Nightlife MNL: Playback Music Festival, Ado World Tour 'Hibana,' & More

Manila’s nightlife scene this week is giving full-on flashback energy — with a twist. Playback Music Festival is bringing together the soundtrack of teenage angst, while Ado and Xiumin represent the best of current J-pop and K-pop talent. Add to that a mix of underground launches, comedy improv, and cozy art nights, and you’ve got a week that hits every kind of vibe, from cathartic singalongs to intimate indie sets.
Playback Music Festival 2025

Relive your 2000s emo phase at the Playback Music Festival. Rock out to iconic bands Boys Like Girls, The Click Five, and Secondhand Serenade and sing along to anthems like "Love Drunk," "Jenny," and "Fall for You." The festival experience goes beyond music, with pop-up bars, food booths, photobooths, and official artist merchandise available throughout the venue.
Ado WORLD TOUR 2025 'Hibana' in Manila

Ado is set to ignite the Mall of Asia Arena with her 2025 “Hibana” Tour. Renowned for her powerful vocals and mysterious stage persona, Ado will deliver a night filled with fan-favorite hits, including songs from "SPY x FAMILY" and "ONE PIECE FILM: RED." “Hibana” offers an immersive audio-visual experience that captures the energy and emotion that have made Ado a global J-pop phenomenon.
2025 XIUMIN FAN CONCERT X Times ( ) in MANILA

Eyes here, Filo EXO-Ls! Meet XIUMIN up close as he brings his first-ever solo fan concert, XIUMIN FAN CONCERT < X Times ( ) > to New Frontier Theater. XIUMIN has made his mark as a singer, dancer, rapper, actor, and musical theater performer. Fans can expect to see the full spectrum of his talents, celebrating a career that has spanned over a decade with EXO, EXO-CBX, and now as a solo artist.
Neck Deep: Live In Manila

Neck Deep is finally making good on their promise to return to the Philippines! Catch them on May 11 live at the New Frontier Theater. Since their formation in 2012, Neck Deep has consistently delivered high-intensity performances worldwide. Fans can look forward to tracks from their latest album, alongside beloved anthems “In Bloom.”
NEGATIVE TIDE — Fatigued Album Launch Party

Fatigued (Emilio Gonzales) invites fans to celebrate the release of his new album "NEGATIVE TIDE," featuring performances by Eggboy, cheeky things, OZO, Austri, and Fatigued himself. An art and merchandise market showcasing works from sobsannix, bedspacers, supersaroy, ar1sing, and byresidents will also be up for grabs. Presale tickets are priced at P300, while door tickets are set at P400.
BORN FOR THIS

Power. Passion. Performance. "Born for This" is the highly awaited concert of Thea Astley, Jessica Villarubin, and Chloe Redondo — three standout vocalists who have made waves through GMA’s reality singing competition, "The Clash." Don’t miss the chance to see these fierce artists together on one stage. Special guests include Julie Ann San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Katrina Velarde and more!
Luh, SPIT sa Manda (ulit)

Get ready for a double dose of comedy as SPIT Manila returns to Lourdes School of Mandaluyong for “Luh, SPIT sa Manda (ulit)” in celebration of the school's 65th Founding Anniversary. The Anyong Lupa matinee and Anyong Tubig gala feature completely unscripted, audience-driven performances. Each show includes two 45-minute sets packed with quick wit, high energy, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Chocolatey Productions - Who's Gonna Drive You Home Tonight?

Kick off your Friday night with "Drive," an all-out music event presented by Chocolatey Productions. This live gig rounds up a mix of rising and underground artists from Manila’s indie and alt scenes. The door charge is P300, giving you access to back-to-back sets from LAST PAGE, Dong Lao, Avuzoqa, Jep’s Low Flying Tutubi, Face Reveal, Bandang Toyo, Jezreel, and more acts!
Sip & Knit v2.0

Back by popular demand! Sip & Knit returns this May 9 at Room 221, Sabio, for another evening of cocktails and laid-back crafting. Attendees will enjoy hands-on instruction in hand-knitting their own chunky bag or cushion — perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Tickets include a complete workshop kit and two drinks of your choice to keep the creativity flowing!
Kibutzi in the Haus

Kibutzi in the Haus combines a soulful night of music, games, and indie art. There will be live performances from Gabriel, Wegs, Franz Guico, Chezka, Kai Buizon, and Ysanygo, alongside indie art booths from Moebeansu, Into the Garden, frogrenade, OHNORIO!, and bizarr. Every ticket includes one iced tea and three chraffles, which are Kibutzi’s signature character-shaped waffles!
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