Pasinaya Feature: Art Advances in Tagum City Despite the Calamity

Children, artists, and other participating groups together at an evacuation center
in Barangay San Miguel

True to its theme "Sulong", Pasinaya: The CCP Open House Festival forged ahead and pushed through with its regional edition in Tagum City on February 3 to 6, 2024 despite the heavy rains and floods that hit the Davao region in recent times.

Everyone gathers at the Opening Program of Pasinaya sa Tagum City
held at the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center

With safety as the top priority, CCP Pasinaya 2024 gathered more than 300 artists, performing groups, production staff, and Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) representatives from Luzon, National Capital Region, Visayas and Mindanao and continued with its four-day festival programming.

Audiences watch a performance at an evacuation center
in the Municipality of Dujali, Davao del Norte

While the three venues, namely, Tagum City Historical & Cultural Center, City Hall Atrium, and Meditation Center, became inaccessible to the public, the production managers and organizers decided to bring the festival and various performances to flood victims at the four evacuation centers in Barangay San Miguel, Bingkungan, Cuambogan and Mangkilam, including the Tagum City Cathedral.

Crowds watch a group perform at an evacuation center in Barangay Bingkungan

Audiences admire the performance of a group at an evacuation center
in Barangay Bingkungan

Although most of the activities and shows did not push through, the warm response and smiles of the evacuees made the CCP Pasinaya in Tagum even more meaningful.

CCP's cultural exchange and outreach continue through its Ugnayan sa Sining Visayas
collab production "Hinablon" in the Municipality of Asuncion, Davao del Norte

The regional performing groups under the CCP Ugnayan sa Sining Visayas and Mindanao presented their original performances of Hinablon: Threads of Visayan Creativity and Bunnal: Breaking New Grounds for Mindanao for Davaoeños in the municipalities of Asuncion and Dujali, Davao de Oro on February 6. The various art forms of dance, music, drama, and visual arts including the KSS collaborative mural paintings under beam posts of the Tagum City flyover served as inspiration and call to the Tagumeños, Davaoeños and the public on the importance of intense conservation of nature and propagation of art and culture.

Audiences watch a performance at an evacuation center
in the Municipality of Asuncion, Davao de Oro

CCP extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the artists and performing groups who participated in the first Mindanao edition of CCP Pasinaya in Tagum City. The Kaisa sa Sining visual artists from Luzon included: Marlin Lopez (Nueva Vizcaya), Brendale A. Tadeo (Zambales), Tristan Bamba (Mauban, Quezon), Carlo Dimaano (Laguna), Johnley Mayorga (Marinduque), Salvador Ching, facilitator (Bulacan), Roen Capule, facilitator (Bulacan), Jonathan Carpio, facilitator (Bulacan).

A Collaborative Mural painting by KSS visual artists on a beam post
under the Tagum City flyover

Kaisa sa Sining visual artists pose with one of the collaborative mural paintings
on a beam post under the Tagum City flyover

Visual artists from Visayas who also joined were Lloyd Develos (Roxas City, Capiz), Brent Naranja (Murcia, Negros Occidental), Engelbert G. Ramirez (Himamaylan City), Efraim Alfaras (Iloilo City). The Mindanao visual artists were Sarsalem Malekysu (General Santos City), Xyla Sumalinog (Tagum City), Ejay Que Doronio (Tagum City), Reymart Ursabia (Tagum City), Ruben Langamen (Tagum City), Lestine Sarillana (Tagum City), Maegz Ordoña (Tagum City), Jamedith Abuan (Tagum City).

Kids and adults watch a performance at an evacuation center
in Barangay San Miguel

The following performing groups from Luzon also participated: Ari Tau Folkloric Society (Nueva Vizcaya), Bataeno Lahing Magigiting Vocal Ensemble (Bataan High School for the Arts), Likhang Sining Dance Company (Batangas City), Pundaquit Virtuosi (Zambales).

A group performs before audiences at an evacuation center
in Barangay Bingkungan

RMMC Sinag-Laya enthralls audiences at an evacuation center
in Barangay Bingkungan

Four groups from the Visayas joined as well, namely the Iloilo National High School (Iloilo City), Leyte Dance Theater (Tacloban City), Kasing Sining (Bohol), Kultura De Artes (Himamaylan City), Mandaue Children & Youth Chorus (Mandaue, Cebu).

