In keeping with the Filipino Christmas traditions, the Cultural Center of the Philippines holds its nine dawn masses, collectively known as Simbang Gabi, celebrated in cooperation with Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, from December 16 to 24, every 5am, at the CCP Main Ramp.
There will also be Anticipated Masses from December 15 to 23, 2022, at 9pm, via the official CCP Facebook Page and CCP’s YouTube Channel. The anticipated masses will be celebrated in partnership with regional parishes: December 15 – Our Lady of Piat Basilica in Cagayan Province; December 16 – Cathedral Parish of St. John The Baptist, Diocese of Kalibo, Aklan; December 17 – St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral-Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro; December 18 – St. Joseph the Worker Chapel II in Clark, Pampanga; December 19 – Sta. Cruz Chapel of St. Joseph Husband of Mary Parish in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; December 20 – San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; December 21 – Our Lady of Salvation Parish and Diocesan Shrine in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay; December 22 – Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño in Tacloban, Leyte; and December 23 – Sanctuario dela Nuestra Señora La Virgen Del Pilar (Fort Pilar Shrine) in Zamboanga, Zamboanga Del Sur.
The virtual anticipated masses aim to reach out to Filipinos and other Catholics from across the archipelago and the world. The Masses will be in English and/or Filipino language.
The novena masses will culminate with a Misa de Aguinaldo (Christmas Eve Mass) on December 24, 2022, 8pm, live on-site at the CCP Main Theater to be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, S.S.P. There will be a pre-mass program at 7pm, featuring the invited choral groups while the Manila Symphony Orchestra will perform traditional tunes in welcoming the mass goers, as well as special classical numbers from Myramae Meneses, soprano.
As a finale, the Philippine Madrigal Singers will lead a 100-voice chorale in singing time-honored Christmas carols with the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
The Simbang Gabi is made possible with the hermanas and hermanos – the Philippine Navy, Manila Broadcasting Company, Star Parks Corporation, Harbour Square, Seascape Village, Senate Spouses Foundation, and the Philippine International Convention Center.
For more information, please call the CCP Venue Operations Division at 8832-1125 loc. 1412/1413. Or follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Hashtag: #CCPSIMBANGGGABI2022 #CCPSIMBANGGABI #CCPLive #CCPPasko2022
Experience a unique family cinematic experience with Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS), the CCP’s hybrid outdoor cinema, slated on December 17 to 18, 2022, at the CCP Front Lawn.
The hybrid cinema program will have special screenings of selected Cinemalaya and Gawad Alternatibo, as well as films from the CCP Collection. With the limitations brought about by the past year’s quarantine protocols amidst the pandemic, CCP aims to adapt and re-imagine a new and better normal for the film, art, and live-events industries and so this project was designed to be inclusive, productive, and resourcefully planned to overcome those.
On December 17, 6pm, catch the back-to-back screenings of Papetir by Darwin Alegre Noivicio, Andong by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino, and Pepot Artista by Doy del Mundo.
In the short film Papetir, a ventriloquist suddenly finds himself talking with his past during his performance. Will he continue the conversation or remain tight-lipped from a voice long kept?
Short film Andong is a story about pre-juvenile obsession, family dynamics, and the real value of a hard-fought twenty pesos. It follows an obsessed boy who goes into a mad frenzy over the prospect of finally landing the much-coveted love-of-his-life. For a poor boy who only yearns for one thing – and nothing more in his life – this break is, without a doubt, the answer to all his prayers, if only he can convince his mother to give him 20 pesos.
Pepot Artista is a full-length film that focuses on a ten-year-old boy whose dream is to become a movie star. Pepot, the dreamer, is surrounded by people who are equally dazzled by the movie world. The film explores the penchant of Pinoys for entertainment in the midst of serious social problems.
The 8:30pm screenings on December 17 features Si Oddie by Maria Kydylee Torato, Aliens Ata by Karl Glenn Barit, and Ani by Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario.
Si Oddie follows a delivery rider who struggles to find his untraceable customer while racing against time in a life and death situation. After asking for an additional delivery to pay for his mother’s medical needs, delivery rider Oddie ends up looking for an oddly unlocatable customer and encounters several people related to her until he crosses paths with someone who will change his day-to-day life as a delivery rider.
In Aliens Ata, two young brothers deal with the sudden loss of their father. Their mother who works overseas returns home for the funeral but will have to depart for work again soon. For the kids, some things are hard to grasp and look to the sky for answers. Could it be aliens?
Sci-fi full-length film Ani is about an orphaned boy Mithi who moves to a farm to live with his estranged grandfather Mauricio. When the old man falls ill, and as the crops in their farm seem to fall ill with him, the boy embarks on a quest with his malfunctioning robot to search for magical grains that he believes can save the man’s life.
