Official logo for the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gregorio del Pilar

Here's a closer look at the newly launched commemorative logo for the 150th Birth Anniversary of General Gregorio Del Pilar, hero of the Battle of Tirad Pass. The design features a stylized copy of Gregorio Del Pilar's famous photo portrait within a circle. Beneath the circle the words GOYO 150 are seen. Within the "0" the name of the commemoration "Gregorio Del Pilar 150th Birth Anniversary 1875 - 14 Nov - 2025" also written. In full color, the blue, red, and black of Del Pilar's personal standard are represented in the circle and words. Light and Dark monochrome backgrounds are also authorized.

The design was created by NHCP Creative Arts Specialist Jovan C. Soriano and formally launched during the 3rd Republika Lectures on 2 December 2024, the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Tirad Pass in G. Del Pilar, Ilocos Sur.

Ride to commemorate Bataan Death March heroes slated on Araw ng Kagitingan

Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites is slated on April 9, 2023 or Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), also known as the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the Death March.

Mike Villa-Real, Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) first vice president for marketing and communications, said the event, in partnership with the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.

"The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this historic event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March," he said.

The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said the event will start at 2:30 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.

The non-competitive bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour cut-off during the event.

He noted that the event will also implement a "No Helmet, No Ride" policy to ensure the safety of the participants. Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders' progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.

The Bataan Death March is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forced to march more than 100 kilometers in grueling conditions by Japanese forces in 1942. Thousands of soldiers survived but many also died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of Japanese captors. The markers serve as reminders of the tragedy and heroism that occurred during that period.

PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With Its new Charter signed into law, the Bank's ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.

Ride for Valor 2023 is supported by Without Limits PH, Traqs Philippines, OneLGC, AIR21, Panahon.TV, and the Integrated Waste Management Inc, Neo Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, The Oriental Hotel-Bataan, AFAB, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar.

For more information about the event, follow Ride for Valor on Facebook at .

www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH

Rex Education enhances learning resources in Philippine history and social sciences

(L-R): Jeanne Marie F. Tordesillas (Chief Marketing

Officer of Rex Education), Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson (Chairperson of Philippine Social Sciences Council), Don

Timothy I. Buhain (Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education), Professor Emeritus Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay (Representative, Philippine Historical Association), & Dr. Marcelino M. Macapinlac, Jr. (Representative, Philippine National Historical Society)

Rex Education hosted a memorandum signing with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS), and the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) on September 6, 2022 to seal a fellowship program centered on Philippine history.

The main goal of the program is to develop a compendium on Philippine history that could serve as a reference material for writing and publishing future history-centered textbooks. A careful selection of fellows who are knowledgeable about specific periods in Philippine history would be conducted to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the compendium.

In line with REX’s pledge of providing relevant and timeless learning solutions, the program would ideally improve the content of learning materials in history and social studies.

“This fellowship program brings together the academe, civil society, and private sector toward the common goal of serving Filipino learners,” Don Timothy Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education, said in his welcome remarks. “REX believes that looking back at where we all came from is important in enabling our learners, teachers, and communities.”

For every Filipino learner

PSSC stands as the project’s implementing agency alongside REX. PHA and PNHS, two local and professional historical associations, will collaborate with REX and PSSC to oversee the compendium’s development.

“This wonderful, novel project will benefit all learners. History is not only for the young; it is for learners of all ages,” PSSC Chairperson Dr. Excelsa Tongson shared.

Dr. Bernardita Churchill, president of PNHS and president emeritus of the PSA and MSA, also highlighted the importance of corroborating history in a country as diverse as the Philippines. “The plan is to enhance the study and teaching of Filipino culture, and create an inclusive history that will present the multiethnic history of the Filipino. A serious study of our history and culture would settle doubts and questions about our identity as a nation.”

A worthwhile endeavor for the future of education

REX’s goal for the program is to provide authoritative reference materials in the writing and publishing of history textbooks.

Dr. Marcelino Macapinlac Jr., a representative from PNHS and a professor for over three decades, believes that the references that will be produced by the fellowship will further capacitate authors and those in the academe as they enlighten learners about Philippine history.

The development of well-researched historical resources invites not only educators but also the youth to reflect on our national history and culture. Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay, president of the PHA and professor emeritus, Department of History, UP Diliman, and Dr. Macapinlac noted that the current generation of learners has become more discerning of the sources they consume.

“I find that those who finish the K to 12 program are better prepared and more engaged [in the study of history],” said Dr. Macapinlac. He noted that the last national elections highlighted how his students are now more passionate and engaged, but the bigger challenge lies in maintaining that passion in the long run.

“I hope Filipinos will not consider history just as a classroom or University course, but it should be a lifetime interest—whether Philippine, Southeast Asian, or world history,” Dr. Camagay concluded.

To keep up with news about the program, be sure to follow Rex Education’s Facebook page.

DepEd-endorsed, NOLI ME TANGERE, THE OPERA returns anew to the CCP for one weekend only (June 21-23)

‘Ang Sampung Pangarap ni Rizal’ online art exhibit supplements the smash-hit opera.

To celebrate the anniversary month of the Department of Education (DepEd) and to further promote cultural awareness and appreciation, DepEd, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), J&S Productions Inc., and Enrique Zobel Foundation Inc., brings back the smash-hit landmark production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera to the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP for one weekend only, from June 21 to 23, 2019.

"Noli Me Tangere, The Opera" announces cast additions for limited return engagement at CCP Main Theater | June 21-23, 2019

On its 50th anniversary, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc. are thrilled to welcome new cast additions to the smash-hit NOLI ME TANGERE, THE OPERA's limited return engagement at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo from June 21 to 23, 2019. 

