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…
Must see entertainment in Manila
- VVivaManila
- CCultural Center of the Philippines
Manila’s major cultural guns perform here, including Ballet Philippines, the nation’s premiere dance troupe; Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the nation…
- TTago Jazz Cafe
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…
- CClub Mwah!
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…
- PPhilippine Educational Theater Association
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…
- SSalon de Ning
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…
- CCity of Dreams
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…
- OOkada
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…
- SSolaire
Vegas-style casino with 24-hour gambling and the impressive Theater at Solaire, which draws high-profile musicians, variety shows and Broadway productions…
- AAraneta Coliseum
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
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…
- CConspiracy Garden Cafe
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…
- MMinokaua
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…
- RRepertory Philippines
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.
- SSaGuijo
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.
- AAmazing Show
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…
- BBlack Kings Bar
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…
- CCuneta Astrodome
Popular venue for professional basketball games managed by the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), the Philippines’ equivalent of America’s NBA.
- MMall of Asia Arena
Venue for high-profile concerts and shows; Madonna and Britney Spears have played here recently.
- RRoute 196
Another well-loved Quezon City indie music venue with quality local original bands.