Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Kultivate Labs
Even in transition, the seeds of culture keep growing.
As spring unfolds in 2025, we carry with us a deep sense of gratitude—for the artists, entrepreneurs, partners, and culture bearers who continue to shape our creative economy. While we continue to reflect on the recent pause of Balay Kreative's operations on February 28, we’re also choosing to look forward. Kultivate Labs continues on with a renewed focus, inspired by what’s been built and energized by what’s still to come.
Despite reduced funding this year, we’re not slowing down. In fact, we’re excited to unveil a lineup of events and programs that continue to uplift culture, creativity, and community. Mark your calendars—here’s what’s ahead:
SEED Accelerator Applications Are Live
Our SEED program returns to support a existing businesses in SOMA Pilipinas in scaling values-aligned enterprises that uplift our cultural economy. If you—or a business you support—are ready to grow deeper roots in the district, this is the opportunity to build together
Be Free Festival Returns on 6/13/2025
We’re proud to bring back Be Free Festival, a celebration of creative freedom, healing, and joy in SOMA Pilipinas. This year, we're teaming up with Into The Streets, the incredible producers behind Bhangra Beats Night Market and Downtown First Thursdays, to elevate the experience across the district.
Your Favorite Ube Festival Yum Yams Is Back on 8/16/2025
Yum Yams is our annual celebration at Kapwa Gardens that honors all things Ube.The event features a curated market of ube-inspired treats and live DJs.
UNDSCVRD Returns on October 18, 2025
The beloved night market and Cultural Crawl that started it all is back to activate our beloved Filipino Cultural District with music, art, food, and the spirit of bayanihan. Vendors, musicians, and creatives—get ready.
NEW! The Manila Grand Holiday Speakeasy coming December 2025
Step into a night of elegance, nostalgia, and celebration as we close out the year with a brand-new event. The Manila Grand Holiday Speakeasy is part fundraiser, part homage to our roots—with a twist. Dress to impress, bring your best poker face, and toast to a new tradition in the making.
While this year brings its share of challenges, it also brings clarity: Kultivate Labs remains committed to cultivating spaces where culture, creativity, and commerce come together. From testing ideas to launching new platforms, our mission is unchanged—we just keep evolving.
Stay connected. Show up when you can. And help us keep the momentum going.
With love and purpose,
The Kultivate Labs Team
