City of Dreams Manila’s CenterPlay brings back the spotlight on multi-hyphenate artist Janno Gibbs who is set to perform on November 26 at 9 pm. Following a sold-out concert last year, the singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian is performing for the second time at CenterPlay Concert Series, known for featuring the best of local OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene.
The veteran artist carved a three-decade career in the entertainment industry and has made a mark for his soulful pop and R&B songs. Also acknowledged as the country’s “King of Soul”, Janno Gibbs is behind notable hit songs including “Fallin”, “Binibini”, “Pinakamagandang Lalaki”, “Ipagpatawad Mo”, and “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko”, among many other phenomenal hit songs.
Apart from being an icon in the local music industry, the versatile Janno Gibbs also has starred in variety shows, game shows, sitcoms, television series, and films since the 1980’s.
“Janno Gibbs Live at CenterPlay” will be followed by Ariel Rivera on December 3 and Jaya on December 17. They join the roster of featured OPM stars at CenterPlay including Neocolours, Moira, Juan Karlos, Rey Valera, Noel Cabangon, Raymond Lauchengco, Ariel Rivera, Ice Seguerra, “Soul Siren” Nina, Jinky Vidal, Jed Madela, Yeng Constantino, Daryl Ong, Imago, and The CompanY. The King of Soul’s anticipated concert also highlights performances from bands Highschool Playlist and Le Chic as well as from a DJ who are set to perform alternately from 7 pm to 2 am.
Guests can reserve a seat or a table with consumables starting at P3,000, comprising of bar nosh, burgers, fries, and beverages. VIP couch seats for a party of eight, and smaller seatings are also available. Designed for the ultimate entertainment experience, CenterPlay is a cool snack and cocktail lounge offering light meals, signature cocktail concoctions, beers, wines, and other beverages, and is built around the circular stage at the center of the main gaming floor.
Tony, EMMY and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban announces his newest tour ‘GEMS WORLD TOUR’ with a concert in MANILA on February 18, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets go on-sale on November 22 Saturday, 11AM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.
Josh Groban possesses one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music. Moreover, he continues to captivate fans everywhere as both a powerhouse vocalist and dynamic renaissance man. He has sold over 35 million albums worldwide, headlined legendary venues on multiple continents, and has also entertained audiences with acclaimed film and television appearances. His catalog spans a series of chart-topping blockbuster albums, including Josh Groban (5x-platinum), Closer (6x-platinum), Noël (7x-platinum), Awake (2x-platinum), Illuminations, All That Echoes, Stages (his first UK #1 album), Bridges, and his most recent release, Harmony. Along the way, he has packed arenas throughout North America, Europe, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Asia.
Extending his repertoire, Groban made his Broadway debut in 2016 with a starring role in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. He garnered a Tony® Award nomination for Best Lead Actor In A Musical. He has expanded his presence with appearances on Glee, The Simpsons, The Office, CSI: NY, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The Crazy Ones as well as in the feature films Coffee Town, Muppets Most Wanted, and Crazy, Stupid, Love. In addition, he starred in the NETFLIX series The Good Cop in 2018. Groban maintains his position as the consummate American showman in 2022 and beyond. In 2022, he returned to the hallowed stage of Radio City Music Hall for his Great Big Radio City Show residency and launched a nation-wide live tour. Groban also starred in ABC’s special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration as none other than the Beast in December 2022.
In the spring of 2023, Josh took to Broadway once again, performing in the highly anticipated revival of Sweeney Todd, playing the title role which earned him Tony and GRAMMY Nominations along with widespread acclaim. Deadline:‘Groban makes himself over into a full-blown, and fully developed, Broadway star…His Sweeney is by turns sympathetic and monstrous.’ The New York Times: “The “gorgeously sung” part is no surprise with Groban, whose quasi-operatic pop baritone perfectly encompasses the range of the role, and whose technique makes sure every word is bell clear. That some of the songs are thus even prettier than usual is all to the better.”
This year, Josh released an 18-track career-spanning collection of songs, titled Gems. He also took to the Las Vegas stage for a sold-out, exclusive five-night run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with its hits-focused production of the same name.
Josh recently announced Hidden Gems, a special collection that brings together ten of his fans’ most beloved and rare tracks – many of which have never been available on streaming platforms – along with one brand-new song. Over the years, Josh has released a wide array of deluxe editions, fan exclusives, and special international tracks. Now, these fan favorites have been carefully curated into a single collection that showcases the versatility of his musical journey. To herald the announcement, Josh shared his brand new song, “The Constant”, a stunning collaboration written by Josh and the acclaimed songwriting duo Pasek and Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land). It’s a beautiful addition to this collection of rare treasures, offering something fresh while honoring the songs fans have cherished for years.
He remains an active arts education philanthropist and advocate, and his Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness.
The Sandbox Collective revealed the full cast of SPRING AWAKENING,which features a powerful ensemble of theater veterans and rising stars to open the company’s 12th year and 2026 season.
With book & lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, and based on the play by Frank Wedekind, SPRING AWAKENING is the groundbreaking, Tony Award–winning musical that follows the turbulent journey of adolescence, where silence is rewarded and curiosity is punished. Exploring timeless themes of mental health, sexuality, growing up, and family life, the show’s power lies in its ability to transcend eras and resonate deeply with audiences across generations.
