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.
Watch an award-winning musical
Date: Opens Feb. 20, Wednesday
Venue: The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort & Casino, Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave., Parañaque City
Missed The Phantom of the Opera when it was staged in Manila back in 2012? Well, do yourself a solid and go to this new run of the musical within the Philippines. The opening show is happening today, but performances are scheduled to go on until the end of March.
Now considered a modern classic, Phantom is an award-winning musical about a young ballet dancer who captures the affections of The Phantom in the Paris Opera House.
Some of its most memorable songs are “Think of Me,” which is performed by the lead character Christine, and “All I Ask of You,” a duet between Christine and her childhood sweetheart Vicomte Raoul de Chagny.
Here’s a preview from the musical’s movie adaptation:
Tickets are available on Ticket World and are priced between PHP1,900 (US$36.44) – PHP7,250 (US$139.07), depending on the show day and seats.
Be serenaded by this famous baritone
Date: Feb. 22, Friday
Venue: Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd., Pasay City
Speaking of Phantom, a singer who famously covered one of the musical’s hits will be coming to Manila as well: American vocalist Josh Groban, who will be holding a concert in the city on Friday, bringing his distinct baritone voice to Filipinos who have surely gotten his gospel-style cover of “You Raise Me Up” stuck in their heads more than once.
Apart from Groban, the audience will also be serenaded by Filipino Broadway star and real-life Disney princess Lea Salonga, who will be the show’s special guest.
Here’s Groban performing Phantom’s “All I Ask of You” with Kelly Clarkson:
Tickets are available on SM Tickets and are priced PHP2,640 (US$50.64) – PHP21,650 (US$415.30).
Learn more about Philippine history
Date: Feb. 23, Saturday
Venue: Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. cor. De La Rosa St., Makati City
This coming Monday, Feb. 25 is a holiday to commemorate the Philippines’ People Power Revolution, the bloodless revolution that finally ended Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship in 1986.
To mark the event’s 33rd anniversary, the Ayala Museum is hosting a talk that will discuss the history of Marcos’ martial law that led to this historic event. Those looking to learn a thing or two about it can look forward to a lecture by Brian Paul Giron, a professor at the Ateneo de Manila University’s History Department.
Tickets are priced at PHP350 (US$6.71) for the regular rate, PHP280 (US$5.37) for museum members, PHP250 (US$4.80) for senior citizens, and PHP175 (US$3.36) for undergraduate students and teachers.
For more information, visit the History Talks: Memory and Martial Law Facebook event page.
Discover — and buy — contemporary art
Date: Feb 22 – 24 (Friday – Sunday)
Venue: The Link, North Dr. cor. Makati Ave., Ayala Center, Makati City
Makati’s The Link carpark will once again be transformed into an arts venue with the upcoming Art Fair Philippines 2019.
It will include exhibits by Filipino modern and contemporary visual artists, allowing attendees to discover and familiarize themselves with the local arts scene. Those looking to start or add to an art collection can also buy pieces from the exhibitors.
Apart from the exhibits, there will also be an Art Fair lecture series and Art Fair tours.
Tickets are priced at PHP350 (US$6.71) and are available online until 12nn tomorrow, after which, they can be purchased onsite for the same price.
Makati students with valid IDs can buy the ticket for PHP100 (US$1.92) while students in other cities can buy them for PHP150 (US$2.88). Senior citizens and persons with disability can also attend at a discounted rate.
For more information, visit the Art Fair Philippines website and their 10 Days of Art calendar of events.
Catch an indie pop band’s concert
Date: Feb. 25, Monday
Venue: New Frontier Theater, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Ave., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
Filipinos are getting an extra free day this week because of Monday’s holiday, a treat that would be even sweeter for fans of British band Years & Years. The group, known for its synth-heavy indie pop sound will be performing in Quezon City’s New Frontier Theater on Monday for of its Palo Santo tour.
Tickets are available on Ticket Net and are priced at PHP1,250 (US$23.98) – PHP4,500 (US$86.32).
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