BSP launches book on Surigao gold
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has launched the book Bahandi: The Surigao Treasure and Related Finds which examines gold pieces from both the BSP’s and Ayala Museum’s pre-colonial gold collections. It traces their links to similar discoveries in the Butuan and Agusan regions. The book was written by art historian Dr. Florida H. Capistrano-Baker with essays from Dr. Ligaya Lacsina and Tenten C. Mina. It also features a foreword from former Central Bank of the Philippines Governor Jaime C. Laya. Presented at the BSP head office in Manila on Oct. 22, the book highlights how these treasures reflect the sophistication of Filipinos more than a thousand years ago. They point to advanced craftsmanship, thriving trade networks, and prosperity long before Spanish colonization. The artifacts were accidentally discovered during an excavation for an irrigation project in 1981 in Surigao. They include finely crafted jewelry, items for rituals, and symbols of prestige or bahandi. Objects featured in the book include a long gold chain made of interlocking kamagi necklaces, and the massive four-kilogram upavita, a ceremonial sash. Many of the artifacts, which demonstrate the exceptional skills and artistry of early Filipino goldsmiths, are on view in an exhibit at Makati’s Ayala Museum called Reuniting the Surigao Treasure. The book will be made available online and through the BSP Online Store at a later date.
CCP Channel goes scary
THIS OCTOBER, the CCP Channel adds new content featuring CCP classics, Cinemalaya and Gawad Alternatibo films, and Virgin Labfest (VLF) plays. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), as it carries out its mission to showcase Filipino talent and make the arts more accessible, shares its programs and productions on the CCP Channel through a subscription at P99 monthly and P599 annually. To subscribe, visit https://culturalcenterph.channel. The CCP Channel welcomes the spooky season with Cinemalaya films that spotlight the fascinating grit of the Filipino experience. There is Jon Steffan Ballesteros’ Colorum (2009) which follows a 70-year-old ex-con and a young cop moonlighting as a driver of an illegal taxi; Ronald Espinosa Batallones’ Batsoy (2022) which chronicles two siblings’ journey of magic, fantasy, and reality as they try to satisfy a craving for the rich pork and beef broth; Kenneth De la Cruz’s Bulawan nga Usa (2023), about a grandson’s soul-stirring expedition after his grandfather’s death which leads him to a mystical mountain in search of the wish-granting golden deer; and Reggie Gulle’s 10:25 ng Gabi, a suspense film following two friends who carry out a plan to make money after crossing paths with a son and his balikbayan mother. The CCP Channel will also feature a variety of works from Gawad Alternatibo in this month’s lineup, including Renil Frankie Badango’s Metapora, Kaila Arvi B. Ariston’s documentary Daungan ng mga Naghihintay; and Angel Tomas’ animated film Pauwi Ka Na Ba?, among several others. The CCP Channel is also showing theatrical plays from VLF, and excerpts from CCP Classics from the 1990s. For updates on upcoming programs and productions, follow CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and check the official website (https://culturalcenter.gov.ph).
BenCab, Patrick Flores discuss art
THE EXHIBIT In Honor of Form, featuring the bronze sculptures of National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, realized in collaboration with Yogya Art Lab, is the first formal presentation dedicated to this aspect of his practice. An adjunct activity to the exhibit is “True To Form: BenCab Speaks,” an upcoming conversation between BenCab and Patrick Flores, art historian and Chief Curator of the National Gallery of Singapore. The discussion will trace the development of BenCab’s practice over the years, with particular attention to his sculptural works and the ideas behind his recent bronze sculptures. The talk is free and open to the public. “True To Form: BenCab Speaks” will be held on Nov. 5, 2-4 p.m., at the Gajah Gallery Manila, Unit 1B-1E, NBS Park, 125 Pioneer St, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.
Ayala Museum exhibit looks at WWII
IN COMMEMORATION of 80 years of United States-Philippines diplomatic relations, the US Embassy in the Philippines and the Filipinas Heritage Library present the exhibition: Through War and Peace: Life After Liberation, curated by Dr. Ricardo T. Jose. It is on view until Nov. 29 at the Ayala Museum’s 2F Gallery. Admission is free. Through tactile stations drawing on archival photographs, documents, periodicals, and videos, the exhibition traces the story of postwar rebuilding and partnership and revisits a chapter in the country’s history that is often overlooked. It follows the formative years after the war, the birth of the Third Republic, close ties with the United States, and a nation’s recovery, from ruins to a thriving nation. The program also celebrates the 30th year of Filipinas Heritage Library and the 65th year of Ayala Foundation.
Big Bad Wolf brings Goldsboro Books to Philippines
SIGNED limited editions from London’s Goldsboro Books are coming to Big Bad Wolf Books Manila, giving Filipino readers and collectors the opportunity to discover these collectible releases locally. The sale runs from Nov. 5-18, 10 a.m. to midnight, on the fifth floor of Park Triangle Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Goldsboro Books is an independent bookseller known for its signed first editions, exclusive releases, and collectible books sought after by readers and collectors worldwide. Big Bad Wolf’s Goldsboro Books selection brings together signed first editions and special releases, with selected editions featuring distinctive details such as sprayed edges and individually numbered copies. Among the highlights are: Adam & Eve, the late Jeffrey Archer’s final novel, the featured signed edition is part of a limited run of just 2,500 copies produced worldwide; Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash, a Sunday Times Bestseller, a finalist for the 2026 Barnes & Noble Discover Prize, and shortlisted for the 2026 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize; and, Honey in the Wound by Jiyoung Han, an international bestseller that was shortlisted for the 2026 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, the featured signed edition is part of a limited run of just 500 copies produced worldwide. Beyond the collectible editions, shoppers can browse a wide selection of books at discounts of up to 95%. The Unbelievable Titles selection will feature books starting at just P60. The sale will also feature a Spend More, Save More promotion, offering instant rebates on eligible purchases made in a single receipt. Visitors will also have the chance to win prizes from a total prize pool worth up to P500,000, including a MacBook Neo 13-inch, three gold bars, vouchers, and other prizes. For updates on featured titles, promotions, and other announcements, follow https://www.facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines and https://www.instagram.com/bbwbooksph.