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Nikki Bedi is on stage with top performers and creative talents from Manila, to explore artistic responses to headline issues in the city, where the Philippines’ government's war on drugs has left thousands dead, and a bill to legalise divorce in the country for the first time is in process

Nikki is joined by award-winning film director Treb Monteras, whose film Respeto, has created a buzz for its story about a young rapper and an older poet from the martial law era, which was filmed against the backdrop of the war on drugs in Manila. Star of the film, hip hop artist Abra, performs live and takes Nikki on a tour of Manila’s urban arts scene.

Visual artist Nikki Luna reveals why she uses bullets in her work and news reporter/documentary maker-turned-film actor and screenwriter, Atom Araullo, talks about making a career change to play the title role in the new film, Citizen Jake. Poets Louise Meets and Juan Miguel Severo perform a new piece written especially for the show, there is stand up observational comedy from G.B Labrador and Filipino rock icon Bamboo is also live on stage.

(Photo: Philippines flag at Aliwan Festival)