Category: Events

  • Acer Day 2025 Concert to ‘Break A Limit’ with SB19, Sarah G, G22 & More!

    Acer Day 2025 Concert to ‘Break A Limit’ with SB19, Sarah G, G22 & More!

    Returning for its ninth consecutive year, Acer Day is back with the theme “Break A Limit,” which highlights the drive to overcome obstacles, achieve new milestones, and push boundaries. Acer’s mission is to provide the technology that enables and empowers individuals to explore limitless possibilities and strive for excellence in various aspects of life, including productivity, creativity, gaming, learning, and personal well-being. 

    Acer Day 2025

    “This year’s Acer Day celebration brings to the fore Acer’s mission of breaking down barriers between people and technology,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director at Acer Philippines. “We believe that to ‘Break A Limit,’ you need to surpass your personal best.”

    Acer Day 2025 SB19

    For this year’s Acer Day, Acer Philippines presents a musical extravaganza on August 9 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, featuring the best of the best in Filipino music and artistry, including Acer ambassadors SB19, G22, Sarah Geronimo, along with Itchyworms, KMKZ, and Maki. The Acer Day stage will be the first appearance of Acerpure’s newest ambassadors, the PBB Celebrity Collab housemates, including Klarisse De Guzman, Mika Salamanca, Shuvee Etrata, Esnyr Ranollo, Will Ashley, Brent Manalo, Ralph De Leon, and Charlie Fleming.

    Acer Day 2025 G22

    Fans can look forward to electrifying performances, unprecedented collaborations between artists, and songs they will hear for the first time!
    “Every Acer Day celebration is special, and this year, we welcome new members to the Acer family. This year’s concert, ‘Break A Limit,’ celebrates a future where limits are not barriers but opportunities for innovation and growth,” said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager, Acer Philippines.

    Acer Day helps Acer engage with customers through music and various activities that allow them to try products and discover new user experiences.

    For more information about Acer and Acer Day, follow Acer Philippines on social media: @AcerPH on Facebook or visit www.acer.com.

  • One-Day Pickleball Showdown to Crown PH Reps for Asia’s Biggest Amateur Tournament

    One-Day Pickleball Showdown to Crown PH Reps for Asia’s Biggest Amateur Tournament

    The stage is set for an electrifying finale to the 2025 SM Pickleball SuperSeries as Toby’s Sports, in collaboration with the Pickleball Champions League Asia, presents the SM Pickleball SuperSeries Battle of Champions, happening July 19, 2025, at SM City East Ortigas.

    This landmark event will feature the top advanced-level winners from the three thrilling legs of the Pickleball SuperSeries held from April to June across SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North Edsa. These champions will now converge in a single-day showdown, joined by one wildcard team, to determine who will represent the Philippines in the biggest amateur pickleball tournament in Asia.

    About the Pickleball Champions League Asia

    Tobys Sports partners with Pickleball Champions League Asia

    Toby’s Sports partners with Pickleball Champions League Asia. From left: Migo Claudio, SM Pickleball SuperSeries Tournament Director; Toby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports; Steve Kuhn, Chairman of PCLA and Founder of MLP and DUPR; and Andrea Tan, Head of Marketing and CX at Toby’s Sports

    The Pickleball Champions League Asia (PCLA) is the premier continental competition for amateur pickleball, bringing together top club teams from across the region, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and Japan. It was co-founded by Steve Kuhn, the visionary behind Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the DUPR rating system, which is now the global standard in competitive pickleball. A hedge fund veteran turned sports pioneer, Kuhn has played a key role in professionalizing the sport worldwide and igniting Asia’s rapid growth in the pickleball scene.

    “We believe Asia will be one of the most exciting growth engines for pickleball in the next decade, and the Philippines is quickly becoming a key player in that movement,” said Kuhn. “We’re thrilled to partner with Toby’s Sports to bring this opportunity to life and can’t wait to welcome the best amateur Filipino team to the PCLA Finals in Shenzhen.”

