The opening of National Arts Month 2026 on February 1 at Luneta was a night I will never forget—not only because of the scale and vibrancy of the celebration, but because it was deeply personal for me as a parent.
As Luneta Park came alive with music, movement, and applause during “Ani ng Sining: Konsiyerto ng Katotohanan at Giting,” I watched the stage with both pride and awe, knowing that my two daughters were part of this national celebration. Seeing Elaiza Jem perform as a violinist and witnessing the grace and discipline of the Philippine Ballet Theatre, where my other daughter danced, made the evening especially meaningful.
The National Arts Month (NAM) 2026 celebration officially opened at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium with a Grand Parade at 4:00 PM, drawing audiences through the park and culminating at the main venue. The formal program followed from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring a thoughtfully curated sequence of artistic performances, musical presentations, and storytelling segments that highlighted Filipino creativity, cultural identity, and social responsibility.
The program began with the ceremonial segments “Pagdating ng Ilaw” and “Pagpasa ng Liwanag sa Kabataan,” symbolizing the passing of cultural heritage and artistic responsibility across generations. These were followed by thematic monologues—“Ang Binhi ng Sining,” “Sining Bilang Ugat at Alaala,” “Sining at Giting ng Bayan,” and “Ang Pananagutan ng Ilaw”—which reflected on the role of the arts in shaping national memory, identity, and civic consciousness. As a parent, these moments resonated deeply, echoing the idea of continuity and the responsibility of nurturing the next generation of artists.
The diversity of performances—from traditional dances and choral works to contemporary music and ballet—showcased the richness of Filipino artistry. Cultural segments included “Pitong Alay ng Sining” by the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, choral and dance performances by UST Coro Tomasino and the Yogad Cultural Dance Group, and traditional and contemporary works by the Indak Guiguintenyo Folkloric Group, champion of the Sayaw Pinoy 2024 Folk Dance Category. Performances by the Philippine Ballet Theatre and Anak Bale-Balayan further highlighted the breadth and vitality of Philippine performing arts.
The evening also highlighted the country’s creative industries through a special Fashion Show Segment, followed by the contemporary performance set “Katotohanan sa Makabagong Anyo,” featuring The Addlib and The O Divas. Guest appearances and performances by Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao, Monica Gana, Lucky G., and Elaiza Jem energized the audience and added to the celebratory atmosphere.
As the grand finale “Ani ng Sining” brought all the performers together on stage, I felt overwhelming gratitude and pride. That night, Luneta was more than a historic venue—it became a living testament to truth, courage, and creativity, and a powerful reminder that the arts continue to thrive through the next generation.
The opening concert was led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) under the leadership of Chairman and Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo, Ph.D. The event marked the beginning of the month-long National Arts Month celebration, observed nationwide throughout February in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 683.
For me, National Arts Month 2026 did not simply begin with a grand concert. It began with seeing my daughters take their place on stage—contributing their voices and movements to the continuing story of Filipino art.