Director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan shared that the show’s story mirrors the oppressive ideas our society continues to grapple with.
“This bourgeoisie, which SPRING AWAKENING takes aim at, manifests today in the form of political elites, conservative religious sects, and a ‘parentocracy’ that seek to preserve the status quo — fearing the so-called corruption of youth and resisting what they deemed as ‘radical’ thought and rapidly shifting industries that are reshaping daily life,” Pamintuan said.
“The struggles faced by the young characters in the show — teen pregnancy, sexual and physical abuse, mental health issues, and self-harm — are the very challenges many young people continue to face, particularly in the Philippines,” he said.
THEATER VETERANS, RISING STARS TO TAKE THE STAGE IN THIS LANDMARK MUSICAL
A mix of Philippine theater’s stalwart veterans and rising stars is set to breathe new life into SPRING AWAKENING 20 years after it first premiered on Broadway.
“First Lady” of Philippine Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and multi-awarded artist Ana Abad Santos will share the role of Adult Woman. Meanwhile, “King of Philippine Musical Theater” Audie Gemora will step into the role of Adult Man.
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo is a multi-awarded actress, director, and artistic director. Throughout her illustrious career, she has brought to life iconic roles such as Eva Perón in Evita, Fosca in Passion, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and Diana in Next to Normal, as well as appearing in the Manila production of Miss Saigon. Most recently, she captivated audiences as the titular character in the Singapore staging of Kimberly Akimbo.
Making her much-awaited return to stage, Ana Abad Santos is a director, producer, and actress across film, television, and theater. She has earned recognition for her powerful performances in A Streetcar Named Desire (as Blanche DuBois), Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (as Candida), and An Evening at the Opera (as Miranda), among others. Most recently, she appeared in the film “Quezon,” portraying Carmen Hernando.
Appearing in over 70 plays, Audie Gemora is a stage, television and film actor, singer, recording artist, dancer, host, on-camera & voice talent for TV and radio commercials, director, choreographer, producer, impresario and educator. He has played major roles in productions like Pippin, Evita, and Les Misérables, and has won multiple Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards for his performances — notably for Sweeney Todd, The Producers, and La Cage Aux Folles.
Taking the stage alongside theater luminaries are Nacho Tambunting and Alex Diaz who share the role of Melchior Gabor; Nic Chien and Omar Uddin who alternate as Moritz Stiefel; and Sheena Belarmino who will play the role of Wendla Bergmann.
Returning to the Philippine stage after moving to New York, Nacho Tambunting began performing professionally in 2006 in The Sound of Music. Nacho Tambunting originated the role of Felix Starro, Jr. in Felix Starro—the first Filipino-American musical to premiere Off-Broadway. He was most recently seen as Jake in the world premiere of Everything Beautiful Happens at Night. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association, he has also appeared on TV and in film.
Alex Diaz is a multi-hyphenate, Gawad Buhay nominated stage, film, and television actor whose journey began as a student radio DJ before being launched in Star Magic Circle 2013. He made his theatrical debut as Racetrack Higgins in Disney’s Newsies and was most recently seen as Chris Abueva in Bar Boys: The Musical.
Nic Chien made his professional musical theater debut in Matilda, and has wanted to be a theater actor ever since. He most recently played the role of Jack in Into the Woods. Nic has also made numerous concert appearances alongside his mother, Lea Salonga. In 2023, he participated in the English Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition where he placed third.
Omar Uddin has been in the entertainment scene since age 12, being a regular for the fourth and fifth season of Team Yey! and 2 Good 2 Be True. He made his theatrical debut in Tagu-taguan Nasaan Ang Buwan? and has continued to play lead roles in shows such as A Christmas Carol, The Lion King International Tour, Bar Boys: The Musical, Next To Normal and, most recently, Quomodo Desolata Es?.
Star Magic artist Sheena Belarmino is a singer, dancer, and actress. She started her career in reality competitions like Dance Kids, Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids, and Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. At the age of 8, she started her theater career in Cebu, and has since played iconic roles such as Basha in One More Chance: The Musical, Eds Delos Santos in Tabing Ilog, and Natalie Goodman in Next To Normal.
Also joining the cast are Angelo Martinez as Hänschen Rilow; Vino Mabalot as Otto Lämmermeier; Jam Binay as Ilse Neumann; Angia Laurel as Martha Bessell; Mijon Cortez as Anna; Felicity Kyle Napuli as Thea; Elian Dominguez as Ernst Röbel; and Davy Narciso as Georg Zirschnitz.
Angelo Martinez is a Singapore-based performer and the first Filipino to portray Evan Hansen in the Southeast Asian production of Dear Evan Hansen. He was last seen as Aaron Puckett in Kimberly Akimbo alongside Menchu Lauchengco-yulo. Spring Awakening marks his homecoming debut in the Philippines.
Vino Mabalot is an actor and stratospheric tenor known for his emotionally distinctive performances. He is currently performing as the Mock Turtle in Alice in Wonderland, and was recently seen as Tony Javier in Quomodo Desolata Es? and Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal.
Jam Binay is a sought after theater actress and has been seen in different roles in various productions such as Pingkian: Isang Musikal, Next to Normal, In the Eyes of the People, Bar Boys: The Musical, and understudy in Ang Huling El Bimbo.
