Sulong SEAPop at SM Manila: Bringing cultures closer to the Filipinos
Thousands of visitors recently flocked to SM Manila for a day of shared music and culture by the ASEAN nations when Sulong SEAPop was launched on July 18. Held in connection with both the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN 2026 and the celebration of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, the Atrium at SM Manila was transformed into a vibrant stage of Southeast Asia’s shared heritage.
“We’re very, very happy to collaborate particularly with the NCCA to do this SEAPop activity,” said Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for marketing, SM Supermalls. “For one thing, it is in support of the ASEAN, and when you bring different cultures together, it can unite people through the arts and music. That’s very exciting for us."
“Bringing in artists from different countries in the ASEAN is something that we really want to do at the SM Supermalls because it’s using our spaces in a way that will bring other cultures closer to the Filipino people. SM Manila is one of our classic malls; it’s right beside City Hall, and there’s a lot of history here, a lot of culture.”
The formal ribbon was cut by the event’s dignitaries: Avi Dewani Sari Harahap, Minister Counselor for Culture and Information, Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines; Mariel Jasmine Nini, head of the International Cultural Affairs Office, National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for Marketing, SM Supermalls; and Jon Pinto, Blackstar Entertainment CEO.
Right after the ribbon cutting, the first performance by Talahib—a Filipino band that uses contemporary rock instruments together with heritage Filipino musical instruments—was electrifying. It amazed an audience that was likely not familiar with the hegalung, kulintang, agung, tongatong, and gangsa.
Their performance was followed by the talent competition, with Filipino artists joining musicians from Indonesia and Laos. Filipino groups like Playground and Mystique were joined by Indonesian singer Rafif. While each group was uniquely talented, the overall champion was the Filipino dance group Principium, with first runner-up singer Jassy Calupitan, also from the Philippines. In second place was Khamlek Chanthachith of Laos who played the khene, a traditional mouth organ made of bamboo.
After the competition came a fun-filled Thai Drama Series segment where dozens of fans screamed with excitement to see Alpha and Javson of 1st One, Thai actor James Prescott, film producer Donavan High, and Amira Alawi of KOL-fashion and culture fame. The audience screamed even louder when James told them he enjoyed Jollibee, and taught them to say “rak khun,” or I love you in Thai.
In addition to the performances, there were ASEAN lectures, indigenous music workshops, delicious sate and merchandise from the Indonesian booth, and cultural exhibitions that highlighted the traditions and creativity of the region. A special ASEAN Passport Stamp Rally was launched to encourage the public to fully participate in the Philippines ASEAN 2026 activities. Attendees of the Sulong SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan received an exclusive ASEAN passport, which can be stamped at participating ASEAN events throughout the year. Those who successfully collect all the stamps by attending the designated ASEAN events will get to redeem prizes and special rewards.
From the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival to Sulong SEAPop, the festivities invite Filipinos to connect and celebrate with their fellow Southeast Asians through fun and interactive events.
