UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and Coro Tomasino were among the performers in the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Arts Month celebrations at Rizal Park on Feb. 1.
In the opening concert, UST Salinggawi performed a contemporary dance routine representing seven forms of art: cinema, music, dance, architecture, dramatic arts, literature, and allied arts.
UST Coro Tomasino’s performance underscored the expressiveness and passion of Filipino music and voice.
“Filipino artists are known for their creativity and uniqueness and stand out on the global stage. This is a fitting reminder for us to be truthful to our mandate of sharing the arts, not just to the Filipino people but to the whole world,” Mark Agpasa, musical director of the UST Coro Tomasino, said.
Anak Bale-Balayan, a Pampanga-based cultural performing group, used traditional instruments.
“Pinagsama-sama namin mga instrumentong galing sa Asya tapos tinutugma namin sila—gumawa kami ng sariling tugtog at gumawa rin kami ng sariling ideas,” Kenchi Sean of Anak Bale-Balayan said.
Part of the opening festivities was a parade of the arts, which included seven higantes, or large papier-mâché puppets, that represented Philippine art forms.
The parade also featured vibrant performances from the Bagitos Drum Beaters, Jhocson Tribe, Yogad Cultural Dance Group, and Indak Guigentenyo Folkloric Group.
The National Commission for Culture and Arts, in collaboration with various local government units, academic institutions, cultural organizations, and art groups, has scheduled multiple activities throughout February to celebrate Arts Month.
