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.
Catch this famous YouTuber live in concert
Date: May 1, Wednesday
Venue: Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd., Pasay City
Troye Sivan may have originally gained popularity as a YouTuber, but unlike other musicians on the platform, he has successfully transitioned to the mainstream.
While this event doesn’t technically happen on a weekend, it does fall on Labor Day, a national holiday. Fans can sing to his hits My My My!, Bloom, i’m so tired…, and YOUTH when he performs at the Mall of Asia Arena tomorrow.
The concert is part of his Bloom tour. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are priced between PHP1,800 (US$34.61) – PHP8,750 (US$168.23). Tickets are available on SM Tickets.
For more information, visit the Troye Sivan at Mall of Asia Facebook event page.
Catch a critically-acclaimed play
Date: Starts May 3, Friday
Venue: Onstage Theatre, 2/F, Greenbelt Mall, 1 Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City
The Dresser is a 1980 Broadway and West End play by Ronald Harwood. This week, it will be staged at the Onstage Theatre in Makati City.
The story is set in war-torn England and centers on the character Sir, an aging actor, and his personal assistant Norman. Sir is set to play King Lear in a play but is in a delusional state, leaving Norman to keep things from falling apart.
The play was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Play, and its movie adaptation was nominated for a multiple Academy Awards including Best Picture.
The upcoming local production is by Repertory Philippines and stars veteran theater actors Teroy Guzman and Audie Gemora.
The show will run on all weekends in May. Tickets are available on Ticket World and are priced at PHP1,200 (US$23.07) – PHP1,500 (US$28.84).
For more information, visit the Repertory Philippines Facebook page.
Relive your emo days
Date: May 5, Sunday
Venue: New Frontier Theater, Araneta Center, General McArthur Ave., Quezon City
Former emo kids can dust off their cut up concert shirts this week as American band Mayday Parade will be in the country for a two-day concert.
The popular 2000s rock band will first perform in Cebu’s Sky Hall Seaside on May 3, Friday then will head to Manila for a performance in the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
Tickets are priced at PHP1,590 (US$30.57) – PHP6,360 (US$122.27) and are available on Ticket Net.
Mayday Parade is popular for the songs Jamie All Over, Miserable At Best, and Terrible Things.
For more information, visit the Mayday Parade Welcome to Sunnyland Philippines – Manila Facebook event page.
Cop free comic books
Date: May 4, Saturday
Venue: Fully Booked branches in Metro Manila
This year, May 4 isn’t just Star Wars Day — it also happens to be Free Comic Book Day.
Like previous years, bookstore chain Fully Booked will be opening its doors on the first Saturday of May to give customers free comic books. They will be completely free, meaning customers don’t need to buy anything to avail of the giveaway.
Those who do want to shop a bit, though, can also enjoy a 20 percent discount on select graphic novels.
For more information, read this Coconuts Manila primer on the event.
Go to a fiesta
Date: May 5, Sunday
Venue: Various locations
The first week of May also means that it’s time for Cinco de Mayo. The Mexican holiday is now celebrated all over the world, and in the Philippines, that usually means gorging on tacos and hitting margaritas.
Establishments typically have Cinco de Mayo specials. This year, this includes buy-1-take-1 margaritas, beer, and tequila at The Brewery At The Palace.
Food fair organizer Mercato Centrale will also hold a Cinco de Mayo street fiesta in Makati’s Paseo de Roxas (near Ayala Triangle Gardens), where a variety of Mexican food will be served. Visitors can look forward to authentic dishes as the event was organized in partnership with the Mexican Embassy.
For something a bit fancier, Waterside at Solaire, a Latin-inspired restaurant in Solaire Resort & Casino, will have a Cinco de Mayo party on May 4 and 5. There will be live entertainment and an all-you-can-eat nacho and taco bar (PHP750/US$14.42). The event also boasts of having Manila’s largest margarita. Ay, caramba.
FIND IT:
The Brewery is at The Palace, 9th Ave. cor. 36th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Open 3pm – 2am, Monday – Thursday; 3pm – 4am, Friday – Saturday
Phone: (63) 917 813 9429
Waterside at Solaire is at Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Ave., Entertainment City, Parañaque City
Open 10am -1am, Sunday – Saturday
Phone: (632) 888 8888