    High Stakes, Higher Rewards

    The Mission Hills Pickleball Stadium where the PCLA Finals will take place on August 9 10 2025

    The Mission Hills Pickleball Stadium where the PCLA Finals will take place on August 9-10, 2025

    The winning team will not only be crowned the SM Pickleball SuperSeries 2025 Grand Champion but will also earn an all-expense-paid slot to compete at the PCLA Finals, happening August 9–10, 2025, at the Mission Hills Mall Pickleball Stadium in Shenzhen, China. This prestigious event will feature the best amateur teams across Asia, including Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and more.

    As part of their prize, the Philippine representatives will receive round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and pocket money, giving them the opportunity to compete internationally and proudly raise the Philippine flag on the regional stage.

    “We’re incredibly excited to partner with PCLA to elevate our local champions onto the Asian stage,” said Toby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports. “This Battle of Champions is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of passion, progress, and the growing pickleball movement in the Philippines.”

    Event Access and Experience

    Admission to the Battle of Champions is free, and spectators can look forward to high-stakes matches, exciting brand activations, and exclusive drops from top pickleball brands. It’s a one-day pickleball showcase you won’t want to miss.Don’t miss this thrilling conclusion to the 2025 SM Pickleball SuperSeries — where champions rise, and new legacies begin.

    The event is made possible by SM Supermalls, the official venue partner of the SM Pickleball SuperSeries 2025, Adidas, Selkirk, Smart Sports, Puso Pilipinas and Polland Hopia.

  • Hatsune Miku Expo 2025 Asia A Celebration Of Future Pop Culture – 7 Cities in Asia

    Hatsune Miku Expo 2025 Asia A Celebration Of Future Pop Culture – 7 Cities in Asia

    The world’s most iconic virtual singer, Hatsune Miku, is set to electrify audiences once again with the return of HATSUNE MIKU EXPO, the global live concert tour and cultural phenomenon celebrating digital creativity and futuristic pop performance. MIKU EXPO will hit Manila for the first time ever on November 16 (Sunday) at The SM Mall of Asia Arena, bringing fans a spectacular audiovisual experience like no other. 

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    HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2025 combines high-energy performances, breathtaking visuals, and fan-favorite hits all in one show. Hatsune Miku is a singing synthesizer software developed by Crypton Future Media, INC., with an ever-growing global fanbase.  

    Promoted by AEG Presents Asia and Ovation Productions, tickets for HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2025 in Manila will go on sale July 22 (Tuesday), 12PM. Tickets will be available via smtickets.com

    HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2025 promises a mesmerizing evening that celebrates music, creativity, and global fandom in perfect harmony.  

    HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2025 ASIA TOUR DATES 

    • November 5 Bangkok        UOB Live 
    • November 8 Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Arena 
    • November 12 Jakarta Tennis Indoor Senayan 
    • November 16 Manila SM Mall of Asia Arena 
    • November 19 Singapore The Star Theatre 
    • November 22 Kuala Lumpur Idea Live KL 
    • November 29 Seoul Hwajeong Gymnasium 

  • CFMOTO MT Challenge 2025 Gears Up at Robinsons Land’s Montclair in Pampanga

    CFMOTO MT Challenge 2025 Gears Up at Robinsons Land’s Montclair in Pampanga

    This July, adrenaline and adventure collide at Montclair in Porac, Pampanga, as CFMOTO Philippines brings the highly anticipated MT Challenge 2025 to one of the emerging destination estates of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC).

    PR MT image

    Happening on July 5 to 6, the MT Challenge is an off-road endurance event designed exclusively for riders of CFMOTO’s MT-series motorcycles. CFMOTO is a fast-growing global motorcycle brand offering high- performance adventure bikes, now making waves in the Philippine riding community.

    Participants can join either as solo riders or as part of a three-member team, with top finishers earning the chance to represent the Philippines in the international leg of the challenge in Australia this October.

