What's On MNL: Sine Sindak Ang Ika-5 Yugto, POP MART Pop-Up Store, & More!

Attention all vegans, plant-based enthusiasts, and adventurous foodies! The Philippines’ first and biggest vegan festival is set to take place on Mar. 29 to 30, 2025 along the Paseo de Roxas Avenue in Makati City.  

Now in its 10th year, VegFest Pilipinas 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of veganism and invites everyone to enjoy this two-day festival filled with a wide array of delicious vegan cuisine, a culinary showdown from talented chefs, and inspiring talks and discussions about veganism!

This event is organized by Philippine animal rights and welfare group Vegans of Manila, and offers a look into the benefits of adapting a vegan lifestyle while still staying true to Filipino culture, creativity, and community. 

Apart from the variety of vegan Filipino cuisine available, one of the festival’s highlights is the “Sarap Maging Vegan!” Cooking Competition LuzViMin Division, where talented chefs from the Philippine islands compete to present the most creative and innovative vegan dishes. 

These talented chefs are Chef Richard Gomez of Chad’s Bar and Grill from Ilocos (Luzon), Chef April Lucero of Vegan Island Restaurant from Cebu (Visayas), and Chef Minerva Benzohan of Salirut Restaurant from General Santos City (Mindanao). 

Interested to know what food stalls you’ll be seeing at the VegFest Pilipinas 2025? Here’s a list: 

• Maryland ChickAn (Deep Fried Watermelon)
• Boochamama
• Blue Eco Fam
• Fungify
• Bread x Salt
• Earth Desserts
• Edens Vegan Food Hub
• Coolava Citrus Bar
• Get Bowl’d
• Aigoo
• Dehusk
• Diwata Vibe
• Happy Scoop
• Manalo Filipino
• Marikina Vegan
• Monki Monki
• Moonchild Crystal
• Planted
• Remedy Drinks
• The Farmassist
• Nuttelex
• Om Bakes

And more!

Entrance to this vegan festival is free, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore plant-based products and lifestyle! 

For more information and updates, check out the VegFest Pilipinas pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Heads up, anime fans! Japan’s biggest anime music festival is coming to Manila this June, and we have the deets on the first set of artists in the lineup!

Wilbros Live made the announcement earlier this month, initiating a wave of excitement from anime fans in the country. ANISAMA WORLD 2025 in Manila is happening on June 7, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum in Pasay City and will feature a total of eight artists.

The organizers already revealed the first set of performers which includes rock band ASH DA HERO, known for singing the opening theme for “Blue Lock;” Ave Mujica from BanG Dream! Series; and Mayu Maeshima, the former lead vocalist of pop-rock band MYTH & ROID and the voice behind “Styx Helix” from the anime “Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World.” 

Also performing their iconic theme tracks are MindaRyn, the voice behind “Way to Go” the theme song for “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime;" and Hiroshi Kitadani, who sang the very first opening theme for "One Piece" entitled, "We Are!"

Wilbros Live will be completing the lineup in the next few days, so stay tuned to know if your favorite artists will be at the festival! Ticket details will also be announced at a later date. 

Also known as Animelo Summer Live, Anisama was launched in 2005 and has since been considered the biggest annual gathering of anime music artists in Japan. Organized by Dwango and Nippon Cultural Broadcasting, the event brings together Japanese music artists and anime voice actors to perform some of the most iconic anime and video game theme songs. 

Animasa 2025 in Japan will be taking place at the Saitama Super Arena from Aug. 29 to 31 and marks the festival’s 20th anniversary. The kick-off event will be held on Mar. 23 at AnimeJapan. 

For updates, follow Wilbros Live on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

BINI is truly for everyone – including the little ones. 

Heads up, Baby Blooms! The nation’s girl group BINI will be holding a fan meeting for their younger fans this Apr. 27, 2025, at the Space at One Ayala! 

The girl group announced the full details to their upcoming fan meeting on all their social media accounts last Mar. 15, 2025, including ticket prices, seat plan, and guidelines. On their post, they said, “We’re sooo excited to share fun moments, giggles, and happy memories with you this April 27, 2025! See you soon!” 

The fan meeting comes two months after the release of BINI’s second extended play, “BINIverse,” and will be held right before the girl group goes on their “BINIverse World Tour 2025” in May 2025. 

Tickets to BINI’s “MINIverse” fan meeting – which are open to 3 to 12-year-olds only! – are being sold via BINI.Global and/or ABS-CBN Store starting Mar. 19, 2025, with two tickets for the price of one! This means one ticket for one child and for one adult or legal guardian. 

