Balik Bayan meaning“return home” is a month-long cultural and artistic programme taking place in July 2026 that reflects on the Philippines’ journey to independence, produced by MilkTea, an award-winning community organisation. 

The season features artists, creatives, and performers from across the Filipino diaspora, and explores the complex history, Filipino identity and the enduring pull of home within the context of our shared journeys. 

The programme is supported by Arts Council England and the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery and delivered with the support of our partners: Centre 151, Kanlungan, Migration Museum, Voice ESEA, and Occasians.

The programme comprises of:

• 4 July: The first theatrical screenings of Yellow Rose by Diane Paragas, in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, in collaboration with Voice ESEA, Move Midlands and ESEA Creatives Scotland.

• 11 July: A celebration of British Filipino live performance, featuring Lahing Kayumanggi, Haraya Choir. English Ako by Jules Chan at Centre 151.

• 18 July - a family workshop themed around Filipino storytelling by award winning author, Candy Gourlay at Centre 151.

• 20-26 July: Buhay, an exhibition featuring the cultural tradition of the balikbayan box and more

• 28 July: Mixtape: Filipino Edition, a showcase of short films by British-Filipino filmmakers.

To book follow this link!

Balik Bayan is produced by MilkTea in collaboration with Graciela Mae Chico & Gabby Lauren.

Graciela Mae is a Filipino creative producer, editor, and writer based in London. She loves all things: formats, fandoms and pop culture, with her branded digital content work for the likes of the BBC, Marie Claire, and Netflix garnering millions of views across social media platforms. She’s passionate about platforming stories from underrepresented communities, particularly stories from the queer community and the Filipino diaspora.

Gabby Lauren is a Filipino London based mixed media editor, director and event producer. She is recognised as an emerging filmmaker by Vogue Philippines, creating whimsical documentaries exploring self identity. Beyond filmmaking, she produces culture-led spaces for creatives across film & art. Garnering active community participation across Filipino focused events in collaboration with RE–US London, London Migration Film Festival and GBAA: Sine Files.