Arts & Culture (06/10/26)

Ayala Museum holds lecture, exhibit on Agnes Locsin

THE works and life of National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin are the focus of an exhibition and lecture at the Ayala Museum on June 10 and 11. Both events will start at 4 p.m. The exhibit focuses on her life and works as a National Artist for Dance while the lecture, “The Path to Neo-Ethnic Choreography,” covers her early exposure to Filipino dance traditions and formal training to the artistic process behind her distinct movement language. She will also share stories behind key works: Igorot, Bagobo, and Moslem, and her latest exploration into Neo-Ethnic Tap Dance. This event is held in partnership with the Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library and is made possible by the NCCA through the Order of National Artist Program.

Winning play Ang Pagbuo ng Baliana hits the stage

THE Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with MINT College and Kids Acts Philippines Inc., is presenting the Grand Winner of their Season 1 Young Creative Challenge Playwriting Category in Makati City. Titled Ang Pagbuo ng Baliana, written by Esmeralda Cado Albis, the musical features original music by Eugene Belbis and stage direction by Luigi Nacario and Meldrig Costuna. The play showcases the uniqueness and importance of the gulangulang observance, a tradition of celebrating the faith of the people of Camarines Sur through a pious enactment of a century-old religious rite. Set in Sitio Baras, Malitbog in the town of Minalabac, it is inspired by Bicolano texts orchestrated by folk songs and stars P-pop singer Joshua Ryan Nubla in the leading male role. The show is on June 10, 7 p.m., at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Admission is free.

NCCA Gallery mounts group exhibit about rest

THE exhibition Taym Pers 5 invites viewers to rest and reflect. On display at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Gallery, it brings together the latest works of the Alpas Art Group, all of which explore the significance of rest, reflection, and mindful engagement in an increasingly fast-paced world. It draws inspiration from the Filipino playground expression “taym pers” or “time out.” Through diverse artistic approaches and personal narratives, the participating artists examine how individuals navigate time, memory, and human connection amid rapid social and technological change. It runs throughout June at the NCCA Gallery, Intramuros, Manila.

Kapitolyo Art Space holds 2 group exhibitions

THIS JUNE, Kapitolyo Art Space is hosting two exhibitions exploring themes of freedom, identity, and belonging. Installed on the first floor of the gallery, Kuwadro examines the frame not merely as a physical object, but as a metaphor for the structures that shape human experience, its title derived from the word cuadro, commonly understood as a picture frame. On the second floor, at Arts and Beans Café Gallery, Bahaghari sa Dingding gathers works by LGBTQIA+ artists and allies whose practices emerge from lived experiences, personal histories, and evolving understandings of identity. Both are on view at the Kapitolyo Art Space on 23 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City throughout June.

New playwrights to join Virgin Labfest program

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has begun a new chapter of the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program, now in its 15^th year. It has selected eight aspiring playwrights to participate in the educational component of the theater festival from June 16 to 28 at the CCP Complex. They are: Daniel John Augusto, Rhea Kyla Dionisio, Angela Nicole Divina, Enrico Figueroa, Reinhardt Patrick Orillos, Rosemarie Uy, Gio Alfonso Vega, and Kier Andrei Yonson. Under the guidance of multi-awarded playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, the program offers lectures, workshops, and discussions on playwriting and script critiquing. It will culminate in a showcase of staged readings featuring the fellows’ original works, to be held on June 28, 5 p.m., at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet, 3^rd Floor of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Federico Aguilar Alcuaz monograph available

AFTER nearly five years of research, documentation, and editorial development, a landmark new publication on National Artist for Visual Arts Federico Aguilar Alcuaz is set for release in 2026. Published by MAGIS, an imprint of Ateneo de Manila University Press, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz: Salaysay is the most comprehensive study of the artist ever undertaken. It features major new essays by historian Ambeth R. Ocampo and art critic Patrick Flores, an extensively researched historical timeline by co-editors Matthew Benjamin P. Lopez and Ricky P. Francisco, and newly commissioned photography by art photographer Erik C. Liongoren, assisted by Michelle Palijo, documenting more than 300 artworks from major museums, institutions, and private collections in the Philippines and abroad. Pre-orders for Federico Aguilar Alcuaz: Salaysay opens this month ahead of the book’s official release. Details on ordering, launch events, distribution channels, and related public programs will be announced through MAGIS and Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Shell NSAC opens submissions for 59^th year

THE Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC), the country’s longest-running student art competition, returns for its 59^th year with the theme “SULYAP.” This edition encourages young artists to “move beyond fleeting moments and take a closer, more meaningful look at the realities, emotions, and experiences that shape their understanding of the present.” The competition is open to all currently enrolled college students in the Philippines. They may submit entries in any of the five categories: Oil/Acrylic Painting, Watercolor, Sculpture, Digital Fine Arts, and Photography. Each participant may enter a maximum of two works per category, with each submission registered individually. All entries must be submitted via the official Shell NSAC platform from June 5 to Oct. 5. The final judging period is scheduled for Nov. 12 to 13, and winners will be announced on Dec. 2. Interested participants are encouraged to read the full competition mechanics and register via the website at www.shell.com.ph/nsac.