What to do this weekend: Concerts, cocktails and culture
MANILA, Philippines — The middle weekend of May is packed with concerts, bar takeovers, family activities and cultural fairs across Metro Manila and beyond.
From evening shows and nights out to quiet museum days, there is something to catch as the second half of May begins.
Check out this rundown of events happening this weekend, May 15 to 17.
Concert alert
A number of shows will be staged this weekend, led by Jessica Sanchez’s solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
If the comeback of the "American Idol" runner-up and "America's Got Talent" winner is not enough, her star-studded guest list is sure to draw attention: Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, James Reid, Morissette Amon, Darren Espanto and Vice Ganda.
On the same day, beverage brand Jack Daniel’s will host its "Mixtape" show at 12 Monkeys in Estancia, Pasig City, featuring artists who emerged from the indie scene.
Among those slated to perform are Alyson, August Wahh, Dayaw, Nanay Mo, Ysanygo, Novocrane, Uncle Bob's Funky Seven Club and Autotelic.
Another beverage brand, Tanduay, is reviving its First Five concert series after a decade, beginning its local tour on May 15 at Iloilo's Gaisano Capital Mall Open Grounds.
Forming the titular five for this comeback are local powerhouse acts Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Zack Tabudlo, Flow G and December Avenue.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Philippines' own Queen of Bossa Nova, Sitti, will stage her intimate "Sittiscape: The City of Bossa" concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater to celebrate 20 years of her hit song "Para Sa Akin."
The show promises to blend bossa nova with jazz and acoustic pop into a mood-driven evening of storytelling, romance and timeless sound.
Joining Sitti are Ice Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Jason Dhakal, Ebe Dancel, Princess Velasco, Richard Poon, RJ Jacinto and Gary Valenciano.
Bottoms up
Johnnie Walker is inviting everyone to take part in its Ruby Nights series, where the brand takes over bars around Metro Manila with drinks and curated playlists.
Each host venue will offer a signature cocktail based on Black Ruby, a drink from the brand's Black Label series.
This week, Ruby Nights will be held at Velveteen Bar on Friday and The Spirits Library on Saturday, both in Makati.
The Spirits Library will serve the Librarian's Julep, made with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, spiced raspberry shrub, Creole bitters and strawberry popping pearls.
Another Makati venue, Opal Bar, is also hosting Ruby Nights, which it plans to do every third week of the month. Ugly Bar in La Union will also host Ruby Nights every 15th of the month.
For those looking for something lighter, Easy Matcha Run will be in Bonifacio Global City on Sunday morning for an easy run, matcha, toast pairings and an after-run rave.
Culture dive
Museo Pambata is hosting its interactive Haraya Storytelling Festival this weekend for families and children.
Apart from museum access, attendees can expect theater performances, creative spaces, workshops, snacks, freebies and storytelling sessions.
On the other side of Metro Manila, Habi Fiesta, or the Philippine Weavers' Fair, will take over the activity area of Gateway Mall for a third consecutive year.
The trade fair supports Filipino weavers and the preservation of Indigenous textile traditions. This year, it will also introduce capacity-building opportunities, creative collaborations and recognition platforms designed to help artisans sustain and grow their practice in a modern economy.
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