A Tribute to National Artist for Dance Agnes D. Locsin (Ayala Museum, Makati City)

 

National Artist for Dance Ms. Agnes Locsin

For two days (June 10 to 11), the works and life of highly acclaimed Filipino dance choreographer and dance director Agnes Dakudao Locsin, recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines for Dance in June 2022 (the second in the Locsin clan to be named as a National Artist after Architect Leandro V. Locsin, in 1990, for Architecture), are the focus of an exhibition and lecture at the Ayala Museum where she was honored, by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), Ayala Foundation and the Carmen D. Locsin Foundation, at the Ayala Museum for pioneering and elevating “Neo-Ethnic” Filipino dance choreography, a distinct style that blends indigenous Philippine themes, folklore and rituals with Western classical ballet and modern dance techniques. She is the the sixth Mindanawon to receive this distinction.

 

Dance is My Life Exhibit

The June 10 traveling exhibit “Dance is my Life,” at the second floor of the Ayala Museum (until June 28), focuses on her life and works as a National Artist for Dance. The exhibit also features a selection of her own artworks, offering a direct look into her creative practice, alongside visual pieces that explore dance and cultural memory as artistic subjects.

 

Dance is My Life Exhibit

Dance is My Life Exhibit

The June 11 lecture, titled “Pamana ng Pilipino: A Lecture by National Artist for Dance Agnes D. Locsin,” featured the National Artist as she traced “The Path to Neo-Ethnic Choreography,” from her early exposure to Filipino dance traditions and formal training to the artistic process behind her distinct movement language. 

Pamana ng Pilipino: A Lecture by National Artist for Dance Agnes D. Locsin

Here, Agnes shared stories behind key works: Igorot, Bagobo, and Moslem, as well as discuss her latest exploration into Neo-Ethnic Tap Dance. The program will also feature the Locsin Dance Workshop. This 2-day event was held in partnership with the Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library and was made possible with the support of Purefoods Deli and the NCCA through the Order of National Artist Program.

 

Locsin Dance Workshop performers

Igorot, a composition heavily praised during its European tours, helping put Philippine contemporary dance on the global map, premiered in 1987 in Amsterdam for Le Petit Theatre and was restaged, in 1988, in the Philippines  for Ballet Philippines Celebrating the cultural rituals and dances of the Cordillera indigenous peoples in Northern Luzon, the work fuses ethnic movements with ballet technique to highlight communal harmony and mountain life.

Born in Davao City on September 28, 1957, Agnes Locsin attended the Philippine Women's University for her elementary and high school studies; Ateneo de Davao University for her bachelor's degree in English; and Ohio State University (OSU) in the United States for her master's degree in dance, with a focus on modern and contemporary techniques. Pioneering ballet teacher Carmen Dakudao Locsin, her mother and founder of the Locsin Dance Workshop (established in 1947, it is the oldest dance school in the country) in Davao City, introduced Agnes to dance. After graduating from OSU, Agnes took over as its artistic director. 

In the late 1970s, while an Ateneo de Davao student, Locsin collaborated with artists Joey Ayala and Al Santos for the rock opera, Sa Bundok ng Apo, as a choreographer for Ayala's music and Santos' lyrics. In 1992, they would collaborate again in Encantada, an award-winning neo-ethnic masterwork and full-length ballet, that premiered in February 1992, with Ballet Philippines.  The piece draws on Filipino folklore and history to evoke themes of enchantment and the mystical bond between humans and nature, featuring ethereal movements that blend ritualistic elements with contemporary dance forms while highlighting the consequences of environmental destruction. 

She was also part of the faculty of the University of the Philippines Dance Program where taught choreography and modern dance techniques, contributing to the academic development of aspiring dancers.  From 1989 to 1999, she was the artistic director of the Ballet Philippines in the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.  Around the 2010s, she began doing choreography for environmentally-themed works such as Agila and the Alay sa Puno series. 

Agila, created in the 1990s, premiered with Ballet Manila.  Emphasizing soaring, expansive gestures that capture themes of aspiration and national identity, it symbolizes the Filipino spirit of freedom through the metaphor of an eagle's flight, set to original music by composer Joey Ayala.  The Alay sa Puno series, developed from the late 1990s through the 2000s, comprises four interconnected pieces (Ugat, Dahon, Puno, and Sanga).  Performed initially with Ballet Philippines and later restaged with international collaborators, it honors trees as symbols of life, strength, and indigenous rituals while advocating for environmental preservation.  The series incorporates natural textures like bamboo and flowing fabrics to evoke the vitality and vulnerability of forests. 

