Filipino composer Susie Ibarra gets Pulitzer Prize for Music
Her works span documenting traditional soundscapes from Indigenous communities, spotlighting the impacts of melting glaciers, and backing educational initiatives such as Joudour Sahara in Morocco.
Born and raised in Houston to Filipino parents, Ibarra's musical journey blends Western classical training with the rich traditions of Philippine kulintang. Her career encompasses a diverse range of genres, including avant-garde jazz, opera, electronic music and theatre. Among her many honours are fellowships from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program, and United States Artists.
NOW READ
3 Filipina creatives are finalists for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize
The Odd Corner: Kean Cipriano on why backing up the 'odd creatures' matters in today's OPM industry
Unique Salonga: On music, artistry, 'Daisy'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
06-08-2025
- Tatler Asia
The Sandbox Collective's ‘Side Show: The Musical' is Toff de Venecia's final love letter to Philippine theatre
Above Jon Santos interacting with the audience before the show starts (Photo: Gabriel Bohol) Before the show starts, the cast excitedly takes the stage and interacts with the audience—detached from their roles and asking questions. The day I watched, Jon Santos, who plays the Boss, mentions that we should get ready for a 'darker version of Bongga ', referencing his previous work in Bawat Bonggang Bagay . At a moment's notice, everyone snaps into character for a seamless transition to the start of the show. Ever committed to its advocacies, The Sandbox Collective starts Side Show with soundbites from prominent historical figures, but what struck me the most was former President Rodrigo Duterte's quote about the war on drugs. It was terrifying to hear once again, and to be used in this context reinforced what Santos had previously mentioned. See also: What to expect at the Philippine staging of 'Into The Woods' Above Reine Paisley in her theatre debut (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) JM Cabling's choreography, paired with The Sandbox Collective's partnership with Ivan the Selfie Magician, was one of the best parts of the show. The lively ensemble darting around the room while performing magic tricks set the tone—making it feel like I was at an old-timey carnival. It only gets better with Mark Dalacat's set design and Carlos Siongco's costume design, to which the production spared no expense. Above Marynor Madamesila and Tanya Manalang-Atadero as Daisy and Violet Hilton (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Krystal Kane and Molly Langley as Daisy and Violet Hilton (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Side Show 's casting couldn't have been done better as everyone—from the leads to the ensemble and alternates—infused their own unique variations to the roles. For instance, the Hilton Twins: Tanya Manalang-Atadero and Marynor Madamesila and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley gave us a glimpse of what it's like to be in their shoes. While the world around them can only see them as freaks, the show allows the audience to see past that. To us, the two aren't Siamese twins; they're just twins who talk and feel as we do. Above Jon Santos as The Boss (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) As the only role outside the ensemble that has no alternates, Santos masterfully commands the stage with his powerful presence as The Boss. It's a shame that his character has little appearance, as I would've loved to see more of his antics. Thankfully, Santos still puts on a show in the form of other characters that bear his signature flair. Read also: 'Intramuros Evenings' returns with a unique restaging of 'Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?' Above CJ Navato as Terry Connor (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Reb Atadero as Terry Connor (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Tim Pavino as Buddy Foster (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Vien King as Buddy Foster with Krystal Kane and Molly Langley (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Terry Connor, Buddy Foster and Jake—three characters who are made night and day through the different approaches by six actors were nothing short of perfect. CJ Navato and Reb Atadero, as the charming Terry, both performed heartfelt solos but differed in how they swaggered around as an agency suit. While the former makes it seem as though he's truly fallen for one of the twins, the latter makes it feel more sinister, changing how one might interpret the story. Vien King and Tim Pavino, on the other hand, gave us flashy and modest versions of Buddy. Above Marvin Ong as Jake (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Joshua Cabiladas as Jake (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) By far, however, everyone pales in comparison to Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas' portrayal of Jake. In each of their performances of You Should Be Loved , the audience erupted into cheers. Interestingly, Cabiladas bore a thick Filipino accent, which gave his songs a unique twang that made them all the more entrancing. Ong's version, while distinct from Cabiladas, was equally amazing. While Jake is a supporting character, the two's nuanced takes easily made him one of the most loved in the musical. Above The freaks performing close-up magic (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above The costume of The Masked Ragdoll during the intermission (Photo: Gabriel Bohol) Side Show 's cast is rounded out by its energetic ensemble, who took the time to learn close-up magic tricks for their roles as the freaks. Each member had a 'freak' that made them