Must see entertainment in 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…

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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

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

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