Making her theatrical debut, Angia Laurel is a dynamic and passionate singer-songwriter and actor. She graduated from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Production Design for Theater, and has earned critical acclaim for her debut single “Back Again” under ABS-CBN Music’s Tarsier Records. Her upcoming single “Talon” is set for release this November, with her first full-length album following in early 2026.
Mijon Cortez is a musician, singer-songwriter, sound designer, and actor whose work bridges music and theater. She began her artistic journey in student theatre with productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Aoi, and Las Viajeras.
Felicity Kyle Napuli is an actress known for her work in theater, television, and film. She has portrayed numerous characters onstage including Becky in A Little Princess, Matilda in Matilda the Musical, and Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King international tour. Recently, she is known for lending her vocals to the Tagalog dub of K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Elian Dominguez is a theater artist and eco-warrior with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from Ateneo de Manila University. He made his professional theater debut in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which was followed by his role as Jepoy in Jepoy and the Magic Circle. He’s most recently seen in Bar Boys: The Musical.
Davy Narciso is a theater actor who has played different roles in productions such as Next To Normal; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; and Othello, among others. During his time in college, he also starred in various productions as an active performer of the Ateneo Blue Repertory.
Rounding out the cast are Female Swings Pappel and Nikki Bengzon, and Male SwingsLance Soliman and Gabo Tiongson.
Pappel is a singer-songwriter under O/C Records, and member of The Busking Community. She’s last seen in Side Show: The Musical and Bar Boys: The Musical. Nikki Bengzon makes her professional musical theater debut in Spring Awakening. She was last seen in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Ateneo Blue Repertory’s production of Next To Normal.
Lance Soliman is a musical theater artist, vocal coach, events performer, and recording artist. He was last seen in Alice in Wonderland and Jepoy and The Magic Circle. Gabo Tiongson is an accomplished performer, a virtuoso of the acoustic guitar, a versatile voice-over artist, and a champion at cheerdancing. He was recently seen in Alice in Wonderland.
With Pamintuan at the helm, the artistic team of SPRING AWAKENING also includes Ejay Yatco as musical director, Nunoy Van Den Burgh as choreographer, Missy Maramara as intimacy director, Wika Nadera as set designer, Raven Ong as costume designer, D Cortezano as lighting designer, Gabbi Campomanes as assistant director, Salve Villarosa as dramaturg, Aron Roca as sound designer, Sheik Completado as technical director, and Jaydee Jasa as hair and makeup designer.
SPRING AWAKENING is the inaugural show of The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. The show will run from February 13 until March 22, 2026. Tickets are now available on Ticket2Me (tinyurl.com/SandboxSpring2026).
SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA.
For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok – @TheSandboxCo. You may also visit our website at www.thesandboxco.com.
Get Ready to Rock! The Most Iconic Band Showdown is Back!
Simula na ang laban! The stage is set, the lights are warming up, and the mics are waiting. Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban 2025 is officially back, louder, prouder, and more fired up than ever!
For over 20 years, this iconic band competition has fueled the fire of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), launching the careers of trailblazing acts like Mayonnaise, the 2004 Grand Champions, and many more who have since become household names in the music scene.
Calling All Bands: This Is Your Shot
Got a band? Got the grit? Then it’s your time to shine. Registration is now open for Pambansang Muziklaban 2025, the Philippines’ ultimate battlefield for raw talent and authentic sound. Whether you’re jamming in a garage or smashing gigs in bars, this is your shot to go national.
Why Join? It’s More Than a Competition
It’s not just about the title, it’s about exposure, experience, and the sheer thrill of performing on a stage where legends were born. Participants will:
Share the stage with OPM icons and emerging stars.
Perform in front of massive crowds and music industry veterans.
Get the chance to win major prizes and national recognition.
Red Horse Beer, the No. 1 Extra Strong Beer in the World, continues to fuel this fierce and fearless platform that celebrates originality, boldness, and unstoppable spirit.
“Daks Not Dead — 2024 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Lakas Champion.”
Looking Back: What Makes a Muziklaban Champion
Last season, bands like Daks Not Dead and Interstate proved that it takes more than just talent to win, it takes tight chemistry, focused songwriting, and an undeniable presence that ignites the crowd. They didn’t follow a formula. They brought their truth.
Muziklaban is for those who dare to be different, who write their own music, move as one, and bring their full selves to the stage.
What to Expect This 2025 Season
The journey kicks off with an online screening, followed by live eliminations, semi-finals, and the explosive Grand Finals, where top contenders battle it out for the ultimate crown: Pambansang Muziklaban 2025 Grand Champion.
Along the way, bands will gain massive exposure, expert feedback, and the chance to etch their name in Muziklaban history.
“Interstate— 2024 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Aklas Champion.”
Join Now and Make Your Mark
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
Don’t let your sound go unheard. Join Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban 2025, make noise, and be part of a legacy that continues to define the Filipino rock scene.
Stay tuned with Rakista for more content, stories, and behind-the-scenes action as the battle heats up. Simula na ang laban! Are you the next Pambansang Muziklaban 2025 Champion?
Music, education and literature take the spotlight as the Embassy of Spain, through its Cultural and Education offices and the Instituto Cervantes, unfurls its cultural program for November.