unique—from a bearded lady to an arsonist and a psychic. Come intermission, mannequins were put on display on stage, adorned with the freaks' costumes and labelled descriptions on what makes each of them special. Guests are encouraged to leave their seats to get to know the side show's denizens. Above One of the banners at the side show (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) As De Venecia's final directorial stint with The Sandbox Collective, one could say that Side Show is a culmination of his over-a-decade-long passion for theatre and is a fitting send-off. It was a beautiful blend of advocacies and theatricality which could be considered his magnum opus. The Sandbox Collective's Side Show the Musical runs until August 17, 2025, at the Power Mac Centre Spotlight Blackbox Theatre, Circuit Makati. For more information, follow their social media pages. NOW READ 'Les Misérables' returns to the Philippine stage in January 2026 James J Robinson's 'First Light' challenges the idea of religion as a way to control people 15th Gawad Buhay Awards: the complete list of nominees is here
Tatler Asia
05-08-2025
- Tatler Asia
Philippines to debut at the 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco with ‘13th of September'
13th of September is an adaptation by three-time Palanca awardee Eljay Castro Deldoc. The production features a groundbreaking reimagined staging under the direction of ALIW and LEAF awardee Riki Benedicto, whose internationally recognised work has garnered multiple awards. The play explores profound and timely themes, addressing empowerment, injustice, power dynamics and the complexities of mental health. Motivated by genuine passion, the BOGT Philippines delegation is eager to share this work with audiences worldwide. The nine-member delegation includes producers Katreen Dela Cruz (Production and Stage Manager), JayLo Conanan (Production Designer), Roldan Lozano (Lighting Designer) and Ces Valera (Projection Designer), all of whom will join the team travelling to Monaco this August. BOGT Philippines is an independent, non-profit theatre company founded in 2019 by a group of professional theatre, events, and film practitioners from Manila. Its mission is to create and produce performances for international festivals and to amplify the visibility of Philippine theatre on the world stage. NOW READ Philippine Ballet Theatre reimagines the romantic myth of the Sarimanok Grand stage: 10 magnificent theatres and cinemas across Asia The Philippine Ballet Theatre is set to stage 'Maria Makiling' this July
Tatler Asia
10-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
A deeper dive into the vision behind the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Still reverberating on the world stage, the profound messaging of the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka continues to unfold anew—and soon, it shall do so, even further, within the nation's heart At Expo 2025 Osaka, the magnificent pavilions of 165 participating countries stand as bastions of national and cultural pride. An estimated 28.2 million visitors are expected to visit the artificial Yumeshima Island over the Expo's six-month run, seizing the chance to witness these thematic architectural marvels until the end of October. A true collaborative feat, the Philippine Pavilion has since drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors, from all corners of the globe, to a deeply layered and sensorially stimulating exploration of the Filipino narrative. See also: How Osaka Expo's leading architects redefined national pavilions 'The Philippine Pavilion is our invitation for the world to connect with the heart and soul of the Filipino people and to discover the many reasons to love the Philippines,' added Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. 'We hope to inspire travellers to explore our 7,641 islands, experience the depth of our culture, marvel at the excellence of Filipino creativity and be moved by the stories of triumph and resilience of our communities.' Built around the theme 'Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future', the Pavilion responds to the Expo's call to design future societies by placing heritage and humanity at the heart of progress. It is the proud, diligent handiwork of multiple moving parts—the vision of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC), led by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and that of the commissioned design team of Carlo Calma Consultancy, Inc as lead architectural firm and designer, Chochay Garcia as producer and creative director, architect Yuki Kanou as executive architect and lead project manager and Tellart as guest experience designer. Above Exterior view of the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka They also partnered with renowned artists and cultural champions, like Kenneth Cobonpue and Francis Dravigny, who worked closely with over 200 weavers and artisans from across the country. 'At its core, Woven is not just the name of the Philippine Pavilion—it is the story of how this project came to life,' shared Margarita Nograles, TPB chief operating officer and secretary general of the POC. 'What you see at Expo 2025 Osaka is a collective achievement. It is the weaving together of ideas, traditions and people, grounded in the shared desire to tell the Filipino story with authenticity and soul. Crafted Immersion Most striking, perhaps, about the Pavilion is its thoughtfully designed façade: a moving mosaic of handwoven panels, housing 212 indigenous textiles, ranging from T'nalak to piña. This single endeavour brought together 2,331 artisans from 121 communities, many of whom are beneficiaries of the TPB's Community-Based Tourism (CBT) programmes. This itself is a statement, said Carlo Calma. 