    Hosting this event at Montclair reflects Robinsons Land’s commitment to building estates that offer “Live- Work-Play-Inspire” lifestyles. Spanning 230 hectares, Montclair blends nature, commerce, leisure, and community—making it an ideal setting for bold experiences that bring people together and spark inspiration.

    Open to the public with free spectator admission, the MT Challenge promises a weekend of action-packed excitement with loads of fun, food*, and friendship—with food booths, vendor stalls, and a growing community of adventure enthusiasts all part of the experience. The event will be livestreamed in CFMOTO Philippines Facebook Page with commentary by Jinno Rufino and Mel Aquino.

  • Halo-Halo Meets Riverdale: Archie Comics Drops PH-Exclusive Cover & New Villain at SuperManila Comic Con 2025

    Halo-Halo Meets Riverdale: Archie Comics Drops PH-Exclusive Cover & New Villain at SuperManila Comic Con 2025

    Archie Comics is bringing major kilig vibes to Filipino fans at this year’s SuperManila Comic Con 2025. In a fun and flavorful crossover, the beloved American comic franchise is unveiling a Philippine-exclusive variant cover for Betty & Veronica and introducing a brand-new character who’s about to shake things up in Riverdale.

    ARCHIE SMCC Exclusive Cover

    Picture this: Archie, Betty, and Veronica—the classic Riverdale trio—trading their usual milkshake for a tall glass of halo-halo, topped with ube ice cream and barquillos. It’s a scene bursting with Filipino flavor, and it takes center stage on a limited-edition cover created just for SuperManila Comic Con 2025. Happening on September 6 and 7 at One Ayala in Makati City, this pop culture celebration is packed with surprises, including a Pinoy-themed comic, a mysterious new villain, and the chance to meet a legendary Archie artist in person.

    A Classic Scene, Now with Halo-Halo and Ube Ice Cream

    If you grew up with Archie, Betty, and Veronica, you’ll remember that iconic scene of the three sharing a milkshake. Now imagine it with a Filipino twist. Instead of their usual treat, Archie’s holding a tall glass of colorful halo-halo topped with barquillos, Betty has a spoonful of ube ice cream, and Veronica is ready with a scoop of shaved ice. It’s the Riverdale trio like you’ve never seen them, sweet, vibrant, and unmistakably Pinoy.

    Archie Milestones Best of the 1980s

    This limited-edition cover, illustrated by legendary Archie artist Dan Parent, reimagines the classic “three on a straw” moment with a proudly Pinoy twist. The milkshake is swapped for halo-halo, while the girls hold scoops of ube ice cream and shaved ice, and Archie snacks on a barquillos stick. It’s a delightful fusion of cultures that longtime fans will want to collect, celebrate, and show off.

    Archie Milestones Best of the 1960s

    A Mysterious New Villain Enters Riverdale

    The surprises don’t stop with the exclusive Philippine cover. Archie Comics is also introducing an all-new character making her global debut at SuperManila: Medusa Doom. With green skin and a mischievous vibe, Medusa’s ready to stir up some chaos for Archie and friends. Who is she exactly? What’s her story? That’s something fans will have to discover, but one thing’s for sure, Riverdale won’t be the same once she’s around. Whether she’s stirring up drama or casting a spell or two, Medusa is a bold new addition that offers to spice up the Archie universe.

    
Archie Comics at SuperManila Comic Con 2025

    Meet Dan Parent in Person

    And yes, fans can meet the man behind the magic, Dan Parent himself will be at SuperManila throughout the weekend, meeting fans, signing comics, and sharing insights from his three-decade career. Parent is a cornerstone of the Archie legacy, having illustrated countless adventures of Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and Kevin Keller, Riverdale’s first openly gay character whom he also created.

    Two Collectible Editions to Grab

    Collectors, get ready. The Philippine-exclusive cover will be available in two limited editions:

    • A trade dress version with all the classic cover details
    • A virgin variant showing off Dan Parent’s artwork in its full, text-free glory

    Whether you’re a longtime collector or new to the Archie fandom, these editions are sure to be a highlight of your collection.

