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Things to Do in Manila This Weekend: Your May Guide to Music & Culture

From weekend music festivals to cute art markets, here’s your itinerary of major events and cultural happenings around Manila this May

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weekend guide
What are your weekend plans? Photos from Instagram and Facebook

The month of May, has arrived and we’re excited to see what the events today have in store for everyone waiting for the weekend. From enjoying the loud and noisy trips in Quezon City to the pop-punk cover nights to the more quiet art exhibits located in a hole-in-a-wall establishment in Makati City, there are almost endless choices for you to choose throughout the entire week. We’re four months down throughout the entire year and from the looks of it, 2025 still has a ton of events for everyone from music to other cultural events.

Music

MSK: 2025 Bar Tour

Mow’s Bar, Matalino Street, Quezon City
May 16
8:00 p.m.
P600 per ticket

Hard rock trailblazers KJWAN are turning their single release of “MSK” into a grassroots tour, bringing their raw energy to intimate stages. On May 16, they hit Mow’s Bar with pop-punk band (e)motion engine, grungegaze band bird, and local faves Snakefight and Autotelic. Expect a high-octane night that celebrates both rock legacy and underground resurgence.

D4VD Live in Manila

MOA Amphitheater at MOA Sky, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City 
May 16
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free Admission

Alt-R&B rising star D4VD lands in Manila for a special stop of his Withered album tour. The Texas-based artist behind “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide” offers a rare, free performance under the Manila skyline at the MOA Amphitheater. 

Minsan Fest

Quezon City Memorial Circle
May 17
12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
P349 student ticket, P699 regular ticket

Minsan Studio brings its love for local music from its small studio space to life with Minsan Fest, a celebration of OPM’s different eras from the 2000s today. Featuring Itchyworms, Ebe Dancel, Mayonnaise, and more, the festival merges timeless hits and rising sounds in one memorable community night.

Good Old Days 5

Metrotent Convention Center, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
May 18
1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
P350 per ticket

The country’s biggest flea market returns with Good Old Days 5. Beyond vintage finds and retro gems, this year boasts a strong music bill, such as hip-hop collective Kartell’em, solo rap performances by Sica, Waiian, and R&B voice Jikamarie headline the market’s comeback.

Culture

A-Rewind: A Celebration of Classics

Participating Ayala Malls: The 30th, Manila Bay, TriNoma, Circuit, MarQuee Mall, Fairview Terraces, and Market! Market!
May 14 to May 18
Tickets are priced at P180 for regular admission, P160 for students
Tickets can be purchased here

In collaboration with ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula, Ayala Malls Cinemas is bringing two classic Filipino films back to the big screen. From May 14 to 18, several participating Ayala Malls cinemas will be screening the digitally restored versions of the 1996 fantasy adventure Magic Temple and the 1998 fantasy comedy Hiling.

Public Premiere of Nora Aunor’s ‘’Merika’

The Metropolitan Theater, Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila
May 18
Screenings are free and open to the public
Registration information can be found here

As part of National Heritage Month, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) presents “Pamanang Pelikula: Celebration of Life and Works of Nora Aunor,” paying tribute to the late Superstar. This event includes the public premiere of the digitally restored classic ‘Merika, directed by Gil Portes, followed by an insightful talkback session, delving into the film’s theme and the brilliance of Ate Guy’s performance. Earlier in the day, attendees can also enjoy screenings of Atsay and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. The restoration of ‘Merika is made possible with the efforts of the FDCP through the Philippine Film Archive.

‘You Are Who You Are’ Pop-Up

Gravity Art Space, 1810 Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City
May 17
9:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
P500 per ticket, including a free beer
Registration information can be found here

Makati-based theater company Repertory Philippines presents a vibrant pop-up event showcasing local artists and musicians, including Van Tuico, Joaquin Reyes, Ms. Tusa Montes, Brix Artan, and more. Inspired by a line from the company’s upcoming production, Art, the pop-up will also offer live portraiture sessions and a mini-exhibition.

House2House Vol.6

Dogzilla Studio, 102 7th St, Grace Park East, Caloocan
May 17 to May 18
12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Information on tickets can be found here

Grassroots dance and music platform House2House (H2H) returns as a powerful celebration of the underground dance and music scene in the Philippines. For two days, H2H will host dance workshops, competitions, performances, and high-octane afterparties. The event will bring together some of the country’s most talented dancers, DJs, and culture enthusiasts, along with international guests, creating an immersive experience of music, movement, and community.