Trans Voices Take the Stage: Vargas Museum Unveils ‘The Singer’

Manila is about to shimmer with new light as the UP Vargas Museum opens its doors to “The Singer,” a work-in-progress performance by the dazzling transfeminine, multi-disciplinary artist, Bunny Cadag. Slated to premiere on July 19, 2025, this latest event isn’t just another night at the museum, it’s a bold celebration of self-expression, resilience, and the storied power of trans voices in Filipino art. If you’ve been yearning for more queer representation in institutional spaces (who hasn’t?), you better not snooze on this!

Bunny Cadag brings trans stories to center stage

True to Bunny’s reputation for blending poetry, music, and embodied performance, “The Singer” is set to blur boundaries and raise the rafters. Cadag’s artistry channels both vulnerability and bravado, think raw storytelling, high drama, and soul-baring vocals all coalescing in a single, unforgettable spectacle. Known for their fearless performances across Manila’s indie spaces, Cadag now takes on the hallowed, pebble-washed grounds of the Vargas Museum, marking an important moment for queer narratives in formal art circles. For a sneak peek at what’s in store (including a legendary announcement photo), check out the official Vargas Museum Instagram.

Vargas Museum: A space reimagined

For context, the Vargas Museum isn’t just any art venue, its heritage design and storied collection have made it a pilgrimage site for culture lovers and history buffs alike. Still, its curved concrete walls and tropical-lit galleries are now being transformed: shifting from solemn corridors of colonial memory into a lively platform for voices pushing the boundaries of tradition. Regulars will recognize this as part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting artists who explore and challenge the narratives woven into the Filipino experience. For an evocative backdrop on how the institution blends legacy with active contemporary art, take an art walk via their feature on Art & Market.

Lifting the curtain for tomorrow’s Filipino queer icons

With “The Singer,” the Vargas Museum stands as a beacon, championing LGBT+ voices and expanding what it means to be seen, heard, and celebrated on the Filipino cultural stage. Whether you’re a diehard performance art stan or a newbie eager to feel the pulse of Manila’s queer resurgence, this is your invitation to witness history in the making. *Artie’s Pick*: Grab a front-row spot, tap into the conversation, and let’s keep pushing the scene where all our stories, not just the usual suspects, take center stage.

Feeling inspired? Sound off in the comments and let’s get this conversation singing!