What's On MNL: Kentaro Sakaguchi Asia Tour Fan Meeting, Plus 9 Hot Events!

Step into the heart of Europe at "Memento: A Journey Through Europe," a photography exhibition in Manila that invites you to explore the continent’s landscapes, cultures, and quiet histories, with each image a window into a moment worth remembering.

As its name suggests, "Memento" evokes keepsakes of people, places, and memories that linger long after the journey ends.

Opening on May 9, 2025, 6:30 PM at Manila's oldest foreign cultural hub Alliance Française de Manille, this exhibition will run until May 31 and is presented in collaboration with the embassies of Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Sweden in the Philippines.

Each photograph on display will showcase a scene from a specific country in Europe, from famous historical sites and landmarks to bustling cities and tranquil countryside, sunlit monasteries, windswept beaches, and more.

Viewers are invited to travel across borders and decades, pausing to reflect on the beauty and memory woven into Europe’s cultural fabric. And best of all, admission to this one-of-a-kind cultural journey is free!

For more information, visit Alliance Française on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).

Location: Alliance Française de Manille, 209 Nicanor Garcia II, Makati, Metro Manila

Opening Night: May 9, 2025, 6:30 PM

Exhibition Dates:  May 10 to May 31, 2025

If you’re looking for things to do on a Friday night to decompress, you need to make a mental note of Sake Manila 2025.

The buzzing second edition is back on May 23, 2025, at 5 PM in the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila, a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship under one roof. 

This year’s lineup includes over 200 premium sakes, including exclusive bottles flown in just for Sake Manila 2025. And if you don’t like sake, there is also a wide range of premium Japanese whiskies, gins, wines, shochu, and craft beers to try.

A highlight is the Meet the Masters segment, where you’ll get the chance to connect with renowned brewers, distillers, and brand ambassadors, learning about their craft and the stories behind the bottles.

You won’t even need to travel to Japan for a true sensory experience; Sake Manila 2025 will feature rare, small-batch sakes that you can only find at the event. 

With more than 40 participating breweries and distilleries, including names like Dassai, Gekkeikan, and Choya, you’re in for a diverse and unforgettable experience.

As you sip and savor, you’ll also be able to network with industry professionals, business leaders, and fellow sake enthusiasts. And if that’s not enough, there will be exciting raffle prizes, including airfare tickets to Japan courtesy of Cathay Pacific.

Get ready to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, with traditional Japanese music played early in the event that will transition into DJ sets as the night unfolds.

The ticket price for entry costs P6,000 and includes full access to the event, all sakes, and food. You can secure your tickets here. 

For the full list of the participating breweries, stay updated on their website here. For more information, visit Sake Manila 2025 on their Facebook or Instagram. 

Location: Grand Ballroom, Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City Parañaque City, 1701, Metro Manila

Date & Time: May 23, 2025, from 5 PM onwards

Admission Fee: P6,000 (full access)

Get ready, Manila, for a weekend party packed with explosive musical performances, pop culture activities, and the chance to meet your favorite content creators. 

Happening on May 30 and 31 at Okada Manila, the first-ever &FRIENDS Festival is a place where culture, creators, and music collide. Organized by Clout Kitchen, &FRIENDS is a lifestyle+ event brand that brings together some of the world’s biggest names to Asia while also giving local rising acts and creators a chance to shine on the global stage. 

“We’ve seen how festivals like Coachella, EDC, and Tomorrowland unite music lovers from all over the world, and now it’s Manila’s turn,” said Justin Banusing, CEO of Clout Kitchen, in an official statement. “&FRIENDS is about bringing people together — whether you’re here for the biggest names in EDM, viral popstars, or the next breakout artist, this is the festival for fans who want it all.”

Planning to go to this one-of-a-kind event? This guide will help you navigate everything from line-up highlights and immersive experiences to essential tips for making the most of your time. From daytime sets to late-night dance floors, &FRIENDS isn’t just a festival, it’s where memories are made together.  

When & Where

&FRIENDS festival is happening on May 30 (Friday) and 31 (Saturday) at Okada Manila in Parañaque City. The massive hotel and entertainment complex is located at the heart of Entertainment City 3, which is a few minutes' drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, making it convenient for travelers. 

Commuting to Okada can be quite a challenge and involves indirect routes for jeepneys, a combination of buses and shuttles, as well as train transfers should you take the Light Rail Transit (LRT) route. We encourage you to take either a private car, as guest parking is available at the venue, or hail a taxi or book from ride-hailing apps such as Grab, InDrive, or Angkas instead. 