The University of Mindanao Chorale performs at the Tagum City Cathedral

There were a number of performing groups from Mindanao - AORNHS Rondalla (Maco, Davao de Oro), Kathara Dance Theater Collective (Davao City), Kaliwat Performing Arts Collective (Davao City), University of Mindanao Chorale (Davao City), RMMC Sinag Laya (General Santos City), RMMC Teatro Ambahanon (General Santos City), Mindanao Hiphop Collective (General Santos City), MSU Tambuli Cultural Dance Troupe (Tawi Tawi), MSU Sining Kambayoka Ensemble (Marawi City), MSU Sining Kandidilimudan Ensemble (Maguindanao), Mandayanayaw (Tagum City).

Kids interact with members of a performing group at an evacuation center
in Barangay Cuambogan

The CCP Cultural Exchange Department (CED), in collaboration with the Tagum City local government, the Tourism and Cultural Office, the Musikahan sa Tagum Foundation, and the Tagum City Council of Women Foundation, managed all the activities for the KSS general assembly and CCP Pasinaya in Tagum City and neighboring communities. The CCP sends its appreciation to all volunteers and production-technical staff from Tagum, Ozamiz, Iligan, General Santos, and Agusan del Sur.

Nihongo Fiesta Feature: Japan Foundation Manila’s Nihongo Fiesta 2024 Culminates with a Celebration of Language, Culture, and Creativity

Standing from left: Jessie Batohanon and Nyra Gray (Speakers); Yuko Fujimitsu,
Shigeru Shimoda, Renei Val Perez, Shigehiro Matsuda (Judges);
Marilene Angelina Perez, Kenichiro Kurusu (Guest Speakers)
Seated from left: Anfeerne Tizon (3rd Place); Jacob Fuentebella (Grand Champion);
Ben Suzuki (Chairman of the Board of Judges and JFM Director);
Erina Sotoya (2nd Place) and Nino Mesajon (Special Jury Prize)

The highly-anticipated Nihongo Fiesta 2024 by the Japan Foundation, Manila, which took place last February 24, Saturday, at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong concluded with a series of events centered on a celebration of language, culture, and creativity.

The Nihongo Fiesta stands as a cherished tradition serving not only as an event but as a celebration that fosters deeper connections between Japan and the Philippines. It provides a fertile ground for the flourishing community of Nihongo speakers and enthusiasts, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, from eager language learners to seasoned professionals, to take part in an immersive arts and cultural experience unlike any other.

Ryukyu Buyo performance

One of the highlights of the Nihongo Fiesta 2024 is the 51st Nihongo Speech Contest, wherein nine finalists from all over the Philippines showcased their talents and skills in communicating their thoughts in Japanese. This year's Grand Champion is Jacob Fuentebella (Bulacan), a UP Diliman graduate who is currently working as a Korean Account Associate. His speech titled 外国語の勉強を通しての人と人との繋がり(People-to-People Connections Through Foreign Language Studies) talked about his language learning journey, starting from Korean, and now venturing into Japanese, aiming to inspire others. The second place award went to Erina Sotoya (Cebu), with her piece called 掛け替えのない人 (Irreplaceable Person), sharing how her memories with her father shaped her deep appreciation for present connections. Third place went to Anferee Tizon (Taguig), a 4th year BA Communications student at Adamson University, with his speech titled 全てのコーヒーが苦いわけではありません (Not All Coffee Tastes Bitter), which reflected his personal journey on friendships and how the lessons he learned shaped his current perspective and attitude towards people, similar to how his taste for coffee has changed. Lastly, the Special Jury Award was given to Niño Raphael Mesajon (Davao), a Grade 12 student from Philippine Nikkeijin Kai International School, for his speech 君には何が見えているのか (Truth Beyond First Sight), which talked about how his perspective changed during a visit to a Lumad community, leading him to question the true meaning of living a good life.

Filipino greetings at the Ryukyu Buyo performance

The recipient of the Grand Champion Award will join the Study Tour hosted by the Japan Overseas Enterprises Association, with airfare sponsored by the Japanese Association, Manila, Inc. and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. The contestants were judged according to the following criteria: Content (originality, organization and impact), Delivery (voice and manner) and Language (appropriateness and correctness).