Gawad Alternatibo films take the spotlight on December 18, 4pm. Featured short films include: Wetsitales: Aponibonilayen and the Sun by Jade Dandan Evangelista; Maris by Gabb Gantala; Ang Liwanag ng Bakunawa by Alvin Gasga and Elisha Domingo; Mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan by Vahn Leinard Pascual; My Mamily by Cha Roque.
Wetsitales: Aponibonilayen and the Sun follows the unplanned trip to the heavens of a lovely maiden and how she met the man of her life, Ini-init. This story is an enchanted adventure mixed with the culture and traditions of the Tinguian Tribe.
In Maris, two bestfriends talk about their experiences in studying in private and public schools. One friend remembers his art teacher, which starts an argument between the two.
Ang Liwanag ng Bakunawa is a story of an albino girl who feels like an outcast and unwanted by her peers. One day, she chanced upon an unlikely friend who filled her days with warmth, adventure and mystery. A tale of love so steadfast, it weathers the storm.
In Mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan, a chick who lives in the forest, together with its own community, aims to live peacefully but a hungry giant keeps on lurking around their town and brings chaos and destruction.
My Mamily is a short animated film about the struggles and triumphs of a lesbian family as seen through the eyes of a child. It is a reflection of how children are born non-judgmental and how adults, schools, and other institutions are responsible for raising children who are accepting of differences. My Mamily provides a peek into diverse kinds of families and how above everything, love is what makes a family.
On December 18, 6pm, watch selected Cinemalaya 2022 entries See You, George! by Mark Moneda, Kwits by Raz dela Torre, and Batsoy by Ronald Batallones.
In See You, George, a group of hospital workers takes a trip down memory lane to honor the life of one of their departed colleagues. The solemn gathering suddenly turns into a recollection of dark and haunting memories.
Kwits follows a man who tries to get by in the time of COVID-19 with the simplest of goals: to get his ayuda. After the lockdown silenced the Higantes festivities, Tupe finds himself jobless and isolated. He sees a glimmer of hope when he qualifies to receive financial help from the government. But getting his hands on that money is not as easy as he thought it would be.
Batsoy tells about two young siblings who go on a fantastical adventure to satiate their much-coveted and delectable craving for batsoy. After selling firewood for their basic needs, siblings Toto and Nonoy go and buy batsoy, the food that the younger brother has been craving the most. Mt. Manaphag, which faces the town of San Dionisio, becomes the silent witness to their journey to satisfy their craving. Their adventure will ultimately bring viewers to a world of magic, fantasy and reality.
Cinema Under the Stars is free to the public. Riders, bikers, joggers, and walkers are all welcome. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates.
Seven amazing brass bands, with a twirling baton group, march their way to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and celebrate the holiday season on December 17, 3pm, at the CCP Complex, followed by exhibition drills at the CCP Front Lawn at 4pm. The event is open to the public.
Dubbed Banda Rito, Banda Roon, the marching band show aims to highlight the rich brass band history and heritage in the Philippines while ushering in the lively and vibrant Paskong Pinoy spirit.
The brass bands joining the celebration are: Color Guard of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard Brass Band, Anak Zapote Band, Banda 96, Banda El Gobernador, and San Lorenzo Ruiz Band. Joining them is the Baton Twirling Group.
Founded in 2015 by executive director Patricia Real Barairo, the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines Inc. manages to conduct various color guard programs, including workshops and seminars for visual design, color guard techniques, and leadership development. Based in Bacoor, Cavite, the band aims to provide a safe venue for the youth to become contributing members of the society through performing arts. With its pilot squad members, CGAP was the first Philippine team which participated in the Winter Guard International – Asia Championships, and is affiliated with Asian Marching Band Confederation, Winter Guard International, Color Guard Netherlands, and World Marching Band Organization.
When Capt. Reynaldo D. Generillo, PCG GSC, superintendent of the Coast Guard Training Center, organized the band in 2000, the Philippine Coast Guard Symphonic Band (formerly known as the PCG Band) was originally composed of 24 members who took the first Coast Guardsman’s Course “A” Class 01-2000.
Keeping the command’s vision, mission and core functions through musical entertainment, the band has grown and represented the PCG in different parts of the country. Today, the PCGSB has 83 members, composed of senior and junior-ranking non-commissioned officers, under the tutelage of its musical director Capt. Herminigildo G. Ranera, who is also the resident conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, through the supervision and guidance of CG Commodore Eustacio Nimrod P. Enriquez Jr., the commander of the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command.