    “This collaboration is a dream come true for Filipino Archie fans,” said Sandy Sansolis, co-organizer of SuperManila Comic Con. “We’re proud to deliver something fun, unique, and a little mischievous with Medusa Doom’s debut.”

    SuperManila Comic Con

    Happening this September at One Ayala in Makati, SuperManila Comic Con is set to bring together thousands of fans for a weekend packed with comics, collectibles, cosplay, gaming, and all things pop culture. Think celebrity guests, artist signings, exclusive merch, and plenty of surprises — all in one massive celebration of Filipino creativity and global fandom.

    Launched in 2019, SuperManila Comic Con has quickly become the go-to event for pop culture lovers in the Philippines. From anime and comics to toys and games, it’s where homegrown talents shine alongside international brands, making it the perfect space for fans to connect, geek out, and celebrate what they love.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Ready for halo-halo, iconic comic covers, and a mysterious new villain? Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun at SuperManila Comic Con 2025. See you there!

  • Book Lovers, Rejoice! Big Bad Wolf’s P99 Book Madness Takes Over Robinsons Manila!

    Book Lovers, Rejoice! Big Bad Wolf’s P99 Book Madness Takes Over Robinsons Manila!

    Calling all readers and bargain hunters! Big Bad Wolf Books is back with its wildest sale yet—every book for only ₱99! From July 1 to 6, 2025, head to Robinsons Manila Midtown Atrium and dive into thousands of titles across every genre imaginable.

    PR Big Bad Wolf 1

    Whether you’re into heart-racing thrillers, inspiring biographies, fun kids’ books, or swoon-worthy romance, everything is just ₱99—no exceptions! It’s the perfect chance to grow your collection, discover new favorites, or stock up on gifts without breaking the bank.

    Admission is FREE, and the hunt is on from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. Don’t miss this epic book fair—mark your calendars and join the madness at Big Bad Wolf’s most affordable sale ever!

  • FêtePH2025 Ignites World Music Day with Must-Visit Music Spots Nationwide

    FêtePH2025 Ignites World Music Day with Must-Visit Music Spots Nationwide

    Fête de la Musique Philippines is set to amplify its month-long celebration of music with a vibrant weekend featuring its highly anticipated Pocket Stages on June 27 and expanded Destination Stages on June 28. 

    Following the resounding success of the Ember Stage at Shangri-La Plaza and the Main Stage at Ayala Triangle Gardens, the festival invites music lovers to dive deeper into the celebration across Metro Manila and beyond.

    Fete25 Makati 0527 01

    On Friday, June 27, the heart of the celebration beats not only in Makati City’s Barangay Poblacion but also in other vibrant spots across the metro. 

    Coinciding with the Barangay Poblacion fiesta, this day will transform the district into a sprawling musical playground. Fête-goers are encouraged to “stage hop” and discover various musical genres presented across numerous independently-produced Pocket Stages. From rock and indie to funk and soul, there’s a sound for every ear. 

    HJ Pocket Stage 2024

    Attendees can look forward to catching crowd favorites like Autotelic, Suyen, Pedicab, barb., Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, and Any Name’s Okay. The Pocket Stages will also be a platform for exciting up-and-coming acts such as Shanne Dandan, Janine, Frank Ely, and many more, showcasing the depth and diversity of Filipino talent. 

    Beyond Poblacion, music enthusiasts can also explore a fantastic array of Pocket Stages on June 27, including the Orion x Comuna Stage at Comuna, the Indie Stage at Sari Sari, the Emo Stage at Catchin’ Up Pub in Gil Puyat, the DreamPop Shoegaze Stage at Mang Rudy’s, the Final Round Stage at Monarch Manila, and the Bandang 90s Stage at SaGuijo.

