Newsletter: Ukrainian Cultural Festival Brings Three Weeks of Film, Theater and Poetry to New York, Closing Nov. 6 at Carnegie Hall

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The  fourth annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival (UCF), presented by Razom for Ukraine, runs through Nov. 6  at venues across New York City, with 18 extraordinary events. The festival began Oct. 18 at Carnegie Hall with the U.S. premiere of Oleh Bezborodko's Steel, Violet, Rage—the first four-hands piano concerto by a Ukrainian composer. 

Newsletter: Korea and ASEAN Deepen Cultural Partnership as 2026 Innovative Culture Forum Comes to Manila

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The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea (MCST), together with the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) and the ASEAN Foundation, has officially announced that the “2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum (Partnership for Innovative Culture - PIC)” will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the prestigious Ayala Museum in Makati City.

Holding this year’s landmark forum in the Philippines carries exceptional diplomatic significance, as the nation assumes the 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship. Organized around the overarching theme, “On Human Creative Sovereignty: Shaping the Future of Imagination and Cultural IP,” the international conference aims to establish a high-level multilateral dialogue addressing the profound impact of generative artificial intelligence and digital transformation on creative industries, copyright protection, and cross-border intellectual property economies across Asia.

The forum is distinguished by an authoritative lineup of creative leaders and policymakers from Korea and all 11 ASEAN member states. Notably, Mr. Chang-seop Kim, General Director of NEXON’s iconic gaming franchise MapleStory, will deliver the forum’s Keynote Address. Reflecting on MapleStory’s unprecedented two-decade success across Southeast Asia via MapleStory SEA, Mr. Kim will share invaluable industry insights on expanding gaming worldviews into transmedia cultural intellectual properties (IP), sustained community building, and cross-sectoral brand collaborations.

Following the keynote, four comprehensive thematic sessions spanning Policy Governance, Industrial Expansion, ASEAN-Korea Multilateral Cooperation, and Youth Leadership will bring together over 20 prominent regional experts. Key discussions will explore how local cultural resources, indigenous heritage, and everyday creativity can be systematically transformed into legally protected, high-value cultural assets in alignment with the long-term strategic objectives of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Alongside the academic and policy sessions, the forum is intrinsically linked with the contemporary art exhibition, “Gathering Point,” curated at the Ayala Museum from November 7 to November 13, 2026. The special seven-day showcase brings together visionary contemporary artists from six Asian nations, including the Philippines’ internationally acclaimed Mark Justiniani, Latthapon Korkiatarkul (Thailand), Kim Joon (Republic of Korea), Ari Bayuaji (Indonesia), Adam Phong (Malaysia), and Imhathai Suwatthanasilp (Thailand). Through diverse mediums ranging from kinetic optical installations to acoustic archival work, the exhibition demonstrates how physical materials, everyday memories, and collective traditions are reinterpreted through creative sovereignty.

The Organizing Committee has officially initiated an exclusive Application-Based Pre-Registration process for local arts and cultural administrators, museum and gallery curators, hotel art collection managers and senior hoteliers, creative tech startup founders, and aspiring youth leaders. Shortlisted delegates will receive full complimentary access to the forum proceedings, supported by a professional simultaneous interpretation system (Korean-English). Attendees will also be hosted to an authentic premium Korean culinary luncheon buffet and enjoy a complimentary instant photo booth experience designed to commemorate regional friendship.

Furthermore, delegates who actively participate throughout the entire day’s agenda (10:00 AM to 4:30 PM) will be automatically eligible for the Grand Finale Raffle Draw during the closing ceremony, featuring state-of-the-art Samsung smart devices (including Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Fit3), official BTS and SEVENTEEN collectors' albums, and luxury Sulwhasoo K-Beauty cosmetic gift sets.

Prospective delegates, cultural professionals, and academic researchers may submit their attendance credential applications through the official Google Forms registration portal. Due to museum gallery capacities and curated seat assignments, early registration is highly encouraged.

Registration Information

Prospective attendees, arts and culture professionals, museum and gallery curators, creative technologists, and academic researchers may submit their applications via the official registration portal:

Registration Link:

Google Forms: https://forms.gle/Q4fUW5TLBXbK8oWSA

Website: https://joinenjoy.com.ph/asean-korea-forum/

(Due to limited gallery capacity and curated seating assignments, early registration is highly encouraged.)

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Newsletter: Tablecross Inc. and KOKUBU Group Corp. introduce sake tour on byFood, a new way to taste the local culture

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As international travel to Japan reaches unprecedented levels, a new premium experience is inviting global travelers to discover Japan through one of its most iconic cultural traditions: sake.

Newsletter: Our Shame and HengJones bring Taiwanese waves in Manila for All Of The Noise 2026

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Taiwanese new wave hits the Philippines this month as alternative pop duo Our Shame and acclaimed hip-hop artist HengJones co-headline All Of The Noise 2026, a three-day, multi-venue and culture festival set across Astbury Makati (April 17 and 19), Sari-Sari Makati (April 17 and 19), and 123 Block in Mandaluyong City (April 18).

Newsletter: Tokyo Gov Social Media Accounts Surpass 1.37 Million Followers—Showcasing Tokyo’s Culture, Innovation, and Safety to the World

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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is sharing the latest updates on Tokyo’s culture, technology, city initiatives, and daily life through its official social media channels. The total number of followers has now exceeded 1.37 million, reflecting growing global interest in the city. Below are some of the latest features and initiatives being shared via Tokyo Gov’s official channels.

Newsletter: Who tells the story of Tatarstan, and why should Southeast Asia listen?

