Beyond Fortress Collective

06/04/2026

Wow…

Presenting our 2026 Uniting Asia Residency logo, designed by YATTA member, Mellard Manogura.

Mellard first joined AYTF in 2017, as an actor. Since then he has gone on to lead multiple programmes, qualified as a teacher and expanded his skill base to include design. Mellard has offered his design services to AYTF many times including the design for the Residency 2022, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Mellard describes the rationale behind his design -

The logo draws inspiration from the iconic Dumaguete Belfry, a historic structure that once stood as a watchtower safeguarding the city. In the context of the theme “Looking Back, Moving Forward,” the Belfry symbolizes vigilance, memory, and guidance—reminding us that understanding our past allows us to move forward with purpose.

Each layer of the design represents a significant part of Dumaguete’s identity and heritage. The upper portion reflects Mount Talinis, grounding the piece in the natural landscape of the city, while the rising light evokes reflection and renewal. Below it, the coastal elements highlight Dumaguete’s rich marine biodiversity, emphasizing the life and sustenance drawn from the sea. The flowing water and organic forms signify continuity and movement, reinforcing the idea of progress.

The inclusion of clay elements pays tribute to the city’s artisanal roots and enduring traditions, symbolizing how culture is shaped, molded, and passed on through generations. Interwoven within these layers is the spirit of theater—an art form that mirrors society, preserves stories, and has the power to move hearts and inspire change.

Together, these elements create a unified visual narrative: a city deeply rooted in its history, culture, and environment, yet continuously evolving. The Belfry stands at the center as both a witness to the past and a beacon toward the future, perfectly embodying the essence of “Looking Back, Moving Forward.”

AYTF joins forces this year with Youth Advocates through Theatre Arts (YATTA) to present the 2026, Uniting Asia Residency programme. An immersive week of culture, education and collaborative learning for young leaders in theatre from across Asia.

With only 20pax - spaces are limited - please contact us by 15th April 2026 with your expression of interest to [email protected].

Successful candidates will be announced on the 22nd April 2026.

*f

21/06/2025

Our ate Karen Linganay is back in PH with so much love and fun learning experience in Hanoi, Vietnam for the Asian Youth Theatre Festival Uniting Asia Residency.

Thank you for embracing the power of arts and for sharing our collective’s mission to ASIA.

Love. Love.

See you in Ozamiz soon.

18/06/2025

Ate Karen Linganay!!! We are proud of you…

03/04/2025

Our founding Artistic Director Ted Nudgent Fernandez Tac-an is back in the Arts and Culture Center of La Salle University - Ozamiz! Congratulations to you, Sir Ted!

🎭✨ Welcoming Sir Ted Nudgent Fernandez Tac-an as the new Director of the Arts and Culture Center (ACC) of La Salle University, Ozamiz! 💚🎬

A proud Lasallian and true cultural champion, Sir Ted brings with him a dynamic fusion of educational excellence, intercultural artistry, and a deep commitment to community empowerment. He holds a Master of Arts in Cultural Education and a Master in Mathematics Education from LSU-Ozamiz, where he graduated Magna cm Laude in his bachelor’s degree. He also earned a 3-Year Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre (Acting) from the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Technology Education at USTP CDO.

As a visionary artist-educator, Sir Ted has worn many hats: actor, director, playwright, production designer, and arts advocate. He previously led Teatro Guindegan as Artistic Director, where he guided the company through a period of innovation, intercultural collaboration, and digital transformation—especially during the pandemic.

He is also the founder of Beyond Fortress Collective (BFC), a movement that champions arts accessibility and sustainability through creative community-based programs across Mindanao. His passion for intercultural theater has taken him to international festivals, residencies, and collaborations in Indonesia, India, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, showcasing his dedication to cultural exchange and creative growth.

A former Director of the Educational Technology Center (ETC) at LSU-Ozamiz, Sir Ted continues to serve the cultural community in various leadership capacities. He is currently the Secretary of the NCCA National Committee on Dramatic Arts (2023–2025), an Executive Council Member of the Asenso Misamis Occidental Arts and Culture Council, and was recently elected to the Board of the Association of Cultural Offices in the Philippine Educational Institutions (ACOPEI) for 2025–2028.

