Running from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the open-to-all event brings together bookstores and publishers offering titles at discounted prices, with the Spanish tradition of a free rose accompanying every book purchase.

The program opens with remarks from Miguel Utray, followed by a full slate of activities anchored on literature, creativity, and community participation. A highlight is Escribo el Quijote, where visitors collectively handwrite passages from Don Quixote—a long-running tradition that culminates in a preserved manuscript at the Cervantes library.

Interactive sessions span storytelling for children, poetry writing on plantable paper, and a public book exchange under Libros que Importan. Creative workshops, including handmade paper and journaling led by Design Center of the Philippines, add a hands-on dimension to the literary fair.

Performing arts also take center stage, with a preview of Repertory Philippines’ staging of Man of La Mancha, featuring Nonie Buencamino. Dance and music segments—from Argentine tango to poetry recitals—further expand the cultural mix.

Visitors can also join free beginner Spanish classes, meet authors, and attend book launches throughout the day. Culinary highlights include a live-cooked paella paired with a flamenco performance by Sociedad Española de Beneficencia.

The event closes with a live set by Brownman Revival, followed by a DJ session.

Organized in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines and AECID Philippines, Día del Libro 2026 remains free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis—offering a rare, immersive celebration of books and culture in the heart of Makati.

Día del Libro 2026 is also in collaboration with the National Book Development Board of the Philippines, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines – La Cámara, Asesoría de Educación en Filipinas, Make It Makati, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Land, Inc., Design Center of the Philippines, Sociedad Española de Beneficencia, Embajada de Argentina en Filipinas, Embajada de Chile en Filipinas, Embajada de Colombia en Filipinas – Embassy of Colombia to the Philippines, Embajada de México en Filipinas, Repertory Philippines, Manila SBKZ Latin Dance Festival, UP College of Music, Circle of Chabacano Dreams, Atrapavientos, Kalon Film Productions, and leading bookstores and publishing houses in Manila, including Anvil Publishing, Artbooks.ph, Ateneo University Press, 19th Avenida, Isang Balangay Media Productions, Bookforless, FEU Bookstore, Fully Booked, Bien Chabacano, Kahel Press, Milflores Publishing, Ortigas Foundation, Tawid Publications, Vibal Publishing House, Piefke Trading, Central Books, Everything’s Fine, Komiket.com, Plaza Books, Good Intentions Books, and Exploding Galaxies.

This is where mindfulness comes in as a quiet, deliberate way of moving through uncertain times.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) is leaning into this shift, embracing what it calls “mindful hospitality,” an approach that goes beyond comfort and convenience to focus on purpose, intention, and care.

At its core, the idea is simple: Every action, no matter how small, matters.

For MHR, mindfulness is not confined to a single program. It flows through every part of the guest experience — from streamlined service operations and thoughtfully designed menus, to intentional communication and responsible investments.

Even behind the scenes, teams are encouraged to make decisions guided by awareness and care.

“Mindful travel is a cause Megaworld Hotels & Resorts wants to rally for in the industry. It is not a campaign; we want to start a movement whereby everyone is conscious of what we do when we travel,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

It’s a philosophy that feels especially relevant today, when so much feels beyond control. Mindfulness, in this sense, offers something grounding: the ability to focus on what can still be shaped — our choices, our habits, our impact.

“Mindful travel can be as simple as reusing your linens and towels during your stay or turning off the lights and aircon when you step out the room knowing that these small yet deliberate actions can make a huge difference,” she said.

These small choices, repeated over time, become a form of quiet resistance against waste and excess. They also offer travelers a sense of participation, of being part of something larger than themselves.

The idea extends beyond the room. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable bottles, opt for plant-based meals, and support local communities. These are not grand gestures, but they carry weight precisely because they are doable.

Recently, this mindset took center stage at the MeGreen Mindful Travel Forum, where over 200 leaders from MHR’s properties gathered to align on a shared vision. The message was clear: Meaningful change does not always come from sweeping actions, but from consistent, intentional ones.

That philosophy resonates deeply in today’s climate. As headlines grow heavier and uncertainties linger, there is a quiet power in choosing to act with purpose — even in the smallest ways.

The forum’s keynote speaker, Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, known for pioneering Earth Hour in the Philippines, reinforced this urgency, reminding participants that mindfulness must translate into real environmental responsibility.