Established in 1925, Anak Zapote Band is probably one of the oldest marching bands in Cavite, or even in the country. Back then, the sons and grandchild of the revolutionaries who fought and sacrificed their lives during the Spanish occupation built a tolda de campana, near the Rubio’s family house, where they practiced and honed their musical skills. Composed of 80 members, mostly young musicians, under the baton of Maestro Angelo Enriquez, the band follows the “Tone, quality, interpretation proficiency, our goals.” Some of the members are part of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard and City of Manila Band.
Founded in 1986 after the Edsa Revolution, Banda El Gobernador was named after Gov. P.F Espiritu who hailed from Panapaan, where the band is based. The band was initially taught by Col. Delfin Miranda, who was a music student at the UST Conservatory of Music that time, with the help of Teodoro Reyes and through the financial support of Mr. and Mrs. Peping Miranda, Mrs. Aragon, Mrs. Santos and the people of Panapaan. A year after it was established, Banda El Gobernador won the Best Marching Band during the town fiesta in Taal, Batangas, and first runner-up at the Quiapo District Fiesta. Since then, the band has won several parades and concert competitions including a back-to-back win at the Antipolo Band Parade in 2014 and 2016, and a Hall of Famer in Maytinis, Kawit in 2013 to 2016.
Composed of 90 talented individuals from Bacoor and nearby barangays, the band under the baton of Maestro Jessee San Miguel and Maestro Joey Abesamis continues its legacy in providing quality music.
Founded under the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in 1986, the San Lorenzo Drum and Lyre Band was initially established to provide musical accompaniment to various barangay and parish events, including the Feast of Saints and processions. Years later, the San Lorenzo Drum and Lyre Band evolved and became the San Lorenzo Brass Band in 2003. The members underwent training and lessons in different musical instruments and reading notes. Soon, the band started joining and winning competitions nationwide.
Founded and established in Taytay, Rizal, the Philippine Baton Twirling Association is a member country and a board member of the World Baton Twirling Federation. The association aims to provide opportunities for the Filipino kids to improve their skills by providing coaching and mentoring programs. All proceeds from PBTA Inc. are utilized to develop the baton twirling in the Philippines.
Established in 1930, Banda 96 was named after the historical revolutions in 1896 and composed of young Filipino boys. In 1956, the group joined and won the grand prize in a band competition held at the Subic US Naval Base. They were appointed the original members of the US Naval Base Consolidated Fire Department Band. They have joined several competitions in different regions in the country, including the one at the General Trias where they won first place in the March or Parade category, Pistang Quiapo (Hall of Famer Award), Pista ng Tondo (Hall of Famer Award), Nayong Pilipino’s Bandang Extravaganza (Hall of Famer), Araw ng Maynila (Best Drum Major Best Uniform 3rd place), Pista ng Antipolo (Grand Champion for 12 consecutive years from 2000 to 2012), and 1st Bakood Festival in 2011 (Grand Champion).
Follow the CCP official media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for latest updates on Banda Rito, Banda Roon and other CCP events and shows.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) weaves distinct culture bound by colorful textile patterns and motifs to usher in the Yuletide season, to be launched on December 15, 5:30pm, with a holiday extravaganza featuring the hottest artists and performers in the country.
Dubbed “Binurda,” the CCP façade décors explore the embroidery heritage in the Philippines, highlighting the warp of cultural traditions interwoven with the weft of the Filipino people’s stories.
Conceptualized by CCP Production Design and Technical Division chief Ricardo Eric Cruz and his team, the Christmas façade décor features callado, the intricate embroidery and needlework detailing on piña jusi textile.
Through creative metalwork characterizing the pulling and tying of the warp and weft, the CCP travertine façade turns into a fabric embroidered with a distinct Sampaguita motif, complemented with other Philippine flora and fauna patterns and indigenous geometry designs.
Indigenous to the Philippines, and considered as one of its national flowers, sampaguita is often offered to welcome, send off, and show appreciation to family, friends and guests. For CCP, it is a fitting “grand facade” gesture of appreciation to our audiences who have supported the premiere arts institution for the past 53 years.
The tone-on-tone design of the CCP holiday decoration provides an understated elegance to the façade during the day, and seamlessly transitions to a dazzling light spectacle at night.
As the Main Building closes for renovation and restoration in the coming years, Binurda symbolizes the people’s anticipation and the artistic promise of fresh blossoming of a new culture and arts institution.
In one festive tapestry, the façade decoration will be sewn together with a grand concert, featuring performances by Bayanihan, The National Dance Company of the Philippines, the Nightingales, the Male Ensemble of the Philippines (MEP), and surprise performers.
Directed by Dexter Santos, the concert is divided into different suites that bind Filipinos – the Tanglaw Ng Hiraya, Pagmamapa sa Padron at Pinagmulan, Pagtatahi ng Ugnayan, Pagbubuhol at Pagbibigkis, and Paglaladlad at Pagdiriwang.