    Good Sht stage 2024

    The musical journey extends nationwide on Saturday, June 28, with 30 Destination Stages across the archipelago, showcasing the festival’s remarkable growth and reach. Over 2,500 artists are slated to perform at these Destination Stages, further solidifying Fête de la Musique’s commitment to supporting the vibrant local music scene. 

    Notably, the Cebu and Davao Destination Stages have evolved into multi-day, multi-event productions, reminiscent of how the Fête de la Musique celebrations grew in Metro Manila. Furthermore, the inclusion of a number of first-time Fête producers highlights the widespread embrace of the FêtePH spirit and the growing motivation nationwide to nurture and promote local musical talent. 

    Fete25 Destination Map 0603 01

    These stages will bring the Fête de la Musique experience to communities across the Philippines, ensuring that the spirit of “Un Monde” (One World) resonates from Luzon and Visayas, all the way to Mindanao.

    Stay tuned to Fête de la Musique Philippines’ official social media channels and visit www.feteph.com for the latest updates and to know more about the pocket stages and destination stages, the lineup of artists, and the full schedule of performances. 

  • Repertory Philippines opens limited run of Yasmina Reza’s Tony & Olivier award-winning comedy ‘ART’

    Repertory Philippines opens limited run of Yasmina Reza’s Tony & Olivier award-winning comedy ‘ART’

    Repertory Philippines (REP) has raised the curtain on Yasmina Reza’s Olivier & Tony award-winning comedy, ART, with a translation by Christopher Hampton and directed by Victor Lirio. The 88th season’s play will have a limited run only until June 29, with performances scheduled on Friday and Saturday at 8PM, and matinee performances on Sunday at 3:30PM at REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City. 

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    REP’s production of ART is comprised of New York, London, and Manila-based creatives. The international cast features London-based Filipino-British actor Martin Sarreal, who appeared in Season 3 of the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton; award-winning Manila-based actor Brian Sy, who was recently seen in The Sandbox Collective’s Tiny Beautiful Things and in Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (CAST) PH’s Othello as Cassio; and British stage, film, and television actor Freddy Sawyer, a Bristol Old Vic alum and who appeared in Apple TV’s hit series, Trying.

    Directed by Victor Lirio, ART’s creative and production teams include Miguel Urbino (scenic and costume design), Miriam Crowe(lighting design), Fabian Obispo (original music and sound design), Maisie Carter (fight director), Zoe Littleton (voice coach), Uriel Villar (assistant director), Julia Pacificador (associate scenic designer), Hazel Gutierrez Marges (production manager), and Jayvee Carreon (production stage manager).

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    Written by French playwright Yasmina Reza and translated by British playwright Christopher Hampton, this witty and sharp one-act play features three long-time friends Serge (Sarreal), Marc (Sawyer), and Yvan (Sy).  While it explores the subjective nature of art with an  Antrios painting —an all-white piece  tinged with the faintest off-white stripes worth 200,000 francs—becoming a source of tension, the play also cleverly and hilariously dives deep into the complexity of friendships and how easy it is for personal beliefs to strain relationships.

    Also sharing the stage are artworks by members of the HOPE Project, an initiative made up of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Lipa City, Batangas. Founded by jail warden Aris Villaester, HOPE Project (or Help One Person Deprived of Liberty Every Day) supports the release of qualified and deserving PDLs who are ill, in their senior years, and have no financial means to pay for legal fees. 

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    Apart from supporting the creations of PDLs, REP’s ART is also part of the Bridge Project 2025 Season, made possible with a partnership with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and MINT College.  The skills exchange program focuses on classical work with week-long workshops on Shakespeare Rhetoric, Voice & Alexander Technique, Movement and Stage Combat led by visiting tutors from New York and the United Kingdom. With a generous funding from the Community Investment arm of JTI Philippines andthe Mercedes Zobel Foundation, the Bridge Project also offers production arts workshops on scenic design and lighting for theaterperformance.  

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    Don’t miss the limited run of REP’s take on the internationally acclaimed comedy ART only until June 29 at REP Eastwood Theater. 