Her other stunning and socially conscious major pieces include:

• Dabaw - a prominent contemporary/neo-ethnic ballet first choreographed in the early 1980s as a tap dance, and later premiered as a full ballet commissioned by Ballet Manila in July and August 2003.
• Bagobo (1990)
• Ismagol (1990)
• Kulam (1991)
• Moslem (1991)
• Moriones (1991)
• Hinilawod (1992) – a narrative dance piece based on the ancient Panay epic featuring the character Labaw Donggon.
• Babaylan (1993) – a piece that portrays indigenous shamanistic rituals and spiritual leaders, winning second place at the 1993 Tokyo International Choreography Competition.
• Salome (1994) - where dancer Camille Ordinario secured second place at the Concours International de la Danse in Paris.
• Taong Talangka (1994) – choreographed, in 1994, to music by Joey Ayala, it explores human resilience amid greed and societal pressures through the allegory of a crab-like struggle. Originally performed by soloist Camille Ordinario with Ballet Philippines, it features angular, clawing motions that convey entrapment and defiance.
• Sayaw and Sabel - presented together in 2010 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it formed a series of solo dances depicting life's darker facets, such as isolation and mental fragility. Sabel specifically draws inspiration from Benedicto Cabrera's iconic series of the same name, portraying the scavenger figure as a symbol of urban poverty and endurance through fragmented, expressive gestures.
• Elias (1995)
• La Revolucion Filipina (1997) - a creative, striking dance homage to the paraplegic revolutionary hero Apolinario Mabini, it was part of Ballet Philippines' 45th anniversary season, with performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from July 25 to 27. This choreography, which originally premiered in 1997, narrates key episodes of Philippine revolutionary history, from the Spanish colonial era to the fight for independence, using dynamic group formations and dramatic solos to portray figures like Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal.
• Ang Pagpatay kay Antonio Luna (2002)

Agnes Locsin’s "Neo-Ethnic" approach roots itself firmly in the history, beliefs, and indigenous environments of the Philippines. Her work and contribution to choreography, in general, famously brought awareness to indigenous communities and environmental issues, earning her international acclaim and multiple prestigious awards in global choreography competitions in Tokyo, Paris, and beyond. They include: 

• Araw ng Maynila's Patnubay sa Kalinangan at Sining Award (1994) awarded by the City of Manila for her the for her significant cultural impact through dance.
• Hiyas ng Lahi Award (1992) from the Dance Alliance and National Choreography Endeavors, celebrating her excellence in choreography, particularly works like Encantada that blended indigenous and modern elements
• Datu Bago Award (2000) from Davao City, recognizing her efforts in promoting Mindanao's cultural heritage via performances and education.
• Pilak Award para sa Serbisyong Pangkultura, Sining at Kumunidad (2004) from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
• Gawad Buhay Award from Philstage in 2008 and 2011 for outstanding production and original choreography, including for Encantada
• Gawad CCP para sa Sining (2013) from the Cultural Center of the Philippines,  its highest accolade for lifetime achievement in dance, underscoring her decades of innovative artistic direction.
• Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi (2014) from Ateneo de Manila University , honoring her as an exemplar in advancing neo-ethnic Filipino dance and cultural preservation.
• Daigler Award for Mindanao Culture and the Arts (2017_ from Ateneo de Davao University
• Gawad Buhay Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) from Philstage
• The inaugural Gador Award (2020) from the CCP's Kaisa sa Sining at Kultura Mindanao Network, honoring outstanding Mindanawon artists in dance for her enduring promotion of regional cultural expressions.
• 6th Mindanawon National Artist for Dance (2022) underscoring her role in representing Mindanao's artistic heritage within the national pantheon, highlighting her efforts to amplify regional voices in the broader Philippine arts scene. 
• Pinoy Pride Award for Dance (2025) at the MEGA Ball.

 Beyond choreography, her book, Neo-Ethnic Choreography: A Creative Process (2012), documenting her her methodological approach to blending cultural elements in dance, won the Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Arts at the 32nd National Book Awards.  She also won the Gador Award, from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Datu Bago Award (2000), for her contribution to dance and culture, from the Davao City government.