Each suite features varying music genres that encompass different periods and milieu. First suite brings audiences to a journey to the land of the dream weavers in the Southern Philippines; stitching the second suite, focusing on Muslim Filipino culture, music and dance.
Third suite highlights universality of faith, highlighting ecumenical elements; while the fourth suite puts the spotlight on familial ties and relationships. The concert culminates with communal celebrations.
Binurda concert and lighting event is open to the public. The façade decorations will run until January 2023.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the new normal protocol of the CCP will still be implemented. Everyone is advised to wear a facemask upon entering the premises and bring a vaccination card/certificate (e-copies are allowed). Find out more about CCP’s new normal protocol here: https://bit.ly/CCPNewNormalProtocol2022.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for the latest updates.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia bring “Songs from the Heart,” a night of choral music, this December.
Capping the six-month-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-France diplomatic relations, the choral concerts are slated on December 2, at the San Pedro Apostol Parish Church in Loboc, Bohol; December 5, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila; and December 7, at the San Augustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
The choral concerts feature the Loboc Children’s Choir and the Les Petits Chanteurs a La Croix de Bois (The Little Singers of Paris), performing well-loved Filipino and French songs. The Samiweng Singers will be performing with the two children’s choirs in Paoay.
Founded in 1980, the Loboc Children’s Choir started with 30 schoolchildren, aged between 9 to 13 years old, who all attended the Loboc Central Elementary School. From an ordinary school choir who performed during school and community events, the Loboc Children’s Choir became one of the most outstanding children’s choirs in the Philippines, winning the grand prize at the National Music Competitions for Young Artists in 1993, 1995, and 2001.
For more than 20 years, Bohol’s pride has performed both locally and internationally, including the International Children’s Culture and Arts Festival in Tianjin, China in 2000, Hong Kong, and Beijing. The choir also toured key cities in the USA for their “On Angels’ Wings: From Bohol to the World” concert. It has performed with the World Youth Orchestra during its concerts in Bohol and Cebu in 1999, and with the University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra.
As Bohol’s cultural treasure, the group often sings for visiting dignitaries, including Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain, and local and foreign tourists. The Loboc Children’s Choir not only performs in concert halls and/or auditoriums, but they bring the joy of music to prisons, hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged. Its concert repertoire is a combination of classical, folk, modern and children’s songs.
Established in 1907, the Little Singers of Paris, age 11 to 18, is one of the most accomplished international boys’ choirs known for their inclusiveness and their precision. Dubbed “Ambassadors for France” with crystal clear voices, the choir’s repertoire features religious and contemporary musical pieces, always evolving to reveal the depths of their musical uniqueness and propose an original and personal interpretation of the music.
Under the artistic direction of Hugo Gutierrez, the choirboys’ board during the week and the musical and educational curriculum that they follow is adapted specifically for them. Each year they undertake approximately seven to ten national tours of France and three international tours.
The Samiweng Singers, meanwhile, was founded by Robert Caluya in 2001. The official choir of the Ilocos Norte National High School has won first prize at the 29th NAMCYA; the Silver A certificate at the 1st CCP National Choral Competition in 2009; championship award at the 2009 UP Namnama Choir Competition; and Gold III Diploma and winner in the Children’s Choir Category and Gold IV Diploma and winner in the Sacred Music Category at the 1st Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competition in Hoi An, Vietnam in 2011.
The choral group has performed in various events including the Miss Earth Pageant in 2003 and 2004, the CCP’s Samu’t-Saring Tinig V, and the International Youth Music Festival in 2003, among others. The choir is under the music direction of Sherberk Cabrales.
Come and enjoy the performances from the acclaimed children’s choirs. For concert tickets at the Metropolitan Theater on December 5, register through this link: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdfzU4m2pe…/viewform.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for more updates.
This Yuletide season, the Cultural Center of the Philippines offers a wide variety of engaging performances and programs – from classical concert to contemporary dance production, and other traditional Paskong Pinoy activities – for just about every artistic preference, with festivities taking place throughout December.
The holiday cheers at the CCP kick off with Puso ng Pasko, an all-Filipino Christmas ballet, slated on December 2 to 4, 8pm, with matinee shows at 3pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The dance production is an expansion of the dance film production Tuloy Ang Pasko, which premiered in 2020.
This year, Lolo Val, the main protagonist who now lives in California, reminisces about how he and his barkada would celebrate Christmas in the most Filipino way in the 1970s. Puso ng Pasko puts the spotlight on the Yuletide festivities and traditions from the different regions of the Philippines.
A ground-breaking work, Ronelson Yadao, artistic director of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) choreographs the Filipino version of Nutcracker, with musical arrangements by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.