    Tickets to ART are available through Ticketworld at tinyurl.com/REPArtTW and Ticketmelon at tinyurl.com/REPArtTM. For direct ticket inquiries and showbuying opportunities,  message REP  social media pages @repertoryphilippines, call 09626918540 or 09669054013, or email info@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.

    For more information on the Bridge Project 2025 Season and how to register for the workshops, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph.

    For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Theater Review: Virgin Labfest XX: ‘Set E: Panghimagas’ Is Truly a Standout Set of Plays

    Theater Review: Virgin Labfest XX: ‘Set E: Panghimagas’ Is Truly a Standout Set of Plays

    I got to watch the revisited plays of the Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog this year, specifically Set E, which is entitled ‘Panghimagas.’ As someone who has always wanted to go but never seemed to catch the annual festival of brand-new one-act plays, it was a nice way to finally catch a set as this set features standout works from previous years. Held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines‘ Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, each play runs about 30 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission between plays to allow for stage designs and props adjustments for the for the next play.

    VLF XX Set E Panghimagas Revisited

    Not having seen a Virgin Labfest in over five years, I had forgotten how magical it is to witness new work being presented, even if Set E features plays that are a year or two old. These pieces still speak powerfully to the contemporary mindset. As these are standout productions, there was no question that each one hit hard, whether it was comic or tragic in theme.

    VLF XX Set E Identite

    Identite

    Written by Jhudiel Clare D. Sosa
    Directed by Meann Espinosa
    Cast: Ash Nicanor and Kitsi Pagaspas

    This surprising comedic play about a mother discovering her daughter’s dildo is a definite crowd-pleaser. The play tackles the generation gap surrounding the attitudes on sex positivity. When the mother finds her daughter’s stash of sex toys, the two go head-to-head about values and morals and social norms. It’s all played for laughs and even the mother becomes almost a caricature of the conservative, traditional Filipina who doesn’t even realise that sex can be pleasurable. Through the play, a discussion is presented; a bridge between the youth’s more liberal attitudes about sex and self-pleasure and the more repressed ideologies about women and their own desires.

    The dramatic situation is funny enough, but Meann Espinosa directs Nicanor and Pagaspas to really go for the laughs. It’s played for comedy, and you can hear the whole audience erupting in laughter at every punchline. Pagaspas fully embodies the caricature, even punctuating her provincial accent (I think it’s a Batangueno accent) to really emphasize her rural mindset. It even gets physical as the women chase each other around. I’m wondering, though, how this would play it with a more restrained approach. The play is funny as it is, would it be stronger to not punch the punchlines?

    As a progressive person who grew up with liberal, sex-positive parents, I wished the daughter (played by the magnetic Ash Nicanor) stood her ground more and the play didn’t try to find a compromise that coddled the elder woman’s feelings but, tonally and culturally, it is pitch-perfect to the Filipino experience. We always acquiesce to our parents and them taking a tiny step forward to understanding us while the younger generation takes huge steps to accommodate their feelings is part of why the Filipino family bond is so strong.

    Pagkapit sa Hangin poster

    Pagkapit sa Hangin

    Written by Joshua Lim So
    Directed by Jose Estralla
    Cast: Elora Espano, Wenah Nagales, Tim Mabalot, Gold Villar-Lim

    Set at a provincial hospital in the middle of the COVID epidemic, a doctor and two nurses must make a choice on which lives to save when the supply of oxygen tanks run out. Exhausted, drained physically and emotionally, the trio must make an impossible decision as the means for sustaining the lives of their patients have become limited. While they devise a plan, one of the patient’s guardian has taken notice and a debate about who gets to live, and die erupts.

