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.

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.

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

This March, in celebration of Women’s Month, the Intramuros branch of Instituto Cervantes de Manila presents a new edition of Espacio femenino, its annual showcase dedicated to cinema made by and about women. Curated by Filmtopia, the 2026 program explores adolescence not as a cliché of romance or rebellion, but as a complex territory of transformation, vulnerability, and self-definition — themes that strongly resonate with Filipino audiences navigating similar social and familial pressures.

Through four acclaimed films from Spain and Latin America, the series highlights the emotional intensity and contradictions that mark the passage from childhood to adulthood. From grief and first love to caregiving and inherited trauma, these stories mirror universal experiences familiar to many Filipino families: close intergenerational bonds, migration and separation, illness within the household, and the search for one’s voice amid tradition.

Rather than reducing youth to simplistic narratives, the films approach adolescence as a space of negotiation — between desire and duty, individuality and family, instinct and expectation. In a country where family ties remain central to identity formation, these nuanced portrayals offer a meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

Film Programme

Sica (Spain, 2023 – 91 min)
March 3 – 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Carla Subirana
Languages: Galician and Catalan | Not recommended for children under 7

Set along Galicia’s rugged Costa da Morte, Sica follows a young girl grappling with grief after her father disappears in a shipwreck. As she searches the cliffs and forms a bond with a mysterious boy who chases storms, the film becomes a meditation on loss and resilience — themes that echo in many Filipino coastal communities shaped by the sea.

Jone, a veces (Spain, 2025 – 87 min)
March 10 – 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Sara Fantova
Languages: Spanish and Basque | Not recommended for children under 12

Against the backdrop of Bilbao’s Semana Grande festival, Jone experiences first love while facing her father’s worsening Parkinson’s disease. The film delicately captures the intersection of youthful discovery and family responsibility — a dynamic deeply familiar in Filipino households where children often mature early amid caregiving roles.

L’edat imminent (Spain, 2024 – 74 min)
March 17 – 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Colectivo Vigilia
Languages: Catalan and Spanish | Suitable for all audiences

This tender portrait examines the bond between a grandmother and her teenage grandson as he navigates work, youth, and the difficult decision to place her in a public care facility. The film raises timely questions about elder care and generational duty — issues increasingly relevant in the Philippines as families confront changing economic realities.

Tengo sueños eléctricos (Costa Rica/France/Belgium, 2022 – 103 min)
March 24 – 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Valentina Maurel
Languages: Spanish and English | Not recommended for children under 16

In this award-winning debut, adolescence unfolds as a storm of desire, anger, and artistic awakening. Eva, caught between her divorced parents, seeks her own voice while confronting the emotional volatility she inherits from her father. The film speaks powerfully to young people wrestling with identity, creative ambition, and fractured family structures.

“Espacio femenino” is presented by the Instituto Cervantes de Manila in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, AECID, and the Intramuros Administration. All screenings will be in original version with English subtitles.

The Instituto Cervantes de Manila (Intramuros branch) is located at 385 Calle Real, Plaza San Luis Complex, Intramuros. Advance registration is recommended through the institute’s official channels.

For Philippine audiences, the series offers more than international cinema — it opens a reflective space where stories of young women across cultures reveal how adolescence, in all its fragility and force, remains a universal language.

The sessions will be held on August 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and on August 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Instituto Cervantes de Manila (Makati branch).

Designed for students and young writers, the workshop will offer practical training in the art of microrrelato (very short stories). Through hands-on exercises, Escudero will demonstrate the expressive strength of brevity and guide participants in crafting compelling narratives within limited words.

About the Author

Lorena Escudero (Soria, 1985) holds a PhD in Physics and is currently a researcher at the University of Cambridge. Alongside her scientific career, she has established herself as a leading voice in microfiction. Her published works include Negativos (Torremozas, Spain, 2015), Formulario (La tinta del silencio, Mexico, 2019), and Incisiones (Quarks Ediciones Digitales, Peru, 2021). Her latest book, Oxímoron (2023), received the Premio Iscariote for Best Book of Microfiction.

The Rafael Palma Literary Contest

The workshop is part of the 6th Rafael Palma Youth Literary Contest (2025), which honors the legacy of Filipino writer and intellectual Rafael Palma. Participants will submit original micro-stories produced during the sessions. Winning entries will be published in Revista Filipina and awarded certificates from the University of the Philippines, along with prizes that include a scholarship for a Spanish course at Instituto Cervantes de Manila.

By fostering microfiction as a literary form, this initiative seeks to inspire young Filipinos to write creatively in Spanish, celebrate the nation’s Hispanic literary heritage, and deepen cultural ties between Spain and the Philippines.

Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/wcpRSGJ3sZ

This program is presented by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, AECID Philippines, UP Diliman’s Department of European Languages, Revista Filipina, the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain, the Academia Filipina de la Lengua Española, and AFELE – Asociación Filipina de Enseñanza de ELE.

