A Complete Guide to 10 Live Shows in Metro Manila This October 2019

When: September 13, 2019 to January 12, 2020

Where: Onstage Theater, 2nd Floor, Greenbelt Mall 1, Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City

This month, Repertory Philippines’ take on the classic Filipino tale “Ibong Adarna” will take over Onstage Theater. A family-friendly show that gives important lessons about relationships, love, and the value of family, The Quest for the Adarna is a play based on the 16th Century Filipino epic written by Jose Dela Cruz. The story takes place in the kingdom of Berbania. The king and queen of the kingdom has three sons vying for the throne. When the king fell ill to a mysterious sickness, the three brothers embark on a journey to capture a mythical bird that can heal their father with its song. The entire play tells the difficult journey that the brothers face in search for the Adarna.

Tip for a good experience: Onstage Theater is a small venue so if you want better seats, reserve tickets early.

How to get to Onstage Theater: Ride the MRT to Ayala Station. Once you arrive at the station, walk inside SM Makati. The mall is interconnected to Greenbelt, so walk along until you get to it. The theatre is on the second floor of Greenbelt.

When: September 20 to October 20, 2019

Where: Power Mac Center Spotlight, Level 2 Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati

The 1982 drama film Himala (Miracle) is one of the most acclaimed movies in the Philippines.In fact, it served as the Philippines’ official entry to the Berlin Film Festival. In Himala: Isang Musikal (Miracle: A Musical), you will get to see a different take of the Ricky Lee classic. Accompanied by the music and lyrics of Vincent De Jesus, the musical will feature returning cast members. Himala is about Cupang, a rural barrio (neighborhood) stricken by drought and its townsfolk who seek hope in the form of Elsa, a young girl who claims to have healing powers after being blessed by the Virgin Mary.

Tip for a good experience: The seats inside the venue are closer to each other compared to most venues, so if you’re bringing valuables, don’t leave them on your chair unattended.

How to go to Power Mac Center Spotlight: Ride the MRT to Guadalupe Station. From the station, ride a jeepney en route to Del Pan or El Guinto and get off at PRC. Circuit Makati is walking distance from there. Once there, find the yellow building; the Power Mac Center Spotlight is on its second floor.

When: October 4 to 27, 2019; 8:00PM (Fridays), 3:00PM and 8:00PM (Saturday), 3:00PM (Sunday)

Where: CCP Studio Theater, Tanghalang Huseng Batute, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

If you’re familiar with John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, then you’d know what to expect in this play. Katsuri is a Hiligaynon adaptation of the novel. The play focuses on the survival of sugar plantation workers in Negros who formed a friendship and whose bond is quickly tested by circumstances. The play mainly explores inequality among workers. It is written and directed by husband-and-wife tandem Bibeth Orteza and Carlos Siguion-Reyna.

Tip for a good experience: CCP Theater does not allow visitors without proper attire. Avoid wearing slippers, sleeveless, and shorts.

How to go to the CCP Studio Center: Ride the LRT-1 and alight at Vito Cruz Station. Exit the station and turn right to Pablo Ocampo Sr (Vito Cruz) and walk along Citiland Tower, University Mall, and Rizal Memorial Basketball Coliseum opposite Jollibee. Keep walking until you reach a terminal of orange jeepneys en route to CCP/PICC. Ride one then get off at CCP.

When: October 10, 2019; 7:30 PM

Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay

Three years after his debut concert in Manila, Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes will be making a comeback to the SM Mall of Asia Arena this October. The “Señorita” singer will be performing his chart-topper hits like “Stitches,” “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back,” “Treat You Better,” and several of his new hits from his recent Shawn Mendes album. The concert is part of his world tour to promote his 2018 self-titled studio album.

Tip for a good experience: Washroom queues tend to get long at the Mall of Asia Arena, so try to go to the bathroom before the show when lines aren’t as long.

How to go to the SM Mall of Asia Arena: Ride the MRT-3 up to Taft Avenue Station. Exit the station and look for a jeepney or shuttle heading to SM Mall of Asia. Alight the jeepney at the Mall of Asia Complex. The eye-shaped building is the Mall of Asia Arena.

When: October 11 to 27, 2019; time varies depending on the show date

Where: The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino, Oceana Avenue, Entertainment City, Paranaque City

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Sweeney Todd’s Broadway debut. What better way to celebrate than to watch it in our own country? Heading the talented cast are OPM rock icon Jett Pangan as the titular character and Broadway legend Lea Salonga as Mrs. Lovett. During the play’s Broadway premiere, it won eight Tony Awards and Oliver Award for Best New Musical. Over the years, the show has seen multiple revivals which also individually earned Tony Awards.

Tip for a good experience: Make sure to bring a jacket to keep yourself warm since the venue tends to get cold.

