Nightlife MNL: Softcult in Manila, Cinco de Mayo in Z, & More

Another weekend in Manila is upon us and this spells for a jam-packed schedule of concerts and gigs, happy hour and cocktail nights, fresh raves, and club nights you must not miss. We saved you the stress of planning your weekend and week ahead with our rundown of the best nightlife events.
To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Manila to see what’s best in store for nightlife and partying in the city from this Friday to next Thursday.
1. Ploverstream’s ‘Hand in Hand’ CD Launch
The spirit of the Filipino emotive punk lives on in Ploverstream, and their 2019 full-length, “Hand in Hand,” endures because of its timeless themes and simple production. Now, with the help of Calm Lake Records, they will be releasing a physical CD of the album for the first time at an event in Mow’s in Matalino Street. Local support is on hand, with Eiffel, Molar, Amateurish, Noods, Mindless Pop, and Poetryonherskin all on the bill.
Tickets are available at the door, but you can go here to book yours in advance.
When: 6 PM, May 6
Where: Mow’s, 20 Matalino Street, Diliman, Quezon City
How much: P300 (door charge)
2. Comic’s Trip EP Launch
Comic’s Trip and their indie tendencies will be at Balcony Music House for the launch of their first extended play (EP), “Anatomy of Comics.” One of contemporary Filipino indie rock’s brightest talents, Comic’s Trip is reminiscent of Join The Club and the early 2000s rock that is easy on the ears but weighs heavy on the heart. It’s full steam ahead for the band, and they will be supported by local acts such as Drive of Daydream, Purple and Oranges, Ascend, Bloomfields, and many more.
When: 7 PM, May 6
Where: Balcony Music House, 4637 Molina, Poblacion, Makati
How much: P350 (no beer), P400 (one free beer)
3. ‘Viva La Fiesta’: Cinco de Mayo 2023
Cinco de Mayo has always been a day of celebration. At Manila House, the local version will be a banquet worthy of its Latin roots courtesy of The Tasting Club and Drink Manila. Complete with the Mexico’s finest, including Jose Cuervo, Corona and Codigo 1530, drinks will flow all night for guests with a live Mariachi performance and a DJ set for later celebrations.
Please go here for the seats, for which there is a limited number.
When: 6 PM, May 6
Where: Manila House, Seven/NEO, 8th Floor, 5th Ave, Taguig
How much: P3,000 per person
4. ‘Cinco de Mayo sa Bodega 2.0’
Bodega 2.0 will turn up the Mexican heat, along with Olmeca Tequila, at their Cinco de Mayo celebration this coming fifth of May. Jay Flava and the Statik Girls are going to provide the entertainment for the night on this day of days, when a shot of tequila is a salute to Mexico and its rich and proud heritage.
When: 7 PM, May 5
Where: Bodega 2.0 by MDS, 2102 2F Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
How much: Available upon inquiry
5. Friday Night Music: MMG with Rhythm and Harmony
Mark Michael Garcia, the "Tawag ng Tanghalan Resbak” champion from 2019, will perform alongside his band, Rhythm and Harmony, for TakeOver Lounge’s regular Friday Night Music event. Fingers crossed, MMG will belt out his rendition of “Just Once” with his signature and powerful voice. But, even without his greatest hit, we know that this is going to be a night of groovy tunes and perfect weekender vibes.
When: 8 PM, May 5
Where: TakeOver Lounge, 31 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
How much: P800
6. COMATOSE 20th Year Anniversary Tour – Cainta Leg
Old-school death metal band Comatose will be celebrating two decades of head-banging, throat-shredding music at The Fern Triangle in the gem of the east, Cainta. Only the heaviest, moodiest music is allowed here, and it’s going at full speed all night long. End of Man, Seizure, Exitus, and many other bands will support this night of inhuman guitar riffs, double pedals from hell, and head-banging action.
When: 7 PM, May 6
Where: The Fern Triangle, 21 Ortigas Extension, Cainta
How much: P350 per person
7. Cinco de Mayo 2023 @ Z Hostel
Z Hostel really knows how to throw a party. Among their litany of partners for Cinco de Mayo 2023 stand two that’s going to make this one a success: Onlypans and Careless Music. Good music, good food, and a personality or two to make the evening more memorable, this is one May 5 festivity that you’ll want to underline, highlight, and for which you need to have an alarm.
When: 5 PM, May 5
Where: Z Hostel, 5660 Don Pedro Street, 1210, Makati
How much: Free
8. Swelter: Live at Pit 88
Pasig Band Community (PBC) will head to Marikina to Pit 88 Restobar for their next event, with Swelter as the main attraction. But, this wouldn’t be a PBC event without the army of independent bands that they represent. OKMN, Prinsesa, Marthas Affair, RADIOMACHINE, Roses Between Pages, and many other local acts are going to play at the mini-indie concert.
When: 7 PM, May 11
Where: Pit 88 Bar, 50 Gil Fernando Avenue, Marikina City
How much: P200 (door charge)
9. Softcult | Live in Manila
There’s power in Softcult’s mastery of their style, something which Kerrang describes as, “Mercedes and Phoenix are taking their love of the ’90s riot grrrl movement and making it their own, mixing grunge, shoegaze and a smattering of their pop-rock past together to create something fresh.” Now, the duo is bringing their signature music to Quezon City as the country is part of their Asian tour. With support from July XIV, Matoki, Sandy Good and Suyen, this has the potential to be a low-key rock banger of the year.
Go here for the tickets.
When: 6 PM, May 7
Where: Mow’s, 20 Matalino Street, Quezon City
How much: P1,000 (advance purchase), P1,500 (door charge)
10. ‘Cinco De Carnival’
Mansion Sports Bar is giving Cinco de Mayo the long weekend treatment. With three days of festivities, each with a different attraction, you’re probably in for a Berlin-style never-ending party this fifth of May. Keep an eye for the May 5 lineup because if you’re looking to party like there’s no tomorrow, the multiple DJ sets and Mariachi performance are the one-two combo you never thought you needed until now.
When: May 4-6
Where: Mansion Sports Bar & Lounge, 100, OPL Building, Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati
How much: Free, but reservations are encouraged
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