If you’re a guest at the hotel or a Reward Circle member, you can also enjoy a free journey via the Okada Manila Express. Several terminals run daily rides around the metro, including in Quezon City, Araneta City, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, Binondo, SM BF Parañaque, and Robinsons Galleria. You can view the schedules here.

Festival Hours

The different sections of the festival will be open at the following times:

• Expo Floor: 12 NN to 11 PM
• Creator Stage: 12:30 PM to 6 PM
• Day 1 Music Night (May 30): 4 PM to 4 AM
• Day 2 Music Night (May 31): 4 PM to 4 AM 

Festival Highlights: Music and Activities Lineup

The event features a daytime and nighttime lineup packed with music, activities, and immersive experiences. For Music Nights, be prepared to dance the night away in Cove Manila, the hotel’s indoor beach club, to some of the most popular music acts in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene, including Grammy-winning EDM icon Zedd, multi-platinum rapper bbno$, and Billboard Music Top Dance/Electronic Album awardee ILLENIUM. 

This marks Zedd’s second visit to Manila after nearly three years, and bbno$ and ILLENIUM’s debut on the Philippine stage. Other EDM acts to look forward to are Dutch electronic duo €URO TRA$H, Singapore’s fastest rising DJ Kiara, and the creator of melodic dubstep, Seven Lions. 

Although mainly rooted in EDM, fans can expect a fusion of genres at &FRIENDS as it also offers an unparalleled music experience featuring explosive K-Pop acts and rising OPM (Original Pilipino Music) artists.

East Meets West on May 30 as legendary K-Pop DJs 2Spade and Hoaprox turn the music stage into a K-Pop rave, while the following night will put the spotlight on local stars such as Filipino-Australian Ylona Garcia, indie singer Amiel Sol, lo-fi rapper Kiyo, and creative collective Planet Workshop. See below for the complete lineup for each day:

More than a music festival, &FRIENDS will also have a Creator Expo where you can explore interactive panels, meet your favorite content creators, and shop around merchant booths. The Creator Stage is set up on the Expo’s floor and will be the venue for variety shows featuring world-class talents such as record-breaking VTuber Ironmouse, indie VTuber Shoto, Tuonto, Antony Chen, and well-known local creators Charess, Jujumao, and more.

The Glass Ballroom will become the venue for meet & greets with the content creators, which you can avail as an add-on with your ticket purchases, while the Crystal Pavilion is set to house various merchant booths selling clothes, accessories, collectibles, and prints from Filipino artists such as Sskait, Adonis, Little Things PH, Yokify, Hunghang Flashbacks, and Libreng Komiks. 

Tickets and Passes

With two days of live performances and exciting activities, &FRIENDS has got you covered with a variety of ticket options to tailor your festival experience, all of which include access to the Creator Expo. 

You can enjoy both days with the 2-Day Music and Expo Tickets priced at P8,500 (General Admission) and P15,000 (VIP). If you can only attend one of the days, solo day tickets are priced at P6,000 (General Admission) and P9,000 (VIP) for Day 1, which is headlined by Zedd, €URO TRA$H, Kiara, Fairlane b2b Siangyoo, and other EDM acts. Meanwhile, Day 2 can be bought for P3,500 (General Admission) and P6,000 (VIP), and is headlined by bbno$, ILLENIUM, and Seven Lions. All tickets are for standing only.

For those looking to upgrade the experience, we recommend availing the VVIP Cabanas, starting at P54,000 for Day 2, for 9 pax. Cabanas for Day 1 are unfortunately already sold out. This package includes a private section and access to a cabana near the music stage for the selected night, as well as a butler service and a drink package. 

Alternatively, you can also avail Music Night Tables, which include VIP access to all activities plus a welcome drink package for 6 pax (P90,000) and 12 pax (P180,000). Solo day tables are also available for the following prices:

DAY 1

• VIP Cocktail (6 pax): P54,000
• VIP Cocktail (12 pax): P108,000

DAY 2

• VIP Cocktail (6 pax): P36,000
• VIP Cocktail (12 pax): P72,000

&FRIENDS is all about bringing people together, so why not squad up and bring your friends along? There are solo and two-day bundles available for 5 pax starting at P25,000. These tickets include access to the Music Stage, Expo, and Creator Stage. Upgrades for General Admission tickets are also available at P2,500 (Day 1 to Day 1 and 2 Music & Expo) and P5,000 (Day 2 to Day 1 and 2 Music & Expo). 

