Liven up your National Arts Month celebration through these creative activities

It has been 35 years since the signing of the Presidential Proclamation No. 683 in 1991, which declared February as the National Arts Month, with the country’s cultural agencies—the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in particular—tasked to spearhead its festive observance. 

This year, we continue to celebrate the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage through “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting.” Under this theme, art is honored as a profound expression of Filipino truth and valor. 

Yet, beyond these grand ideals, art remains a natural avenue for self-expression—one that allows us to create everything from meaningful masterpieces that extend to design, performance art, and even gastronomy.

To experience this firsthand, revel in the National Arts Month spirit by exploring these curated creative events.

Art Fridates

What: Weekly cultural showcases of regional talents

Where: Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, International Trade Center Complex (formerly PhilTrade), Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

When: Every Friday until March 6

Every Friday is an art date for this month-long celebration organized by the NCCA. Aimed to decentralize the arts, the initiative features a diverse rotation of regional talents. A series of free workshops and performances will be available to the public in the revived halls of Likhang Filipino. The site itself is a valuable piece of Philippine history since it is where the original PhilTrade Center once stood, now reclaimed and transformed by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) into a multifunctional venue for showcasing Filipino craftsmanship.

Catch an Art FriDate on the following dates: February 6, featuring artists from Angono, Rizal; February 13, featuring artists from Bulacan; February 20, featuring artists from Biñan, Laguna; February 27, featuring artists from Quezon Province; and March 6, featuring artists from Muntinlupa City.

Art Fridates admission is free. Open house starts at 2 pm, while performances kick off at 4 pm.

For more information, visit the NCCA’s official Facebook page.

10 Days of Art

What: Curated public art installations all over Makati

Where: Makati

When: Ongoing until February 8

Live or work in Makati? Turn your everyday commute into an art walk as you explore the best of Philippine contemporary art. From busy underpasses to bustling malls and serene gardens, Makati transforms its structures into an open-air museum for just 10 days through exhibitions and public art installations.

Map out your visit with “Carousel” by Ronald Ventura at Ayala Malls Circuit, "Underground" by Fotomoto PH at the Paseo Underpass, "Nagsasalitang Ulo" by Mich Dulce alongside “Art 2 Wear” by Joel Wijangco at Greenbelt 5, "Signs and Intimations" by Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan together with “Esperanza de Vida (Life Expectancy)” by Ampparito at Ayala Triangle Gardens and Ayala Museum, and “Between Thoughts” by Isaiah Cacnio across One Ayala, Glorietta, Greenbelt, and Circuit Mall Makati.

For more information, visit www.10daysofart.com.

Art Fair Philippines 2026

What: An annual premier art showcase

Where: Circuit Corporate Center One in Circuit Makati

When: February 6 - 8

Explore all art exhibitions in all six floors of a repurposed office space nestled in the heart of the future creative and cultural district, Circuit Makati. This year’s edition of Art Fair Philippines brings not just the brightest names from our homegrown arts scene, but also exhibits from international galleries, from Europe to Southeast Asia.

Highly anticipated is Art Fair Philippines’ tightly curated Projects section. Designed by Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco of Nazareno/Lichauco, it replaces the usual straightforward booths with intricate winding paths and benches reminiscent of town plazas. Artworks featured in Projects are displayed around the barrio-style sixth floor, made by key figures in the contemporary arts scene: Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Ambie Abaño, Max Balatbat, Ged Unson Merino, Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, and Spanish artist Ampparito. Included as well are works by four late Filipino masters: Brenda Fajardo, Constancio Bernardo, Solomon Saprid, and Romeo Tabuena.

For more information, visit www.artfairphilippines.com/afp2026.

CCP Pasinaya: The Open House Festival 2026

What: An annual multi-arts festival

Where: Circuit Performing Arts Theater, Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex, and Rizal Park 

When: February 7 - 8

The National Arts Month also ushers in the 20th edition of CCP Pasinaya: The Open House Festival, the flagship multi-arts festival organized by the national cultural agency it is named after. Guided by the theme “Paglikha sa Kinabukasan,” Pasinaya gets closer to communities nationwide to enable wider public participation and also nurture a new generation of Filipino artists.