In practice, this has led to initiatives such as energy-efficient food preparation, sustainability-driven room packages, and partnerships with communities — from the Ati Komunidad in Boracay to coral reef restoration efforts in Cebu.

Through its “Mindful Stays” offering, guests are invited to rest while also contributing to these initiatives. A portion of each booking supports programs focused on heritage preservation, education, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

It is, in many ways, a redefinition of travel — not as consumption, but as connection.

And perhaps that is what mindfulness ultimately offers in uncertain times: not an escape from reality, but a way of engaging with it more consciously.

he took the most painful thing for any human being (perhaps even for other sentient creatures) — the loss of a child — and made that the measure of his love for humanity.

when my son got sick, my deeply catholic upbringing automatically bargained with god. i asked him to take me instead.

i’ve had a well-lived life: (for the most part) i’ve been clear-eyed and honest about myself, about what i see and feel, about what i judge and act on. i’ve lived many lifetimes.

take me, i pleaded on my knees. my son is still finding his way. he is just at the starting line of his journey to his purpose and meaning.

if god were a mother, she would not give up her child. she would offer hers instead. she would fiercely and fearlessly find another way to show her love for the world.

**

for over two millennia, the propaganda of the bible is that woman is weak, or as the millennial priest in our parish said, in a particularly superior and condescending tone, during a lenten mass a couple of weeks ago, “kayo kasing mga babae” in reference to eve’s partaking of the forbidden fruit.

to disobey an unexplained rule is to be banished from paradise.

why are curiosity and independence of thought and action penalizable sins?

an internal debate that has recently found some form of conclusion: if woman were really superior to man, how come we live in a man’s construct? that god is male? that most religions, as a social control mechanism and as a cultural pool that everyone swims in, are patriarchal and hierarchical?  

because woman allowed it. because woman is “not strong enough” to make the man god’s sacrifice for power, for the power to exercise some control over other people.  

The Embassy, through Instituto Cervantes Manila and its Cultural and Education Offices, brings together a thoughtfully curated lineup of events that reflect Spain’s enduring cultural ties with the Philippines.

Opening the month’s highlights is the screening of Soy Nevenka on April 6 at the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies in University of the Philippines Diliman. The film forms part of Spain’s continuing cultural programming that underscores women’s empowerment and social awareness.

Music takes center stage on April 8 as Suzana Stefanovic, principal cellist of the RTVE Orchestra, conducts a masterclass for students of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. A native of Belgrade, Stefanovic is widely respected for her work with youth orchestras across Spain and collaborations with leading ensembles in Ireland and Croatia.

The celebration crescendos on April 25 with Día del Libro, featuring a full day of literary and cultural activities—from poetry readings and storytelling sessions to introductory Spanish language classes, music, and gastronomy. Returning favorites such as Don Quijote de la Mancha-inspired writing activities and book signings will be complemented by a creative writing workshop for young learners led by Spanish collective Atrapavientos.

Art enthusiasts, meanwhile, can continue to immerse themselves in Sorolla: A Walk through the Light at the Ayala-Greenbelt underpass, showcasing life-size reproductions of works by Joaquín Sorolla, the celebrated “Master of Light.”

Public art also remains a strong feature of Spain’s cultural footprint in the Philippines. The Madrid-based collective Boa Mistura has transformed urban spaces with striking installations—from a basketball court in Tejeros, Makati emblazoned with “UNYON,” to a mural in Fort Santiago bearing the word “TAGPUAN.”

At the Ayala Museum, the exhibition Mezcla: Interwoven Cultures and the Mantón de Manila runs until June 14, exploring the rich textile and cultural exchanges between Spain and the Philippines. Meanwhile, Intramuros hosts the permanent exhibition Four Centuries of Spanish Engineering Overseas at its Centro de Turismo, offering insight into Spain’s historical contributions to global infrastructure.

Beyond the capital, the cultural outreach extends to the regions. At the National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu, the exhibition Classics of Philippine Cartography from the 16th to the 20th Centuries is on view until June 30, presenting rare maps that chronicle centuries of shared history.

With a rich tapestry of events across disciplines and locations, Spain’s April cultural calendar offers audiences in the Philippines a compelling invitation to explore, engage, and celebrate the enduring ties between the two nations.