Musicians accompanying the Ryukyu Buyo performance

The event also featured the Minna no Nihongo Fiesta, a captivating display of photos submitted by educational institutions across the Philippines, giving the audience a unique glimpse into the diverse facets of Japanese cultural appreciation in the Philippines. Meanwhile, attendees were treated to a spirited performance by the UP Philippines-Japan Friendship Club (UP Tomo-Kai), showcasing the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.

Ryukyu Buyo performance

Capping off the event was a captivating performance of the Ryukyu Buyo, an Okinawan traditional dance performance that mesmerized and delighted the audience.

For more information about the Nihongo Fiesta 2024 and the Japan Foundation, Manila, visit their website and social media page at www.jfmo.org.ph and www.facebook.com/JFManila.

Contemporary operas highlight CCP's The Met: Live in HD Season 9

The Cultural Center of the Philippines' The Met: Live in HD series returns for its 9th season with seven Metropolitan Opera productions screening one per month this March-September 2024 at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas.

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, Filipinas Opera Society Foundation Inc., and Ayala Cinemas, The Met: Live in HD Season 9 features seven Metropolitan Opera performances in High Definition video and Dolby Surround Sound. And two of this season's offerings are contemporary works never before seen (in any production) in the Philippines.

Kicking off the season is Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier screening on March 5, 2024, 5:30 PM.

A dream cast assembles for Strauss’s grand Viennese comedy. Soprano Lise Davidsen is the aging Marschallin, opposite mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey as her lover Octavian and soprano Erin Morley as Sophie, the beautiful younger woman who steals his heart. Bass Günther Groissböck returns as the churlish Baron Ochs, and Brian Mulligan is Sophie’s wealthy father, Faninal. Maestro Simone Young takes the Met podium to oversee Robert Carsen’s fin-de-siècle staging.

Here is the rest of CCP's The Met: Live in HD Season 9 lineup.

Nabucco

Giuseppe Verdi

April 2, 2024, 5:30 PM

Ancient Babylon comes to life in this classic Met staging of biblical proportions. Baritone George Gagnidze stars as the imperious king Nabucco, alongside soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska, reprising her thrilling turn as his vengeful daughter Abigaille. Mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova and tenor SeokJong Baek are Fenena and Ismaele, whose love transcends politics, and bass Dmitry Belosselskiy repeats his celebrated portrayal of the high priest Zaccaria. Daniele Callegari conducts Verdi’s exhilarating early masterpiece, which features the ultimate showcase for the great Met Chorus, the moving Va, pensiero.

Carmen

Georges Bizet

May 7, 2024, 5:30 PM

Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell brings a vital new production of one of opera’s most enduringly powerful works, reinvigorating the classic story with a staging that moves the action to the modern day and finds at the heart of the drama issues that could not be more relevant today: gendered violence, abusive labor structures, and the desire to break through societal boundaries. Dazzling young mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina leads a powerhouse quartet of stars in the complex and volatile title role, alongside tenor Piotr Beczała as Carmen’s troubled lover Don José, soprano Angel Blue as the loyal Micaëla, and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen as the swaggering Escamillo. Daniele Rustioni conducts Bizet’s heart-pounding score.

X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X

Anthony Davis | Libretto by Thulani Davis

June 4, 2024, 5:30 PM

Anthony Davis’s groundbreaking and influential opera, which premiered in 1986, arrives at the Met at long last. Theater luminary and Tony-nominated director of Slave Play Robert O’Hara oversees a potent new staging that imagines Malcolm as an Everyman whose story transcends time and space. An exceptional cast of breakout artists and young Met stars enliven the operatic retelling of the civil rights leader’s life. Baritone Will Liverman, who triumphed in the Met premiere of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, is Malcolm, alongside soprano Leah Hawkins as his mother, Louise; mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis as his sister Ella; bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as his brother Reginald; and tenor Victor Ryan Robertson as Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. Kazem Abdullah conducts the newly revised score, which provides a layered, jazz-inflected setting for the esteemed writer Thulani Davis’s libretto.