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Filipino-Tatar author Emil Julienne Habibulina Luy releases All About Tatarstan, a debut that reintroduces Tatar history and culture to a global audience. The book invites Southeast Asia to see Tatarstan as a vital voice in the world’s shared story.

Newsletter: UP Physicists Visualize Evolution of Global Values Over Four Decades

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By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP) have generated culture maps using data from the Integrated Values Survey (IVS).

Newsletter: AXEAN Festival returns to Bali this September 2025

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AXEAN Festival proudly announces its return to Bali this year with an expanded vision and more comprehensive programming. Happening from September 13-14, 2025, at the Jimbaran Hub, Southeast Asia’s first intra-regional music showcase event is set to transform the island into a two-day convergence of sound, innovation, culture, and collaboration.

Newsletter: What’s Brewing in Shillong? ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp Returns: 10 Days, 3 Regions, 1 Cultural Canvas

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The ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp (AIAC) is set to return for its third edition from March 29 to April 7, 2025, bringing together 21 artists from ASEAN Member States, Timor Leste, and India for a ten-day residency in Shillong. Organized by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with Seher, the camp will mark ten years of India’s Act East Policy, using art as a medium for cultural dialogue in line with the decisions taken and endorsed in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and India’s comprehensive strategic partnership ahead in the field of culture. 

Newsletter: Cultural Influences Shaping Cebuano Motivational Talks

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Introduction to Cebuano Motivational Talks

Motivational talks (1) are powerful tools that help inspire people to reach their goals, overcome challenges, and embrace personal growth. These talks are deeply connected to local traditions and values in the vibrant and culturally rich Cebuano community. They stand out because of their unique blend of wit, wisdom, and heartfelt messages. However, some might find them a bit overwhelming at times. This is because the depth of the messages can resonate differently with each individual. Although they can be intense, the impact they have is undeniable.

Newsletter: NYC’s Official Destination Marketing Organization and Convention and Visitors Bureau Spotlights Free and Affordable Activities

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View from the Manhattan Bridge | Courtesy, Tagger Yancey IV

New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, is spotlighting a selection of free and affordable experiences for visitors to enjoy this summer.  

“New York City offers something for everyone, no matter your interests, the length of your trip or your budget—there is more to see and do here than in virtually any other city in the world,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “During the summer months, NYC is buzzing with street festivals, outdoor dining and cultural offerings, in addition to beautiful parks, beaches and green space. We invite visitors to take advantage of the value of a summer visit to NYC and enjoy the many fantastic free and affordable activities on offer across all five boroughs.” 

The Fête de la Musique 2023 Experience

06/22/2023 04:50:29 PM

It's that time of the year again when music is celebrated worldwide. Moreover, this marks the first time in the last four years that the Makati-based Pocket Stages of Fête de la Musique will be set on a Saturday. Before this, the 2022 edition saw several pocket stages take place on a Friday night with a less crowded atmosphere practically everywhere.

Newsletter: THE FEU CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS THE FEU BAMBOO BAND IN “LET IT BEATLES” ON MAY 24

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The Far Eastern University (FEU) Center for the Arts proudly presents the FEU Bamboo Band (FBB) in a concert entitled “Let It Beatles” on Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00 PM in the historic FEU Auditorium. Known as the theater of all theaters and the cultural center of the country in the 1950’s, the FEU Auditorium will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2024.

Valentine's Day Na! Eh Ano Ngayon? (v. 2023)

02/14/2023 12:20:52 PM

Teka lang, akala ko ba tinigil na natin ang pagsusulat tungkol dito? Last year, ni-retire na natin 'to ah. May internal memo ka pa na pinakita. Anyare, aber?

AmiananPop showcases the champions of the North by launching its first songwriting festival

10/16/2021 02:05:49 AM

Northern Luzon has now its own premier songwriting festival in AmiananPop.

Newsletter: Social media users in SEA seek ‘one-sided’ relationships to escape lockdown reality, Kaspersky research finds

10/13/2021 10:52:49 PM

Author's Note: There is one phenomenon that becomes the part of the norm in this lockdown-riddled era—and that is called “parasocial relationships.”

This finding was made from Kaspersky's recent global study. Find out more why people in Southeast Asia are looking for a 'one-sided' kind of relationships as a form of escapism.  

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Valentine's Day Na! E Ano Ngayon? (v. 2021)

02/13/2021 02:20:52 PM

Babala: ... 

Weh? Kailangan pa ba nun, eh likas naman na pasaway ang karamihan sa atin eh, mga tipong nagrereact nang mas malala kahit hindi naman nila binasa ang mga buong artikulo. O Diyos ko, 2021 na, ang dadami pa ring mga nagpapanggap na tanga at mangmang, at sa totoo lang ay dinaig niyo pa yung mga nagbabangayan para sa mga iniidolo nila sa politika at showbiz. 

At punyeta, may pandemya pa na nagaganap sa mundo ngayon, pero Valentine's Day pa rin ba naiisip mo?  

The OPM Archive Foundation is now ON the search for music artifacts

08/27/2020 10:53:41 PM

The OPM Archive Foundation is set to collect music memorabilia and champion digital archiving in a time that needs preservation of cultural artifacts.

A Fete-less Year?!

06/15/2020 11:32:45 PM

Parang ang hirap ma-imagine na walang Fete de la Musique para sa taon na 'to, no? 

More acts set to perform for the upcoming FlipTop Festival

01/27/2020 09:45:35 PM

FlipTop Battle League has recently announced its second wave of the lineup for its biggest festival happening on the weekend in the second weekend of February 2020.