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.
Scare yourself sh*tless in a film fest
Date: Oct. 24 (Wednesday) – 30 (Tuesday)
Venue: All SM Cinemas nationwide except Director’s Club by SM Cinema and IMAX
It’s Halloween weekend! Those who don’t plan to party this year can still get into the (spooky) spirit of the holiday by going to one of the screenings in SM’s Sine Sindak film festival.
And it won’t cost much either — a ticket for one film will cost PHP99 (US$1.84), while a pass for all eight films featured is priced at PHP199 (US$3.70).
Films on the lineup include The Hoarder, starring The O.C. alum Mischa Barton, about a woman trapped in an underground storage facility; and The Evil In Us, about a woman in a remote island who must save her life after her loved ones turn into cannibals.
OK, so the films aren’t exactly critically acclaimed, but what better time to watch some crazy B movies than Halloween, right?
The Sine Sindak festival starts today and ends on Oct. 30 in most SM Cinemas nationwide.
For more information and a complete list of the featured films, visit the SM Cinema Facebook page.
Groove to some deep house
Date: Oct. 25, Thursday
Venue: Mall of Asia Arena, Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Thursday isn’t the weekend, yes — but there’s no reason it shouldn’t be treated like one this week. Apart from the fact that most people are probably already on vacation mode in anticipation of next week’s four-day weekend, there are also two concerts happening in the city before Saturday even hits.
The first is for fans of house music. Norwegian DJ Kygo will finally hold his much-anticipated concert in Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena as part of his Kids In Love tour.
Apart from his popular remix of Ed Sheeran’s I See Fire, Kygo has also produced hits like Firestone, Stole the Show, and Stargazing.
Tickets are available at SM Tickets and cost from PHP1,150 (US$21.40) – PHP6,200 (US$115.40).
Hear that famous Mariah whistle, live
Date: Oct. 26, Friday
Venue: Smart Araneta Coliseum, General Roxas Ave., Cubao, Quezon City
The second concert this week is for fans of hitmaker and self-proclaimed diva, Mariah Carey — of which there are many in the pop and R&B-loving Philippines.
The concert promises to include Carey’s best hits, which means seekers of ’90s and early 2000s nostalgia can look forward to songs like Without You, Honey, Always Be My Baby, and We Belong Together.
Tickets are available on Ticket Net and are priced at PHP1,945 (US$36.20) – PHP25,200 (US$469.08).
Laugh at the crazy state of two nations in this political comedy show
Date: Oct. 26 – 27 (Friday – Saturday)
Venue: PETA Theater Center, 5 Eymard Dr., New Manila, Quezon City
It’s been said before, but aren’t Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Donald Trump just so … alike?
The two political leaders have drawn comparisons with each other ever since rising to power in 2016. Controversies continue to mount for both their administrations but sometimes, all one can do is laugh at the crazy state of affairs — even for just one night. Popular comedian and impersonator Jon Santos is back on stage with another political satire to do just that.
Titled Trumperte (Trump + Duterte, get it?), the show will discuss current political and societal issues in a satirical but smart way. It promises to be “brave, explosive, and delightfully entertaining,” so expect some major shade throwing.
Tickets are available on Ticket World and cost PHP1,000 (US$18.61) – PHP3,000 (US$55.83).
For more information, visit the Trumperte: A New Jon Santos Show! Facebook page.
Watch a film backed by the Manila Symphony Orchestra
Date: Oct. 28, Sunday
Venue: Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, 26th St., Cor. McKinley Pkwy., Taguig City
Call Me By Your Name was one of last year’s most critically acclaimed films, but it’s about to become even better when it screens in the Philippines again on Sunday, backed by a live performance by the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
Said to be the first of its kind in the Philippines, it will also be the world premiere of Call Me By Your Name in concert.
Call Me By Your Name is a coming of age story set in 1980s Italy about 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) who falls in love with 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer). It won Best Adapted Screenplay in this year’s Oscars and received three other nominations including one for Best Original Song. If you haven’t seen it yet — the musical score is one of the highlights of the film, and absolutely adds to the feels by a million.
Tickets for Call Me By Your Name In Concert are available on Ticket World and cost PHP2,150 (US$40.01) – PHP2,700 (US$50.26).
