The Philippines officially opened National Arts Month (NAM) 2025 with a vibrant ceremony in Intramuros, Manila. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) launched the annual celebration with a colorful program, parade, and cultural festivities. Miss Universe 2018 and NCCA Arts Ambassador Catriona Gray graced the event, joining cultural agency representatives, students, and artists in a festive gathering at the NCCA Building adorned with Singkaban-inspired decorations.
Relive the vibrant spirit of past celebrations and see how National Arts Month continues to shine—explore the grand opening of a previous Philippine Arts Month featuring the Pasinaya Festival and 3,000 artists.
The festivities began early in the morning of February 3 outside the NCCA Building on General Luna Street. The grand unveiling of the building’s newly designed facade, inspired by Bulacan’s Singkaban Festival, set the tone for a month-long celebration of the arts.
Here are some snaps from the National Arts Month opening:
NCCA Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo and Subcommission on the Arts Commissioner Arvin Manuel Villalon led the official declaration of the opening. A parade accompanied by a marching band and street performers followed, winding through historic streets, passing by schools, universities, and the iconic Manila Cathedral, and culminating at the Museo de Intramuros, where Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla of the Intramuros Administration welcomed participants for refreshments and a complimentary museum tour.
Celebrate National Arts Month with enriching experiences—discover how Ayala Museum honored Filipino educators with free admission in a past celebration.
NCCA Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo, Executive Director Zerrudo, and Commissioner Villalon, together with national committee heads, also led a special lighting ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater. The theater’s entrance was decorated with Singkaban motifs, and its facade was illuminated in celebration of Filipino artistry.
See the MET all lit up for the National Arts Month here:
Step into history and art—learn how Museo de Intramuros rose from war ruins to become a cultural landmark in the heart of Intramuros.
This year’s NAM carries the theme “Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin” (Harvest of the Arts: Soul and Passion), emphasizing the spirit and dedication that fuel Filipino creativity. The month-long celebration, established under Presidential Proclamation 683 signed in 1991 by President Corazon C. Aquino, is spearheaded by the NCCA’s Subcommission on the Arts (SCA) and its seven national committees on architecture and allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, and visual arts.
NCCA invites Filipinos nationwide to take part in the celebration and experience the transformative power of the arts. Follow our Good Show section for updates on National Arts Month 2025 events and activities.
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