Held from March 26 to 27 at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros, the congress features lectures, panels, and roundtables, including a focus on Spanish-Philippine Literature between 1880 and 1920. Participants will discuss the role of Hispanic studies in Asia, the state of Hispanism in Southeast Asia, and emerging voices in the field.

Organized by the Embassy of Spain, Instituto Cervantes, Academia Filipina de la Lengua Española, and Fundación Duques de Soria, the event marks a milestone in academic and cultural exchange in PH.

More information at hispanismosea.org
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The event was also the first time the Philippine President hosted a Bhutanese leader at the Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos conveyed to the Prime Minister during the meeting that the current efforts to organize the representation for non-resident ambassadors between the Philippines and Bhutan will become more important to enhance ties, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The President also expressed elation over the present engagement between the Philippines and Bhutan through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for skills training and upskilling of workers.

President Marcos likewise stressed that after the pandemic, there is a realization of the need to forge new partnerships with friends around the world, not only in tourism and cultural exchange, but also in people-to-people, trade, and investment.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who is visiting Manila to attend the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Asia Pacific Food Systems Forum (APFSF) 2026 this March, requested a call on the President on the sidelines of the event.

The Bhutanese leader’s visit is the first in the era of formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Bhutan since their establishment on October 6, 2025.

The meeting between the two leaders is an important opportunity for substantive engagement on priority areas of bilateral and broader cooperation.

The Philippines has been exporting commodities to Bhutan that include electronic products, machinery, and transport equipment, as well as woodcrafts and furniture.

Its top import commodities from Bhutan, on the other hand, are wine, fresh grapes, and virgin olive oil.

In terms of tourism, the Philippines welcomed 335 Bhutanese tourists as of November last year. In 2024, there were 380 tourist arrivals from Bhutan.

As for the Filipino diaspora in Bhutan, available information indicates that Filipinos work there as hotel managers.

To be held at the historic Intramuros branch, the event spotlights the enduring legacy of Federico García Lorca, widely regarded as one of Spain’s most influential literary figures. The lecture will explore how Lorca masterfully fused poetry, music, and theatrical innovation to transform 20th-century Spanish theater.

Leading the discussion are distinguished scholars María Ángeles López and Oswaldo Lorenzo, both from the University of Granada. Drawing from their expertise, they will examine how Lorca’s works integrate traditional songs, popular rhythms, and lyrical structures to heighten dramatic expression and emotional resonance.

Central to the talk is the concept of the “flamenco spirit,” a defining element of Lorca’s artistic philosophy. Rooted in authenticity, deep emotion, and cultural identity, this spirit elevates his theatrical works, transforming flamenco into a symbolic force that conveys themes of passion, destiny, and freedom.

The lecture will also feature selected excerpts from Lorca’s iconic plays, including Bodas de sangre (Blood Wedding) and La casa de Bernarda Alba, offering audiences a vivid glimpse into how music and movement animate his storytelling.

This initiative highlights the continuing efforts of Instituto Cervantes and its partners to promote cultural exchange and deepen appreciation for Spanish arts and heritage in the Philippines.

Event Details:
Title: Lorca: Musical Theater and the Spirit of Flamenco
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 24 – 5:30 PM
Venue: Instituto Cervantes de Manila (Intramuros Branch)
Language: Spanish (with English slides)
Admission: Free with registration

Registration

Reserve your slot here: https://forms.office.com/e/5cnJxXMDQu

The Instituto Cervantes de Manila (Intramuros branch) is located at 385 Calle Real, Plaza San Luis Complex, Intramuros. For more information, please visit www.manila.cervantes.es or www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila

The award was announced at the 2026 Overseas Korean Cultural Center Directors and Cultural Attachés Conference, held from March 10 to 13 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea. The annual gathering brings together directors and cultural attachés from Korean Cultural Centers worldwide to share best practices, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and plan initiatives to promote Korean culture abroad.

Among numerous centers globally, KCC Philippines was one of only six institutions recognized for its exceptional performance, innovative programs, and meaningful cultural impact. The accolade reflects the Center’s ongoing efforts to connect Filipinos with Korean culture through initiatives spanning arts, language, cuisine, film, and lifestyle.

KCC Director Kim Myeongjin expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the Center’s mission moving forward:

“This recognition is a meaningful reminder of the strong cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines. We share this achievement with our Filipino partners and audiences, and it inspires us to continue creating programs that bring our cultures closer together.”