Live opera returns at the CCP Main Theater after more than two years with Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot on December 9 at 8pm and December 11, at 3pm.
Directed by Maestro Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini (who also directed Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor in 2020), Turandot is a timeless tale about the daughter of an emperor who decrees that she will marry if a noble suitor can answer three riddles. Her most recent suitor, the Prince of Persia, is to be executed at the moon’s rising. Set in ancient China, the opera is known for Nessun Dorma, arguably the world’s most famous tenor aria.
The opera stars Korean singers soprano Lilla Lee and bass Jinsu Lee as Princess Turandot and exiled Tartar king Timur, respectively. Completing the cast are Filipino soprano Rachelle Gerodias as Liu, Byeong In Park as Ping the Grand Chancellor, tenor Ivan Nery as Pong the Grand Intendant; tenor Nomher Nival as Emperor Altoum, and baritone Greg de Leon as Mandarino. Maestro Valentino Favoino conducts the PPO, along with distinguished choral ensembles of the Viva Voce Voice Lab.
Watch selected films that feature family-oriented stories that inspire and give hope in Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS) on December 14 to 16, at the CCP Front Lawn. CUTS is an open-air, hybrid outdoor cinema to encourage moviegoers to walk-in, bike-in or drive-in. This is free to the public.
The annual CCP Light and Sound show returns on a grander scale, featuring the Christmas façade décor dubbed Binurda, to be launched on December 15, 7pm, at the CCP Façade and Front Lawn. The CCP holiday decorations are inspired by the Callado embroidery on piña jusi textile with Sampaguita design. A light and sound show compliments the façade décor.
During the launch, the Bayanihan National Dance Company, The Nightingales, Male Ensemble of the Philippines (MEP), and surprise performers bring the magic of the season and instill the warmth spirit that Paskong Pinoy is known for.
On December 16, 8pm, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah, the greatest classical musical treat. Under the baton of conductor Mark Anthony Carpio, the PPO will perform alongside a 200-member grand chorus, composed of current members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Sing Philippines Youth Choir, Male Ensemble Philippines, and Musika Filipina. Completing the grand chorus are Coro Cantabile, DLSU Chorale, Lighter Side Movement, Novo Concertante Manila, Pansol Choir, Philippine Vocal Ensemble, and Song Weavers Philippines. Featured soloists are soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Ervin Lumauag, bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca, and mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariel Mariposa.
Ballet Philippines brings back the well-loved Christmas classic ballet, The Nutcracker, on December 17, 8pm, and December 18, 2pm and 6pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The ballet production follows the adventures and misadventures of a young girl on Christmas Eve, in a magical land where every child’s dream comes true.
The CCP Arts Education Department will launch Vamos A Belen: Sama Samang Paggunita and Pagdiriwang, a Pastores dance competition, on December 21. This event is a platform for dancers and dance groups to showcase their skills in interpreting dance literature focusing on Pastores piece. This is in preparation for the 50th anniversary production of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group in September 2023.
CCP continues its long-established tradition of Simbang Gabi, in partnership with Our Lady of Sorrows Parish and other hermanas, with on-site celebrations on December 16 to 24, 5am, at the CCP Main Ramp. The Misa de Aguinaldo will be held on December 24, 8pm, at the CCP Main Theater, with a pre-mass program featuring the Panunuluyan.
For the third year, the CCP will also have a virtual Simbang Gabi, in partnership with various parishes from the different regions of the country to celebrate anticipated masses. The Anticipated Mass from the Regions runs from December 15 to 23, 9pm, and will be streamed simultaneously on the CCP Facebook Page.
Celebrate the happiest season at the CCP with these heartwarming and amazing activities.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for the latest happenings this December.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines celebrates Filipino Christmas traditions with PUSO NG PASKO as it lights up the CCP Main Theater on December 2 (8:00 pm), Dec. 3 (3:00 pm & 8:00 pm), and Dec. 4, 2022 (3:00 pm & 8:00 pm).
The first all-Filipino Christmas ballet, PUSO NG PASKO captures the true spirit of the Pinoy Pasko as Lolo Val, now living abroad in California, recalls to his young granddaughter Angelita, the magical Christmases of his youth in Tres Reyes with his barkada.
This production, conceptualized by Ronelson Yadao, and musical arrangements by National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab, features beloved scenes of the Simbang Gabi, eating bibingka and puto bumbong, plazas decorated with big parols, and beautiful Christmas decorations. It also features different fiestas across the Philippine islands in celebration of regional festivities.
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ Artistic Director, Ronelson Yadao, works with an amazingly talented array of collaborators to bring this Flipino Christmas story to life. Joining him with the feat of choreographing this full-length Christmas dance celebration are Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, AL Abraham, Dan Dayo, Bonnie Guerrero, and Lester Reguindin. These creative staples in the company’s roster of young and acclaimed choreographers each have a beautifully distinct style of movement that somehow wonderfully compliments each moment in the story.