With his heart rooted in the community and his vision set on national and global engagement, Sir Ted is all set to lead the Arts and Culture Center toward deeper impact, creative innovation, and inclusive storytelling. 💫

Let’s give Sir Ted a warm ACC welcome as he continues to ignite creativity and inspire cultural transformation! 🌍🎨

27/03/2025

ℍ𝔸ℙℙ𝕐 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻 𝕋ℍ𝔼𝔸𝕋𝔼ℝ 𝔻𝔸𝕐!

May your props stay unbroken, your lines stay remembered (mostly), and your backstage whispers remain actually quiet. Theatre is proof that we can turn chaos into art—so keep the drama on stage where it belongs!

20/03/2025

✨ MUSIKA-NIMO Songwriting Camp: A Celebration of Music & Stories! 🎶

The heART2HEart Festival proudly presents three incredible artists whose songs resonated deeply with our community. Musika-Nimo Songwriting Camp is not a competition but a celebration of storytelling through music—where every song is a voice, and every artist is heard. 💙🎤

🎵 Ian Ginete – "Padayon" (Oakhill’s Choice)
🎵 Elfred Entricho – "Balik" (Nikko’s Choice)
🎵 CLST – "Dilim" (Sunata’s Choice)

Their music reminds us that art is about connection, passion, and the stories we share. Let’s continue to uplift local artists and support the growing music scene in our communities. Every note, every lyric, and every performance contributes to the vibrant cultural landscape we celebrate. 🎭🎨🎶

🎧 Support local music. Celebrate local arts. ✨

19/03/2025

💔 "Bisag Unsaon by Samael and Adam Lato" speaks of unwavering love—choosing someone despite the pain, holding on even when things seem uncertain.

Bisag Unsaon
by Samael and Adam Lato

[chorus]
Bisag unsaon, ikaw gihapon
akoang pilion
Maskin kasakit, akong gibati
padayon gihapon

[1st verse]
Awon talang ning kalibutan
kong asa ta taman
Akong pangandoy sa paghigugma
Na di basta basta

sukad sauna, ikawg ikaw ra
dili na mausab
akong pagbati sa paghigugma
na di basta basta

[pre-chorus]
tara tara gusto kong kauban ka
kay...

[chorus 2]
Bisag unsaon, ikaw gihapon
akoang pilion
Maskin kasakit, akong gibati
padayon gihapon

[2nd verse]
tanaw-awa ra, nana nasd
ang pagka seloso
kabaw nako dire rako
lahi iyang gusto

Binuhat sa kalibutan
Na dire rata taman,
Sa Akong paghigugma
Na sa imoha ramn

[bridge]
di ba madala, ang kasing kasing mo
Di ba mahangyo, akong nalng ang imo gusto
kay..

[chorus last]
Bisag unsaon, ikaw gihapon
akoang pilion
Maskin kasakit, akong gibati
padayon gihapon

🎶 Stories woven into melodies. 🎶

Every song from the musikaNIMO Songwriting Camp is a heartfelt journey—woven with love, longing, resilience, and self-discovery. 💙✨ Crafted within JUST A DAY (MUSIKA NIMO Songwriting Camp Duration), these songs stand as a testament to the immense talent and passion of our artists. Their ability to create, express, and inspire in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. These top-caliber artists deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their artistry and dedication! 🎶👏

From heART2HEart, these songs remind us that music is more than sound—it’s a reflection of our deepest emotions and shared experiences. Let’s keep telling our stories, keep singing, and keep feeling. 💖🎵

Paminawa, pamati-a, ug ipadayon ang musika! 🎤🔥

19/03/2025

🔥 "Padayon by Ian Ginete" is a powerful anthem of standing strong, pushing forward, and fighting for what is right—no matter the obstacles.

