MANILA, Philippines — What happens when some of Southeast Asia’s brightest architects, designers, artists, cultural workers, and creative thinkers gather inside one of the Philippines’ most historic districts?
From October 2 to 4, 2026, visitors will find out as the Anthology ASEAN Architecture Festival 2026 transforms Intramuros into a vibrant hub of ideas, creativity, culture, and community under the theme “Shared Ground: Architecture of Care, Culture, and Collective Futures.”
Now on its seventh edition, Anthology is bringing together more than a hundred speakers and participants from across Southeast Asia for a three-day celebration that goes far beyond architecture. The festival creates a space where design meets culture, heritage meets innovation, and communities come together to imagine the future of cities and public spaces.
Three Days, Three Big Conversations
This year’s festival unfolds through three interconnected themes:
– CARE (October 2)
– CULTURE (October 3)
– COLLECTIVE FUTURES (October 4)
Each day explores how architecture shapes the way people live, connect, preserve traditions, and prepare for the future. The conversations extend beyond buildings and structures, focusing instead on people, communities, and the shared experiences that define Southeast Asia.
Global Icons and ASEAN Voices Take Center Stage
Among the festival’s most anticipated highlights are keynote presentations from internationally acclaimed architects Shigeru Ban and Ole Scheeren, whose works have influenced urban development and architectural thinking around the world. Joining them are leading Filipino and ASEAN practitioners who will share insights on identity, heritage, sustainability, and community-centered design.
Visitors can also explore ten collaborative Filipino–ASEAN installations that showcase how creativity can bridge cultures and spark new conversations across borders.
Intramuros as the Festival Itself
Rather than being confined to a single convention hall, Anthology turns Intramuros into a living festival ground.
Programs such as Anthology Talks, Shelter Dialogues, Anthology RAW, Ground Works, and Living Anthology will unfold across some of the Walled City’s most iconic locations, including Foro de Intramuros, Centro de Turismo, Casa Manila, Plaza Roma, Fort Santiago, and the Pasig River Esplanade.
The result is an immersive experience where visitors do not simply watch—they participate, engage, and become part of the conversation.
Free ASEAN Passport Experience at the NCCA Booth
Adding a cultural adventure to the festival, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will host a special booth where guests can claim their ASEAN Passport free of charge and join the ASEAN Passport Stamp Rally.
Participants can collect stamps while exploring exhibits, installations, and activities celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Southeast Asia. The festival’s public installations will also be open and accessible, giving everyone a chance to experience creative works from across the ASEAN region.
Why You Should Go
Whether you’re an architect, student, artist, photographer, cultural enthusiast, traveler, or simply someone looking for a unique weekend experience, Anthology offers a rare opportunity to explore how architecture influences everyday life.
More than a festival, it is a gathering of ideas, stories, and people who believe that the future of Southeast Asia can be shaped through collaboration, creativity, and shared responsibility.
This October, Intramuros will not just be a heritage destination—it will become a living canvas for imagining what comes next.
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