True blue Manileños, recent transplants, and visitors to our city all know — there is never a lack of things to do in Manila. This is Coconuts Manila’s guide to all things good and great happening over the coming weekend. Peruse it, take note of everything that interests you, and hit us up on our Facebook page or on Twitter @CoconutsManila to sound off on what you think.
Hear an award-winning singer perform live
Date: Aug. 16, Thursday
Venue: Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. Cor. De La Rosa St., Makati City
There’s been plenty of news about international artists coming to Manila for live performances lately, but don’t forget that the Philippines has plenty of its own homegrown talent too. Case in point: Berlin-based baritone Jonathan de la Paz Zaens is back in the motherland, and holding a concert at the Ayala Museum tomorrow.
Based on the event’s name, “Bach to Jukebox,” it looks like concertgoers can look forward to a mix of classic and contemporary music. Zaens will be accompanied by pianist Michelle Nicolasora.
A graduate of the University of the Philippines and the Academy of Arts in Berlin, Zaens was part of the multi-awarded Philippine Madrigal Singers.
Tickets for Bach to Jukebox with Jonathan de la Paz Zaens are available at the Ayala Museum ticket counter and Ticket World.
A regular ticket costs PHP700 (US$13.08) while a limited premiere ticket is PHP1,000 (US$18.69). Senior citizens, students, and Ayala Museum members can avail of a discount.
For more information, visit the Bach to Jukebox with Jonathan de la Paz Zaens Facebook event page.
Hit the dance floor
Date: Aug. 17, Friday
Venue: Cove Manila, Okada Manila, New Seaside Dr., Entertainment City, Parañaque City
Cove Manila, the club at hotel-casino Okada Manila, regularly invites international DJs to spin for their guests and this week it’s going to be Colombian-American DJ and music producer Erick Morillo.
Morillo is behind electronic music tracks like Da Mob’s Fun and was previously named “Best International DJ” by the DJ Awards.
While chill bars are more popular in Manila nowadays, those who still enjoy nights out clubbing can look forward to his sets and Cove Manila’s indoor beach club this Friday.
For more information, visit Cove Manila’s Facebook page.
Ditch the foreign films and watch the latest local indies
Date: Aug. 15, Wednesday – Aug. 21, Tuesday
Venue: All major movie theaters nationwide
Following the Cinemalaya Film Festival this month is another film festival that will showcase local mainstream and independent films.
Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino starts today and ends on Tuesday next week. During those days, eight local films will be screened in all major theaters nationwide, all while foreign films are banned.
Read more about the films that will be showcased in this rundown.
Get crafty at this art market
Date: Aug. 18 – 19 (Saturday & Sunday)
Venue: Art In Island, 175 15th Ave., Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City
Art In Island is a 3D interactive museum in Quezon City where visitors can pose beside Intstagrammable optical illusions but on some weekends, it also hosts an art fair for seasoned and new artists and crafters.
One of their art markets this year will be held over the weekend and will include booths that sell paintings, figurines, and hand-made goods.
Apart from shopping, there will also be arts and crafts activities for visitors.
For more information, visit the 2018 Art Market Facebook event page.
Catch this original pinoy musical on stage
Date: Aug. 18, Saturday – Aug. 26, Sunday
Venue: Arts Above, Artist Playground II, West Venue Building, 112 West Ave., Quezon City
Gee-gee at Waterina (Gee-gee and Waterina) is a one-act play that was first staged in 2005’s Virgin Labfest. In 2006, a short-film version of the story was screened at the Cinemalaya Film Festival. And now, it’s been turned into a musical by theater company Artist Playground.
It tells the story of Waterina, who was a “comfort gay” during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, and his friend Gee-gee, an openly gay counselor. The two discuss the meaning of life and self-worth in between colorful musical numbers.
It is based on behind-the-scenes stories of the 2000 film Markova: Comfort Gay starring the late “King of Comedy,” Dolphy.
Tickets are available at Ticket World and cost PHP1,200 (US$22.42) for a regular ticket and PHP1,500 (US$28.03) for a VIP ticket.
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