News & Events

Christopher de Venecia Extends Congratulations to the Ten New National Artists

Former Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia extends his warmest congratulations to the ten Filipinos who have been proclaimed the country’s newest National Artists, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to Philippine arts, culture, and national identity. Through Proclamation No. 1414, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of National Artists upon the following: Nicanor Tiongson for Literature Gregorio Brillantes for Literature;  Imelda...

Mother's Day Celebration

This Mother’s Day, we honor the unwavering love, sacrifice, and strength of mothers who continue to shape families and communities with compassion and dedication. A mother’s role goes beyond caring for her children at home — she becomes a guiding light, a source of inspiration, and a foundation of hope for future generations. Among the women admired for embodying these qualities is Manay Gina. As a mother, she has continuously shown devotion and care to her children, nurturing them with values of humility, service, and compassion. H...

Centennial Crowning of Our Lady of Manaoag

Last month, April 2026, millions of Filipino devotees gathered in Manaoag to celebrate the centennial canonical coronation of Our Lady of Manaoag. This event marked one hundred years since the Virgin Mary’s image was officially crowned, highlighting her deep spiritual importance in Filipino Catholic lives. The devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag dates back to the sixteenth century, with stories of a Marian apparition and numerous miracles reported. Known as “Apo Baket” or Noble Lady, the image has been a beacon of hope and a place of praye...

Cong. Toff Welcomes TIEZA Creative Tourism Summit 2025, Hails Creativity-Driven Path for Philippine Tourism

Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia strongly commended the successful holding of the TIEZA Creative Tourism Summit 2025, describing it as a decisive step in redefining Philippine tourism through creativity, culture, and community-centered development. Held on September 3 to 4 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, the Summit brought together tourism leaders and creative practitioners from media, heritage, technology, design, and the performing arts under the theme “Crafting Pathways: Synergzing Tourism and Creativity.” The...

National Arts Month 2026: Where Art Shapes the Future

Every February, National Arts Month serves as a reminder that art is not peripheral to life—it is central to the identity of the Filipino people. In 2026, the celebration continues to affirm that Filipino creativity thrives across disciplines, communities, and generations. This year, Art Fair Philippines 2026 once again gathered artists and audiences in a shared space for dialogue, discovery, and critical engagement. The event demonstrated how contemporary Filipino art continues to question, reflect, and imagine new futures.&nbs...

Eulogy for Former Speaker Jose C. de Venecia Jr.

Today, we gather, not only to celebrate the astounding legacy of our legendary five-time Speaker of the House, Jose de Venecia Jr., but to sit humbly with the complexity of a man who was larger than life but also in many ways, human. He was the epitome of a bright rainbow – he was many hues to many people across the political spectrum. He was a consensus builder but I suppose our biggest consensus was that we all fondly called him JDV, myself included.   My siblings and I also called him Dad. But actually, I called hi...

Philippine Creative Industries Month 2025

Photo Credit: DTI Malikhaing Pinoy on Facebook  Last September, we mark Philippine Creative Industries Month 2025 under the theme “We Are a Creative Nation,” affirming Filipino creativity as a pillar of culture, inclusive growth, and global competitiveness. Across the arts, design, media, crafts, film, music, and performance, Filipino creatives continue to shape the country’s future. Established under Republic Act No. 11904, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act which I principally authored, the observa...

From Local Tables to the World Stage: Filipino Cuisine Gains MICHELIN Recognition

The inclusion of Philippine restaurants in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Philippines – Manila & Environs & Cebu 2026 marks a historic breakthrough for Filipino gastronomy, tourism, and the country’s creative economy. This recognition affirms the talent, discipline, and cultural depth of Filipino cuisine and signals its rightful place on the global stage.   Announced on October 30, 2025, the Guide features 108 establishments across Metro Manila, its environs, and Cebu, including one Two-Michelin-star restaurant, eight...

Two Philippine Cities, One Creative Future: Quezon City and Dumaguete Join UNESCO’s Global Network

I welcome the inclusion of Quezon City and Dumaguete City in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) 2025. As principal author of Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), and former Chairman of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Creative Industries, I view this recognition as a major milestone for the Philippine creative sector.   Quezon City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film and Dumaguete City’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature...

Donut miss out Roma’s Donuts

Who doesn’t crave sweet, delectable doughnuts? From being a pastry option to a cherished take-home treat, doughnuts have been our coffees’ perfect companion ever since. A bite of history Fun fact to all donut-lovers: Did you know that it all started in the 17th and 18th century New York when Dutch immigrants brought their tradition of making of “olykoeks” (oily cakes)? These oily cakes, stuffed with nuts and fruits, are widely considered the origin of American doughnuts! While international giants like Dunkin Donuts and K...

Barangay Fiestas in Dagupan Get a Flavor Upgrade with Lechon and Palitaw

In every bite of lechon and every dusting of sugar on palitaw, Dagupan’s spirit shines brighter this fiesta season. Dagupan may be best known for its Bangus Festival, but beyond the city-wide celebration, the spirit of fiesta continues to bloom in its barangays. From the mouthwatering Lechon Festival in Barangay Lasip Chico to the sweet debut of the first-ever Palitaw (sweet rice cake) Festival in Barangay Malued, these community feasts highlight the city’s rich culture and evolving flavors. Savor the Flavor at Lasip Chico’s An...

