Must-see entertainment in Philippines

  • VivaManila

    Manila

    Nonprofit VivaManila is an arts-and-culture organisation run by passionate locals who are on a mission to revive downtown Manila to its pre-war glory…

  • Cultural Center of the Philippines

    Manila

    Manila’s major cultural guns perform here, including Ballet Philippines, the nation’s premiere dance troupe; Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the nation…

  • Tago Jazz Cafe

    Manila

    A fantastic and intimate jazz lounge hidden off the grid in Quezon City. They put on top local musicians plus the occasional imported guest, and their…

  • Club Mwah!

    Manila

    The best of the city’s drag stage shows take place at the opulent Club Mwah!, an incredibly shiny, sparkly and simply fabulous place with obvious Las…

  • Philippine Educational Theater Association

    Manila

    This ‘open’ theatre group does both comedy and tragedy, most of it original. Arguably Manila’s best troupe, but check whether performances are in English…

  • Salon de Ning

    Manila

    Hidden away inside the luxurious Peninsula hotel, this is a 1930s Shanghai–style drinking den full of dark nooks and hidden spaces. Themes range from…

  • Island Life

    Siargao

    For Siargao's only cinema, and a unique and sweaty experience (air-con was supposedly in the works), head to this converted shack just outside GL. Popcorn…

  • City of Dreams

    Manila

    Here you'll find acres of gaming tables, variety shows and a branch of celebrity Japanese restaurant Nobu. Three high-end hotels, including a Nobu-branded…

  • Okada

    Manila

    Okada is the newest and most ambitious of Manila's three Vegas-style casinos, occupying 43 hectares of reclaimed Manila Bay waterfront. You'll spot the…

  • Solaire

    Manila

    Vegas-style casino with 24-hour gambling and the impressive Theater at Solaire, which draws high-profile musicians, variety shows and Broadway productions…

  • Araneta Coliseum

    Manila

    Manila's iconic arena was the site of the 'Thrilla in Manila', possibly the most famous boxing match of all time. Today it hosts big PBA (Philippine…

  • ‘70s Bistro

    Manila

    A long-running Quezon City bar, '70s Bistro is known for getting some of the best reggae acts in the country, plus classic Pinoy rock bands that have been…

  • Conspiracy Garden Cafe

    Manila

    This is a longstanding, character-filled venue attracting an older, sit-down crowd for more acoustic-oriented gigs. The garden is a good place to chill…

  • 18 BC

    Baguio

    In a city where live music seemingly wafts out of every window, this dive opposite Prince Plaza Hotel consistently features Baguio’s best original live…

  • Pier One

    Around Manila

    This huge semi-open-air waterfront place next to Lighthouse Marina Resort has live bands every night, usually playing foot-tappable Filipino pop. Also a…

  • Minokaua

    Manila

    In the space of the old Penguin Cafe, once Malate’s prime boho magnet, the Minokaua puts exceptional musical talent on stage, especially on Fridays and…

  • Repertory Philippines

    Manila

    Professional group that performs plays in English for both children and adults at the OnStage Theatre. Shows may be targeted at children, adults or both.

  • OM

    Boracay

    OM is the smallest, most down-to-earth and most gay-friendly of the central beach discos. You'll hear the thumping beats long before you reach the door.

  • SaGuijo

    Manila

    A wonderfully decrepit dive bar with a jam-packed roster of indie, punk and new-wave bands that kick off at 10.30pm. Check Facebook for the schedule.

  • Amazing Show

    Manila

    In the heart of the Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP), the Manila Film Center building stages performances of the Amazing Show. The one-hour revue…

  • Black Kings Bar

    Manila

    A great place to catch Quezon City's rock scene, with a regular roster of punk, metal and blues bands kicking out the jams on its dark divey stage nightly…

  • Cuneta Astrodome

    Manila

    Popular venue for professional basketball games managed by the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), the Philippines’ equivalent of America’s NBA.

  • Mall of Asia Arena

    Manila

    Venue for high-profile concerts and shows; Madonna and Britney Spears have played here recently.

  • Route 196

    Manila

    Another well-loved Quezon City indie music venue with quality local original bands.

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