'We wanted the structure itself to breathe and move with the stories it holds. It reflects who we are as Filipinos—always in motion, always evolving, always expressive.' Above Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in SOCCSKSARGEN Above Architects Justine Jugueta, Carlo Calma and Yuki Kanou Additionally, rather than treating scaffolding as mere temporary support, engineers evaluated their yield strength to adapt them into structural components. 'The habitable space within the scaffolding was transformed into a dynamic architectural element where the live performances take place,' explained Calma. Until recently, artists from Ballet Philippines carried out these performances, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the Pavilion and ensuring there's always something unique to look forward to. Inside, the treasure trove of our rich heritage continues to unfold. The curated space is anchored by its 18 woven art pieces, each hanging from above and representing a region of the Philippines. Painstakingly created over six months by master artisans blending traditional and unconventional materials—abaca, cotton, upcycled fruit packaging material, even chicken feathers— these evocative works portray lush landscapes, crystalline waters, colourful festivals and culinary traditions. Each comes alive with integrated light, sound and projections that draw guests into the heart of every region. Above Each region of the Philippines is represented by a woven art piece inside the Pavilion Above Marga Nograles with weavers at Lake Sebu 'One of the most powerful tools we've built into the Pavilion is the integration of QR codes linked to each of the handwoven art pieces,' Nograles additionally shared. These codes lead visitors to deeper stories— and ultimately, to curated travel itineraries available on the Travel Philippines app. This will hopefully translate the global reception into actual visits to our shores. Also showcasing the fusion of tradition and technology, Dancing with Nature is another highlight of the interior space, transforming visitors from mere observers into participants. Through generative algorithms, guests' movements ripple into emerald fronds, dissolve into iridescent swimming fish or blossom into vibrant petals. This interactive installation, developed in collaboration with Tellart, reinforces the Pavilion's core message—that harmony begins with connection. More from Tatler: Reimagining the narratives of the past: the UP Vargas Museum highlights works by Lee Paje and Ampannee Satoh Beyond this, the Pavilion will offer tactile pleasures and tastes as tangible cultural experiences. The Habi Gift Shop invites visitors to run their fingers over unique keepsakes, each one a testament to Filipino artistry. For those seeking respite, especially amidst the bustle of the Expo, the Hilot Wellness Space promises the soothing touch of traditional Filipino healing massages. And finally, the Hain Takeout Counter beckons with the aromatic promise of homegrown flavours, from the rich, savoury notes of adobong manok sa gata to the delightful sweetness of halo-halo . Above Live performances are held daily at the Philippine Pavilion 'The Pavilion is a long-term investment in our communities, culture and the artisans who keep our heritage alive,' Nograles tells Tatler . The government is committed to strengthening the CBT across the Philippines, supporting them through capacity building workshops and promoting market access that connects them to broader audiences. The TPB COO adds, 'Our goal is to ensure that the Pavilion serves not as a culmination, but as a launchpad—elevating these communities and ensuring they continue to thrive long after the Expo concludes.' With sustainability as a clear cornerstone of the POC's vision, the Philippine Pavilion is designed to outlive the festivities of the Expo 2025 Osaka. Its key elements, including the grand frontage, are poised for a second act at the National Museum of the Philippines, where they will be repurposed and displayed for years to come. 'I think it is important for the spirit and significance of the Pavilion to endure meaningfully within our national narrative,' articulates Jeremy Barns, the museum's director-general. 'It is not only by breathing new life into its physical elements—the artworks, the structure, its design—but also the ideas, aspirations and cultural expressions it embodies. More than an architectural structure, the pavilion is a statement of identity, creative and artistic excellence and, most of all, resilience.' By hosting its homecoming, the National Museum amplifies the Pavilion's message with fresh meaning and relevance long after its debut on the world stage. What could have been a fleeting spectacle now secures its place as a continuous wellspring of inspiration and national pride. The partnership between the POC and this particular government trust is strikingly deliberate and robust, underpinned by their shared zeal to honour, preserve and promote our cultural heritage on the global stage while fostering open access for all Filipinos. Nograles captured it best when she professed her hope that visitors come away with a true sense of how deep, diverse and alive Filipino culture is. 'No amount of technology can replace human warmth, and that's where the Philippines shines,' she shared. 'Our strength lies in our people— their stories, their creativity, their hospitality. Through immersive storytelling, whether at the Pavilion or across our islands, we honour those narratives and invite the world to not only learn about the Philippines but to feel it.' NOW READ Giving thanks: The Tourism Promotions Board's 'Pasasalamat' party National Gallery Singapore introduces shifts in perspectives through its Zóbel exhibition and more How to use the refreshed Travel Philippines app for your future trips