Over the past year, KCC Philippines has expanded its reach with dynamic programs for K-pop and K-drama fans, students, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. Its initiatives have celebrated Korean culture while fostering deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Looking ahead, the Center will build on this milestone with its 2026 “Culture in Motion” program series. The lineup promises regional festivals, new exhibitions, and performances designed to bring Korean culture to communities across the Philippines, engaging audiences in creative and inspiring ways.

As KCC Philippines continues to grow, this recognition marks not just a milestone but a motivation—to keep culture moving, connect people, and create shared experiences that transcend borders.

For Khristina Manansala, encountering two rare works of her grandfather once more felt like stepping into the quiet, contemplative space where the master had first brought them to life.

Known for her own colorful and playful artistic voice, Khristina admitted the experience was nothing short of surreal. Seeing Barung-Barong up close for the first time, she said, stirred deeply personal memories — recalling a day she spent with her mother visiting her grandfather’s home in Binangonan.

Standing before Barung-Barong (1967) and Mother and Child (1972), both still held in private collections, she was reminded not only of the artistic brilliance of her grandfather, fondly known to many as Mang Enteng, but also of the humble roots that shaped Vicente Manansala’s life, values, and enduring philosophy. 

In an exclusive conversation with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Khristina shared how the rare paintings carry the personality, convictions, and quiet strength of the man who would later become one of the country’s most celebrated modern artists.

A rare glimpse of the master

The first work, Barung-Barong (1967), measuring 14 × 24 inches, depicts modest dwellings — structures familiar in many Filipino communities.

To the untrained eye, the subject may appear simple. But for collectors and scholars of Philippine modern art, such imagery reveals the deep cultural consciousness that defined Manansala’s work.

As one of the pioneers of modern Philippine painting, Manansala’s art often portrayed the realities of Filipino life — from urban congestion and market vendors to fishermen, families, and everyday community scenes. His revolutionary approach to cubism reflected both social realities and the cultural identity of the Filipino people.

For Khristina, the Barung-Barong painting carries a personal meaning beyond its artistic value.

“The Barung-Barong reminds me of how Lolo began, simple, grounded, and very connected to the life of ordinary Filipinos.”

The humble structures in the painting symbolize the enduring Filipino values of humility, hospitality, and resilience.

“It reminds us of the people who embrace the Philippines as their home and appreciate its culture,” she said.

Centerpiece of Embassy Night

The painting drew significant attention when it was displayed during THEPHILBIZNEWS Embassy Night at Hotel Okura Manila, where diplomats, ambassadors, and leaders from the business community gathered.

During the event, the rare artwork served as the centerpiece attraction of the evening.

The painting captures the essence of everyday Filipino life, reflecting Manansala’s enduring fascination with the country’s social realities and cultural identity.

Collectors and art patrons present at the gathering took notice.

According to sources familiar with the event, several inquiries and offers were quietly made to acquire the painting. Yet the owner declined to entertain them, choosing to keep the rare work within a private collection.

In the art world, such decisions often add to a work’s mystery.

After all, pieces by Vicente Manansala seldom surface outside major exhibitions or established auction houses.

Memories from Binangonan

For Khristina, the encounter with the painting also revived memories of visiting her grandfather’s home in Binangonan.

She recalled walking into his working area and noticing unusual materials that piqued her curiosity as a child.

“I saw metal sheets in his studio,” she said. “At that time I wondered why Lolo had them.”

Only later did she realize that Manansala was experimenting with materials — pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional approaches.

“Maverick, unthinkable, yet brilliant,” she said.

The quiet mystery of Mother and Child

The second painting, Mother and Child (1972), reveals a different dimension of Manansala’s artistic voice.

Rendered in oil on canvas and measuring 16 × 20 inches, the work depicts a mother and child surrounded by everyday objects such as a bottle, fish, and interior elements—quiet reminders of Filipino domestic life.

Painted in Manansala’s signature transparent cubism, the scene merges sacred imagery with ordinary life.

“The painting is very Filipino,” Khristina explained. “The bottle, the fish, and the interior space show everyday family life.”

The palette is subdued and contemplative — far from the bright colors often associated with Philippine art.

“It’s not colorful,” she noted. “But the dramatic choice of colors, with a touch of antiquity, makes it rare and daring.”