Expo-only passes can be bought for P500 (Day 1) and P1,000 (Day 2). This gives you access to the Expo and Creator Stage from 12 NN to 11 PM. 

You can buy your tickets here. To buy in USD, you can purchase your tickets via Ticketmelon or Plvr.

Meet & Greet Add-on

Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s top content creators. Starting from P1,000, you can meet and interact with your favorite creators at the Glass Ballroom. See below for the schedule of meet & greets:

DAY 1 (May 30)

Kenny Song, Fred Lu, Jujumao, Donut Daddy

Time: 4:30 PM to 6 PM

Price: P1,000

Philip Vu, Justin Han, Igumdrop

Time: 6:10 PM to 7:40 PM

Price: P1,000

DAY 2 (May 31)

Antony Chen, BTMC, Tuonto

Time: 12:40 PM to 2:10 PM

Price: P1,000

Fobmaster, Lilyis, Tsikyo, Xlice, Dish

Time: 2:20 PM to 3:50 PM

Price: P1,000

Charess, Kitz Cua, Een, Knite

Time: 4 PM to 5:15 PM

Price: P2,000

Shoto

Time: 5:30 PM to 7 PM

Price: P2,000

Things to Note

To make your festival experience smooth and enjoyable, here are some reminders to keep in mind.

1. The festival has age restrictions. Minors (below 18) are prohibited during Music Night, while children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the Expo.  
2. Pets are not allowed.
3. Outside food and drink are not allowed. Don’t worry, there will be food and beverage options at the venue.
4. A priority lane will be available for PWD (Persons with Disabilities) and Senior Citizens. Their companions will be asked to go to their respective lines, while event staff will be there to assist the PWD/Senior.
5. Ticket refunds will only be provided should there be event or talent cancellations. Any tickets not refunded will serve as event ticket credits for the new dates of the event.
6. All tickets except meet & greet passes are transferable.  

Some Tips

Considering that the festival will run at least 16 hours per day, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Other things you might need are an extra shirt, handheld fans, and your phone chargers or power banks. We wouldn’t want your phones dying once Zedd’s “Clarity” comes on, right?

Pack light and make sure to include a hygiene kit packed with sanitizers, wet and dry tissues, and band-aids, as well as small towels, as things could get warm in the mosh pit. 

Review the lineup beforehand to know when your favorite content creators will be on to manage your time and make the most out of every show. Remember to pace yourselves during Music Night. Stay hydrated and find some breathing room in between sets. Most importantly, feel the beats and just have fun!

Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind music festival experience? See you on May 30 and 31 for a party like no other!

For more information and updates, stay tuned on &FRIENDS’ official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram pages. 

Location: Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Parañaque City, Metro Manila 1701

When: May 30 to 31, 2025

Admission Fee: P8,500 (2-Day General Admission) and P15,000 (2-Day VIP). More ticket options here. 

Discover some of the finest local craft beers and cultivate your taste buds for the finer things in life at the upcoming Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival this May 16 to 18, 2025, at the Ayala Triangle Gardens! 

With over 60 unique craft beers from all over the Philippines, this celebration promises unforgettable experiences — from only the finest local craft brews, live performances, masterclasses, and the community spirit. 

The Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival 2025 is set to be the ultimate celebration of malt, ale, and freshly brewed (and free-flowing!) beer from all the best breweries across the Philippines. These include Engkanto Brewery, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Papa Bolo, Nipa Brew, and much more! You can check out the list of participating brewers here.

A variety of craft beers will be available for guests to taste, each representing the depth and diversity of the Philippine craft beer scene. From fruity pale ales to smooth, deep stouts, there surely will be a drink for everyone!

Live performances, artists, creativity, and more will also be joining in the fun, making the Ayala Triangle Gardens the setting of a vibrant community built on artistry and celebration. Beer masterclasses and beer-related games will be held throughout the weekend, so come join in! 

Raise a glass to Philippine-made beers and mark your calendars for May 16 to 18, 2025! Register here.

The Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival is co-presented by Ayala Land and Make It Makati, and is sponsored by Ayala Land Premier, Ayala Malls, BPI, GCash, Grab, and Yakima Chief Hops. 

Follow Make It Makati on Facebook and Instagram for more upcoming events and updates! 

Location: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, Philippines

Opening Hours: 4 PM to 1 AM (Friday), 10 AM to 1 AM (Saturday), 10 AM to 8 PM (Sunday)

Admission: Free