Manila, Philippines– With Valentine’s Day often bringing traffic, crowds, and fully booked restaurants, music lovers and couples are being offered a quieter, more meaningful alternative this February 8, a Sunday. DILAAB, a candlelit tribute to Filipino music produced by Sanghimig Performing Arts Events under the creative direction of Irvinne Redor, in partnership with YSpace at the Yuchengco Museum,
returns with an intimate pre-Valentine’s evening celebrating the music of Ben&Ben.
Set within the elegant spaces of the Yuchengco Museum, and timed just days before Valentine’s Day, DILAAB invites guests to slow down and savor an evening of music, atmosphere, and art — away from the usual February 14 rush. The concert features a carefully selected string quartet performing instrumental arrangements of Ben&Ben’s most beloved songs, offering a gentler, more reflective take on music that has become deeply woven into the emotional lives of many Filipinos.
Known for creating intimate, thoughtfully curated cultural experiences that bring people closer to
music and story, Sanghimig designed this edition of DILAAB as a 2-in-1 pre-Valentine’s date experience. With their concert ticket, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the museum’s
current exhibitions, allowing the evening to unfold as a seamless journey through sound, design, and
visual poetry — an experience made possible through the partnership with the Yuchengco Museum.
Among the exhibitions on view is “Distilled” by Wynn Wynn Ong, a retrospective marking Ong’s much-
anticipated return to the design scene. Unveiled during the museum’s 20th anniversary, Distilled
showcases works across fashion, jewelry, décor, and furniture — each reflecting stories of craft, tradition, and the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage.
Also on display is “Introspect II” by Mayie Delgado, an exhibition of abstract photographs where light, texture, and subtle details of the natural world blur the line between what is seen and what is felt. These works invite viewers to see the ordinary unfold into expressive visual poetry shaped by light,
time, and touch.
DILAAB — derived from the Filipino word meaning “to blaze” or “to glow” — is conceived by Sanghimig
as an immersive encounter. Surrounded by warm candlelight and live music, the audience is
encouraged to listen closely, feel deeply, and remain fully present. Seating is intentionally limited to
preserve the intimacy of the experience.
Since its launch, DILAAB has steadily grown into a platform for reimagining Filipino music through intimate, multisensory performances. In 2025, the series featured a string quartet tribute to Ben&Ben in March, followed by a July edition with the Musiko Filipino Rondalla Quartet celebrating the breadth of Filipino music — from folk and traditional pieces to songs many have grown up with — in honor of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino. In August, DILAAB turned its focus to the songs of award-winning songwriter Trina Belamide, presented through string quartet arrangements, and in October, it paid tribute to the timeless music of the APO Hiking Society, interpreted by the musicians of the PIMA Guitar Quartet. The year closed with a private December presentation featuring the works of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, performed by the Musiko Filipino Rondalla Quartet — a program
Sanghimig plans to offer to the public later this year.
“Ben&Ben’s songs speak to love in its many forms — quiet devotion, uncertainty, hope, and longing,”
shares Redor. “Pairing this music with museum exhibitions that celebrate craft, reflection, and sensory
detail creates a space that feels deeply personal — an ideal way to celebrate before Valentine’s Day.”
Rather than competing with February 14 itself, DILAAB positions February 8 as an ideal early celebration — whether for couples, friends, or individuals seeking a meaningful evening centered on
Filipino music, art, and connection.
This performance also marks the first of several DILAAB editions planned for 2026, continuing Sanghimig’s commitment — together with partners like YSpace at the Yuchengco Museum — to designing intimate cultural experiences that celebrate Filipino artistry while fostering shared moments
of presence and connection.