La Forza del Destino

Giuseppe Verdi

July 2, 2024, 5:30 PM

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi’s grand tale of ill-fated love, deadly vendettas, and family strife, with stellar soprano Lise Davidsen as the noble Leonora, one of the repertory’s most tormented—and thrilling—heroines. Director Mariusz Treliński delivers the company’s first new Forza in nearly 30 years, setting the scene in a contemporary world and making extensive use of the Met’s turntable to represent the unstoppable advance of destiny that drives the opera’s chain of calamitous events. The distinguished cast also features tenor Brian Jagde as Leonora’s forbidden beloved, Don Alvaro; baritone Igor Golovatenko as her vengeful brother, Don Carlo; mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi as the fortune teller Preziosilla; bass-baritone Patrick Carfizzi as Fra Melitone; and bass Soloman Howard as both Leonora’s father and Padre Guardiano.

La Rondine

Giacomo Puccini

August 13, 2024, 5:30 PM

Puccini’s bittersweet love story returns to cinemas, with soprano Angel Blue starring as the French courtesan Magda, opposite tenor Jonathan Tetelman as Ruggero, an idealistic young man who offers her an alternative to her life of excess. Maestro Speranza Scappucci conducts Nicolas Joël’s Art Deco–inspired staging, which transports audiences from the heart of Parisian nightlife to a dreamy vision of the French Riviera. Soprano Emily Pogorelc and tenor Bekhzod Davronov complete the sterling cast as Lisette and Prunier.

Dead Man Walking

Jake Heggie | Libretto by Terrence McNally

September 3, 2024, 5:30 PM

American composer Jake Heggie’s compelling masterpiece, the most widely performed new opera of the last 20 years, arrives in cinemas in a haunting new production by Ivo van Hove. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir about her fight for the soul of a condemned murderer, Dead Man Walking matches the high drama of its subject with Heggie’s beautiful and poignant music and a brilliant libretto by Tony and Emmy Award–winner Terrence McNally. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium, with mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato starring as Sister Helen. The outstanding cast also features bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as the death-row inmate Joseph De Rocher, soprano Latonia Moore as Sister Rose, and legendary mezzo-soprano Susan Graham—who sang Helen Prejean in the opera’s 2000 premiere—as De Rocher’s mother.

Content Advisory: Dead Man Walking contains a depiction of a rape and murder, as well as other adult themes and strong language.

The CCP's The Met: Live in HD is a special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division (CCP FBNMD), under the Production and Exhibition Department, in partnership with The Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas. The series showcases The Metropolitan Theater’s operatic productions through High-Definition (HD) digital video technology and Dolby Sound, recreating the experience of watching an opera production at the Met “live”.

French Film Festival flies to Cebu

After its run in Manila back in November/December last year, the French Film Festival makes its way to Cebu, screening a handful of gems of French cinema this February 29-March 3, 2024 at the SM City Cebu.

Presented by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, the Alliance française de Cebu, in cooperation with SM Supermalls, the festival brings a selection of seven films catering to every taste.

Leading the lineup is Les Choses qu'on dit, les choses qu'on fait, a romantic comedy that shows how relationships can be complicated sometimes.

Supremes, a dance film, offers a glimpse of the French urban/hiphop dance scene.

Le dernier métro and Les parapluies de Cherbourg can satisfy the cravings of cinephiles yearning for classic films.

Meanwhile, Goliath is a drama that tackles serious environmental issues.

Lastly, Les deux Alfred, can tickle the funny bones with comedic situations at a tech start up.

French Ambassador Her Excellency Marie Fontanel believes that the young vibrant population of the Philippines should be exposed to the diversity of cultures, and "through cinema, the Filipino youth can have the chance to see a different perspective in life beyond the regular programming of theaters."

In the words of French President Emmanuel Macron: "The French spirit continues to astonish, fascinate and change the world."

French cinema entertains the audience with the unexpected twists and turns, and delivers messages that can help build a better world. The French Film Festival in Cebu is making it iconic.

Here is the screening schedule of the French Film Festival in Cebu.

Donizetti's Don Pasquale, concert style at PPO March concert

Catch a concert staging of Gaetano Donizetti's Don Pasquale at the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's penultimate performance of its 39th Switch season happening this March 8, 2024, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

PPO Music Director/Principal Conductor Grzegorz Nowak welcomes in this concert soprano Dorota Sobieska, bass Matheus França, baritone Byeong-In Park, tenor Nomher Nival and baritone Zadkiel John Yarcia who will sing the roles of this opera buffa composed by Gaetano Donizetti with libretto by Giovanni Ruffini.

