Manila Exhibit Celebrates the Art and Heritage of Filipino Theatrical Costume

• The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Metropolitan Theater (MET) launched Saplot ng Entablado: Kasuotang Pilipino sa Sining, Tanghalan, at Pamana on September 1, 2026, to celebrate the annual Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino.
• The event complies with Presidential Proclamation No. 241, which designates the third week of September as a time to recognize the importance of Filipino attire in shaping national identity and cultural heritage.

Exhibition Details

• Curated by Rommel Padillo Serrano, the collection highlights various styles of Filipiniana and Barong from different productions and eras.
• The display aims to showcase how costumes function as essential tools for storytelling, character development, and historical context within the performing arts.
• The exhibit honors the contributions of seamstresses, designers, performers, researchers, and other cultural workers who maintain these traditions.
• The show runs through September 30, 2026, at the Metropolitan Theater Gallery in Manila with free admission for the public.

Key Stakeholders and Impact

• NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz highlighted the exhibit's intent to honor the often-overlooked backstage labor required to bring characters and eras to life.
• The exhibition is supported by several partner organizations, including the Intramuros Administration, the Rotary Club of Heritage Advocates, and BelCanto Opera Philippines.