CCP Channel curates tales of freedom, identity, and truth for June
Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom, Future, History) has served as the continuing theme for Philippine Independence Day since 2023, but the message remains just as relevant today. This June, it resonates within the CCP Channel’s lineup, where stories of freedom cross with stories of identity, particularly those of the queer community.
In commemoration of Independence Month and in celebration of Pride Month, the CCP Channel presents a curation of Virgin Labfest (VLF) plays, entries from the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and the 37th Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, and masterpieces from the CCP Classics catalog. These works showcase the nation’s brilliant artistry while tracing the struggles of Filipinos to be free, to be heard, and to be truly seen.
Unfiltered truths through select Virgin Labfest plays
Three main featured plays from the VLF collection are part of this month’s lineup.
From VLF 14, Sari Saysay’s Ang Mga Propesyunal centers on the discovery of truth, freedom of expression, and democracy within the role-playing game. Within the make-believe realm, the play follows a 10-year-old “journalist” who investigates the Malacañang despite being denied permission. Ang Mga Propesyunal is also featured in VLF’s 4th Anthology Book, launched in 2024.
Carlo Vergara’s Edgar Allan Hemmingway, also from VLF 14, revolves around a young writer who receives the achievement every writer dreams of until a childhood friend reveals something that puts ethics, survival, and the true cost of freedom into question.
Blurring the line between reality and fantasy, Vergara’s Mula sa Kulimliman from VLF 12 is about an ordinary wife who uncovers a shocking truth about her husband. This riveting play completes CCP Channel’s VLF curation for June, putting authenticity and the desire for veracity into the spotlight.
Filipinos’ realities as seen through the classics and Cinemalaya and Gawad Alternatibo films
Sarong Adlaw (One Day), written and directed by Marianito Dio Jr., was part of the Cinemalaya 2012 Shorts category. The story is about a son of a rice farmer who turns to writing after being inspired by his late mother. At the film’s heart, it elaborates on the ramifications of poverty on persistently chasing a dream.
Chloe Velasco’s Ina-Tay is a story of Elvis (Elvira), a beautician, who unexpectedly finds himself raising a baby boy alone. The film was part of the Cinemalaya 2014 Short Film category, and offers a tender portrait of single parenthood from a perspective rarely given space on screen.
Filmmaker Louise Ann Yamsuan’s Tutos was also part of Cinemalaya Shorts in 2008. The film follows the relationship of a tailor father, Rey, and his daughter, who grew up being too tough for a lady. As the story unfolds, it asks an aching question whether a father can sew back together a tattered relationship with his distant daughter.
The CCP Channel also brings works from the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video that confront oppression, identity, and the courage it takes to speak out and demand accountability.
Under the Narrative category, Denbert M. Tiason’s If I Were a Voice was recognized. The film focuses on the theme of fighting against oppression. A queer student leader’s intimate video is leaked. Despite being suspended, he uncovers a pattern of abuse by a teacher.
Unravelled is an animated work by Sofia Bianca Chua, Maria Isabella, Patricia Manaloto, and Avryll Nartates. It focuses on struggles toward self-acceptance. In this animated film, Rio is still haunted by his past and struggles to see himself as human.
Parapo, an experimental film by Jhonny Bobier, unfolds the country’s social realities inside a cramped jeepney. As the vehicle moves forward, the young boy inside is exposed to poverty, violence, and indifference. He remains unbothered at first, but as the trip intensifies, fear begins to surface. The story ends by leaving the boy’s escape as either freedom or another illusion.
L. A. Oraza’s NOMO KWEEN: The Last Woman Standing is an entry under the Documentary Short Films category, starring Stella Salle. In this film, Salle redefines herself and breaks the stigma on what it means to be a transwoman, serving as a powerful eye-opener.
This month, the CCP Channel also revisits a collection of classics with timeless themes; works whose historical context and artistic depth continue to resonate today. It includes Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Pang-alay, Cinderella, Orosman at Zafira, and Don Quixote.
An excerpt of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s fourth concert season also streams on the CCP Channel starting this June, sharing world-class melodies with Filipinos across the nation’s borders.
Reflections on the hard-earned freedom of expression
This June, the CCP Channel invites every Filipino to watch, reflect, and recognize themselves in every story told. Through its lineup, it carries the shared hope that no one should ever be denied the freedom to be true to themselves in its wide array of CCP shows and productions.
Launched in 2025, the CCP Channel continues to bring meaningful stories and performances closer to audiences anytime, anywhere, as it serves as a gateway to Philippine arts and culture.
Subscriptions to the CCP Channel are available for Php 99 monthly or Php 599 annually. For full details, visit culturalcenterph.channel. Stay updated on the latest CCP events, workshops, and shows through its official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts. For more information on CCP shows, workshops, and events, check https://culturalcenter.gov.ph.