    Pagkapit sa Hangin Photo by Chari Villegas
    Pagkapit sa Hangin | Photo: Chari Villegas

    Dressed in PPE, Espano, Nagales and Mabalot imbibe the tiredness of their characters. They are too tired to hope, to think clearly. You can see it in their gait, their posture, their line delivery. They are running on adrenaline. It’s wonderful if it weren’t so real and even if the pandemic is just two and a half years behind us, it’s still too soon. It immediately grants this production weight. As things start to unravel, the play unfolds the human drama of having to make a decision on who gets to survive. It’s riveting. Estrella’s direction keeps the energy flowing as the tension rises when Villar-Lim’s guardian begins to undermine the medical team’s decisions as it directly affects her father, who is least likely to survive his current condition. 

    At 30 minutes, the play feels like a lifetime. Joshua Lim So’s script makes no judgment on his characters but manages to show each one at their breaking point. The play doesn’t provide an answer but shows us what we are made of when were forced to make impossible decisions. It felt like I was holding my breath the entire run of the show.

    Sa Babaeng Lahat

    Sa Babaeng Lahat

    Written by Elise Santos
    Directed by Caisa Borromeo
    Cast: Jam Binay, Francesca Dela Cruz, Yanni Lopez

    Sa Babaeng Lahat 1Photo by Dulcinea Zulueta
    Sa Babaeng Lahat | Photo: Dulcinea Zulueta

    A hilarious coming-of-age story set in an all-girl’s Catholic high school, ‘Sa Babaeng Lahat’ is a brilliant exploration of young girl’s navigating their faith and sexuality as they are hit by puberty. The religious, sheltered Marie believes she is pregnant with God’s child, the next Immaculate Conception, while her best friend Regina struggles with her feelings with the school’s resident tomboy, Gab, who actively flirts with her.

    Sa Babaeng Lahat 2Photo by Dulcinea Zulueta
    Sa Babaeng Lahat | Photo: Dulcinea Zulueta

    Wonderfully directed by Borromeo, she allows Binay, Dela Cruz, and Lopez to really explore their characters and embody the highs and lows of young girls turning into young women. Jam Binay’s Marie could easily fall into a trap of the conservative idiot, but she infuses Marie with so much sincerity and charm that we see that she’s a victim of being misinformed or not properly educated at all. She’s not naive for comic’s sake but it’s coming from a deep-seated issue that is still prevalent until now. Yanni Lopez’s Gab is so fully realized that she comes off as authentic and true.

    Sa Babaeng Lahat 3Photo by Dulcinea Zulueta
    Sa Babaeng Lahat | Photo: Dulcinea Zulueta

    And while all three are amazing and show off great chemistry with each other, this play is Francesca Dela Cruz’s through and through. Her Regina is a force of nature. She’s acerbic, mean, prickly but Dela Cruz has so much charisma that we can see that it’s all a facade, hiding something deeper within. While all three show impeccable comedic timing, Dela Cruz takes Regina and runs away with it turning her into a whirlwind that has the whole audience in stitches. It’s a powerful display of a great stage presence without making it look like a performance. Borromeo did a wonderful job at directing them that the comedy flows, the chemistry works, and the issues about shame, faith, youthful desires, and queer acceptance doesn’t get lost amongst the laughs.

    My Rating:

    stars 4 5



    VIRGIN LABFEST XX: HINOG is ongoing until June 29, 2025, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). Festival passes are available at the CCP Box Office, or you can get your tickets through TicketWorld and Ticket2Me.

  • Un Monde: A World of Music, A Month of Celebration 

    Un Monde: A World of Music, A Month of Celebration 

    Fête de la Musique Philippines joins the global celebration of music this June, with the theme “Un Monde” or One World, emphasizing music’s incredible power to unite diverse cultures and bridge the Philippines to the world.

    For over three decades, Fête de la Musique Philippines, presented by Alliance Française de Manille alongside its partners, has been a cornerstone of the Philippine music calendar, offering free live music performances across various stages and genres. The “UN MONDE” theme for 2025 highlights the festival’s commitment to fostering international camaraderie and understanding through music.

    FetePH2025 Main Stage Line up Portrait

    FêtePH2025 presents a month-long celebration of music with over 150 events scheduled throughout the month of June.