Spanish baritone Luis Llaneza is set to inspire young budding singers as he offers a master class at the University of Santo Tomás on November 14 and on November 19 at the Philippine Women´s Unviversity and is sure to wow the Filipino audience when he performs at UST on November 22.
No cultural month will be complete without film showing. Spain promotes not only its film industry, but also supports Philippine cinema as it takes part in QCinema, a ten-day international film festival beginning November 14.
In a country where nearly 30 percent of the total population are youth, these young people are encouraged to visit the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF), a two-day event to take place at Midtown Atrium de Robinsons Manila, starting on November 21, where 13 top-notch Spanish universities will each set up a booth to offer young Filipinos a comprehensive overview of higher education opportunities in Spain.
Spain goes to schools, taking marine biologist Isabel Nuñez to three centers of learning: Saint Pedro Poveda College, the University of the Philippines and Everest Academy Manila, where she will talk about preservation of essential reef ecosystem services. Meanwhile, on November 28 architects Juan Ramón Jiménez and Jesús Pulido are scheduled to visit the National University where they will offer a conference entitled Architecture and Urban Planning during the Spanish Period, highlighting their works and studies on Intramuros, Parian, San Nicolás, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, among others.
Sound mind, sound body and so the Spanish women´s futsal team comes to Manila to entice young people to engage in sports, meeting and greeting students and inspire them and other young people as the team competes against Thailand, Colombia and Canada at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City (November 22, 25 and 28).
Art buffs may still catch up on three on-going exhibits: Four Centuries of Spanish Engineering Overseas, a permanent exposition displayed at the Centro de Turismo in Intramuros; while the Ateneo Art Gallery hosts A Synergy of Ventures. The Post War Art Scene in commemoration of Fernando Zobel´s centennial birth until February 2026 as well as Mezcla: Interwoven Cultures and the Mantón de Manila at the Ayala Museum.
The Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrates its centennial season in a spirit of thanksgiving with a program that honors its legacy and looks toward the future. Exactly one hundred years ago, the MSO performed Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 at its inaugural concert, a work that returns to the stage in this historic celebration, first conducted by founder Alexander Lippay and now and now under the baton of Singaporean guest conductor Darrel Ang, alongside the Emperor Concerto, featuring rising young Chinese pianist Muyu Liu. MSO Trustee and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s Misa 2000 and Te Deum conclude the program with the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers under the baton of Professor Mark Anthony Carpio, in a resounding tribute of gratitude to the MSO’s enduring faith, excellence, and service to the Filipino musical spirit.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72 is one of his most dramatic orchestral works, embodying themes of struggle, freedom, and triumph. Originally written for his only opera, Fidelio (1805), the overture transforms the story’s emotional journey from darkness and conflict to light and redemption into a powerful symphonic form. Performed exactly one hundred years ago at the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural concert, Leonore No. 3 returns in the MSO’s Centennial Anniversary to honor and remind audiences of its enduring legacy.
Beethoven: Piano Concerto no. 5 in E flat Major Muyu Liu, pianist Darrel Ang, Conductor
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73, often called the “Emperor Concerto”,stands as his last completed piano concerto and one of the most majestic works in the repertoire. Written between 1809 and 1811 during Vienna’s turbulent wartime, the concerto opens with three commanding chords that set a heroic tone before the piano enters in a bold and unprecedented way. Its grand orchestration, virtuosic solo writing, and dialogue between piano and orchestra reveal Beethoven’s mature mastery.
Cayabyab: Misa 2000 Cayabyab Philippine Madrigal Singers Manila Symphony Orchestra Mark Anthony Carpio, conductor
Philippine National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s Misa 2000 is a visionary and profoundly moving sacred work that unites Western liturgical form with Filipino musical identity. Written for dance and recognized by the Onassis International Cultural Competition, it combines chorus, orchestra, and indigenous instruments in a vibrant tapestry of sound and spirit.
Cayabyab: Te Deum Philippine Madrigal Singers Manila Symphony Orchestra Mark Anthony Carpio, conductor
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab’s Te Deum is a grand choral-orchestral work that radiates joy, gratitude, and praise. Setting the traditional Latin hymn to music, Cayabyab infuses the composition with his signature rhythmic vitality and harmonic richness, blending classical structure with contemporary sensibility. Celebratory and uplifting, Te Deum reflects both the universality of faith and the Filipino spirit of thanksgiving, a fitting conclusion to the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s centennial concert.
MSO SEASON 100 CONCERT LINE UP (2026-2027):
Concert I – Centennial Opening: The Sleeping Beauty March 13-15, 2026 Friday, Saturday, Saturday | Aliw Theater
Concert II – Centennial Rising Stars of the Philippines May 30, 2026 Friday| Proscenium Theatre
Concert III – Symphony of a Nation: 100 Years of Music, 80 Years of FilAm Friendship July 4, 2026 Saturday | Manila Metropolitan Theater
Concert IV – Legacies in Song: MSO’s 100 Years and the Voice of Conching Rosal August 29, 2026 Saturday | FEU Auditorium
Concert V – Centennial Finale Gala: Philippine Master Composers, Past, Present, and Future October 2026 | Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University
Concert VI – MSO 100 Centennial Finale January 2027| Venue TBA
*program, artists, date, and venue subject to change
QCinema Critics Lab Returns for Year Three—With Sharper Pens and Bolder Questions
As QCinema International Film Festival (QCIFF) celebrates its 13th year, it’s once again welcoming a new generation of cinematic voices through its Critics Lab, happening November 13–17, 2025. Now on its third edition, the program gathers eight emerging critics from across the Philippines for an intensive, in-person workshop designed to sharpen their writing and deepen their understanding of cinema.