 She maintains strong ties with her siblings within the Davao arts community, including her older sister Bing, a former member of the Bayanihan Dance Company, who inspired Agnes by teaching her, upon returning home, various dance forms. Agnes also shares a collaborative bond with Sonny Locsin, her nephew and son of her late brother Cesar Jose “Boy” Locsin, performing together in an aunt-nephew dance act that highlighted their extended family's involvement in the local performing arts scene.

Nights at Zabana (Savoy Hotel Manila, Pasay City)

 

Official Launch and Media Night of Nights at Zabana

June is extra special at Savoy Hotel Manila (SHM) as they celebrate their anniversary on this month.  This year they will be celebrating 8 remarkable years of heartfelt Filipino hospitality by raising a glass to it, in the most flavorful way, through its Nights of Zabana, a unique celebration of destination flavors, creative mixology, and culinary artistry, from June 1–8, 2026. 

Four of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) Executive Chefs

Nights of Zabana is a week-long showcase of signature cocktails, curated pairings, and destination-inspired flavors brought to life by guest bartenders and Executive Chefs from SHM’s sister properties under Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), including Belmont Hotel Iloilo, Chancellor Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, and Twin Lakes Hotel, with each hotel presenting signature creations crafted using Zabana Rum.  Eight days, five destinations. 

GM Den Navarro delivering his Welcome Speech

“As we celebrate Savoy Hotel Manila’s 8th anniversary, Nights of Zabana brings together flavors, stories, and experiences from across our hotel portfolio for eight unforgettable nights. More than a showcase of exceptional cocktails, it is a celebration of meaningful connections, shared experiences, and the warm hospitality that defines Megaworld Hotels & Resorts,” said Den Navarro, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Manila.

For the first time, Savoy Hotel Manila will bring together guest bartenders and Executive Chefs from these destinations to present Zabana-inspired cocktails and mocktails, paired with regional hors d’oeuvres, that best represent their local flavors and experiences. For eight consecutive evenings, guests can enjoy live signature cocktail preparation, interact with talented mixologists, and discover the stories, via meaningful conversations, behind every signature pour and pairing.

Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Ms. Cleofe Albiso 

More than just a cocktail event, Nights of Zabana celebrates the distinct identity of each destination and highlights the versatility of one proudly Filipino spirit — Zabana — through elevated mixology and thoughtfully curated cuisine. It also serves as a special opportunity to introduce and showcase their newly opened sister properties, Belmont Hotel Iloilo and Chancellor Hotel Boracay. 

Welcoming guests and celebrities for the Nights of Zabana

During the official launch and opening media night, on June 1, 2026, online and print media partners, tourism stakeholders, industry friends and valued guests were among the first to experience this exciting milestone celebration, the first collaborative cocktail showcase of its kind within Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.  Before the event started, they were treated to a buffet dinner spread at Savoy Cafe.  During the event, overnight and three days/two nights stays at select Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHM) hotels as well as one-hour signature massage and SHM dinner buffet for two gift certificates were raffled off. 

Savoy Hotel Manila - L-R: Habal-Pedikab-Dyip

Bartender of Savoy Hotel Manila Mr. Ian Abrantes

Savoy Hotel Manila Executive Chef Christian "Kit" Carpio introduced comforting and familiar creations like the refreshing Dyip paired with Zabana Rum Cured Salmon Sinuglaw, the velvety Pedikab served with Brandy-Glazed Beef Short Rib Bao, and the warm alcohol-free Habal complemented by Kesong Puti & Honey Rum Samosa.

Belmont Hotel Iloilo - L-R: Pine Batuan Iced Tea-Ilonggo Breeze-After Glow

Belmont Hotel Iloilo Executive Chef Carlo Villaluz brought the tropical warmth to the bar with After Glow, Ilonggo Breeze, and Pine Batuan Iced Tea, each one thoughtfully inspired by the flavors and spirit of their destination, and served alongside hearty, regional bites.

 

Twin Lakes Hotel - L-R: Taal Sunset Rhum Punch-Barako Old Fashioned-Calamansi Coconut Fizz

Twin Lakes Hotel Executive Chef Ynan Soriano Del Rosario brought the comforting and soulful flavors of Tagaytay, influenced with Batangas favorites, to every pour with their refreshing Calamansi Coconut Fizz paired with Ensaladang Talong with Inasal Shrimp, the Barako Old Fashioned served alongside hearty Bulalo Croquettes with Bone Marrow Aioli, and the Taal Sunset Rhum Punch complemented by tender Adobo sa Dilaw na Manok Skewers.

