April is an exciting month to be in Manila, with a lineup of events that promise to bring the city to life. From experimental art exhibitions to international film screenings, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these weekend happenings will make sure you experience the best of what Manila has to offer this month.
‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘Dr. Strangelove’
For The Importance of Being Earnest: Ayala Malls Cinemas at Glorietta 4, Vertis North, and Central Bloc Cebu
For Dr. Strangelove: Ayala Malls Cinemas at Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, Makati
All screenings of both movies start at 6:00 p.m. on April 29
Ticket prices are available here and here
On April 29, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) invites you to choose your flavor of satire with multiple screenings of two iconic works: the National Theatre Live’s delightfully droll staging of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, or Stanley Kubrick’s darkly hilarious war spoof Dr. Strangelove. Whether you prefer cucumber sandwiches and mistaken identities in Victorian England (plus an amazing performance from Ncuti Gatwa), or generals gone mad and doomsday devices in the Cold War era, CCP has you covered — wit, wigs, or world-ending bombs included.
‘Independencia’
Calle Wright, 1890 Vasquez St., Malate, Manila
April 26
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Open to the public, register here
Art event space Calle Wright presents a special screening of Independencia, a haunting and poetic exploration of survival and resistance during the American colonization of the Philippines. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Raya Martin, the film made history in 2009 as the first Filipino film featured in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival. This event is held in conjunction with the exhibition Hair tied together, embodied we speak / Pinagtaling buhok, kinatawang bigkas, which brings together artists working across photography, fiber, and embodied archives to forge collective voices across geographies and generations.
‘Liwanag sa Dilim’
CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati
March 7 to May 4
8:00 p.m.
Ticket prices are available here
Catch the penultimate weekend of Liwanag Sa Dilim, a powerful original musical by 9 Works Theatrical featuring the iconic music of Rico Blanco. Six years in the making, the production follows Elesi, a young man on a journey to uncover his past and fight for the marginalized, with the help of his loyal friend Cris. With standout performances by Khalil Ramos, Alexa Ilacad, CJ Navato, and more, the show delivers a heartfelt story and a nostalgic OPM soundtrack that continues to resonate deeply with Filipino audiences.
Kodama in Manila
The Counter at Ginza One, Ecoplaza Bldg., 2305 Chino Roces Ave., Makati
April 20 to April 27
11:00 a.m. onwards
Reservations can be made here
As The Counter at Ginza One’s special yakitori omakase with Chef Masahiko Kodama (a.k.a. One of Japan’s “Yakitori Gods”) enters its final weekend, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the artistry of a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded chef up close. Running through April 27, the intimate dining series highlights Kodama-san’s mastery of Japanese grilling, featuring nine carefully prepared chicken skewers cooked over traditional Binchotan charcoal. Paired with seasonal starters and served in a setting designed for close chef-guest interaction, the experience offers a thoughtful, flavorful journey through technique, tradition, and exceptional ingredients.
‘LITTLE IMMENSITIES’
April 24 to June 11
Tarzeer Pictures, 2288 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Open to the public
LITTLE IMMENSITIES is an exhibition that explores vast emotional and conceptual landscapes through the works of three artists. Andie Remulla’s art piece The March at Midnight captures the haunting beauty of deep-sea life through underwater macro photography, revealing otherworldly creatures. Colin Dancel’s Self-Portraits of a Dreamer examines the body’s limitations, using contorted, bound forms to express vulnerability and resilience. Rob Frogoso’s Dolls creates surreal figures from everyday materials, blurring the line between the mundane and the fantastical. Together, these works offer an intimate look into imaginative realms, where wonder and self-expression are at the forefront.