Tickets are priced from P2,500 (Reg C), P3,000 (Reg B), P3,500 (Reg A), P4,000 (VIP), and P5,000 (SVIP). The SVIP Section will be available for BINI Global Members only. 

Fan benefits for VIP and SVIP ticket holders include a MINIverse tote bag and passport, and SVIP ticket holders will have the chance to greet the BINI members for their Hi-Bye Session!

Stay updated with BINI and all their upcoming activities by following them on their official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages!

Location: Space at One Ayala, 1 Ayala Avenue corner EDSA, Ayala Center Makati

Date: Apr. 27, 2025

Show Times: 1 PM (First Show), 5 PM (Second Show)

Ticket Prices: P2,500 (Reg C), P3,000 (Reg B), P3,500 (Reg A), P4,000 (VIP), and P5,000 (SVIP)

Celebrate queer storytelling and the universal right to love with the Five Films for Freedom 2025. 

The British Council, in partnership with BPI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival rings in the return of the Five Films for Freedom to the Philippines on Mar. 19, 2025. The festival will showcase five powerful LGBTQIA+ short films from Indonesia, New Zealand, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, in celebration of queer storytelling and the universal right to love.

The Five Films For Freedom has given a voice to diverse LGBTQIA+ voices for over a decade, reaching 26 million people across 200+ countries and territories. Originally an online film festival, the British Council will be bringing the films to local audiences in the Philippines by hosting in-person screenings and creating meaningful spaces for discussion, representation, and solidarity. 

Five Films, Five Powerful Stories

The Five Films For Freedom’s 2025 selection offers bold, thought-provoking narratives that explore resilience, identity and belonging: 

DragFox (UK)

Directed by Lisa Ott 

Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Sam, struggling with their gender identity, feels lost — until a mischievous fox (voiced by Ian McKellen) leaps through their window, leading them on a musical journey of self-discovery and acceptance. 

If I Make it to the Morning (United States/China)

Directed by Andre Shen 

Synopsis: On the final night of her college tour, Chinese teen Ziyi stays with her cool aunt in New York, dreaming of studying there — until an unexpected revelation stirs tension. 

NGGAK!!! (Indonesia)

Directed by Oktania Hamdani and Winner Wijaya 

Synopsis: While gaming online, girlfriends Sekar and Bebi share laughs and memes — until Sekar’s mother calls, arranging a match for her. Can she make her mother see she’s already found the one? 

We’ll Go Down in History (UK)

Directed by Cameron Richards and Charlie Tidmas

Synopsis: A heartfelt two-year documentary following TRUK United, a proudly trans football club founded in 2021, as they battle challenges on and off the pitch to build a safe, inclusive community amid rising transphobia. 

Wait, Wait, Now! (New Zealand)

Directed by Ramon Te Wake 

Synopsis: Left home alone, best friends Alex and Sam raid Mum’s wardrobe, embracing a fantasy world where they feel safe — until their parents catch on. Is their bubble about to burst?

Five Films Screenings in the Philippines

The British Council in the Philippines will be presenting these films to physical venues, allowing audiences to experience their impact in a communal setting. These screenings will not only celebrate LGBTQIA+ storytelling but also spark important conversations about identity, representation, and inclusion in the Philippine context.

These in-person screenings will be held in partnership with the University of the Philippines – Cebu, Negros Museum, and National Teachers College ensuring that diverse audiences can engage with the films and the conversations they inspire. 

Screening schedules

Mar. 19, 2025 – 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Lawak Sinehan, UP Cebu, Cebu City
Open to the public, with a post-screening panel

Mar. 21, 2025 – 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Cinematheque, Negros Museum, Bacolod City
Open to the public; afternoon session with post-screening panel

Mar. 24, 26, 27, and 28, 2025
National Teachers College
Private screenings

Audiences in other countries can watch the films for free online from Mar. 19 to 30, 2025, via YouTube and through the British Council’s digital platforms. 

For more details on the Five Films For Freedom, check out the British Council’s website, and the British Council Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Manila’s music scene thrives on diversity, and where is this more evident than at Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival? 

Prepare to be dazzled at this star-studded celebration, which brings together the best of OPM (Original Pinoy Music) onto one electrifying stage. Fusion 2025 features the theme, “Musika Natin ‘To,” — a call to embrace and uplift OPM with pride as it marks its 10th anniversary. This milestone event will bring together the brightest Filipino music artists in an immersive experience that goes beyond performances, featuring interactive art, cultural exhibits, and a showcase of local flavors. More than a festival, it is a declaration that OPM is not just music — it is our identity, our pride, and our story as a nation.