PADAYON by Ian Ginete

CHO:
Uyamot
Kami nga naning kamot
Ug kung mo trato
Mura mi ug dili tawo

VI:
Pobre mi nga murag walay grado
Maong bug at kaayo ang among trabaho
Dili babag ang ka lisud
Aron mahimong mamaayong tawo
Maong kamo nga naanak nga adunahan
Dapat inyo ng pasalamatan ang inyong mga ginikanan
Kay tungod sa ilang mga paningkamot
Ning lambo mo sa ilang kahago ug singot

CHO:

VII:
Ayawg lingia sa wala kay gibangaan mana sila
Ayawg lingia sa tuo
Kay kulang nag pagtoo
Padayun ug e padayun lang
Bisag lisud daghan ug manaot
Padayung lang diha sa imong mga paningkamot
Nganung ing ana man sila?
Nga tawo raman ta sama nila
Nga kahibaw masakitan, bisag lahig naagian.

BRIDGE
ang sunata aning kantaha gagamit rag pito ka letra ang Padayun ug ipadayun

🎶 Stories woven into melodies. 🎶

Every song from the musikaNIMO Songwriting Camp is a heartfelt journey—woven with love, longing, resilience, and self-discovery. 💙✨ Crafted within JUST A DAY (MUSIKA NIMO Songwriting Camp Duration), these songs stand as a testament to the immense talent and passion of our artists. Their ability to create, express, and inspire in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. These top-caliber artists deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their artistry and dedication! 🎶👏

From heART2HEart, these songs remind us that music is more than sound—it’s a reflection of our deepest emotions and shared experiences. Let’s keep telling our stories, keep singing, and keep feeling. 💖🎵

Paminawa, pamati-a, ug ipadayon ang musika! 🎤🔥

19/03/2025

🌌 "Sa Dilim by CLST" tells of courage in darkness, the faith that someone watches over us even in our loneliest nights.

Sa Dilim by CLST

Disoras ng gabi
Wala kang katabi
Sa kalye na tahimik, malamig at madilim

Binabalot ng lagim
Natatakot at nanginginig
Sa mga kwento na naririnig, may hiwagang kinukubli

Refrain
`di ako mayayanig dahil
Alam ko siya`y nakamasid
bawat hakbang na tinatahak ng aking binti

Chorus
Di ako manlalambot
Di ako mananatili
Di ako mababagot
Dahil alam kong mayroong nagbabantay dito sa akin sa dilim

Refrain
`di ako mayayanig dahil
Alam ko siya`y nakamasid
bawat hakbang na tinatahak ng aking binti

Chorus
Di ako manlalambot
Di ako mananatili
Di ako mababagot
Dahil alam kong may nagbabantay sa akin sa dilim

🎶 Stories woven into melodies. 🎶

Every song from the musikaNIMO Songwriting Camp is a heartfelt journey—woven with love, longing, resilience, and self-discovery. 💙✨ Crafted within JUST A DAY (MUSIKA NIMO Songwriting Camp Duration), these songs stand as a testament to the immense talent and passion of our artists. Their ability to create, express, and inspire in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. These top-caliber artists deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their artistry and dedication! 🎶👏

From heART2HEart, these songs remind us that music is more than sound—it’s a reflection of our deepest emotions and shared experiences. Let’s keep telling our stories, keep singing, and keep feeling. 💖🎵

Paminawa, pamati-a, ug ipadayon ang musika! 🎤🔥

19/03/2025

🔄 "Balik by Elfred Entritcho" is a cycle of struggle and perseverance, a song of finding hope despite feeling lost.

Balik - Elfred Entritcho

Intro:
Balik, balik, balik, balik,
Balik, balik, balik, balik.

Verse 1:
Sugod pa lang, sugods's tanan,
hangtud karon way kahumanan.
Undang kadyot 'sag wa nahuman,
ambot kanus a ko mahuman

Refrain:
Ning sugilangong dakong trabahoon,
bisa'g way paglaum sulay lang gihapon.

Chorus:
Balik, balik, balik, ra'ng tanan.
Balik, balik, balik sinugdanan.
Balik, balik, balik, balik, balik, balik,
gusto ko'ng mahuman.

Verse 2:
Daghang sulod sa hunahuna,
apan way mapili ug asa kaha ang akong unahon.
Galibog gihapon murag wa'y tumong,

Refrain:
king sugilangong dakong trabahoon,
bisag way paglaum sulay lang gihapon.