More details about PPO's concert staging of Gaetano Donizetti's Don Pasquale can be found at the press release below.

DON PASQUALE TAKES OVER PPO’S CONCERT

Filling the gap in the opera programming in the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra present Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti’s Don Pasquale as part of its 39th concert season on March 8, 7:30 pm, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

Dorota Sobieska

For its seventh concert, the PPO will have a concert-style performance of the Italian opera under the baton of PPO music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak.

With the Italian libretto by Giovanni Ruffini, Don Pasquale is one of the most popular opera buffas, along with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Donizetti’s other opera The Elixir of Love. It is known for its bright and colorful vocal, and truthful depiction of characters and genuine emotions.

Matheus França

First premiered at the Théâtre Italien in Paris on January 3, 1843, the three-act opera follows the story of a wealthy old bachelor named Don Pasquale who decides to take a wife and produce an heir to disinherit his nephew Ernesto for refusing to enter an arranged marriage. Dottore Malatesta, a friend of the Don, promises to help Ernesto and his widowed sweetheart Norina.

Things take a humorous turn when his scheming plans are thwarted by a series of comical misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Will Don Pasquale change his mind and realize that marriage is not for him, and allow the couple to happily live ever after?

Find out as opera soloists Dorota Sobieska (as Norina), Matheus França (as Don Pasquale), Byeong In Park (as Dr. Malatesta), Nomher Nival (as Ernesto), and Zadkiel John Yarcia (as Notary) bring to life its entertaining plot and memorable characters.

Byeong-In Park

A talented soprano and stage director, Sobieska has participated in many opera productions and solo performances with an orchestra and piano. One of Ohio’s finest sopranos, her exceptional wide-ranging coloratura technique exemplifies glorious tones and passages with wonderful quality.

Brazilian bass with experienced remarkable growth in the solo landscape, França, is a product of the University of Brasília where he received his musical education. He also possesses a bachelor’s degree in Orchestral and Choral Conducting with excellence.

Alongside Dorota Sobieska and Matheus França, baritone Park will also take center stage. A student under acclaimed tenor Francisco Araiza at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, Germany, Byeong In Park has been actively performing in opera productions and concerts around Europe and Asia. Currently based in the Philippines, Park continues to involve himself in most opera productions and concerts with several orchestras such as the PPO, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the ABS-CBN Orchestra, and the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra.

Nomher Nival

Another soloist with a deep, rich voice and an alumnus of the internationally acclaimed high school choir, Boscorale, baritone Yarcia is currently a student taking up a bachelor’s degree in music, majoring in voice, at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The young baritone soloist received medals in the Opera and Broadway categories when he competed in the 2018 World Championships of Performing Arts in California, U.S.A.

Completing the cast is Nival, a first-prize winner in the vocal male category of the 2007 National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) and the 2015 Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition Male Category. A well-established tenor who has performed major roles in many CCP productions, he was also the recipient of the Mr. and Mrs. Tommy & Simonetta Steyer Encouragement Award at the prestigious Marcello Giordani Foundation International Vocal Competition 2013 in Vero Beach, Florida.

Zadkiel John Yarcia

Tickets to PPO Concert VII: Don Pasquale are priced at Php3,000 (Orchestra Center), Php2,000 (Orchestra Side), Php2,500 (Loge Center), Php1,500 (Loge Side), and Php800 (Balcony 1).

The PPO concert season is made possible with partners SSI Group, Inc., TBWA\SMP, Ascott Bonifacio Global City, and Lyf Malate Manila.

For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates.

RAd views: GomBurZa

The first time I viewed GomBurZa, the most awarded film during the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, it was already almost a month since it premiered in cinemas. And being an early afternoon screening on a weekday, there were only a handful of us inside the cinema.

Though I was able to concentrate on the film since there weren't any distractions stemming from other viewers, I became curious how packed cinemas would've reacted to the film. Sadly, the its commercial run ended soon after and I just have to be content with what my viewing experience was.

Then an opportunity came when the Far Eastern University through the FEU Center for the Arts and Alumni Relations Office, in cooperation with the Department of Communication, had a special screening of GomBurZa as part of the celebrations of National Arts Month, the FEU's 96th Founding Anniversary, and also in commemoration of the 152nd Anniversary of the GomBurZa Martyrdom.

