Manila: The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is set to transform Manila and key regional sites in the country into a massive, interconnected arts hub as it stages Pasinaya Open House Festival 2026 on Feb. 7 to 8, with simultaneous activities across multiple venues nationwide and even abroad.
According to Philippines News Agency, CCP Production Manager Nikki Torres stated in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview that Pasinaya 2026 will take place in 24 venues across Metro Manila, with parallel activities in Iloilo, Capiz, Tagum, Davao del Norte, and abroad at the Philippine Embassy in Jordan. Initially developed as a marketing tool, the festival, themed 'Paglikha sa Kinabukasan,' has evolved into a comprehensive multi-arts festival. Torres emphasized that Pasinaya serves as an introduction and preview of the year-long art and culture scene.
Torres further explained the expansion of the festival, which now includes culinary arts alongside performing arts, aiming to expose citizens to various art forms. The festival maintains its 'pay-what-you-can, see-all-you-can, learn-all-you-can' concept to ensure affordability and accessibility. Registered participants can access all venues, activities, workshops, and shows without financial strain.
The event on Feb. 7 will concentrate on workshops, while Feb. 8 will feature performances, ranging from orchestral concerts and folk dance to poetry readings and new media presentations. Notable participants include the Madrigal Singers for workshops and national artist Ricky Lee for lectures. "In total, there are 174 groups participating nationwide, with 144 groups performing and conducting workshops in Manila," Torres noted.
Activities are categorized into performances (Palabas), workshops (Palihan), arts and crafts markets (Pamilihan), museum tours (Paseo Museo), artist-producer exchanges (Palitan), and public competitions (Paligsahan) across CCP venues and partner galleries and museums. Other National Capital Region venues include Circuit Makati, Aliw Theater, Rizal Park - Luneta, and Metropolitan Theater.