Chorus:
Balik, balik, balik, ra'ng tanan.
Balik, balik, balik sinugdanan.
Balik, balik, balik, balik, balik, balik,
gusto ko'ng mahuman.

Bridge:
Kanus-a ko, kanus-a ko, kanus-a ko mahuman?
Kanus-a ko, kanus-a ko, kanus-a ko malamdagan?

Chorus:
Balik, balik, balik ra'ng tanan.
Balik, balik, balik sinugdanan.
Balik, balik, balik, balik, balik, balik,
gusto ko'ng mobalik
balik, balik ra'ng tanan.
Balik, balik, balik sinugdanan.
Balik, balik, balik, balik, balik, balik,
gusto ko'ng mobalik
balik, balik ra'ng tanan.
Balik, balik, balik sinugdanan.
Balik, balik, balik, balik, balik, balik.

Coda
Gusto ko'ng mahuman!

🎶 Stories woven into melodies. 🎶
Every song from the musikaNIMO Songwriting Camp is a heartfelt journey—woven with love, longing, resilience, and self-discovery. 💙✨ Crafted within JUST A DAY (MUSIKA NIMO Songwriting Camp Duration), these songs stand as a testament to the immense talent and passion of our artists. Their ability to create, express, and inspire in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. These top-caliber artists deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their artistry and dedication! 🎶👏

From heART2HEart, these songs remind us that music is more than sound—it’s a reflection of our deepest emotions and shared experiences. Let’s keep telling our stories, keep singing, and keep feeling. 💖🎵

Paminawa, pamati-a, ug ipadayon ang musika! 🎤🔥

19/03/2025

⏳ "Kapoy by Adam Lato" reflects the exhaustion of waiting for love, only to realize that the best love starts with self-care and patience.

KAPOY by Adam Lato

Verse 1:

Lahi napod nga adlaw gikapoy na sigeg lantaw sa mga mag uyab sakong palibot Sige lag scroll sa selpon buntag taman maghapon hangtod nga mabilar wala juy nabuhat walay muchat pero rag nay gihuwat

Lisod kayo ma single taman rata ug sanaol sa atong mga amigo ug kaila

Pre Chorus:

Basin ang gugma dili para akoa di mag dali pero nahutdan nag pasensya

Chorus:

kapoy na kaayo mag huwat pero dili lalim magpauwat kada hi himong mahay kada hello murag hilo dili njd ko kasabot murag mawala akong boot

Verse 2:

ingon sila nga muabot rana saktong panahon diin wala gidahom nya dili ka kasagang
pero sa nabantayan halos tanan giilad lang ug gipasakitan
maypag dili nalang

Chorus 2

kapoy na kaayo mag huwat pero dili lalim magpauwat kada hi himong mahay kada hello murag hilo dili njd ko kasabot murag mawala akong boot

Bridge:

Siguro ako sang kaugalingon ang unahon
Atimanon ampingan ug higugmaon
kay di ta makahatag ug unsay wa nato
kay kung para jd nimo, para jd imo

Outro:

kapoy na kaayo mag huwat
pero andam nako
magpauwat
kada hi di mag mahay
kada hello padung nako

(andam na nga musabot)
(di unta mawad ag buot)

🎶 Stories woven into melodies. 🎶

Every song from the musikaNIMO Songwriting Camp is a heartfelt journey—woven with love, longing, resilience, and self-discovery. 💙✨ Crafted within JUST A DAY (MUSIKA NIMO Songwriting Camp Duration), these songs stand as a testament to the immense talent and passion of our artists. Their ability to create, express, and inspire in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. These top-caliber artists deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their artistry and dedication! 🎶👏

From heART2HEart, these songs remind us that music is more than sound—it’s a reflection of our deepest emotions and shared experiences. Let’s keep telling our stories, keep singing, and keep feeling. 💖🎵

Paminawa, pamati-a, ug ipadayon ang musika! 🎤🔥

19/03/2025

ToNix as Wolverine

🦸‍♂️ From comic pages to the streets of Misamis Occidental! 🔥 ToMix’s fierce portrayal of Wolverine slashed through the competition at Hugyaw sa Park: Cosplay and Street Performance. A powerful display of dedication, craftsmanship, and love for the arts! 🐾⚔️