Cedrick Juan

An added treat to this screening was a talkback with FEU alum Cedrick Juan who played the lead role of Padre Jose "Pepe" Burgos that won him the Best Actor Award at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival.

There have been already countless reviews and reactions about GomBurZa since its premiere so let me just post here my observations and reactions during this special screening with an audience composed mainly of FEU students, faculty, and alumni.

Surprisingly, the students found humor in the scenes of blank faced Padre Jacinto Zamora (Enchong Dee) who had lost his mind after finding himself accused and sentenced to death alongside Padre Mariano Gomez (Dante Rivero) and Padre Burgos. But the audience's amusement clearly turned into pity when it was Zamora's turn to be executed. I guess that was when the students got beyond Dee's matinee idol looks and finally realized the tragedy of his plight.

But all was not lost in the youth for as the film's final line, Vivan Los Filipinos!, was uttered, the FEU Auditorium was filled with rapturous applause. It was then I realized that this was what I yearned for when I first saw the film. Something also stirred in me in my first viewing but nothing compares to the experience of being in the midst of roars inside a packed auditorium.

As for Cedrick Juan, I found it hard to believe that despite my years of watching independent cinema and local theater productions, I haven't really come across his works. Or probably I already did, but none of them had this career defining effect on him like GomBurZa.

Cedrick Juan was not shy with words during the talkback as he recalled his student days back at the FEU. He also gave detailed accounts on his audition process and that he was being first considered for a minor part. But pouring over the entire script urged him to aim for the lead role of Padre Burgos despite knowing that he was not a headliner like his co-star Piolo Pascual who portrayed Padre Pelaez.

Celmer Santos, Cedrick Juan, Martin Lopez, and Herwin Cabasal

In the course of the talkback, it was a delight to learn how Juan views himself not just an actor, but also as a member of society with a mission. And when he let his political leanings be known, the audience applauded in approval.

This led me to realize that the people who witnessed GomBurZa's execution felt defeated. But the flame inside them wasn't extinguished. As history (as well as the epilogue of the film) tells us, it was actually ignited more. The GomBurZa (directed by Pepe Diokno before I forget) serves as a way to keep the flame burning, never let the Filipino spirit die, or in other words, Vivan Los Filipinos!

CCP National Theatre Live presents Frankenstein; Fleabag returns

The CCP National Theatre Live series, the Cultural Center of the Philippines' break out hit since its launch back in September 2023, continues this month with Frankenstein screening on February 27, 2024, 6:00 PM at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, Makati.

This classic gothic tale, adapted by Nick Dear from the novel by Mary Shelley, stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. This production is directed by Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle.

And due to popular demand, Fleabag returns for another screening also on February 27, 2024, 9:00 PM at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, Makati as well.

This award winning, one woman play, written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones had multiple sold out screenings when it first premiered in October 2023.

More information about CCP National Theatre Live's Frankenstein and Fleabag screenings can be found at the press release reprinted below.

FRANKENSTEIN AND FLEABAG TAKE THE CENTER STAGE IN CCP NATIONAL THEATER LIVE THIS FEBRUARY 27

The CCP National Theater Live continues its first season with the thrilling and deeply disturbing classic tale Frankenstein gracing the Ayala Malls Cinema this February 27, 2024, at 6pm, at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1.

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the increasingly desperate and vengeful Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil, are embedded within this gripping and deeply disturbing classic Gothic tale written by English novelist Mary Shelley. The CCP NTL’s featured play celebrates the 200th anniversary of the 1818 iconic novel.

Captured live on stage in 2011, the production features Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, alternating between the roles of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. One of the world’s most acclaimed and popular actors, Cumberbatch is known for his roles as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe franchise films, and as Sherlock Holmes. Miller stars in various films such as Elementary, Trainspotting, and Hackers.

The production was directed by Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle, the director behind Trainspotting, 127 Hours, and 28 Days Later, and the 2009 Academy Awards’ Best Picture Slumdog Millionaire, among others.

Those who missed the Philippine cinema premiere of Fleabag will get a chance to experience the hilarious, award-winning, original one-woman play, also screening on February 27, at 9pm.

Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose.

In just 67-minutes, audiences can expect a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life.

The hilarious, award-winning play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, was filmed live on stage in London’s West End in 2019, presented by DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre.

