutions, indegenous people's organizations, non-government organizations, and other cultural stakeholers to submit project proposals from over 100 specific project categories that contribute to the peservation, promotion, development, and dissemination of Philippine arts and culture.

NCCA Chair and Executive Director
Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD

Anchored on Republic Act No. 7356, the Competitive Grants Program remains one of the Commission's core mandates in supporting cultural development across the country through the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA). The program provides financial assistance to projects that uphold Filipino creativity, safeguard cultural heritage, strenghten cultural communities, and expand access to arts and culture nationwide.

For the 2027 cycle, the NCCA encourages proposals that respond to the country's evolving cultural landscape while remaining aligned with the Commission's mandate and the strategic priorities of its four Subcommissions—Arts; Cultural Heritage; Cultural Dissemination; and Culural Communities and Traditional Arts. Through this annual program, the Commission continues to empower communities and institutions in creating meaningful cultural initiatives that enrich national identity and promote inclusive development.

Interested proponents must first secure an NCAA accrediation to ensure grants eligibility. Proponents must not have any unliquidated or derogatory records with the NCCA or any government agency. Complete project proposals maybe sumbitted through email or courier.

From L to R: Bernan Joseph Corpuz, May-i Padilla, Dr. Maria Alexandra Chua,
Dr. Lordinio Vergara, Emma Ray, Arwin Paul Lingat

The deadline for submission of proposals is 31 August 2026, Monday 11:59 PM (Philippine Standard Time) as posted in the official NCCA Website.

To assist prospective applicants, te NCCA is also set to conduct nationwide Competitive Grants Progam Roadshows, provide orientation and technical assistance sessions on project proposal writing and preparation, eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and the general application process. The roadshows aim to make the grants program more accessible by reaching cultural practictioners and organizations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The schedule of the roadshows is as follows:

July 21, 2026

National Capital Region

Online

Luzon Cluster

Baguio City

July 27, 2026

Visayas Cluster

Bacolod City

July 28, 2026

Mindanao Cluster

Davao City

QR codes can be scanned for pre-registration while exact venues fo all roadshows will be announced soon on the NCCA Facebook page.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the guidelines, proposal ctegories, and documentary requirements before submission.

Kontragapi

For the complete material on the Competitive Grants Program for 2027, visit: https://ncca.gov.ph/ncca-competitive-grants-program/