Whether you’re an avid festival-goer or a first-timer, this guide will take you through everything you need to know — from the lineup of artists and festival highlights to tips on making the most of your concert experience. 

Without further ado, here’s your guide to Manila’s hottest and boldest music festival!

Fusion Manila 2025: What, When, & Where?

Launched in 2015, Fusion is the first Philippine music festival uniting artists across different genres and managements into a massive concert extravaganza that aims to celebrate OPM. The year’s Fusion music festival is set to take place on Mar. 15, 2025 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Open Grounds. 

Gates open at 3:30 PM with pre-show performances starting at 5:30 PM. The main show begins at 7:30 PM, and it’s one act after another from there, with the last performance ending at 2 AM. There will also be games and raffle sessions, as well as booth activities before the pre-show, so it’s worth coming in earlier!

The event is directed by Paul Basinillo, the award-winning creative force behind some of the biggest productions in OPM history, such as Sarah Geronimo’s legendary 24/SG, and is powered by Nestea, Nescafé, Bear Brand Sterilized, Hapee Toothpaste, Dazz Dishwashing, and Fudgee Barr.

Getting There

You can go by either private or public transportation. We would highly recommend point-to-point options such as ride-hailing apps like Grab, InDrive, or Angkas, or taxis where you can simply pin the exact location or tell the driver to drop you off at the CCP complex.

If you’ll be commuting, the nearest train station is LRT1-Vito Cruz. From there, you can ride a jeepney along Pablo Ocampo Sr. (Vito Cruz) that is going to CCP or the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

And look! Fusion just gave us a sneak peek of the venue. Looks like the stage is rising... and so is our excitement! 

Address: CCP Open Grounds, CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1003

Ticket and Merchandise Information

Tickets are currently on sale via Ticketmelon with three sections priced at P3,000 (Gold), P2,000 (Silver), and P1,000 (Bronze). 

All tiers are standing, and there is no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase. Gold ticket holders get access to special perks such as a chance to win Artist Merch, Photo Albums, or participate in pre-show games on stage. They will also be able to go through the Express Lane for the VIP Entrance, get 20% off on Fusion Merch, bring home an Instaphoto souvenir by one of the event’s roving photographers, and enjoy a Fusion kit packed with sponsor loots, sticker packs, a LED wristband, tote bag, complimentary drinks courtesy of Tanduay, and more!

Ticketmelon accepts several modes of payment, such as Credit and Debit Cards, Cash, G-Cash, and GrabPay. For online purchases, an e-ticket will be sent to your registered email address, which you can show at the entrance on the day of the event. 

For merchandise, there will be official event t-shirts (P499) and tote bags (P199) available at the Praxis booth. Fusion also encourages you to show up in your best colors to the event by wearing your most colorful #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)! Winners get fusion gift packs and 1-level ticket tier upgrade!

Artist Lineup and Schedule

A star-studded lineup awaits you at this explosive milestone event, featuring both veteran and rising local artists beloved by music fans not only in the Philippines but across the globe!

This year’s headliners include Ben&Ben, December Avenue, and Zack Tabudlo, who will be performing alongside powerhouse acts like The Itchyworms, Maki, Barbie Almalbis, ALAMAT, KAIA, Jan Francis, and ALLMO$T. 

The concert will also feature a lineup of DJs and rising acts, such as singer-songwriter Amiel Sol, Jan Francis, Pauline Anne, and up-and-coming P-Pop groups GAT and RAYA. See below for the complete schedule of performances:

Festival Reminders: Things to Bring and Prohibited Items

As the festival will be taking place outdoors and will last approximately ten hours, make sure to weatherproof your belongings. An extra shirt, comfortable footwear, and handheld fans are just some of the things you can bring to better your festival experience.  

Other essential things you might need are: 

• Phones (for making memories and showing your e-tickets, of course!)
• Chargers and power banks
• Towels
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection
• Raincoats (because Manila rain does come down out of nowhere)
• Hygiene kit (sanitizers, wet and dry tissues, band-aids, etc.) 

For everyone’s safety, Fusion encourages everyone to pack light and smart, and to keep in mind things that are not allowed within the venue premises such as outside food and drinks, pets, water bottles/jugs/flasks, bags bigger than 12x12 inches, digital and professional cameras, and all types of pointed umbrellas. For a complete list of prohibited items, click here. 

Are you ready for a night of electrifying stages? See you on Mar. 15, OPM fans, and let’s make it a night to remember! 

For more information and updates, stay tuned on Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival’s official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages. 

Location: CCP Open Grounds, CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1003

When: Mar. 15, 2025

Admission Fee: P1,000 (Bronze), P2,000 (Silver), and P3,000 (Gold). Buy here.