Erl Sorilla is an accomplished dancer with the CCP’s resident dance company and has choreographed notable pieces including Langit Lupa and The Weight on Our Toes. His works have received recognition including the Trudl Dubsky Award in the first CCP Ballet Competition in 2014. In 2020, he danced and choreographed with the faculty of the CCP Dance Workshop, creating two pieces in the Christmas offering Tuloy Ang Pasko! He became a grantee of the CCP’s 2021 Professional Dance Support Program where he choreographed Musa for its Culminating Program. Erl currently dances, teaches, and choreographs with Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.
John Ababon has been dancing with CCP companies since 2012 and has ventured into choreography. Among his works are Happy Thoughts, which won the Trudl Dubsky Zipper Award for outstanding choreography in the 2018 CCP Ballet Competition Junior Category. In 2020, John was part of the faculty of the CCP Dance Workshop and in 2021, he became a grantee of the CCP Professional Dance Support Program. He performed in several pieces of its culminating showcase, the Dance On! Online dance series, and choreographed a solo, Inlababo, and a pas de deux, In the Midst of Overcoming. Today, John focuses on choreographing.
AL Abraham pursued his professional dance career at the CCP. AL has created many pieces like Kada Paningkamot, a solo choreographed for the Young Choreographer Showcase. In 2020, he was one of the dancers and choreographers for the CCP Christmas offering Tuloy Ang Pasko! which was featured in the 2021 live Christmas show, A Christmas Celebration. With Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, AL continues to dance and choreograph. His Kada Paningkamot was restaged and included in the Visayan Suite of Dances.
Danilo Dayo holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree with a major in Dance from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. As a company member of CCP’s Resident Dance Company, he has been featured in many of its productions. A budding choreographer, he has created pieces for the junior company among his works are Torpe, Belle DonneandMalamanyika, and Danse Macabre. A member of the faculty of CCP Dance Workshop, he performed and created the dance piece Kumukutikutitap in CCP’s 2020 Christmas offering Tuloy ang Pasko. He is currently a grantee in the 2022 Professional Artist Support Program.
Bonnie Guerrero is a professional dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, and Pilates instructor. A former company member of CCP’s Resident Dance Company, Bonnie has choreographed many pieces. His choreographies have been featured in the CCP Resident Dance Company shows such as Hugot sa Rosas and Bagong Sayaw. With Alice Reyes, National Artist for Dance, as his mentor for choreography, he created works such as his Magdalena presented in the 2018 Young Choreographers Showcase. His latest choreographic work was to the music arranged by Ryan Cayabyab, Anong Gagawin Mo Ngayon Pasko, for Tuloy Ang Pasko!, a 2020 Christmas dance film production of the Artists of the CCP Dance Workshop.
Lester Reguindin participated in the CCP Resident Dance Company’s Young Choreographer’s Showcase in 2019 where he choreographed We Men, which was later performed in the production of Alice & Friends and more recently in the CCP Dance Series’ Pulso Pilipinas I. In 2020, Lester choreographed and danced for CCP’s online Christmas Offering, The Nutcracker and Tuloy Ang Pasko. As a creative grantee of the CCP’s 2021 Professional Artist Support Program, his piece NOW was featured in the CCP’s online dance series, Dance On! With Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Lester continues to choreograph, one of his recent works, GomBurZa, was a culminating choreographic study for the PASP in 2022. It was later commissioned by UP Arts and Culture Festival under the direction of Josefina Estrella.
Ronelson is a dance artist with 16 years of professional experience in dance theaters in Asia, the US, Canada, and Europe. Among his works as a choreographer are Sama-Sama, with the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, as well as Ang Kabaligtaran ng Gunaw, a dance film produced by the CCP with music and film direction by Jerold Tarrog. In 2020, he became a grantee, choreographer, and Modern Dance ballet master of the CCP Professional Dance Support Program. Ronelson is currently the artistic director of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. His 2019 piece, Maupay is the latest addition to the collection of dances in Visayan Suite of Dances.
Behind this talented array of choreographers are collaborators whose significant contributions give life to the story and choreography. These include National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, as Mentor and Artistic Consultant and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, for his musical arrangements of timeless Filipino Christmas Songs performed and recorded by the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Master Chorale.
Alice Reyes was declared a National Artist for Dance by President Benigno S. Aquino III through Proclamation No. 807 and was conferred at the Malacañang Palace on April 14, 2016. Her extensive body of choreographic works is a powerful expression of the Philippines’ unique history, art, and heritage, including Amada, Itim Asu, Tales of the Manuvu, Rama, Hari, and Bungkos Suite, among many others. She is currently the artistic consultant for the Professional Artist Support Program and the chairman emeritus of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. She has collaborated with the CCP and its Arts Education Department in its educational thrusts, audience development, and regional outreach, as part of their Professional Artist Support Program.