 

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown - L-R: Luntian Brisa-Mango De Jasminum-Lakambini Sour

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown Executive Chef Joan Coke Semblante brought the island-inspired flavors of Cebu as we sipped on the Lakambini Sour paired with Kinapusan Chips with Aged Spicy Tuba Vinegar, the fragrant Mango de Jasminum served alongside Shrimp Yakitori with Thai Green Curry, and the Luntian Brisa complemented by Tuna Carpaccio with Calamansi Ponzu.

 

Chancellor Hotel Boracay L-R Zabana Old Fashioned-Frost Berry Fizz-Ginlime Infusion

Bartender Mr. Jover Ramones of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown 

Chancellor Hotel Boracay Executive Chef Richard Sumo brought the island energy with refreshing citrus and berry-forward creations like Ginlime Infusion paired with Bar Lime Gin Tuna Kinilaw, the refreshing Frost Berry Fizz served alongside Deep-Fried Calamari, and the bold Zabana Old Fashioned complemented by smoky Pork Barbecue Ribs Tacos.

L-R: Savoy Hotel Manila (SHM) General Manager Den Navarro, Media Friends & Ivan Agote Assistant Regional Director Dept of Tourism NCR, & SHM Executive Chef Kit Carpio

Adding a playful element to the celebration, guests were invited to vote for the cocktails they believed best suited three occasions: Date Nights, Business Meetings, and Chill-Out Nights. The activity highlighted the versatility of the featured drinks while encouraging guests to discover their own personal favorites. At the end of the voting, Mango de Jasminum emerged as the crowd favorite for Date Nights, impressing guests with its refreshing and romantic flavor profile. For Business Meetings, the sophisticated and timeless Zabana Old Fashioned took the top spot, while Pedikab from Savoy Hotel Manila was hailed as the preferred cocktail for Chill-Out Nights, perfectly capturing the relaxed and easygoing spirit of the occasion.

Cheers to Zabana

During the event, overnight and three days/two nights stays at select Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHM) hotels as well as one-hour signature massage and SHM dinner buffet for two gift certificates were also raffled off. 

SHM GM Den Navarro drawing the lucky winners

Savoy Hotel Manila: 101 Andrews Ave., Newport City, 1309 Pasay City. Tel: +63 (02) 5317-2869 and 5317-2817.  E-mail: dine@savoymanila.com and stay@savoymanila.com. Website: www.savoyhotelmanila.com. 

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown: The Mactan Newtown, Newtown Blvd, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu. Tel: (032) 494 4000. Mobile number: (0917) 868-6746. E-mail: reserve@savoymactan.com.  Website: www.savoyhotelmactan.com.ph. 

Chancellor Hotel Boracay: Newcoast Drive, Boracay Newcoast, Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan. Tel: (036)286-1300. Mobile numbers: (0917) 555-5555. E-mail: stay@chancellorboracay.com. 

Twin Lakes Hotel: Tagaytay - Nasugbu Highway, Laurel, 4221 Batangas. Tel: (043) 302-1688.  Mobile numbers: (0917) 853-7468 and (0917) 846-1389. E-mail: reservations@twinlakeshotel.com.ph. Website: www.twinlakeshotel.com.ph. 

Belmont Hotel Iloilo: Festive Walk Road, Iloilo Business Park, Enterprise Rd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 5000. Tel: (033) 328-7888. Mobile number: (0917) 817-9281. E-mail: stay@belmontiloilo.com.

Savoy Hotel Manila nominated as the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel at the 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia

 

Savoy Hotel Manila is again nominated as the Philippines
Leading Airport Hotel at 2026 WTA Asia

Savoy Hotel Manila, strategically located 350 meters across from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 (offering unparalleled convenience for travelers), plus seamless access to Terminals 1 and 2 via the Skyway, is again nominated as the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel at the prestigious 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia. To vote, click this link.

The WTA, founded in 1993, is the foremost symbol of excellence in global travel, recognizing destinations that exemplify outstanding hospitality and tourism.  The awarding will take place on September 27, 2026 (World Tourism Day) at Crossroads Maldives.

