What Is Taking Shape in 2026 (Part 2)

As the first quarter of 2026 draws to a close, the year is no longer about anticipation; it is beginning to reveal direction.

I asked seven individuals from different fields what they are seeing unfold, what they continue to work toward, and what they hope the rest of the year will bring. Their responses reflect a shift from expectation to action, where aspirations are tested against reality.

Photojournalist and singer-songwriter Bernard Testa, who is preparing for a joint exhibit with Riza Zuniga this April, points to the kind of society he believes remains within reach: “A more civil society with progressive and honest leaders, better education, and a proactive, pro-people universal health care program.”

For Vancouver-based filmmaker Clyde Capistrano, whose film Lanaya is set for Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2026, the year is already in motion. “With more people discovering Lanaya, I’m inspired to continue creating films that are meaningful and personal. I’m finalizing a new screenplay and hope to begin production soon. I also look forward to seeing our local film industry continue to grow.”

Robert Delgado, conductor of the PCSO Chorale and founder of the National Association of Filipino Choirs, Inc., is preparing for a global stage.

“What I look forward to in 2026 is the opportunity to present my research at the World Symposium on Choral Music, to be held this August in Macau, China, as a continuation of the initiatives I began in 2024, using this platform to further advance research and lead sustained efforts that equip both thriving and underserved choirs with the skills and opportunities to become meaningful catalysts in the socio-economic life of their communities. This ongoing work lies at the very heart of my organization’s mission.”

Anna Ylagan, director and producer of The OPM Friends’ Groovin’ The Greatest Hits, set for March 27 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, keeps her focus grounded. “Good health for me, my loved ones, and the OPM Friends—and more shows for this wonderful group.”

For overseas Filipino worker Norman Noces Rolle of Benguet:

“Embrace 2026 as a fresh, promising chapter for growth, boldness, and joy, designed to be shaped by your own actions, and an opportunity to live life as an exhilarating, full-throttle ‘ride,’ embracing new beginnings and manifesting success.”

Bob Zozobrado, CEO of the Philippine Retirement Authority, offers a perspective that cuts across all ambitions: “Peace all over the world.”

Meanwhile, San Francisco-based Ricky Concepcion looks toward a quieter form of progress, one measured in daily life. He hopes for balance, meaningful time with family, and milestones such as his son’s college graduation and his daughter’s continued journey in medical school. He also anticipates developments in areas he follows closely, including cryptocurrency and a shift toward more practical politics.

Taken together, these responses suggest that 2026 is no longer about what people hope will happen. It is about what they are actively building, and what is slowly taking form.

I am honored to be among the awardees of the 2026 Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers, alongside actress Marian Rivera and a distinguished group of leaders from business, government, and the arts. Their recognition reflects not only individual success, but the broader standard of excellence that continues to evolve within our communities.

Thanks to dancer-entrepreneur Emily Samson, I spent time with the Dyna Family (Dyna Dancers) at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque, offering a glimpse into the discipline behind performance.

In the dressing room and rehearsal spaces, I met members of the group and their choreographer, Severo “Toto” Sanglap, as they prepared for the show. What stood out was not just the scale of the production, but the precision and quiet focus behind it.

Among those present was Miles Obra-Borin, a Filipina dancer and actress now based in the United States, who continues to work in theater and television. During the final rehearsal, I also saw Tess Dabasol Smith, known internationally as the “Soul of Tina Turner,” whose decades-long career spans Europe.

The Aldeguer Sisters, Lally and Terri, whose synchronized performances helped shape Philippine television dance, were among the highlights. Also present were Pia Moran, Geleen Eugenio, and John Gaddi, alongside several dance groups including WEA Dancers, OCTOARTS Dancers, Vicor Dancers, and Urban Dance Crew.

Watching from the audience—first during rehearsal, then later from a more distant seat during the actual performance—I saw how much of what the audience experiences in a few hours is built on countless unseen hours of preparation.

The energy of the show carried through to the finale, where The Boyfriends performed for the crowd. It was only later that I learned actress Maricel Soriano had also appeared, while I recognized the voice of singer Sephy Francisco during the performance.

By the end of the evening, fatigue had set in, but so had a clearer understanding: much of what we admire in public is the result of quiet, sustained work behind the scenes.

Happiness, as it turns out, is not something easily pursued. It often arrives indirectly—through effort, shared moments, and the act of bringing something meaningful to others.

Happy birthday to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (March 28).