Bangus Festival Celebrates Dagupan’s Pride and Flavor

In Dagupan, every April smells like grilled bangus (milkfish) and joy. The Bangus Festival began as a way to celebrate the city's pride in being known as the 'Bangus Capital of the Philippines.' Over the years, it has grown into the biggest and most anticipated festival in all of Pangasinan, bringing people together through culture, food, and fun. Looking back to its early days, the Bangus Festival started in the 1990s as a simple harvest celebration, or what locals called “gilon,” mainly to welcome visiting balikbayans. But it...

Weaving kultura: How basketry sustains the Manaoag community

Illustration by Rahndal Rico These locally-crafted baskets in Manaoag are making a difference. Near the heart of Manaoag, Pangasinan, lies a 40-year-old family business dedicated to basket-weaving. Founded by artisan Rodrigo Sibayan, the Sibayan Handicrafts stands as one of the oldest handicrafts shops in the municipality. In an exclusive interview, Rodrigo’s son, Christian Sibayan, explained that his father was inspired by his uncle, who was also a craftsman. “Bale kumuha si papa ng experience doon sa tito niya na...

Reimagining Dagupan City

by Rahndal Rico Local artists and designers reimagine the Bangus Capital of the World at the first placemaking contest of the city. With its rich culture and abundant supply of milkfish, the city of Dagupan has so much potential. In celebration of this year’s Bangus Festival and in partnership with SM Center Dagupan, the recently concluded placemaking contest, an initiative by Cong. Christopher De Venecia, aims to reimagine an inclusive, sustainable, ang vibrant spaces in the city. “Through creative placemaking, we have the opportunity to anima...

Pedaling Through PD4 Sacred Landmarks with ‘Bisikleta Iglesia’

By Christian Ramoso In Pangasinan, reflection takes on deeper meaning. It is home to many of the country’s most meaningful churches, making it the perfect place to pause, pray and reconnect year after year. But what if you could experience it with a twist? This twist comes in the form of ‘Bisikleta Iglesia’, a unique way to take part in the traditional Visita Iglesia. Instead of traveling by foot or car, Catholic believers are encouraged to ride bicycles to visit at least seven churches within Pangasinan District 4, offering a fresh and adventu...

Stories of Women in Pangasinan District 4

by Christian Ramoso Behind every great story is a woman who dared to dream, lead, and inspire. Pangasinan’s 4th District has been shaped by remarkable women whose passion and dedication have left a lasting impact across arts, music, food, sports, and more. From breaking barriers in medicine, politics, and media to advocating for social change, their stories of love, sacrifice, and strength continue to inspire. We’ve compiled powerful stories of women from this district, both from the past and present, honoring their enduring legacy and the grou...

Strengthening Pangasinan's Community Through Theater Arts

By Christian Ramoso A thriving theater scene means a thriving community of storytellers, dreamers, and artists. We all know that in Pangasinan, we take great pride in Salvador “Badong” Bernal, our National Artist for Theater Design, whose legacy continues to inspire new generations. That same artistic spirit is alive and well, kept strong by those who continue to nurture and uplift the creative industry, including Pangasinan Representative and champ of the Philippine creative industry, Christopher “Toff” de Venecia.   Nurturing Young Theat...

Riding the waves off Bonuan

by Rahndal Rico Dagupan City’s Bonuan is making its name as a premier spot in the surfing scene. At the World’s Bangus Capital, Dagupan is not just a home of rich history and culture but also a place to hone your surfing and skimboarding skills! Just a jeepney ride from downtown, you’ll arrive at Bonuan Tondaligan and Binloc beaches, and experience the growing surfing and skimboarding industry in the area. Let’s hear what local surfers and skimboarders have to say about Dagupan becoming a water sports destination. Dane’s Surf and Brew @danessur...

These creative cafés in PD4 might serve as your third space

by Rahndal Rico Photos from the Office of Cong. Christopher De Venecia We roamed around unique cafés in Pangasinan District 4 (PD4) and discovered they are more than coffees and bagels. Let’s be honest here: It’s the first month of a new year and it already feels like you’ve juggled every workload assigned by your boss. Your nine-to-five shift starts to overwhelm you and you’re looking for a place to destress. Perhaps a third space can help you to briefly escape from that rabbit hole. But what exactly is a third space? Sociologist Ray Oldenberg...

Filmmaking is taking center stage in Pangasinan

From international docus to underrated indie narratives, here are some of the films shot in the province. by Rahndal Rico It’s undeniable that Pangasinan is a home for local creatives. Apart from its promising tourist attractions, it’s a place for cultivating artistic flairs. From the theatrical art of Salvador Bernal to thought-provoking films of Christopher Gozum, the future is creative indeed! Let’s take a look at some of the films, from enticing local stories to Festival de Cannes-worthy entries, that were shot in Pangasinan! Malinak ya lab...

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