NCCA dreams of PH as a 'capital for performing arts,' ASEAN 2026 beyond policies and politics

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has high hopes for the Philippines, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year. 

During the 2026 ASEAN-Korea ROUND festival press conference at Cubao, Quezon City on Wednesday, NCCA chairman Eric Zerrudo urged the public to look beyond diplomacies and policies for ASEAN 2026, and highlighted the people-to-people connections through performance.

Saying this year’s ROUND festival aims to create a “human traffic” coming together to sing and dance while celebrating unity and diversity, Zerrudo said “ASEAN is not only strengthened by declarations, but by the connections of its people. Our region is woven together by our stories,  our voices, and a shared rhythm that connects us across borders. And this is the spirit of the Philippines, proudly brought to you here in round 2026."

“This festival is more than a concert," he added. "It is an invitation for every Filipino to take part in its chairmanship that comes only once in 10 years. To turn diplomacy into music, policy into performance, and regional cooperation into a shared celebration."

NCCA head for International Cultural Affairs Office Mariel Jasmine Nini also expressed their aim to look into ASEAN beyond politics.

“We wanted it to be branded as not something so political or very policy-related. We wanted it to be for the people. To enjoy it," she said.

"It's really for the people, for the musicians and for the ASEAN community. So that is what we wanted to bring in,” she added.

KBS World TV Chief Producer Kuk Chan Hwang expressed his faith in Filipino music and performance, noting that Philippines had always been their first choice for ROUND festival since 2020 if not for the pandemic.

“I'm very [confident] in Filipino music. It's very strong and the music scene is very great to introduce all the music to the world. So that's why I came back,” he said.

“This is a concert that connects Korea and the Philippines, and through this, we can promote the music of the Philippines to the world. So it would be great if everyone could support us with the same heart… The main goal of Round is to communicate with ASEAN and Korea through music and cultures, especially in the young generation so maybe it's gonna be made with this show in the Philippines,” he added.

The 2026 ASEAN-Korea ROUND Festival will be held at Araneta Coliseum on April 18 and 19, 2026 for free.

The Philippine line-up of performers include HORI7ON, Ben&Ben, Cup of Joe, and TJ Monterde. — LA, GMA Integrated News