Nightlife MNL: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, Plus 9 More Hot Events

Another weekend in Manila is upon us and this spells for a jam-packed schedule of happy hour and cocktail nights, fresh raves and club nights, and dinners and food pop-ups you must not miss. We save you the stress of planning your weekend with our rundown of the best nightlife events this weekend you cannot miss. 

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 every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.   

1. Ebe Dancel Gig

Twenty years have passed since Filipino rock band Sugarfree released its first album, "Sa Wakas," with songs from that debut reaching pretty much cult status, such as "Mariposa" and "Burnout." While the group disbanded in 2011, it remains one of the most-loved bands in the country. Its former vocalist Ebe Dancel, who has also made a name as a solo artist, will perform this Friday evening for the screening of the "Sa Wakas" 20th anniversary concert documentary. Apart from Dancel, indie band Never the Strangers will also perform at the event!

When: 8 PM, March 10

Where: Balcony Music House, 4637 Molina St, corner Singian, Makati City

How much: P500

2. 'MUSIKO: Timeless Pinoy Bands' Concert

If you can't decide who to watch this weekend, we suggest this concert featuring rock bands Mayonnaise and 6cyclemind. The former just happens to be the minds behind "Sinungaling" and "Jopay" – yes, that song that recently went viral on TikTok but has long been a hit since it was released in 2004. 6cyclemind, on the other hand, are known for songs like "Sige" and "Upside Down." This show is perfect for those looking for a casual night listening to OPM songs that endure the ages.

When: 8 PM, March 10

Where: Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Mall, 1309 Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City

How much: P900-P4,000 via SM Tickets or TicketWorld

3. 'Back to the East' Gig

Support independent artists! This Friday, Ruins Cafe Bar is holding "Back to the East," a gig comprising indie Filipino artists! Discover new music as you listen to Second Segment, Aech, Harbats, Marquina, Midnight Outburst, Plu Two, Dannayha, and Ram David. Who knows? You just might find your next favorite band or artist here! This event is presented by East Indie Musicians - EIM x Second Segment Acoustic in partnership with Ruins.

When: 6 PM, March 10

Where: Ruins Cafe Bar, 310 Shoe Avenue, Marikina City

How much: P250 (with one free drink)

4. South Border Gig

Who hasn't heard of the iconic music bar 12 Monkeys? This Saturday evening, R&B band South Border will treat you to an unforgettable time with a night filled with its classic and best hits. If you've loved its songs like "Kahit Kailan," "Love of My Life," and "Rainbow," then this gig is not to be missed. No ka-holding hands required!

When: March 11

Where: 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub, Estancia Mall Capitol Common, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

How much: P500 (door charge)

5. Freestyle Gig

Gig-goers sure are spoilt for choice this weekend. If you live around Muntinlupa, then you're in luck, as pop and R&B band Freestyle is set to perform this Saturday! Founded by musician Top Suzara, the band is known for songs like "So Slow," "Before I Let You Go," and "This Time," to name a few. Whether you're going solo or with friends, this gig is not to be missed!

When: 9 PM, March 11

Where: 19 East Bar, Km. 19 East Service Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa City

How much: P1,000 (door charge)

6. 'We Are Stronger Together' Gig

March is International Women's Month! In celebration of women's role in history and society, Ruins will throw a "We Are Stronger Together" gig with an extensive lineup of various artists and bands. The event, presented by Cellulust Productions, will feature live performances from Aiyana, Amino, Bastardos, Brace Yourselves, Disoblige, False Promises, Monochrome, Sena Komori, V-Ikusen, Youth Alteration, and Yshi.

When: 5 PM onwards, March 11

Where: Ruins Cafe Bar, 310 Shoe Avenue, Marikina City

How much: P200

7. 'Future is Female' Free Entrance for Women at Xylo

In celebration of women's month this March, upscale nightclub Xylo at The Palace is opening its doors for free to all women! Regarded as the country's "number one nightlife destination," this bar has set the standard when it comes to delivering the best party experience to all night owls in the metro. Catch the sets of DJs Kat, Franco Zarate, Supmerman, and MC AOH this Saturday and Martin Pulgar, Knoxville, Mars Miranda, and MC Chunk this Sunday evening. Invite all your girl friends and party the weekend away!

When: Until midnight, March 11

Where: Xylo at The Palace, 11th Avenue, The Palace Complex, Uptown, Taguig

How much: Free entrance for all women

8. The Vowels They Orbit EP Launch and Gig

Five-piece indie pop and rock band The Vowels They Orbit will launch their second EP, "tuloy tuloy tuloy" this Saturday at the longstanding and iconic The 70's Bistro bar! This night will be a celebration of a handful of milestones, as it's also the band's fifth anniversary and may just be their first time to sell their first official shirt ever! Apart from playing all their new songs, the band will also play favorites from their first-ever EP, "ang unang ikot." Indie artists and bands such as I Belong to the Zoo, Banda ni Kleggy, Autotelic, Syd Hartha, Better Days, and Hey June! will also perform at the evening launch.

When: 8 PM, March 11

Where: The 70's Bistro, 46 Anonas, Quirino 2-3 1102 Quezon City

How much: P600

9. 'Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis'

If you grew up listening and crooning to singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis, well, we won't ask you how old you are. We can do the math. Kidding! Almalbis is marking her 25th anniversary in the music industry with a concert that traces her journey as a woman musician who "helped shape Pinoy rock into what it is now: borderless and always evolving, breaking the notion of the movement being 'a Man’s Man’s World.'"

Presented by GNN Entertainment, "Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis" will see the performances of a slew of Filipino artists, including Sandwich, Clara Benin, Bird, Almalbis' bands Barbie's Cradle and Hungry Young Poets, and the woman of the hour herself. Get your tickets here.

When: March 11

Where: 123 Block, 312 Shaw Blvd, Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City

How much: P950-P2,400 

10. Stray Kids Concert

South Korean boy band Stray Kids under JYP Entertainment is holding a two-day concert for their Filipino STAYs this weekend for its second world tour, "Maniac." Comprising Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N., the group is known for hits like "God's Menu," "CASE 143," "Maniac," and "Thunderous," among many others, and has won many accolades, including Most Popular Group at the 2022 MAMA Awards.

When: March 11 and 12

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

How much: P2,650-P17,500 via SM Tickets

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