National Arts Month in the Philippines was launched by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) last Friday, 1 February, with a program inspired by traditional dayanas, or marching bands, that perform around the community at dawn to signal the start of a fiesta. The Grand Launching took place in the early morning at the Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, with six marching bands parading for an hour prior to launch, as the NCCA's way of awakening the country to a month-long celebration of arts activities during February. This year's National Arts Month theme is 'art for peace', with the slogan 'your piece for peace'. The Grand Launching program featured performances by Bituin Escalante, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, E-Dance Theatre, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Bayanihan Dance Company. Other launches followed at Mandaluyong City and Muntinlupa City on 2 and 3 February. Further information and full program details for National Arts Month are available online at: www.nca.gov.ph