Dabble in hands-on art exploration and learning through Palihan, a workshop-all-you-can experience on February 7. The next day, Palabas will be available, featuring performances from over 169 participating groups, including National Performing Arts Companies, professional performing arts groups, and individual artists. Meanwhile, Paseo Museo will offer a walking tour of the CCP Complex and free hop-on, hop-off curatorial tours across 17 museums and galleries in Metro Manila throughout both days of the festival.

A new component, Paligsahan, features a series of competitions open to everyone, including the Paeksena (a cosplay competition), Paramihan (a TikTok video challenge), Paseo Museo Paunahan (a stamp rally), Pitik-Larawan (a photo contest), Sinag ng Pasinaya (a mobile 1v1 fighting game), and Vertical Shorts Competition (a short shorts film competition).

Participate in the festival's countless exciting activities, too, and drop by Pamilihan, a lively marketplace filled with local food stalls, artisanal treats, and handcrafted goods.

For more information, visit the CCP’s official Facebook page.

Luneta Art Fair

What: A large-scale showcase of traditional and non-traditional artworks

Where: Noli Me Tangere Garden, Rizal Park

When: February 7 - 8

Meet with fellow creatives and art enthusiasts as you celebrate the future of the Philippine art scene at Luneta Art Fair. Join the buzz of its art market and talks, discover featured artists with the fair’s Spotlight 2026, watch indie films in The AudioVisual Lounge, attend insightful workshops, enjoy live art and performances, and discover a diverse lineup of artists through an open exhibit featuring fine arts schools, galleries, and artist organizations.

For more information, visit www.lunetaartfair.com.

StickerCon Remix: Feels & Frequencies

What: A Stickercon Valentine’s pop-up event

Where: Building D, Ayala Malls Vermosa Activity Center, Cavite

When: February 13 - 15

Calling all stationery fiends: Stick around for a feel-good Valentine's weekend with StickerCon Remix: Feels & Frequencies. This is your chance to fill your collection with endless handmade local arts and crafts that resonate with you, depending on your frequency for the day. Catch feels or catch stickers, the choice is yours.

For more information, visit Sticker Con MNL on Facebook.

Cavitienda 3.0

What: A Valentine’s and Chinese New Year trade fair in partnership with DTI Cavite

Where: West Plaza, Silang, Cavite

When: February 14 - 17

Support and empower local and small entrepreneurs while shopping for a wide range of thoughtfully curated items and handmade crafts ideal for celebrating this season of love, art, and new beginnings. Get your next abubot or Valentine’s gift at Cavitienda 3.0.

For more information, visit www.aciendadesigneroutlet.com.

Cake Fiesta Manila 2026

What: An international display cake competition

Where: World Trade Center Manila

When: February 25 - 27

Get ready for this month’s biggest International Display Cake Competition at Cake Fiesta Manila 2026. Bakers will be presenting their sweet masterpieces to renowned cake and sugar artists from around the world through 10 different categories, from sugar figures to novelty cakes. Guests can also take the time to attend various seminars on drinks, coffee, baking, and cake decoration, all designed to excite your palate and inspire learning under the guidance of top industry experts.

For more information, visit www.cakefiestamanila.com.

13th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 

What: A live show of an international pyromusical competition 

Where: Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia

When: Every Saturday from February 21 until March 21

Don’t miss this year’s biggest and brightest fireworks! Enjoy a spectacular night as you watch “The Magic Above Us,” a showcase bursting with vibrant colors, captivating music, and world-class fireworks from leading international contenders at the 13th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition. This audiovisual feast will be an electrifying conclusion to February (and a magical beginning for March), painting the sky with flashing lights.

For more information, visit the PIPC’s official Facebook page.

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Banner image courtesy of Luneta Art Fair. 

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