What were you doing last March 16? Me? I was “Pasinaya-ing.”

Pasinaya is the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ annual open house festival that showcases the best of Philippine arts and culture. While one would expect to pay thousands of pesos just to watch a show at the CCP’s main theater, that is not the case every Pasinaya. Besides, the multi-arts festival runs on the tagline: “pay what you can, see all you can.” Revelers can pay as little as P50 to gain access to all CCP venues and participate in various activities lined up for the festival.

The idea of watching the CCP resident companies—such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company—in one afternoon made me go! So I paid P300 to get the Pasinaya blue baller, “the fast pass,” that allowed me to skip most of the lines to CCP venues.

I almost cried when the Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company started to perform at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. It was my first time to them in 16 years! I remember so well when the dance company came to my elementary school to stage a concert when I was in first grade. It was great to see them perform various Philippine dances again.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers didn’t disappoint too. The theater was packed during their performance. They really have a huge following. The funny thing was: just when I thought that the Madz would sing a classical piece as the finale, the singers started belting out “Queen of the Night.” That was a good one.

And I have nothing but praises for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. I am truly fan. I’ll see you in your next concert!

It seemed that every open spot of the CCP complex was turned into a performing arts venue that day. Various groups, mostly from schools across the country, performed on makeshift stages set-up on the CCP ramp and even the street parallel to the CCP main theater.

There were just too many performing groups to watch that day. Unfortunately, I missed a lot! There were exhibits, film showing and workshops too. Jeepney tours were also available for those wishing to visit nearby museums and tourist stops including the National Museum, Metropolitan Museum and even Intramuros. How I wish it was a two-day event!

While I wouldn’t mind paying a premium just to see these groups perform, I think having open house festivals such as Pasinaya is a good way to bring the best of Philippine arts to a wider audience. I hope CCP stages events like this one more often! Like more than once a year, please?

See you at the next Pasinaya!