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, a.k.a, Mr. C is the most accomplished composer, arranger, and musical director in the Philippine music industry since the early 1970s. His learned, skillful, and versatile musical style spans a wide range of genres: from conservatory or art compositions such as concert religious music, symphonic work, art song, opera, and concerto to mainstream popular idioms in the music industry and in live contemporary multimedia shows (musical theater, dance, and film). Being very visible in the national media (once a TV host of a long-running arts and culture series and recently a judge in reality TV singing competitions), Cayabyab is a household name. His compositions reflect a perspective of music that extols the exuberance of life and human happiness, thus capturing the very essence of our Filipino soul.
Included on the list of brilliant collaborators are Eric Cruz (production design), Barbara Tan-Tiongco (lighting design), Dennis Maristany (Costume Consultant), and Eljay Castro Deldoc, who worked with Yadao on the script and story as co-librettist with inputs from Film Director Carlos Siguion-Reyna for the filmed scenes.
Joining the cast is acclaimed theater actor Audie Gemora, who will be taking on the role of “Lolo Val.” A terpsichore who has played a variety of roles both in English and Filipino musicals, Audie has been dubbed “King of Philippine Musical Theater.” He has co-founded one of the leading theater companies in the country, TRUMPETS which has produced musical hits including the long-running JOSEPH THE DREAMER. He won an award for “Best Performance as Male Lead in a Musical” at the 2010 Gawad Philstage for his performance in SWEENEY TODD, and in 2014 as “Best Performance as featured male in a Musical” for his performance as the flamboyant director Roger De Bris in “THE PRODUCERS.” His portrayal of Albin/Zaza in 9 Works 2015 production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES garnered rave reviews and won him the “Outstanding Performance in Musical by a Male Lead” trophy in the 2016 Philstage Gawad Buhay. His latest acting recognition was for Best Actor in a Play as Norman in Repertory Philippines’ production of THE DRESSER at the 2019 Aliw Awards.
As the Cultural Center of the Philippines prepares to shut its doors for renovation, these performances will be one of the last to be staged in the CCP Main Theater.
Tickets are available through the following contacts: CCP Box Office (tel. no. 8832-3704), Bonnie Guerrero (Viber: 09154122152), and TicketWorld (+63.917.550.6997, +63.999.954.5922)
The devastating tragedy about a young woman who joins the Carmelite nuns to escape the terrors of the French Revolution closes the 2022 offering of CCP Met Opera in HD, slated on December 6, 2022, 5:30 pm, at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Malls Cinemas in Makati City.
Composed by French composer Francis Jean Marcel Poulenc, Dialogues des Carmelites follows the aristocratic Blanche de la Force who joined the Order of Carmelite to escape the reign of terror.
First premiered at Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 1957, the opera is a quasi-historical opera based on the martyrdom of 16 Carmelite nuns and lay sisters from Compiegne who sacrificed themselves for peace during the revolutionary movement that shook France between 1787 and 1799.
Poulenc wrote the Carmelites libretto himself based on an unproduced screenplay by French author Georges Bernanos. In turn, Bernanos based his screenplay on the 1931 novela Die Letzte am Schafott (The Song at the Scaffold), written by German writer Gertrud von Le Fort.
Poulenc’s three-act opera has become a favorite among the Metropolitan Theater’s audiences because of its striking production values and timeless staging, complemented by a remarkable cast.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the music director of The Met’s Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer, leads an accomplished ensemble in Poulenc’s devastating modern piece on faith and martyrdom. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard is the young Blanche de La Force, opposite Met legend Karita Mattila as the First Prioress.
Now on its seventh season, the CCP Met Opera in HD is a special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division, 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 operatic productions through the high-definition (HD) digital video technology and Dolby sound, recreating the experience of watching an opera production at the Met “live.”
For tickets and other inquiries, call the CCP Box Office: 8832-3704 / 8832-1125 local 1409. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more information. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for the latest updates.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the Yuletide Season with Handel’s Messiah at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on December 16, 2022, 8pm.
The classical concert features a mammoth choral ensemble composed of 200 singers from various Philippine choirs, performing the complete movement of the English oratorio which traces the story of Jesus Christ, under the baton of PPO guest conductor Mark Anthony Carpio.
“It is a tribute to George Frideric Handel’s genius. Even after 280 years since it was first heard in 1742 in Dublin, music lovers all over the world are still in awe when they hear this magnificent choral piece. This music which has transcended time should be experienced first-hand by Filipinos as interpreted by Filipino musicians,” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo.
