In celebration of National Heritage Month, Lampara Books unveils its latest collection of literary and educational releases that honor the long-standing traditions of Filipino storytelling and encourage cultural appreciation and values formation among the next generation of readers. The lineup includes Filipino classics, modern retellings, and innovative educational series that share the publishing house’s mission of providing accessible, values-based, and culturally relevant literature for Filipino children and families. Among the highlights of the launch are two of Philippine literature’s most enduring masterpieces: Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura. Edited by acclaimed scholar and children’s literature advocate Eugene Y. Evasco, the new edition of Ibong Adarna offers an enriched reading experience through chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and comprehension prompts designed to support students, teachers, parents, and independent readers alike. The vol...
Filipino Violinist-Singer Muri Represents the Philippines at Focus Wales 2026 as the Country's Sole Act on the AXEAN Stage
Muri performs alongside artists from Malaysia and Indonesia, bringing Filipino neo-soul and indie pop to one of Europe's leading international music showcase festivals WREXHAM, WALES — Filipino violinist and singer-songwriter Muri (Muriel Gonzales) made her Focus Wales debut on May 16, 2026, performing on the festival's AXEAN Stage as the sole representative of the Philippines. Joining artists from Malaysia and Indonesia on the AXEAN showcase — a curated spotlight on Southeast Asian music within the festival — Muri brought her signature blend of violin swells, neo-soul vocals, and introspective songwriting to the stages of Wrexham, North Wales. Now in its 16th edition, Focus Wales is one of the world's leading international music showcase festivals, welcoming over 22,000 attendees and featuring 250+ artists across 20 stages. Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, and the PRS Foundation, it is consistently recognised as one of the mo...