February in Manila is more than just a month of hearts and roses — it’s a month full of fresh events, lively festivals, and other happenings that bring the city to life. Whether you’re into indie films, local art, or checking out the latest pop-up markets, there’s something for every kind of explorer this month. With a mix of exciting performances and hidden gems around town, Manila’s February lineup promises to keep you on your toes and make every weekend feel like an adventure.
Matt Odon Yrad’s ‘Borador: Sky Skeletons’
Gravity Art Space, 1810 Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City
February 21 – March 21
Opening reception on February 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Designed and curated by the art and design initiative Sachet Projects, Borador: Sky Skeletons is Filipino artist Matt Odon Yrad’s solo exhibition that explores themes of navigation, identity, and belonging. The term “borador,” meaning both “kite” and “thread weaver” in Hiligaynon, is an apt description of Yrad’s investigation of home. Through his multimedia art pieces, Yrad weaves a gripping visual narrative, incorporating elements from his favorite sci-fi influences.
Maximum Chaos
Communa, 238 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Ext., Makati
February 22
Creative space Communa presents Maximum Chaos, an all-day pop-up event that will feature live DJ sets, food stalls, art workshops, and an exciting art market. DJ sets will be performed by Bedspacer, Bing Austria, and La Crema. Food will be available from local bakeries and cafés such as Scratch, Ani Cafe, Ginto Creamery, Basis Coffee, Fiasfud, Fat Focca, and more. Art workshops include Live Sketching with Urban Sketchers Manila, Sidewalk Chalk & Oil Pastels with Villarica Manuel, and Baket Panget?! Art Workshop with Meneer Marcelo. The art market, besides featuring a lineup of more than 30 local artists, will also include booths for T-shirt printing, custom jeepney signage painting, and groundwork apparel making.
Jer Dee’s ‘Spectre’
Gravity Art Space, 1810 Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City
February 21 to March 21
Opening reception on February 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Filipino visual artist Jer Dee presents his third solo exhibition, Spectre, which serves as a record of his epiphanies and recent life events. Using calligraphy as his chosen medium, Dee “captures the ghosts of his past in stark, high-contrast imagery.” This is a departure from his previous work, which saw Dee exploring geometric shapes, vibrant color palettes, and precise linework, Spectre sees the artist distilling his color spectrum into clear, stark shorthand pictography.
Fotomoto Open Call: I/Land
2F Gallery, Ayala Museum, Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue, corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati
February 1 – February 23
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Catch the tail-end of photography organization Fotomoto PH’s exhibition, I/Land. The free exhibition showcases a curated selection of photographs that explore home, identity, and belonging. Chosen from over 1,000 submissions from more than 300 photographers, I/Land explores the complex relationship between the everyday Filipinos and their homeland. “Each one of us revels in our home soil, and is trapped in it,” writes Fotomoto PH in their official exhibition statement. “Every Filipino imagines life beyond the horizon, but everyone beyond our shores wishes only for return. No man is an island, but also: Everyone is.”
Art Fair Philippines
Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati
February 21 to 23, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art at this year’s Art Fair Philippines. With its stunning showcase of cutting-edge works from both local and international artists, this is the ultimate destination for art lovers, collectors, and curious minds alike. Explore a diverse range of innovative exhibitions, engage with exciting installations, and discover the future of art.
Tickets are available at both the Makati Avenue and Ayala Avenue entrances to the fair.