Celebrate Día del Libro at Ayala Triangle, Makati on April 27, 2019

On April 27 (Saturday), Instituto Cervantes, the cultural arm of the Embassy of Spain, will once again be abuzz with exciting activities to celebrate the Día del Libro (International Book Day) at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City. As in the previous years, thousands of books will be up for grabs. Top bookstores and publishing houses will be selling a wide array of books at a 20% discount. Following the tradition in Spain, everyone who buys a book will also be given a rose.

St. Jude Catholic School holds Festival Run at CCP Complex | March 10, 2019

The Philippines doesn’t just offer world-class travel destinations, but very unique and various festivals as well. In fact, traditionally, we are known to be Capital of the World’s Festivities! Now, you don’t have to book a trip to enjoy what’s proudly Pinoy. Come and join us this upcoming Festival Run on March 10, 2019 at Liwasang Ulalim, CCP Complex. It’s more fun in the Philippines!

"Noli Me Tangere, The Opera" returns to CCP | March 8-10, 2019

The Philippines' first full-length opera, National Artists Guillermo Tolentino and Felipe Padilla De Leon's most beloved 1957 opera, Noli Me Tangere (Huwag Mo Salangin/ Touch Me Not) returns to the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) main theatre, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, from March 8-10, 2019.

Ariel Rivera & Gelli de Belen back on the big screen in "Ang Sikreto ng Piso" directed by Perry Escaño

AFTER 22 years since their last dramatic movie together entitled Ikaw Pala Ang Mahal Ko (1997), real life couple Ariel Rivera and Gelli De Belen are back on the big screen, also as husband and wife.

This time, they topbill ANG SIKRETO NG PISO, a family-oriented comedy flick from MPJ Entertainment Productions and JPP Dreamworld Productions, directed by Perry Escaño, which will hit the cinemas starting January 30 (Wednesday).

7 new National Artists of the Philippines (2018) revealed and honored

The Malacañan Palace, led by President Rodrigo Duterte, fetes seven (7) new National Artists in an awarding ceremony held on October 24, 2018, at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace. In attendance was National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) chairman Virgilio S. Almario, himself also a National Artist.

I AM Cardboard Philippines partners with Ayala Museum for its second VR diorama on Philippine History

Tech startup I AM Cardboard Philippines (IAC PH) recently launched another virtual reality diorama in partnership with Ayala Museum titled “Emergence of the Filipino Nation” that features iconic Philippine heroes Emilio Aguinaldo and Andres Bonifacio in a 10-minute, fully-immersive 360º virtual reality experience.

Kandama celebrates the power of the weave

For the women of Julongan village in Kiangan, Ifugao, the weave goes beyond cultural practice. Their handloom woven bags, clothes, and modern accessories are powerful icons that represent both their heritage and their future—a craft passed through generations, creating a sustainable livelihood for their community.

FDCP and Intramuros Administration partner for #WeAreIntramuros Film Challenge

Combining film artistry with appreciation of heritage and history, the Film Development Council of the Philippines has partnered with the Intramuros Administration to launch #WeAreIntramuros, a 24-hour filmmaking challenge focusing cultural awareness on Filipino values.

"Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral" sets to be the biggest historical film of the year

Three years after the critical and box-office success of the historical film, Heneral Luna, director Jerrold Tarog returns with its much-awaited follow-up, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.

Starring Paulo Avelino as the titular Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, set to be the Philippines’ biggest cinematic epic to date, opens in cinemas nationwide on September 5, 2018.

HISTORY CON 2018 at World Trade Center Manila | August 10-12, 2018

A+E Networks Asia holds another biggest entertainment convention dubbed as HISTORY CON 2018, which will be held at the World Trade Center Manila on August 10-12, 2018. Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, leading contributor and Co-Executive producer of HISTORY’s hit series Ancient Aliens hit series will headline this year’s star-studded entertainment convention.

Viva Europa 2018 to celebrate European cultures in Manila | April-June 2018

Filipinos will get the chance to experience a European Cultural Summer dubbed "Viva Europa 2018" happening from April to June 2018 to showcase the best of European dance, film, literature, music, sports, and visual arts.

Pingkian, Panitikan: NCCA, KWF, and NBDB to lead National Literature Month 2018 Celebration

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) both headed by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, in partnership with the National Book Development Board (NBDB) led by Flor Marie Sta. Romana-Cruz, along with other organizations, institutions, and local government units, will be spearheading this coming April the festive celebration of the Buwan ng Panitikan ng Filipinas or National Literature Month (NLM).

Ice skating champ gets frozen in "I, TONYA" in cinemas

Tonya Harding dominated the ice with unrivaled athleticism. She dominated the headlines for something else entirely. Written by Steven Rogers & directed by Craig Gillespie, I, Tonya is at times absurd, tragic and hilarious look at the woman at the center of the biggest scandal in sports history.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s 31st Theater Season: Writer’s Showcase of Freedom Fighters

The 31st theater season of Tanghalang Pilipino embraces all that our theater company stands for: diverse, entertaining, and powerful storytelling that is rooted in centuries-old Filipino culture and history while being responsive to our evolving contemporary society. Each play takes you on a Filipino journey with a unique point of view, style and tone. It includes something for everyone, with piquant comedies, suspenseful dramas, and inspiring Filipino stories.

Brillante Mendoza Presents: PANATA on TV5

Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza creates another series of made for TV movies on TV5 network. PANATA is the first episode in the line-up under Brillante Mendoza Presents. This episode takes us back to the early years of Martial Law set in the province of Marinduque. "Panata" gives us the glimpse of the religious fervor of Filipinos depicted through one of the most popular Lenten rites, the Moriones.