    The highly anticipated FêtePH2025 Main Stage will once again be the central highlight, taking place on June 21, at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. 

    This year’s Main Stage presents a mix of established headliners and exciting new talents, including Ely Buendia and The Methodists, Armi Millare, Brigada, Janine, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas feat. Leanne & Naara, James Reid, The Ridleys, and Tarsius x Ena Mori. It will also feature off-stage performances by Filipino musicians Frank Ely and Zsaris, Bolivian Pop artist Bling Bling Papaya, and Singapore-based Pinoy queer artist Marian Carmel. 

    Further solidifying the “Un Monde” theme, FêtePH2025 is proud to welcome international musicians Ito Kashitaro from Japan and Emile Londonien from France, both set to perform at the FetePH2025 Main Stage. 

    Beyond the Main Stage, Fête de la Musique Philippines will feature a series of satellite events this month, ensuring that the celebration of music reaches every corner of the metro and beyond.

    Harnessing the healing power of music, FetePH2025 brings back its advocacy “Music Heals” with a sound healing festival led by Aruga Collective on June 11. Throughout the afternoon, “Music Heals” will host vendors, facilitators, and a series of workshops designed to educate and engage participants about the power of sound healing, incense appreciation, and cacao ceremony, and an eclectic variety of holistic healing modalities. 

    Another exciting FetePH2025 event that Fete-goers can look forward to is the Ember Stage at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City on June 13. This stage features an intimate yet captivating musical experience with a vibrant showcase of young energy and Gen Z magic. 

    The musical celebrations continue well beyond the main events. Following the FêtePH25 Main Stage, the fete-stivitieswill spread across Makati City with numerous Pocket Stages on June 27 as part of the Barangay Poblacion fiesta. As in previous years, the pocket stages will offer a more localized and intimate musical experience in various venues with all kinds of music genres. There will also be Pocket Stages outside Metro Manila on June 28. 

    The grand musical journey doesn’t stop there. FetePH2025 brings the spirit of “Un Monde” to communities nationwide on June 28 with 29 Destination Stages and 90 events all over the country. Spanning from Northern Luzon, across the Visayas, to Southern Mindanao, this truly makes Fête de la Musique a country-wide celebration. 

    Complementing these musical experiences, FetePH2025 partnered with SONIK Philippines to present Sonik Soiree, which will highlight the journey of Filipino talent expanding into global markets, the impact of music technology, and the growing role of the creative economy in shaping the future of music. 

    To lead the Sonik Soiree, FetePH2025 invited music marketing and business resource speakers, including Product Marketing, Business Development, and Brand Strategy lead at PLAYZER Francois Planquette, Live Promotions Bkk Managing Director Polo Ruesz, and CEO and Co-Founder of CtrI+Reach (by Y2M) Clémentin Diard. 

    “We are incredibly excited to bring ‘UN MONDE’ to life for our 31st Fête de la Musique celebration,” says Xavier Leroux, Executive Director of Alliance Francaise de Manille. “Music has an unparalleled ability to transcend borders and connect people. This year, we aim to showcase how Filipino music resonates globally, truly making us all ‘One World’ through melody and rhythm.”

    Fête de la Musique Philippines is a free and open-to-all event, inviting music lovers of all ages to partake in this grand celebration. Full artist lineups for all stages and a complete schedule of events will be announced in the coming weeks. 

    Stay tuned to Fete de la Musique Philippines’ official social media channels and register on www.fete. ph for updates and information on all things FetePH 2025.

    FetePH2025 is presented by Alliance Francaise de Manille in partnership with the Embassy of France to the Philippines, Funkybeat Entertainment, and Anam Kara. The event is also brought to you by Tanduay and Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Land, Institut Français, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Raffles and  Fairmont Makati-Official Hotel Partner, TV5 Monde-Official International Media Partner, Billboard Philippines-Official Music Media Partner, Japan Foundation, City of Makati, Barangay Poblacion Makati, Havaianas, Homonym, Alliance Française de Cebu .