How to go to The Theater at Solaire: Take the MRT-3 and get off at Taft Avenue Station. Go down the station to ride a jeepney heading to SM Mall of Asia. There is a shuttle service heading to Solaire. The earliest trip is at 12:00 PM. The Theater is located at the second floor of Solaire.

When: October 11 to 13, 2019; time depends on the show date

Where: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, CCP Main Theate, Roxas Boulevard., Pasay City

Continuing Ballet Philippines’ year-long 50th anniversary celebration will be their stage adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy that tells the story of young love and fate’s playful twists and turns. Ballet Philippines previously staged A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2013.

Tip for a good experience: Since the time varies depending on the show date, check the complete schedule online before purchasing tickets to avoid confusion and conflicts in schedule.

How to go to the CCP Complex: Ride the LRT-1 and alight at Vito Cruz Station. Exit the station and turn right to Pablo Ocampo Sr (Vito Cruz) and walk along Citiland Tower, University Mall, and Rizal Memorial Basketball Coliseum opposite Jollibee. Keep walking until you reach a terminal of orange jeepneys en route to CCP/PICC. Ride one then get off at CCP.

When: September 27 and 28, October 12, 2019, All shows start at 8:00PM

Where: Music Museum, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Avenue, North Western St., Brgy. Greenhills, San Juan City

Featuring music scores from Ryan Cayabyab and the writing of Nestor Torre, Magnificat is an original Filipino musical that is a must-see for theater fans. It tells the story of Jesus’ life through the perspective of Mary. The show will be Lyric Opera of the Philippines’ (LyrOpera) offering for its 8th season kickoff. The musical first opened in 1996 and since then has been staged in different venues.

Tip for a good experience: Since the venue is within the Greenhills Shopping Center, try to go to the venue earlier to secure a good parking spot. Also, take note that parking in several streets in San Juan is not allowed.

How to go to the Music Museum: Take the MRT-3 and get off at Ortigas Station. Walk towards Robinsons Galleria and ride a jeep heading to San Juan or any RRCG/G Liner bus en route to Quiapo. Get off at Greenhills. From the drop-off point, walk towards the back of the main shopping center. The Music Museum is beside the Promenade Mall.

When: October 19 to 20, 2019; 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM (October 19), 3:00 PM (October 20)

Where: Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Vicente Sotto St, Pasay, Metro Manila

Part of Ballet Manila’s 24th performance season is the classical piece Giselle, a quintessential romantic ballet piece that has been performed since 1842. It tells the story of Giselle, a beautiful young lady who died after finding out that the love of her life is already engaged to another woman but was brought back to life by a group of women called The Wilis.

Tip for a good experience: Since ballet shows do not have dialogues, familiarize yourself with the plot beforehand so you can follow the show.

How to go to Aliw Theater: Take the LRT-1 and alight at Vito Cruz station. From the station, turn right to Citiland Tower, University Mall, and Rizal Memorial Basketball Coliseum. From there, keep walking until you see orange jeepneys heading to CCP or PICC. Ride one and ask the driver to drop you off at the Aliw Theater.

When: October 19, 2019; 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Where: Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Center, 5 Sunnyside Dr, New Manila, Quezon City

Do you have a lot of feelings you want to let out? Ampalaya Monologue’s fourth installment, Bitter Than B4, features a new collection that tackles love and all its mysteries and bitterness. This year’s edition will feature new monologues like “Before I Let You Ghost,” “Social Media Break,” “The Girl Who Who Whispered For Love,” and “Repeat From The Top Again (Once More Time With Feelings).”

Tip for a good experience: There are some fast food joints along the main road near PETA Theater, so you can fill up before watching the play. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the theater.

How to go to PETA Theater: Ride the MRT-3 then alight at the Araneta Center Terminal Station. From there, walk from Farmer’s Plaza to Aurora Boulevard. Cross to the opposite lane and ride a jeepney or UV Express headed to Espana or Quiapo. Ask the driver to drop you off at Caltex before the Quezon City Sports Club. Walk along the street at the right of Caltex then walk until you get to PETA Theater.

When: October 28, 2019

Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena

If there’s one word to describe the Backstreet Boys it would be “iconic.” The boy band, which shaped the childhood of the current generation, has been actively making music for over 20 years. The Manila leg of the show is part of the Backstreet Boys’ DNA World Tour, which promotes their new album, DNA. You can catch Nick, Brian, Howie, AJ, and Kevin perform their new tracks along with the classics “Get Down,” “As Long As You Love Me,” and “I Want It That Way.”

Tip for a good experience: Since the show is on a Monday, it’s recommended to leave work early so you can get to the venue on time.

How to go to SM Mall of Asia Arena: Follow the directions that were previously given.

Whether you’re into the theater or music scene, these shows will make October a month to remember.