Presented in partnership with the National Theatre Live and the Ayala Malls Cinemas, the CCP NTL program provides an exceptional and accessible “live” performance experience filmed live from the UK’s most exciting stages. Since September 2023, the CCP has been bringing the best of British theater to Filipino audiences.

Tickets to CCP NTL screenings are priced at Php 250 (regular) and Php 150 (students). Special discounts are given to senior citizens and PWDs. Visit the ticket booth or book your tickets at www.sureseats.com.

Follow the official CCP social media accounts for updates on CCP National Theater Live screening schedules and upcoming events.

CCP Outreach Program Feature: CCP Continues to widen its stage in the regions

CCP President Ad Interim Michelle Nikki Junia 

The main building may remain asleep, but the shows must go on.

For CCP President Michelle Nikki Junia, the people do not need to go to Manila to experience world-class productions and training because the Cultural Center of the Philippines endeavors to bring the best of Philippine culture and arts closer to all Filipino people in the regions.

The CCP Office of the President's Outreach Program has its calendar full of concerts featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Kabataang Guitarista, with select guest performers. While the CCP Main Building remains closed due to the ongoing rehabilitation, CCP intensifies its outreach programs and events, reaching as far as Tawi-Tawi, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon in the south, and Nueva Ecija in the north.

Herminigildo Ranera and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra 

“Our outreach programs help us connect with our kababayan in the regions, and also learn what are the cultural and artistic needs of the locals. In this way, the CCP can expand its artistic programming to address the gaps and needs," said Junia during the media briefing held in Iloilo City.

Junia stated how the outreach activities help discover the type of support a region needs and create cultural exchanges and artistic collaborations among artists from different localities.

For many years, the leading institution for the culture and arts has been widening the stage for Filipino artists and audiences. She observed that some existing musicians from the far regions have limited access to proper training and mentors, and this is where the CCP comes in by providing free, convenient, and accessible masterclasses in every town and province the PPO sets foot on.

CCP President Ad Interim Michelle Nikki Junia 

"The outreach events are not just about performances. Take, for example, the PPO outreach concert in Iloilo. We incorporate educational components such as masterclasses by the PPO’s resident conductor, Maestro Herminigildo Ranera. We also have concerts where the members of the orchestra teach interested young Filipinos about musical instruments. This is our way to educate the public about the value of classical music,” said Junia.

Following its mandate to nurture the next generation of young artists, the CCP president believes there are so many undiscovered talents in the regions and that the CCP president hopes to provide them with opportunities and equip them with skills through the various training and upskilling programs that the center offers.

Bringing these programs and concerts to the regions is only possible through good collaborations with provincial and local government units, as well as support from the executive and legislative branches of the government.

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in Iloilo City

"We are happy to have our Senators backing up our outreach programs. We are also grateful to our LGU partners. Our CCP network and community have been growing, thanks to these partnerships and support. We don’t want this to be just a short-term relationship. We want it to be a long-term, sustainable collaboration. We hope to gain more support from more and more government units. Our wish is to bring CCP programs to all the towns and provinces in our country, especially in the far-flung areas," said Junia.

The CCP Office of the President Outreach Program kicked off with a back-to-back concert of the PPO in Iloilo City, in celebration of the Dinagyang Festival, and in Roxas City, Capiz. The country’s premiere orchestra enchanted both the Iloilo and Roxas crowds with classical and contemporary music. Singers Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue serenaded the audiences with well-loved Filipino music.

"We hope to see you at the next leg of our outreach concerts. We will be in Palawan for Prinsipeng Bahaghari performances, and Cavite for some classical concerts this February. I found fulfillment in seeing our fellow Filipinos, singing along, and enjoying the music. These are precious moments I shared with the artists performing, and with the audiences," shared Junia.

Audience members take a photo with CCP President Ad Interim Michelle Nikki Junia 

The CCP Outreach Concerts will be at Palawan (February 23), Carmona, Cavite (February 28), Silang, Cavite (March 22), Bukidnon (April 12), Tacloban and Calbayog (April 26 to 30), San Pedro, Laguna with Madrigal and Kabataang Gitarista (May 3), Binan, Laguna (May 25 to 27), Tawi-Tawi with Madrigal Singers (August 4), Cagayan de Oro through Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (August 15 to 19), Munoz, Nueva Ecija (December 9), and San Agustin Church in Manila (December 18).

For more updates, follow the CCP's official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.