Young artists will inspire joy through colorful exhibits, interactive workshops, animated film screenings, and live performances in the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Children’s Biennale 2024: Let’s Play! from November 9 to 10, 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
Kids of all ages, their nurturers, and the young at heart are invited to participate in this enriching experience. By building interactive spaces, the children’s art festival encourages hands-on participation for children to develop artistic expression. It aims to nurture young children through exposure to diverse Philippine arts and indigenous cultures.
The festival motivates its young audiences to explore their identities. It innovates the children’s perspective of Philippine culture through utilizing up-and-coming technology in its artistic presentation.
For this edition of the CCP Children’s Biennale, children can watch the animated film “Before Brabant” and a special performance of “Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad” featuring the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP).
“Before Brabant” is an animated film directed by Alberto “Chino” Rodriguez about young Helyas who searches for his true family amid his tragic destiny. The screening will be enhanced by a captivating live soundtrack by the music of composer Jeffrey Ching to be performed by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, featuring tenor Ervin Lumauag, soprano Stefanie Quintin, baritone Byeong-In Park, and acclaimed soprano Andion Fernandez. The screening is made possible by Mrs. Milagros Ong How, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Morph Animation Inc.
The film, with its complex yet much needed narrative on tragedy and loss, is for kids aged 12 and above. Catch it on November 9, Saturday, with screenings at 10 am and 4 pm.
Specially designed for the Children’s Dance Theater, “Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad” crosses a magical journey with simple life lessons on perseverance. Choreographed by Erl Sorilla under the guidance of National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes and artistic director Ronelson Yadao, the story follows the quest of Juan Tamad, the iconic Philippine character, to find the “Gintong Niyog” and eventually win the hand of his beloved.
With inspiring music by Toto Sorioso, “Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad” taunts the imagination as its protagonist encounters talking animals from different renowned children’s stories.
Watch “Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad” on November 10, Sunday, at 10 am and 4 pm and be reintroduced to the classic children’s stories Filipinos grew up with.
This children’s festival is a multidisciplinary biennale that promises other engaging activities at the Samsung Theater lobby. The pre-show activities are slated on November 9 and 10, from 8am to 11am and 2pm to 5pm.
With a neon-lit arcade theater backdrop, participants can partake in select CCP projects designed for young audiences such as Young at ART, a web series that features conversations between young children and veteran artists, where the older generations share their passion for arts and culture.
Children can explore the joyous spirit of traditional games intertwined with the dynamism of Philippine indigenous dances in Tara, Laro Ta(y)o.
Learn about the Philippine lullabies and hele in Himig Himbing: Mga Heleng Atin.
The event will follow the Pay-What-You-Can scheme to make the experience all the more accessible. Register for the event via: https://bit.ly/4f8YDJJ
Get the latest updates on CCP Children’s Biennale 2024 on CCP’s website and official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. For more information on CCP’s current and future productions, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).
