Filipino artists light up Winnipeg’s stages for the 2025–2026 performing arts season

	Through performances like Gabaq-an, Musica Singers fulfills its mission to celebrate Filipino musical heritage while inspiring unity, pride, and artistry within Manitoba’s diverse communities. (Photo by Rollan Temporosa)

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

The Filipino performing arts community in Winnipeg is setting the stage for another season of dance, music, and theatre. This 2025–2026 season, three organizations are leading the charge in enriching Manitoba’s cultural landscape. Magdaragat Philippines Inc., Musica Singers of Manitoba, and U ‘N I Together (UNIT Productions) are bringing movement, harmony, and prose to life in a way that reflects both the deep roots and bold spirit of Filipino artistry.

Together, these volunteer-driven organizations embody the spirit of bayanihan (community cooperation), bringing together Filipino-Canadians and local collaborators to celebrate heritage through performance. Their work not only preserves cultural traditions but also contributes to Winnipeg’s growing reputation as a hub for multicultural excellence and innovation in the arts.

Magdaragat Philippines Inc. – Fifty years of movement and magic

Few organizations embody Filipino pride and determination like Magdaragat Philippines, which celebrates a milestone this year: its 50th anniversary. For five decades, Magdaragat has kept the beauty of Philippine dance alive, connecting generations through movement, music, and storytelling.

To start this season, Magdaragat opens its doors to a new batch of dance students, who will learn Philippine folk dances, creative theatre movement, and even martial arts. Registration for ages 12 and up opens on October 19, 2025. Lessons are held at the Filipino Seniors Centre, 49 Euclid Ave., every Sunday from October to November, and resuming from January to July 2026. A special children’s program for ages 5 to 11 begins in January.

“The season culminates in May 2026 with 50 Years of Magic, a golden anniversary celebration that honours Magdaragat’s legacy as a cultural cornerstone in Winnipeg,” said Goldie Garcia, Artistic Director of Magdaragat Philippines Inc. “It’s not just a look back but also a celebration of the countless artists and volunteers who have carried our culture forward through dance, music, and community.”

Following the anniversary celebration, the group returns to the stage in August 2026 for Folklorama, where audiences can once again experience the heritage and spirit of the Philippines through Magdaragat’s signature performances.

Musica Singers of Manitoba – Harmony in threes

Now entering its third season, the Musica Singers invites audiences on a journey through Tatsulok, a trilogy of concerts exploring inspiration, nostalgia, and cultural pride. “Tatsulok, which means ‘triangle’ in Filipino, captures the idea of balance and connection,” said Jesse Alcasabas, Executive Director of Musica Singers. “Each concert stands on its own, but together they form a complete story about hope, memory, and the enduring power of music to bring people together.”

The season begins on December 6, 2025, with Tatsulok 1: Hope, Peace, Joy, curated by Lorenz Edward Sarrondo. This heartwarming holiday concert fills St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church with songs of reflection and celebration.

On March 21, 2026, the stage transforms for Tatsulok 2: Hollywood, Motown, Broadway. Under the direction of Jim Lopez, and featuring MY Band with the Musica Singers, this lively concert revisits iconic hits from stage and screen, inviting audiences to sing, sway, and reminisce.

Finally, on June 6, 2026, the ensemble concludes its season at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Concert Hall with Tatsulok 3: Canseco, Cruz, Cayabyab, a tribute to three Filipino music legends: George Canseco, Willy Cruz, and Ryan Cayabyab. This performance pays homage to the power and beauty of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

U ‘N I Together – A fresh take on Filipino theatre

UNIT Productions continues to redefine Filipino-Canadian theatre with bold, community-rooted storytelling that fuses tradition and contemporary edge. This season, the company invites audiences to experience Pamasko Tales, its new holiday series that reimagines Filipino folklore for today’s audiences. “With Pamasko Tales, we wanted to take the stories we grew up with and give them new life,” said Hazel Venzon, Executive Director and Artistic Producer of UNIT Productions. “It’s loud, playful, and joyfully unpolished. It’s exactly the kind of theatre that celebrates who we are as Filipinos living and creating in Canada.”

The first production in the series, The Glitter Bird, runs December 22, 23, 26, 29, and 30, 2025 (2:00 p.m. matinees). Written by Primrose Madayag Knazan and directed by Venzon, this musical comedy takes inspiration from the folk epic Ibong Adarna, but with a cheeky twist. It’s a fairy tale meets fiesta, packed with laughter, glitter, and heart.

The production features Matthew Pagtalunan as the title character, with music by Dave Dagta, choreography by Maribeth Tabanera, and design by David Oro. The youth ensemble from Magdaragat Philippines joins the cast, highlighting the spirit of collaboration that defines Winnipeg’s Filipino arts community.

In early 2026, UNIT will bring back its successful Pagbuo Series, a storybuilding and screenwriting workshop also led by Venzon. Designed for Manitoba-based Filipino creatives aged 18 and up, the program provides mentorship and skill-building for aspiring writers, actors, and artists eager to bring their stories to the stage and screen. More details will be announced soon.

Season of creativity and cultural pride

As Winnipeg’s Filipino performing arts community continues to flourish, Magdaragat Philippines, Musica Singers, and U ‘N I Together stand as testaments to creativity, collaboration, and cultural pride. The community is encouraged to support not only these groups but also the many other Filipino and local artists who bring colour and meaning to Manitoba’s cultural landscape. By attending performances, sharing stories, and volunteering time and resources, audiences help ensure that the arts continue to thrive and inspire generations to come.

For more information on these arts organizations, workshop registrations, and show tickets, e-mail magdaragat@hotmail.com and visit www.musicasingersmb.ca and www.unitogether.ca.