The Critics Lab is helmed by Jason Tan Liwag, a respected FIPRESCI member and four-time Golden Globe voter, with the support of Emil Hofileña, critic and former FAMAS jury member. Together, they guide participants through film screenings, critical writing, filmmaker interviews, and in-depth discussions with editors, researchers, and industry professionals.
This Year’s Focus: The Editor
The 2025 Critics Lab shifts its lens toward the editor—not just the one in the editing suite, but also those who shape discourse through writing, teaching, curating, publishing, and organizing. This year’s sessions challenge participants to question the concept of “bad”—from bad writing and bad reading to bad ideas, bad artists, bad spaces and more.
Through conversations with established editors and thinkers, the lab aims to confront how narratives are constructed, how power flows through media, and what it means to read—and write—critically in today’s cultural landscape.
Esteemed Guests: From Critics to Cultural Shapers
Participants will engage with a powerful roster of guest speakers and mentors, including:
Laurence Marvin Castillo, Associate Professor at the UP Los Banos and author of Figuring Resistance: The Revolution in Film and Literature in the Philippines
Katrina Ross Tan, Professor at the UP Los Baños, festival director of Pelikultura, and author of Regional Cinema in the Philippines: The Archipelagic Imagination
Erwin Romulo, Sound designer, curator, and founding editor-in-chief of Esquire Philippines
Jonty Cruz, Chief of Editorial Content of Rolling Stone Philippines
Audrey Carpio, Features editor of Vogue Philippines
Jerome Gomez, Editor-in-chief of SPOT PH
Chris Fujiwara, Author and editor of several books on film, including Jacques Tourneur: The Cinema of Nightfall, The World and Its Double: The Life and Work of Otto Preminger, and Jerry Lewis
Panos Kotzathanasis, Editor-in-chief of Asian Movie Pulse
Katrina Stuart Santiago, Critic, editor, and owner of Everything’s Fine
Guelan Varela-Luarca, Palanca Hall of Fame, writer, and translator; director and writer behind the stage adaptations of Mike De Leon’s Kisapmata and Batch ’81
Alyssandra Maxine, Critics Lab alumnus, editor of MARG1N, and program officer in The Center for New Cinema
Red Sales, Critics Lab alumnus and video essayist
Lav Diaz, former critic and internationally acclaimed director (Magellan)
Meet the 2025 Cohort of QCinema Critics
This year’s participants represent a wide spectrum of regions, disciplines, and identities:
A.L. Sarino
A.L. Sarino – An in-house member of Erato Magazine and a general editor for Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine and The Trailblazer Literary Magazine, Sarino explores the self, community, and identity politics through poetry, film reviews, and experimental prose.
Athena Venus
Athena Venus – Aspiring film critic from Rizal, whose love for cinema blossomed during the pandemic and evolved into a deep fascination for the dreamlike realm of Sofia Coppola, Agnès Varda, and Alice Rohrwacher films. Athena’s work focuses on stories of women, and the struggles they face in contemporary society. When she’s not writing about the nuances of the female experience, you’ll catch her posting edits on her twitter account.
Benj Gabun Sumabat
Benj Gabun Sumabat – Trilingual (Ilokano, Filipino, English) non-binary poet, essayist, and PWD from Cagayan Valley and Ifugao. A senior BA Creative Writing student at UP Diliman, their writing has appeared in NYU’s The Greene Street Review, Polyglot Magazine, Bannawag, Dagmay, TLDTD Journal, and elsewhere. An alumnus of Palihang Rogelio Sicat, Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio Writers Workshop, Cordillera Creative Writing Workshop, and Kalaw-Ledesma Art Criticism Writing Workshop, their works mainly explore and work on belonging/unbelonging, departures, queer body, disability justice, and blue humanities.
FJ Calvario
FJ Calvario – Writes about films sometimes. He may have graduated with a degree in Geography but he is most passionate about cinema. He writes reviews and edits videos for the collective Kinoise. A UP Cinema alumnus, he is a former Cinemaster Critics Circle chairperson and served as Selection Committee Head for Piling Obrang Vidyo XXI. Having proposed a “spatial cinema” framework for this thesis, he continues to seek opportunities to bridge geography and cinema. He can get a little political.
Javi Villaluz
Javi Villaluz – Student filmmaker and writer from Novaliches, Quezon City. He first began online on Letterboxd under the alias PlaguDocta, gaining notice for writing poetry on the obscure titles of pan-Asian cinema. His work has been published in the indie magazine MARG1N, and he was most recently a fellow of Sphere Festival’s Young Critics Program. He continues to explore prose, interiority, and storytelling through the language of film editing.
Jia Enad
Jia Enad – Homegrown Cebuana and is currently studying BA Communication at the University of the Philippines Cebu. Writing from the regions, she brings a southern lens into the capital’s conversations on cinema, seeking to reframe how stories from the margins are seen and valued. Her criticism probes films through the lens of girlhood, history, and regional life, often wrestling with images until they yield questions about intimacy, violence, and collective survival.