The 684-room hotel, now entering its ninth year of delivering exemplary Filipino hospitality and award-winning service, is gunning for its sixth consecutive win, having also won in 2025 (October 13, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong), 2024 (September 4, Manila, Philippines), 2023 (September 6, HoChi Minh City, Vietnam), 2022 (September 7, HoChi Minh City, Vietnam) and 2021 (October 19, London, United Kingdom). It also won as Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel in 2021.   The hotel was also awarded “The Value Star” at Tripzilla’s Travel Excellence Awards 2024.  Not bad for a hotel which opened its doors just eight years ago, on June 28, 2018.  

The five awards recognizes the hotel's commitment to service excellence and authentic Filipino hospitality for travelers, particularly those near NAIA Terminal 3. The awards also acknowledged the hotel's consistent delivery of genuine Filipino hospitality and its high standard of service. The win is seen as a reflection of the hotel's dedicated staff and the support of its guests and partners.  

The hotel was also nominated as the World's Leading Airport Hotel in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021; Asia's Leading Airport Hotel in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022; and Asia's Leading Marketing Campaign in 2023.  

Savoy Manila’s parent company, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), has also been nominated for Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group.  It was awarded the prestigious title during the WTA Awards in 2024. MHR is a rapidly growing homegrown hotel chain renowned for its heartfelt service and dedication to showcasing Filipino pride.  As the nation’s largest hotel operator, MHR boasts a portfolio of 13 hotels (Savoy Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Belmont Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Mactan, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Twin Lakes Hotel, Kingsford Hotel Manila and Grand Westside Hotel) across 7 brands with more than 8,500 room keys.  Grand Westside Hotel, with 1,530 rooms, is recognized as the Philippines’ largest hotel.  

Savoy Hotel Manila: 101 Andrews Ave., Newport City, 1309 Pasay City. Tel: +63 (02) 5317-2869.  E-mail: stay@savoymanila.com. Website: www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

Opening of National Heritage Month 2026 (Angono, Rizal)

 

Opening of National Heritage Month 2026 (photo: George Buid)

Last Sunday, May 10, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the Subcommission on Cultural Heritage and the National Committee on Art Galleries, kicked off the celebration of National Heritage Month at the 7-hectare Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center in Angono, Rizal, the “Art Capital of the Philippines.” This year's theme is “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future." 

Torch lighting ceremony at Kaagapay Monument (photo: George Buid)

The festivities opened with a torch-lighting ceremony at the monumental Kaagapay Monument, a massive representation of the ancient Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, created in 2025 by renown Mindanawon artist Kublai Millan.  This was followed by a parade, showcasing Angono’s iconic 10 to 12-foot high papier-mache puppets (higantes), a Sayaw sa Patio at the Chapel of the Risen Lord and the Petros Group Art Exhibit (which showcases artwork from the Petros Group and local art galleries) opening at the Pedro Calungsod Hall.  The program proper started at Holy Trinity Garden. 

Angono street dancers and higantes (photo: George Buid)

After a message from Philpost Postmaster-General Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, the commemorative stamps of National Heritage Month were unveiled. Keynote speaker was NCCA Chairman and Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo, Phd. He said that “it is vital to celebrate National Heritage Month as it highlights the resilience deeply embedded in Filipino heritage and gives people a sense of hope.”

 

Unveiling of Philpost commemorative stamps (photo: George Buid)

Welcome remarks were delivered by Angono Mayor Gerardo V. Calderon, opening remarks by Mr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares (Commissioner, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage) and special messages were given by Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares, Fr. Rene Pio Javellana, SJ (Vice-President, Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono) and Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, DD, Bishop of Antipolo (delivered by Fr. Peter Ymari C. Balatbat, Executive Director, Diocesan Commission for Cultural Heritage of the Church, Diocese of Antipolo). A message, from Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong" R. Marcos, was delivered by former NCCA chairman and Angono native Victorino “Ino” Mapa Manalo.

 

Opening of Petros Art Group Exhibit (photo: George Buid)

Entertainment was provided by the choral singing of the Angono Chorale Ensemble and a band performance by Angono National Symphonic Band.  Both also rendered “Mahal Kong Bayan,” a song, by the late Lucio San Pedro (Angono native and National Artist for Music, 1991), that celebrates the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Philippines.

