For the first time, the CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival — the country’s largest multi-arts festival organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) — brings its vibrant celebration to the province of Capiz, joining Tagum City and Iloilo City as regional partner venues. The National Parks Development Committee also joins the Pasinaya Festival, mounting performances and a Pamilihan at Rizal Park.

For its National Capital Region leg, the Pasinaya Festival unfolds simultaneously at the Circuit Performing Arts Theater (CPAT) in Makati City and the Manila Metropolitan Theater (Met).

Performances at the Rizal Park, CPAT and the Met

Festival-goers may enjoy performances by various groups at the Rizal Park, including the Philippine High School for the Arts’ Dulaang Sipat Lawin, Ang Mga Manunubli ng Sinala, Samahang Nazareno Inc., Lahing Balangeña Performing Arts, and the University of Perpetual Help System’s DALTA Molino Performing Arts Group.

Beyond the marathon of world-class performances, attendees may also support local vendors and entrepreneurs through the Pasinaya Festival’s Pamilihan component at Rizal Park.

At the CPAT Activity Center, the Muntinlupa Dance Company, Centro Escolar University Folk Dance Troupe and the University of the East Silanganan Dance Troupe present selections from the country’s rich folk dance traditions, while comedic duo Wanlu and Nicolo delight audiences with puppetry.

At the Met on 8 February, Batangas State University’s Diwayanis Dance Theater dazzles alongside students from Temple Hill International School, the Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company, Lipa Actors Company and Kids Acts. Globally acclaimed choirs Philippine Madrigal Singers and Imusicapella also captivate audiences with stirring melodies.

Still at the Met, the Pamilihan takes center stage on 7 February. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra facilitates an interactive instrument experience, while SPIT Manila offers a one-hour introduction to improvisational comedy. The International Ventriloquist Society of the Philippines reveals the magic of puppetry, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines traces the myth and movement of dance, and Repertory Philippines treats festival-goers to a lecture on the life and works of William Shakespeare.

Across the regions: Tagum, Iloilo and Capiz

Carrying the theme “Paglikha sa Kinabukasan,” the Pasinaya Festival encourages a deeper appreciation of Philippine arts and culture, particularly among younger audiences, as it travels to Tagum City in Davao del Norte, Iloilo City in Iloilo, and — this year for the first time — Roxas City in Capiz.

Now in its 20th year, the Pasinaya Festival opens at Robinsons Roxas, Capiz, on 7 February with performances by Filamer Christian University’s Dance Company and Chorale, joined by the Tanque National High School Rondalla, CPC Sarayawan Dance Company, CapSU Main Dance Troupe and Leyte Dance Theater.

At the Capiz State University (CapSU), Mindanao State University’s Tambuli Cultural Dance Troupe and Hiphop Gen San perform alongside Artes Bailes Iloilo and Silliman University Dance Company. Across the campus, choral and rondalla performances by the Mandaue Children’s Choir, UM Chorale Davao, CPC Chorale, Cuartero National High School Taliamba Ensemble, Cuerdas de Panay Rondalla and The Nightingales fill the air with music.

Theater takes the spotlight at CapSU from 7 to 8 February with performances by Sining Kambayoka Marawi, Kasing Sining Bohol and Dagway Sigmahanon Inc.

Marking its third year as a regional partner, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) hosts performances, workshops and exhibitions on 7 February. PCD School of Performing Arts, Bereber Sayaw Parkinson’s Disease and SF School of Dance express emotion through movement, while musical performances by the Cuartero National High School Taliamba Ensemble, University of San Agustin Choir and Troubadours enrich the program. UP Visayas Living Room Theatre, UP High School Iloilo Junior Theatre Arts Club and the University of San Agustin Little Theater present stories drawn from everyday life, with Salíngsing and Kikik Kollective weaving emotional connections through performance art.