Kiana Flores
Kiana Flores – Freelance writer and marketing strategist. Her work has been published in Rookie Magazine, CNN Philippines Life, Vogue Philippines, and PhilSTAR Life. She has worked in film production and sets as an Assistant Director. She is an aspiring critic and is based between Davao City and the Visayan regions. Her work examines the intersections of identity, culture, lifestyle, and community.
Lebron Ponce
Lebron Ponce – Writer, director, and critic from Ormoc City, Leyte. A junior taking up Development Communication at Visayas State University, he is a member of Silakbo—Baybay Film Organization, the first student-led film organization in Leyte. His works and interests gravitate toward regional cinema, memory, and social realities, often exploring the intersections of community, identity, and place through humanist lenses.
Building a Growing Community of Critics
The program doesn’t just focus on the present. It also nurtures a growing alumni network. Fourteen past fellows are invited back this year for forums and knowledge exchanges. Returning alumni include:
Alyssandra Maxine, Bane Vicente, Justine Danielle Reyes, Kaj Palanca, Lé Baltar, Novy Mae Recate, Red Sales, Roselle Marie Abanilla, Acer Batislaong, Brontë Lacsamana, Wax Singson, Ligaya Villablanca, Maverick Alviar, and Mac John Bautista.
Together, they help shape a vibrant, intergenerational space for Philippine film criticism to grow and thrive.
Behind the Lab: Festival & Partners
The QCinema Critics Lab is part of the 13th QCinema International Film Festival, which runs from November 12 to 17, 2025. This year’s lab is made possible through partnerships with The Millas Hostel and Cafe, Sine Pop, Ultradogme, and Everything’s Fine.
A Platform for the Future of Criticism
In a landscape where content floods faster than critique, programs like QCinema’s Critics Lab are essential. They not only equip emerging writers with the tools to write powerfully, but also raise crucial questions about authorship, ethics, and meaning-making in the digital age.
With a fresh batch of voices and editors ready to reframe how we see the screen, QCinema 2025 promises to be more than a film festival—it’s a thinking festival.
The Christmas season drew closer as 9 Works Theatrical recently announced the full cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL and gave the public a taste of what its staging will be at the 780-seater state-of-the-art Proscenium Theater.
Director Robbie Guevara called the musical “one of the best classical stories ever written, ” adding that the theater is “the best venue in the country” to showcase a production of this scale and heart.
“We really want to highlight the Proscenium Theater, ” Guevara shared. “We’ll be showcasing stagecrafts that have been done in other countries, but haven’t been seen here yet. We’ll also introduce new elements you didn’t see in The Bodyguard [The Musical].
Meet the cast
Seasoned actor, singer, voice-over talent, event host, and DJ Arnel Carrion headlines A Christmas Carol as Ebenezer Scrooge. Arnel began his career in 1990, and has done numerous stage plays and musicals since. He was most recently seen in Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical earlier this year.
Child stars Enzo Dognidon and Jethro Ting share the role of Tiny Tim, the symbolic figure of hope in the musical.
Award-winning actor, singer, and writer Franco Laurel reprises his role as Ghost of Christmas Past; veteran international theater performer and TV/film actor Lorenz Martinez plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Present; and ballet and jazz dancer Carmelle Ros plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Yet To Be. Rounding up the iconic “ghosts” of A Christmas Carol is Boo Gabunada, who plays the role of Jacob Marley.
Star Magic artist and theater rising star CJ Navato joins the cast as Young Ebenezer. Viva artist and Gawad Buhay awardee Nicole Omillo plays Emily.
Multi-award-winning performer and Entertainment Director John Joven Uy plays the role of Bob Cratchit, with Anna Santamaria making her theater comeback in A Christmas Carol as Mrs. Cratchit.
Artist and educator Jasper John Jimenez joins the cast as Mr. Fezziwig. Joining him and returning to the stage is Meliza Reyes as Mrs. Fezziwig.
Visual artist, host, online content creator, and singer-songwriter Neo Rivera plays the role of Fred. International performer Molly Langley also joins the cast as Sally.
Also making her theater comeback is director, actress, and singer for stage and TV Mariella Laurel, who will play Mrs. Mops. Last seen in The Bodyguard The Musical, dance artist, educator, choreographer, and Gawad Buhay multi-awardee Richardson Yadao plays Mr. Smythe. Former member of award-winning group The Opera Belles Rica Laguarda joins the cast as Mother of Scrooge. Doctor by day, theater actor by night Gary Junsay plays Beadle.
Adding to the cast are Joshy Ramirez who plays John William Scrooge; Derrick Gozos as Baker; Denzel Chang as Mr. Hawkins; Roxy Aldiosa as Poulterer; Natalie Duque as Grandma; and Matthew Barbers as Fishmonger.
And rounding up the cast are child actors Sofia Aguilar and Atalie Castillo, who will alternate as Martha Cratchit; Giani Sarita and Manolo Villalva, alternating as Scrooge at 12 years old; Bianca Estacio and Sofia Laurel as Grace Smythe; Elian Santos and Kim Hewitt as Jonathon; Ani Cinco and Lucia Laurel as Fan; and Drake Manlapaz and Liam Nery as Fred’s Son.