Floirendo shared that the idea for a grand Handel’s Messiah came from the late CCP president Baltazar Endriga some years back. “It is just timely that we are finally mounting this masterwork as our way of celebrating the return of live music at the CCP. It is also a fitting musical offering to thank the Messiah that we all survived the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”
Messiah has been described as a “grand musical entertainment” during its first few performances during Handel’s time. But the composer said entertainment was not what he had in mind when he composed it. “I want listeners to feel my message and become better people.”
Considered one of the greatest Christmas classical music ever composed, Messiah is naturally a big challenge for conductor Carpio. He has conducted selected movements from the choral piece mostly the first part, the Advent and Christmas portion ending with the Hallelujah Chorus before, but this will be the first time Carpio is doing the complete movements with an orchestra lasting more than two hours with him as the only conductor.
“I believe the challenge in this massive work lies not only in its duration (more than two hours) but in making sure the choir and orchestra understand this magnificent and probably one of the world’s most popular choral works,” said Carpio.
The 200-member grand chorus will be composed of current members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Sing Philippines Youth Choir, Male Ensemble Philippines, and Musika Filipina. Completing the grand chorus are: Coro Cantabile, DLSU Chorale, Lighter Side Movement, Novo Concertante Manila, Pansol Choir, Philippine Vocal Ensemble and Song Weavers Philippines.
Featured soloists for December 16 Handel’s Messiah are soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Ervin Lumauag, bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca and mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariel Mariposa.
This December, Handel’s Messiah will once more re-assert itself as the greatest classical treat ever composed for the Christmas season. The concert is one of the grand events that the CCP is mounting before it closes the Main Building for rehabilitation in 2023.
For ticket inquiries, call the CCP Box Office: 8832-3704/8832-1125 local 1409, or check out Ticketworld (https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph), or visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for latest updates.
In celebration of the 2022 National Children’s Month and National Indigenous Peoples’ Month, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) in partnership with the Marikina Culture and Arts Council – Marikina Dance Guild will hold a week-long arts camp under the annual program entitled Kutitap: Isang Piging ng Kabataang Makasining from November 24-28, 2022.
After two years of conducting the camp virtually, Kutitap will finally be implemented face-to-face again but still following the minimum health protocols. One hundred children and their adult leaders representing various cultural communities all over the country will be gathered for a celebration of arts, culture and traditions. Now on its 13th year, Kutitap pursues its goals of instilling among the Filipino children and youth a deep sense of understanding, appreciation and pride for Philippine indigenous arts and culture, as well as promote creativity and positive social values. Kutitap will conduct interactive activities to include mini-workshops and showcases (in dance, drama, music, rituals, visual arts, etc.), storytelling, crafting, traditional games, film viewing, group discussions, creative collaboration, among others.
Since the first gathering in 2009, Kutitap has already reached over 3,164 children from 164 local communities nationwide. In 2011, the project was redesigned for the benefit of the children in Northern Luzon who were badly affected by typhoons Pedring and Quiel. For the first time in 2015, Kutitap was brought out of the CCP and was hosted by the City of Batangas. For the first time too, the program was filmed and presented as part of the Children of Asia research project under the Asian Culture Institute (ACI) in Gwangju, South Korea. The film made by Kevin K. Park was shown during the opening of the Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Korea. In 2016, Kutitap was brought to the Visayas under the hosting of the Province of Capiz, in 2017 in Tagum City, in 2018 in Los Baños-Laguna and in 2019 in Koronadal City.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project migrated online last 2020 and 2021 which adopted the theme “Mga Batang Makasining Para sa Isang Malusog, Mapagmahal, Mapagmalasakit at Masaganang Buhay” (Creative Children for a Healthy, Independent and Progressive Future). From November 24-27, Kutitap will engage the kids in educational, cultural, creative and other participative activities designed to enable them to learn, understand, and appreciate better the indigenous life, traditions and practices while emphasizing the values of good health, love, compassion and perseverance. It will also include sessions on indigenous food, games, folktales, music, dance, medicinal plants, film and crafts.
This year’s participants will be 100 IP children ages 7-13 years old with their adult leaders from 11 cultural communities: Mindanao: Manobo-Agusan del Sur, Subanen-Zamboanga del Sur, Maranao-Lanao del Sur, Visayas: Panay-Bukidnon – Iloilo, and Ormoc City; Luzon: Muñoz-Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Bataan, La Union NCR: Valenzuela and Marikina.
KUTITAP 2022 is also supported by the City of San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple in Pablo Ocampo St., Manila and the National Book Development Board (NBDB). For more information, check out the CCP Cultural Exchange Department FB account and/or email at ccp.ced2014@gmail.com.