For more information about Instituto Cervantes’ cultural events, visit www.manila.cervantes.es or follow Instituto Cervantes Manila on Facebook.

Running from August 1 to 28, this cultural event will showcase:

Weekly Screenings of Spanish Masterpieces

Tiempo de Zarzuela (Aug 1)
La del manojo de rosas (Aug 7)
El barberillo de Lavapiés (Aug 14)
El sobre verde (Aug 28) at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros and UST.

4-Day Zarzuela Workshop (Aug 18–22)— Conducted by Spanish pianist Ramón Grau from Teatro de La Zarzuela in Madrid, designed for advanced music students at UST’s Conservatory of Music.

Zarzuela-Sarswela Concert (Aug 26) — A unique recital blending Spanish zarzuela with the Filipino sarswela tradition, to be held at UST’s Education Auditorium.

“Zarzuela is not only a Spanish art form—it is part of the cultural DNA of the Philippines,” said a spokesperson from Instituto Cervantes. “Through this program, we aim to revive its legacy and inspire a new generation to rediscover its beauty.”

Zarzuela Viva is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, AECID, Teatro de La Zarzuela, the UST Conservatory of Music, and the Intramuros Administration.

For more information, visit https://www.manila.cervantes.es or follow https://www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

The event Orgullo 2025: Sé quien quieras ser (Pride 2025: Be who you want to be) is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 27, 2025, 5:00 p.m onwards at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros.

This year’s event promises to be the most vibrant and inclusive yet, bringing together community members, allies, and supporters from all ways of life. Orgullo 2025 will feature a variety of activities and festivities, aimed at providing support to the LGBTIQ+ family, and celebrating individuality and uniqueness.

Highlights of the event will include an academic talk about language and inclusion, ¿Entiendes? Coloquio sobre inclusión y lenguaje, by Prof. Jeff Roxas, linguist and professor from the University of the Philippines, Diliman; Prof. Daryl Pasion, an Assistant Professor at the Language Division of the Department of Humanities, University of the Philippines, Los Baños; and Prof. Lakan Umali, professor at the Department of English and Comparative Literature, University of the Philippines, Diliman. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A.

After the discussion, there will be an Open Mic Recital, in which participants will be able to showcase their creativity, talent and spirit of the LGBTIQ+ community. Recite a poem, prepare a monologue or a song in English or Spanish and show your pride! This event is open to everyone, but attendees and participants are encouraged to register early through this link: https://forms.office.com/e/et6CTa49TP

The recital will be enriched with live music, dance performances, interesting and fun trivia games for everyone to enjoy, and, of course, a festive DJ set to cap off the night.

Throughout the day, an Express Yourself Wall will be up for everyone to write, paint or draw their messages of love, courage and unity. This Expression Wall will stand as a testament of commitment to diversity, equality, and acceptance. It will serve not only as a visual celebration of Pride but also as a platform for voices often marginalized or unheard.

This event is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, in collaboration with AECID and the Intramuros Administration. Admission is on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis. For more information about this event, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website (http://manila.cervantes.es) or its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila

Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website at www.manila.cervantes.es, or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

A Legendary Artist with a Unique Sound and Message

Born José-Manuel Tomás Arturo Chao Ortega  in Paris to Spanish parents, Manu Chao emerged in the late 1980s with Mano Negra, a pioneering band that blended punk, reggae, ska, and Latin rhythms. His solo career took off with the 1998 album Clandestino, a landmark record that established his signature mix of multilingual lyrics and global sounds. Over the years, he has released critically acclaimed albums such as Próxima Estación: Esperanza and La Radiolina, which continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Beyond music, Manu Chao is a dedicated activist, supporting social movements, indigenous communities, and environmental causes. His songs often address themes of immigration, inequality, and resistance, making him a voice for the marginalized. His upcoming concerts in the Philippines are not just about music—they carry a powerful message of conservation and community empowerment.

A Concert with a Cause: Raising Awareness for the Palawan Pangolin

Organized by The Pangolin Sound Project, this tour combines music and environmental advocacy, using live performances as a platform to highlight urgent conservation efforts. Manu Chao’s participation reinforces the project’s mission to engage audiences while drawing attention to the plight of endangered species and fragile ecosystems.

In collaboration with SM Supermalls and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this event will shed light on the Palawan pangolin (Manis culionensis)—a critically endangered species endemic to the Philippines. Often referred to as a natural pest controller, this elusive creature is under severe threat due to poaching and habitat loss. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), in partnership with local organizations, has been leading conservation initiatives to protect the species, with The Pangolin Sound Project amplifying these efforts through music and storytelling.

By aligning with The Save from Extinction campaign, this event not only brings world-class music to the Philippines but also strengthens collective efforts to safeguard biodiversity through education, art, and collaboration.

Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement

As part of the concert activities, the Embassy of Spain and Instituto Cervantes have organized a special visit by Manu Chao to Barangay Tejeros in Manila. This community recently underwent a vibrant artistic transformation with a large-scale mural by Spanish collective Boa Mistura, featuring the word ‘Unyon’ (meaning ‘Union’).