Joining the artistic team are Robbie Guevara as director; Raul Montesa as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director; Mio Infante as scenographer; PJ Rebullida as choreographer; Yek Barlongay as tap choreographer; Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer; Aji Manalo as sound engineer/designer; Joee Mejias as video and projection designer; Sheik Completado as technical director, Elliza Aurelio as hair and makeup designer, and Yukie Sarto as photographer.
Heading the 9 Works Theatrical production team is managing director and executive producer
Santi Santamaria; with Anna Santamaria as operations and finance director; Charyl De Guzman as production manager; Jonjon Martin and Loreta Arroyo as PR managers; GM Hernandez as marketing manager; Cass Lim as marketing & digital content head; and Pachot Festejo as production stage manager.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be showing on all weekends from November 29 until December 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center in Makati City. Tickets will be available on Ticketworld.
For updates, partnerships & bulk buying inquiries, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@9workstheatrical and @prosceniumtheater).
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a 9 Works Theatrical production, presented by ROCKWELL, together with METRO as official media partner and MAC Cosmetics as official make-up partner. Special thanks to Pitchworks Inc., PilotTV and The People Diary PH by Myra Ho.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
After a series of performances showcasing technical mastery and global artistry, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) continues its 41st season with CONCERT IV: TRIUMPH AND THANKSGIVING on November 14, 2025, 7:30 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.
With the passionate Maestro Grzegorz Nowak at the helm, PPO’s Concert IV promises an evening of sweeping emotions and classical brilliance, highlighting the timeless works of master composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Modest Mussorgsky.
A timeless repertoire for the world-class orchestra
The November concert opens with the drama of Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture,one of the composer’s most celebrated operas. The opera follows the legendary character Don Juan as he seduces women while roaming around Spain with his trusted servant Leporello. Their daring escapades are set to Mozart’s enthralling music.
As it balances sharp wit with the impending consequences of Don Juan’s actions, Don Giovanni Overture displays Mozart’s ingenious ability to weave contrasting elements into one captivating piece.
The program continues with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73. Titled Emperor, this monumental piece embodies the German composer’s interpretation of heroism, as seen through his student and patron Archduke Rudolf. Composed in 1809 when Vienna was under siege by the French, the “Emperor”ultimately shows the triumph of the human soul.
PPO’s Concert IV: Triumph and Thanksgiving concludes the night with Sergej Gorchakov’s orchestral arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The composition vividly takes its listeners on a walk through a gallery, inviting them to reflect on the works of Viktor Hartmann. The Russian painter and architect who had died young was a dear friend to Mussorgsky.
Originally written as a piano suite, Gorchakov’s lush orchestration beautifully transforms Pictures at an Exhibition into a gallery of sound.
Bringing classical elegance to life on the piano
Coming back to the country to bring to life the classic masterpieces, internationally recognized pianist Mark Bebbington will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73.
A certified champion of British music, Bebbington has emerged as one of Britain’s innovative pianists. He had also toured with the London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, and Royal Philharmonic orchestras. His prowess in performances and recordings promises to illuminate Mozart and Beethoven’s majestic passages.
Carrying musical sensitivity, Bebbington previously joined the PPO in its nine-concert tour across the United Kingdom. He was declared a “hidden gem” by the orchestra’s concertmaster and artist-in-residence violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr.
Offering gratitude with melodies
In revisiting a classical repertoire, the PPO underscores its own evolution as a dynamic and world-class ensemble in its 41st concert season. The fourth installment bears the theme “Triumph and Thanksgiving,” reflecting the celebration of artistic excellence and appreciation.
Through Concert IV, the PPO also offers heartfelt gratitude to its audiences who continue to support the orchestra’s mission of bringing classical music closer to every Filipino. Slated on November 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, expect an evening of enchanting melodies with the nation’s premier orchestra.
Tickets for PPO concerts are priced at Php3,000, Php2,500, Php2,000, and Php1,500, available at TicketWorld. For an exclusive 20 percent discount, be a PPO subscriber. Email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call the CCP Box Office at +63931-033-0880 to purchase a PPO’s 41st concert season subscription.
For more updates on the PPO and its upcoming performances, visit the CCP’s website (https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/). You may also follow the CCP’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.
The Designers’ Holiday Bazaar (DHB), the country’s groundbreaking first nonprofit initiative bazaar, is set to transform the holidays once again. Marking the highly anticipated return of the premier shopping event where Filipino creativity takes center stage, DHB brings together the finest in Filipino fashion, food, home, and wellness, all meticulously curated by the visionary duo, Beatriz Zobel Jr. and Sofia Zobel Elizalde. This showcase makes exceptional local craftsmanship accessible to city dwellers, transforming Makati’s Central Business District into a hub of holiday discovery.
Presented by GCash and Globe, the DHB is setting up shop in Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta from November 29 to December 7, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to shop with purpose!
DHB in Greenbelt 5 will be located in The Gallery & Amphitheatre, featuring a vibrant mix of fashion, accessories, wellness products, curated gift items, local crafts, and personal care brands. Meanwhile, DHB in Glorietta will be located in both the Main Activity Center and the Palm Drive Activity Center, the latter specially dedicated to a wide selection of artisanal food brands, gourmet treats, local delicacies, baked goods, and seasonal gift baskets.
