6 Events Where You Can Celebrate Buwan Ng Wika and Filipino Culture

When: July to September 2019

Where: PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City

Due to insistent public demand, Rak of Aegis has launched its seventh theater season. The iconic and award-winning musical features the hit songs by local ‘90s band Aegis, such as “Halik” (Kiss), “Basang Basa sa Ulan” (Drenched in the Rain), and “Sinta” (Darling).

Considered as the longest-running original Filipino musical in contemporary Philippine theater, Rak of Aegis consists of a stellar cast of talented singers and theater actors. This season will feature a mix of original and new cast members. Notable members include Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, Isay Alvarez-Sena, Robert Sena, Renz Verano, Kakai Bautista, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson.

Tip for a good experience: Not all show dates have the same seating policy. Check Ticketworld’s website to see which dates have free seating or reserved seating.

How to go to PETA Theater: Ride the MRT-3 up to the Araneta Center Terminal Station. From there, walk from Farmer’s Plaza to Gateway Mall. When you get to Gateway Mall, head to Aurora Boulevard and ride a jeepney or UV Express heading to Espana or Quiapo. Ask the driver to drop you off at Caltex before the Quezon City Sports Club. Walk along the street at the right of Caltex then walk until you get to PETA Theater Center.

When: August 2 to 13, 2019

Where: CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard Pasay City, Philippines

* a 20% discount applies to senior citizens, PWDs, and government and military personnel

Celebrating its 15th year is the Cinemalaya Film Festival. The independent movie film festival features a kaleidoscopic range of movies that showcase the best Filipino cinematography and storytelling. This year’s lineup consists of 10 full-length films and 10 short features. Each film tackles socially relevant issues and problems that Filipinos experience.

Full-length films to choose from are “Iska,” “Children of the River,” “Edward,” “F*ccbois,” “Belle Douleur” (Beautiful Pain), “Ani (The Harvest), “John Denver Trending,” “Tabon,” “Malamaya” (The Color of Ash), and “Pandanggo sa Hukay” (Fandango in the Grave).

In addition to local films, Cinemalaya also includes seven best Asian films as part of their Visions of Asia component. An exhibit is also within the venue and it features props and behind-the-scenes footage from previous films. Tickets are available at Cinemalaya’s website.

Tip for a good experience: If you have money to spare and want priority lane entry, get an All-Access Pass. This covers admission to all the screenings of both films in competition and exhibition films, priority lane entry on all venues at the CCP, and priority tickets to films with free admission.

How to go to the CCP Complex: Ride the LRT-1 and alight at Vito Cruz Station. Exit the station and turn right to Pablo Ocampo Sr. Walk along Citiland Tower, University Mall, and Rizal Memorial Basketball Coliseum opposite of Jollibee. Continue walking until you reach a terminal of orange jeepneys bound for CCP or PICC. Ride one and ask the driver to drop you off at the CCP Complex.

When: August 10, 2019; 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Where: Unilab Bayanihan Center, Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, Pasig, Metro Manila

Entrance Fee: PhP150

Love local comics? You might discover your new favorite at Indieket. Indieket is an event where several of the country’s independent comic book artists and writers get together to make their craft known to the public. The Philippines is home to thriving talented artists brimming with creativity. Going beyond visual appeal, Filipino comic book artists are also great at storytelling.

The event attracts not only comic book artists but also art and comic book lovers. Most of the exhibitors at Indieket are self-published, so you can show your support for independent artists by buying zines, comics, and stickers available at the venue. Who knows? Maybe this event could inspire you to make a comic book of your own! Tickets are available at Comic Quest Robinsons Galleria and at the event venue.

Tip for a good experience: Bayanihan Center tends to get hot when the venue gets crowded. Make sure to avoid wearing something with thick fabric or long sleeves. The venue is also small so guard your belongings.

How to go to Bayanihan Center: Ride the MRT to Boni Station. Walk towards Robinson Pioneer. From there, you can ride a tricycle for PhP7 to Bayanihan Center.

When: August 10, 2019; 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: The 30th Corporate Center, Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Entrance Fee: PhP750

Learning history doesn’t have to be boring. In Pamana Talks Part Two, learning is fun and informational. Get in-depth knowledge on Philippine history from credible guest speakers like history professor and public historian John Ray Ramons, journalist Lourd De Veyra, historian and academic Xiao Chua, and National Historical Commission Chief Preservation Architect Reynaldo S. Lita.

This will be the second installment of Pamana Talks this year. The previous event was held last May 2019 during the Philippine Heritage Week.

Tip for a good experience: Walk-ins are accepted, but slots are not guaranteed due to limited seating. Secure your tickets online via Eventbrite.

How to go to The 30th Corporate Center: Ride the MRT to Shaw Boulevard Station. Exit the station and head to the jeepney terminal at the side of Square Mall nearby Shangri-La mall. Ride a jeepney with an “Ugong” signage. Go down the jeepney after St. Paul College. The 30th Corporate Center is just behind Ayala Malls The 30th.

When: August 17 to 18, 2019; 2:00PM (August 17) to 2:00AM (August 18)

Where: Century City Makati, Kalayaan Ave, Makati

This year marks Zark’s Burgers 10th anniversary. To celebrate it with their loyal customers, the homegrown specialty burger chain will hold Zark’s Fest, a music festival featuring local musicians and performers. The lineup includes Ebe Dancel, I Belong To The Zoo, Bullet Dumas, Johnoy Danao, Mayonnaise, Orange and Lemons, Quest, Autotelic, Lola Amour, Shadow Moses, Shirebound and Busking, and <S>andwich.

Of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without food. Zark’s will be bringing best-sellers and crowd-favorite burgers such as “The Jackhammer,” “Bones Jones,” and “The Burger From Hell.” Tickets are available online at ticket2me.net and at Zark’s branches in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, Taft, and SM Fairview.

Tip for a good experience: If buying online, make sure to download the e-ticket after the transaction and bring an I.D during ticket claiming to prove your identity.

How to go to Century City Mall: Ride the MRT-3 and alight at Guadalupe Station. Exit at the southbound side of EDSA. From there, ride a jeepney with an “Ayala JP Rizal Makati Ave Guad Ibabaw” sign. Pay the minimum fare and alight at Makati cor Kalayaan, which is past A Venue Mall. Walk along Kalayaan Avenue to get to Century City Mall. It is the C-shaped building.

When: August 16 to 18, August 23 and 25, August 28 and 30; shows vary in start time from 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 8:00 PM

Where: CCP Little Theater, Little Theater Lobby, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila

If reading about Philippine history doesn’t appeal to you, how about learning about it through theater? Mabining Mandirigma (The Gentle Warrior) is a steampunk musical that depicts the story of one of the Philippines’ revolutionary leaders during the Spanish regime: Apolinario Mabini. The musical displays how—despite his disabilities—he managed to become the adviser, cabinet president, and first foreign minister to President Emilio Aguinaldo.

Mabining Mandirigma is also known for its gender bending roles; female actors were cast for the lead role of Mabini and other important characters in the play like Gen. Arthur McArthur, William Howard Taft, Gen. James Franklin Bell, and Mark Twain. The 2019 run will star Monique Wilson as Mabini. She will be joined by Arman Ferrer as Emilio Aguinaldo. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tip for a good experience: CCP’s air conditioning can get cold so bring a jacket or a shawl.

How to go to CCP Little Theater: Follow the directions that were previously given.

These events this Buwan ng Wika will definitely give you more appreciation for the country’s language and its rich culture and heritage. Hopefully, they can inspire people to show their support for Filipino culture all year long.

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