MANILA, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with its ASEAN 2026 Philippines partners, invites the public to join the month-long celebration of ASEAN Month 2026, featuring a vibrant lineup of cultural showcases, performances, workshops, and community events that highlight the rich heritage and shared identity of Southeast Asia.
Following the successful momentum of the SULONG SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan, the celebration continues this August under the ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.” As ASEAN commemorates its 59th founding anniversary, Filipinos and visitors alike are encouraged to discover the traditions, creativity, and cultural diversity that unite the region’s eleven Member States.
As part of the celebration, participants who have attended previous SULONG SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan events are encouraged to bring their SULONG SEAPop Passport to continue collecting stamps during the Stamp Rally at participating ASEAN Month activities. Those who complete the required stamps will have the chance to receive exclusive prizes, with winners to be announced during the culmination of the campaign in November 2026.
Throughout August, attendees can participate in a variety of free and accessible events across Manila, including:
August 6 – NCCA-Viet Nam bilateral meeting on strengthening cultural cooperation, Metropolitan Theater.
August 7 – Viet Nam Cultural Days: Vietnamese puppet workshop and ASEAN lectures at Centro de Turismo (open to all).
August 7 – Vietnamese water puppet presentation at Fort Santiago.
August 8 – 59th ASEAN Day Anniversary and public Vietnamese water puppet performance at Fort Santiago, plus ASEAN Corner activities. (open to all)
August 9 – Launch of the ASEAN Cultural Center in Manila (ACCM) at the Metropolitan Theater, followed by Best of ASEAN Performing Arts (BOAPA).
August 10-31 – ASEAN Corner at the Metropolitan Theater and Centro de Turismo, featuring cultural exhibits and activities. (open to all)
August 20 – Interagency ASEAN Month Celebration, bringing together government agencies in a showcase of regional cooperation and shared heritage.
Throughout ASEAN Month – SULONG SEAPop Passport Stamp Rally, where participants can collect stamps at participating activities and qualify for exclusive prizes.
Most public activities are free, with advance registration required for workshops with limited slots. The public and media are encouraged to follow the official ASEAN 2026 Philippines and NCCA channels for schedules, registration details, and updates. From cultural performances and exhibitions to workshops and lectures, the celebration offers diverse opportunities for audiences to experience the richness of Southeast Asian culture.
More than a celebration of shared heritage, ASEAN Month 2026 serves as a platform for strengthening bilateral ties, particularly between the Philippines and Viet Nam. Through cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement, the activities deepen mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries. The celebration also reinforces ASEAN’s shared identity and commitment to stronger regional partnerships as Member States navigate their future, together.
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For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through paio@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.