Now in its 12th year, DHB continues its philanthropic efforts in two ways: by supporting local brands and by raising funds for Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and STEPS foundation scholars.
“We always believed that passion can take many local talents to great heights when given the right support,” says Sofia Zobel Elizalde, curator and co-founder. “More than a marketplace, the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar is a platform that makes dreams come true, potentials realized, and goals achieved. Every patron gets to be a part of this mission. It’s a collective effort that inevitably makes Christmas shopping more meaningful.”
To date, through the AFI x DHB Scholarship, 25 students are able to complete their studies (Grade 7 to College), three of whom are now college graduates building meaningful careers in education, business, and healthcare. At the same time, young classical dancers trained under the STEPS Scholarship Foundation have gone on to perform with prestigious companies such as Ballet Manila, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Alberta Ballet, and the American Ballet Theater.
Celebrating Filipino creativity
DHB presents categories that reflect the diversity of Filipino creativity, spanning Fashion & Accessories, Holiday Decor, Local Flavors, Home & Lifestyle Finds, and Wellness & Beauty Goods.
Fashion & Accessories highlight brands that uniquely reinterpret tradition by incorporating contemporary sensibilities in each masterpiece. Among these are PIOPIO, Earl Gariando, R. Filart, KitSilver Jewelry, and J. Makitalo.
Under Holiday Decor are bright and meaningful adornments meant to spread festive joy. Alriver, Mallows Collection, and Natureline Enterprise offer a variety of wreaths, trees, lights, accents, and ornaments—not to mention the very iconic parol. In tribute to the Philippines’ deep spiritual roots, DHB also presents Chrysara Nest, known for Nativity sets and Santos; and Allora Manila, which offers rosaries, crosses, and other faith-inspired wearables.
For artisanal delights, Local Flavors is a treat to the tastebuds! Heny Sison Desserterie, Flour Pot, Auro Chocolate Cafe offer cakes and pastries; Tsaa Laya carries wondrous flavors of tea products and gift sets; while Sonya’s Secret Garden is a go-to for salads, dressings, and homemade jams.
Then there is the Home & Lifestyle Finds section, where you can find bespoke furniture from impeccable woodwork to carefully restored artifacts—all evoking distinctly Filipino aesthetic. The lineup includes T’nalak, Mabolo Flower Shop, Osmundo Furniture Gallery, E. Murio Manila, and Sarimanok Antiques.
Finally, DHB’s curated Wellness & Beauty Goods include Cathy + Bee’s handcrafted candles and essentials; Lumi Candles Philippines’ candles, reed diffusers, and parfums; Esscentials Manila’s candles and home sprays; and For Keeps Clean Beauty’s hand and body bars. Carefully and consciously crafted, each product reflects the Filipino artisan’s sensitivity to detail and atmosphere.
“We are always on a mission to give back to the Filipino community, and one of the ways we are able to achieve this year after year is the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar,” shares Bea Zobel Jr., curator and co-founder. “It’s always heartwarming to see both consumers and beneficiaries benefit from DHB. Families take home beautifully crafted products from different regions of the Philippines, while artisans gain greater visibility and scholars receive vital support. It’s quite inspiring, even for us, and it moves us to do better and aim higher every time.”
Adding rhythm to the holiday shopping experience, DHB will also host live performances across both venues spread throughout the bazaar dates. At Glorietta, soulful tunes await by Project 201 Jazz Quartet (headed by Michael Guevarra) and Maki Ricafort’s Trio; as well as heartwarming numbers from Steps Dance Project, Tuloy Foundation Choir, and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir. Over at Greenbelt, catch serenades by sax players Mr. Pterlhen and Michael Guevarra, as well as guitarist Mr. Chai. This will be followed by an upbeat set by DJ Cocoy Puyat, who will keep the festive energy alive when the bazaar comes to a near close.
Partners in purpose
As DHB continues to highlight Filipino creativity and community spirit, event partners GCash and Globe are elevating the consumer experience through innovation, convenience, and connection.
This year, GCash for Business is exclusively launching PocketPay and SoundPay at the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar. These two new payment solutions are designed to help MSMEs embrace the ease of digital transactions and usher in the “easy era” of doing business. With PocketPay, even the smallest of businesses can turn their smartphones into secure, cashless POS machines with no costly equipment or complicated setup required. Alternately, SoundPay offers a portable QR payment solution that confirms transactions through instant voice alerts, allowing business owners to manage payments hands-free and without disrupting customer service.
Globe is also bringing the spirit of togetherness at Glorietta Activity Center. Throughout the event, patrons can enjoy exciting offers from Globe and Globe At Home. What’s more, Globe Platinum customers can unwind and relax at the Globe Platinum lounge after a full day of shopping and apply for a Platinum line to get special gifts prepared just for them.
Filipino creativity is a tapestry woven from the country’s rich history, diverse influences, and deep sense of community. This essence shines more vividly at the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar, where patrons get to interact more closely with artisans and their creations, whilst also being moved to support young, passionate scholars. For updates and announcements, stay tuned on Facebook at /designersholidaybazaar and Instagram at @designersholidaybazaar.