Notably, the painting has never appeared in auction catalogues or public exhibitions and remains in private ownership.

The contradictions of Mang Enteng

To Khristina, the works also reveal the personality of the artist himself.

Manansala was known for portraying the life of ordinary Filipinos — market vendors, families, fishermen, and the crowded streets of Manila — subjects that reflected the social realities of the country.

Yet behind the seemingly simple subjects was a man of complex ideas and unconventional views.

“He was open-minded, stubborn, straightforward, and uncompromising,” she said.

Some of his works carry a certain roughness or simplicity, yet his thoughts and artistic philosophy were remarkably progressive for his time.

“In many ways, his personality was manifested in his art.”

Carrying the legacy forward

For Khristina, encountering the two rare paintings has also reaffirmed her own path as an artist.

Known for her colorful and playful style, she believes her grandfather’s greatest lesson was the courage to experiment.

“I believe I imbibe Lolo’s way of life — to create my own style and explore possibilities,” she said.

Inspired by these works, she has already created reinterpretations of some of his pieces, including The Flight and Woman With Cat.

.

But she insists that imitation is not the goal.

“I could never come close to his masterpieces,” she said.

“These works inspire me not to copy him, but to honor and perpetuate his brilliance.”

A quiet reunion with a master

For collectors and admirers of Philippine modern art, the reappearance of such works offers a rare glimpse into the creative journey of Vicente Manansala.

For Khristina, however, the moment was something more intimate.

Standing before the paintings, she felt the presence of the man she simply calls Lolo.

“In these two rare paintings,” she said softly, “I feel Lolo’s brilliance.”

“SwissCham is creating a platform where leaders can exchange practical insights on how to build strong organizations and more resilient teams,” – H.E. Nicolas Brühl, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines.

In an era of rapid automation and AI, leaders are being challenged to put people back at the center of transformation.

For Sara Odebunmi, chief diversity officer & senior member of management at Partners Group, AI should “support people to create better service and efficiencies,” not replace them. Trust, she said, must be intentionally built so teams are willing to reskill and embrace change.

This echoes the message of People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) President Gilbert T. Camasura, who highlighted the idea of “humanITy” — human-centric leadership that embraces innovation.

“Technology will continue to enable us, but people will continue to lead your organizations,” Camasura said.

Against this backdrop, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham PH), in partnership with Partners Group, convened leaders for the first session of its “Leadership Conversations Series: Peak Performance in Practice” on March 11 in BGC.

“SwissCham is creating a platform where leaders can exchange practical insights on how to build strong organizations and more resilient teams,” said Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines Nicolas Brühl.

Held during International Women’s Month, the event also recognized leaders championing inclusive and effective leadership through people and culture development.

The gathering also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SwissCham PH and PMAP, formalizing collaboration to advance progressive people practices across organizations.

Camasura noted that effective leadership must continue to evolve, emphasizing that the true “currency” of business lies in people, not profit alone.

“Taking inclusive leadership will also mean greater innovation, allowing people to really cultivate what is there,” he said.

Speakers stressed that leaders today must guide a multi-generational workforce — from baby boomers to Gen Z — while adapting to automation and shifting talent demands.

Organizations can no longer rely solely on compensation, job descriptions, or rigid structures. Instead, employees increasingly seek purpose, psychological safety, and a sense of belonging to remain engaged.

“One of the highest factors that pushes employees to leave is not the company, it’s the leader,” Camasura added.

Values alignment also emerged as critical. Dr. Diana M. Edralin, general manager of Roche (Philippines) Inc., shared that when personal values no longer resonate with an organization’s culture, friction inevitably arises.

“Values are the things that I continue to hold on to as a person, and it continues to be my North Star in my working life,” said Edralin, emphasizing excellence and integrity with her purpose as a servant leader.

She also underscored the need to expand the blueprint for creative leadership, moving away from reactive, fear-based environments toward cultures where innovation can thrive.

In such environments, creativity, psychological safety, and shared values allow people to experiment, challenge ideas, and co-create solutions.

For leaders, the challenge is ensuring that purpose, integrity, and organizational mission are consistently embedded in everyday decision-making. When employees feel safe to speak openly, challenge ideas, and offer feedback, organizations unlock greater creativity, resilience, and ultimately, peak (happiness) performance.