 

Kenote speaker Eric B. Zerrudo of NCCA (photo: George Buid)

A highlight of the evening was the Sayaw ng Bati. Also called Sayaw ng Pagbabati (Dance of Greeting), it is a traditional Philippine Easter Sunday dance to commemorate the Resurrection of Christ.  It is usually led by two main dancers – the tenyenta (lieutenant, Ms. Daphne F. Pundamiera) and a kapitana (captain, Ms. Marie Immacon “Icon” C. Reyes).  These two ladies, wearing grand Filipiniana gowns with full skirts, bent their torsos to the side as they spun and turned to the waltzing tune played by the aforementioned band.

 

Angono Chorale Ensemble and Angono National Symphonic Band (photo: George Buid)

After this entertainment, the acknowledgment and awarding of certificates was done by Ms. Sabina Joy V. Cruz (Executive Council Member, National Committee on Art Galleries) while the closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Maria Teresa B. Rayos del Sol (Vice-Head, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage).  The proceedings culminated with dinner at the LRH Main Dining Hall. 

Sayaw ng Bati (photo: George Buid)

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA): NCCA Bldg., 633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002. Tel: (632) 8527-2192. E-mail: info@ncca.gov.ph. Website: www.ncca.gov.ph. 

Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono: Carnation St., Nieves Hills, Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal. Tel: +63 8651-0191.  Mobile number: (0962) 472-2175. E-mail: loyolaretreathouseinc@gmail.com.

Closing and Turnover Ceremony of Filipino Food Month (Metropolitan Theater, City of Manila)

 

Conclusion and turnover ceremony of Filipino Food Month 2026 

Last May 6, Wednesday, the celebration of Filipino Food Month 2026, a month-long celebration of Filipino food and culinary heritage, officially concluded at the Metropolitan Theater Ballroom, the same venue where it was launched last April 6 with the theme, "Connected by Taste," focused on the appreciation, preservation, and innovation of Filipino food traditions.

 

Ms. Marichu G. Tellano (NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Administration and Support Services)

Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang (DOT Office for Product Development Director)

The late afternoon affair, covered by online and print media, was attended by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Tourism (DOT, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM), the four lead agencies of Filipino Food Month 2026.  During the closing ceremony, these four agencies looked back on the various projects and events held throughout the month-long celebration.

 

Mr. Jose Antonio Miguel “Jam” Melchor (PCHM Founder and President)

Atty. Genevieve E. Valicaria-Guevarra (DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs)

Hosting responsibilities for Filipino Food Month usually rotate annually among the four partner agencies and a highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic turnover of the hosting responsibilities, from the NCCA, to the DA, which will lead the celebration for 2027, through the presentation of a tingkep, a traditional handwoven lidded basket crafted by the Pala’wan Indigenous Peoples of Southern Palawan. The tingkep symbolizes the abundance, richness, and diversity of Philippine gastronomy.

 

Presentation of tingkop symbolizing the abundance, richness, and diversity of Philippine gastronomy

Representatives from the four lead agencies of Filipino Food Month 2026

During the event, partners were also recognized. Present were Ms. Marichu G. Tellano, NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Administration and Support Services; Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, DOT Office for Product Development Director, Mr. Jose Antonio Miguel “Jam” Melchor, PCHM Founder and President; and Atty. Genevieve E. Valicaria-Guevarra, DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs, who each delivered messages of support and solidarity for the continued promotion of Filipino culinary heritage.

 

Malabon National High School's Tanghalang Bagong Sibol Theatre and Dance Co.

The press conference and ceremony also featured  a cultural performance of Malabon National High School's  Tanghalang Bagong Sibol  Theater and Dance Co. (formed in 1997, it bagged awards during the 6th China-ASEAN Theatre Week in 2018) and a live performance of the Filipino Food Month theme song by Filipino folk musician, singer and song writer Ms. Junelle "Bayang" Otero-Barrios. The event culminated in an ASEAN-inspired celebratory merienda cena, reflecting the FFM 2026 theme and the Philippines' ASEAN chairship for the year.

 

Cocohogo at Destileria Limtuaco booth

Sampling champorado at the Kusina ni Mama Sita booth

Guests also got to try out Heirloom Rice + Cacao Champorado (roasted pure cacao blended with glutinous rice resulting in an intensely chocolate-flavored rice porridge) and Beef Pares from the Kusina ni Mama Sita booth as well as Cocohogo is a premium Philippine coconut cream liqueur launched by Destileria Limtuaco in August 2025. It blends real coconut cream with their signature pot-distilled rum, creating a velvety, tropical liqueur aimed at providing a smooth, "summer in a bottle" experience.