During his visit, Manu Chao will perform an intimate acoustic session for the residents, celebrating the power of music and art to connect people across cultures. This initiative underscores the ongoing collaboration between Spanish institutions and Filipino communities, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange and social impact.

A Unique Open-Air Experience in El Nido

The El Nido concert at Kalye Artisano will offer a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, celebrating Filipino culture, sustainability, and craftsmanship in a breathtaking outdoor setting. The event will also feature special performances by DJ Cous Cous and Mike the Wolf, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Get Your Tickets Now

• Manila – Available now through SM Tickets: https://smtickets.com/events/view/14260
• El Nido – Available now through Ticketmelon: https://www.ticketmelon.com/thepangolinsoundproject/manu-chao-in-el-nido

Event Partners & Sponsors

This event is made possible by the generous support of:

• Embassy of Spain in the Philippines
• Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia
• Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
• Lio Estate
• SM Supermalls
• Instituto Cervantes
• Alliance Française de Manille
• The Pangolin El Nido
• Cebu Pacific Air

This exhibit, curated by Belén García-Noblejas, offers a unique exploration of the symbiotic relationship between winemaking and architectural design in Spain.  This relationship is a vibrant testament of how two distinct artistic expressions can converge and enrich each other in order tocreate a unique sensory and cultural experience.

The link between architecture and wine is intensifying with the rise of wine tourism. The wineries are no longer just places of production, but also cultural and tourist destinations. This has prompted the evolution of winery architecture towards the creation of spaces that captivate, educate and entertain visitors.

Visitors of this exhibit will discover how architecture and wine culture intertwine, exploring innovative designs that reflect both the natural beauty of the land and the evolving demands of modern viticulture. With stunning visual photography and the arquitecturals models of three of the most emblematic wineries, the exhibit offers a one-of-a-kind journey through some of the most famous vineyards in Spain.  The architecture of the wineries is a tangible manifestation of the passion and commitment of the winemaker, and the fusion of design, functionality and aesthetics create a lasting legacy that, like fine wine, transcends time. 

The Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Tourism Office of Spain, the Spanish Agency for Cooperation and the Instituto Cervantes in Manila, presents this exhibition that shows, from an architectural point of view, the main and most iconic recently built wineries in Spain: Protos, Perelada, Ysios, La Mejorada, Celler Brugarol, Marqués de Riscal and Portia. 

The Wine and Architecture Exhibit will run until the 31st of March, 2025. Likewise, within the framework of the exhibition, on February 21st there will be an event including a talk on the theme of the exhibition, a glass of wine for attendees and a classical guitar concert by the virtuoso Spanish musician Miguel Trápaga.

For more information about the exhibit please visit https://manila.cervantes.es/en/culture_spanish/activities_cultural_spanish.shtm

Performances are scheduled for November 25 at 6:00 PM, at the College of Aquitecture of the University of the Philippines Diliman, and November 28 at 7:30 PM at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros. These concerts promise a captivating journey through Spain’s rich musical heritage, brought to life by Trápaga, one of the world’s leading ambassadors of classical guitar.

Born in Cantabria, Spain, Miguel Trápaga is celebrated for his profound commitment to the classical guitar repertoire, from 18th-century masterpieces to contemporary works. Being a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, Trápaga has earned numerous awards, including top honors at prestigious competitions such as the Andrés Segovia International Guitar Competition or the Guitar Foundation of America’s International Solo Guitar Competition.

With an impressive international career, Trápaga has performed in iconic venues such as the Forbidden City Auditorium in Beijing, the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, or the National Theatre in Taiwan. He has also collaborated with esteemed orchestras including the Real Filharmonía de Galicia, the Seville Symphony Orchestra, and the National Philharmonic of Ukraine.

Trápaga’s discography includes seven albums, with notable recordings for the NAXOS label, such as Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo, and the world premiere of Leo Brouwer’s Concierto de Benicassim. His latest album, Double Guitar Concertos, showcases works by renowned Spanish composers.

In addition to his active concert schedule, Trápaga is a professor at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid and a sought-after guest lecturer worldwide, having taught masterclasses at institutions such as the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music.

The program, The Guitar in the Time of Manuel de Falla, features a carefully curated selection of compositions that highlight the vibrant and evocative spirit of Spanish music.

First Part:

• Isaac Albéniz: Asturias, Capricho Catalán, Torre Bermeja
• Manuel M. Ponce: Suite in A Minor (Prélude, Allemande, Sarabande, Gavotte I et II, Gigue)

Second Part:

• Federico Moreno-Torroba: Sonatina (Allegretto, Andante, Allegro)
• Manuel de Falla: Homenaje a Debussy, Romance del Pescador, Canción del Fuego Fatuo
• Joaquín Turina: Sonata for Guitar, Op. 61 (Allegro, Andante, Allegro Vivo)