Lights, Manila, Action: Theater Picks for June 2025

Filipino music fans gathered at the Ayala Triangle Gardens last June 21 to celebrate the longest day of the year with a free live concert packed with thrilling performances by some of the most beloved local and international acts.  

The 31st edition of Fête de la Musique Philippines (FêtePH) has been in full swing since the start of the month, but last Saturday’s event was their most anticipated stage, as it featured some of the biggest OPM icons as well as rising stars in the music scene at the heart of Makati City. 

This year’s Main Stage was headlined by rock icon Ely Buendia and The Methodists, singer and heartthrob James Reid, and former Up Dharma Down lead vocalist Armi Millare. Also joining them are crowd favorites Brigada, Janine, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, Leanne & Naara, The Ridleys, and Tarsius x Ena Mori. 

With this incredible lineup, it’s no wonder that FêtePH2025 garnered a massive crowd despite the brief downpour earlier in the day, with host Sanya Smith announcing that there were over 6,100 attendees (as of 8 PM)! 

Several booths were present in the venue, offering a variety of experiences from delicious food and refreshing beverages to exclusive merchandise such as Linya-Linya’s x Fête De La Musique shirts. There were also off-stage performers during the pre-show, featuring rising acts Marian Carmel, Bling Bling Papaya, Zsaris, and Frank Ely. 

This year’s musical extravaganza embodied the theme “Un Monde” or One World, highlighting music’s capacity to bridge cultures. To solidify this theme, FêtePH2025 welcomed two international acts to the Main Stage for the first time, leveling up the show’s excitement, which ran from 4 PM to 12 midnight! 

The Beat Manila got to witness this thrilling showcase of live music and incredible talent, and here are some of our favorite moments of the night.

FêtePH2025 Main Stage Highlights

Love All Around

Singer-songwriter Janine returned to the FêtePH stage, and was all geared up with a setlist full of her heartwarming, folk-laden pop hits. The singer expressed in an exclusive interview that she was grateful to Fête de la Musique for always inviting her to perform, as this show marked her fourth time on the stage. 

“I just want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the show!” she told The Beat Manila when asked what she wanted her fans to take away from her performance that night. Safe to say, she did exactly that as she charmed the crowd with songs like “Hulaan,” “Tingin,” her hit collaboration track with Filipino band Cup of Joe, and her latest single, “Pikit Mata.”

On the other hand, alternative-folk indie band, The Ridleys, serenaded audiences with their songs that exude heartfelt storytelling with relatable narratives. They performed some of their top hits, including “Be With You,” “Love Is,” and “Germany & Rome.” But the most memorable moment of their set is the surprise proposal from one of the fans in the crowd! Safe to say music is not just a force that bridges cultures but also a universal language of love and romance.  

Ito Kashitaro & Emile Londonized Bring the House Down

In line with this year’s theme, FêtePH2025 expanded the spotlight to a couple of international artists, who served the crowd with an hour-long performance.

Ito Kashitaro was truly a force to be reckoned with as he performed some of his songs on stage. The singer first gained recognition as an utaite — someone who covers songs, and is known for his powerful vocal range and poetic lyricism. The talented artist was also famously known for his masked persona, and would often wear a fox mask during his performances and public appearances earlier in his career. More than evoking a sense of mystery, the mask symbolized his desire to let his music speak louder than his identity. 

We got a glimpse into the colorful world of Japanese music as the artist performed several songs with only the guitar as an accompaniment. We understood why people deemed him a “rare singer,” and would describe his entire set as electrifying, like the music was not only coming out of his mouth but out of his entire body, his movements expressive and elaborate. 

During a short break between songs, the Japanese artist had a cute interaction with the crowd as he told them about how he had always wanted to visit the country since he was young, quoting, “The Philippines is very popular in Japan! I love the Philippines!” 

Meanwhile, French trio Emile Londonien turned the stage into a global rhythm lounge as the instrumentalists played some jazz tunes, providing the perfect vibe set of the night. Their performance showed that music is a language itself and that even with the absence of words, sound itself can evoke emotions. 

A Funky Music Collaboration

Another notable performance was Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas, a FêtePH regular performer who gave the crowd a funky and retro set that was impossible not to dance to. The brass band opened their set with “Happy Ending” before going through some of their popular songs like “Disko Na” and “Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk.”

But the highlight of this set is when they called to the stage Filipino musical duo, Leanne and Naara, who are known for their soulful harmonies and self-composed titles that are a blend of indie-pop, soul, and acoustic. The ladies performed a special arrangement of their latest single, “Find Another Love,” as well as a cover of Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas’ “Yatap,” which we have to say was an iconic collaboration that seamlessly brought together high-energy funk and vocal finesse. 

James Reid Debuts on the FêtePH Stage

The name James Reid is a household name in the local entertainment scene, widely known as one-half of what once was one of the hottest love teams in the industry. From film, television, and music, James is a certified multimedia prince with an army of dedicated fans who showed up that night in full force to welcome him as he set foot on the FêtePH stage for the first time. 

James sang a few of his original songs, including “Sandal,” “Pahinga,” the unreleased song “Blessed,” and the always-a-crowd-favorite “Randomantic,” in which the heartthrob went down from the stage and got up close with the fans to serenade them. It was romantic, thrilling, and fun all at the same time, and definitely one of the liveliest sets of the night!

A Filipino Rock Legend Closes the Show

FêtePH definitely knows how to end a concert with a bang and saved the best for last as it welcomed to the stage OPM rock icon, Ely Buendia — also known as the frontman and primary songwriter of beloved alternative rock band, Eraserheads. Safe to say, he doesn’t need an introduction. 

“Welcome to Method Adaptor. I know you guys are expecting some songs. I’ll try to sing them if I have time,” the singer teased while introducing himself and his band, The Methodists, at the start of his set. He then proceeded to rock the house down with a string of his solo hits, mostly from his “Method Adaptor” album, such as “Sige,” “Kandarapa,” “Tamang Hinala,” and “Bulaklak sa Buwan.”

And of course, he couldn’t leave the stage without performing an Eraserhead classic. The crowd was all smiles as they sang along to mega hit, “Pare Ko,” showing how nothing can move a crowd better than a good, timeless song.  

FêtePH will continue to stage several mini concerts across the Philippines till the end of June. For the full schedule and artist lineup, visit their website. You can also follow Fête de la Musique Philippines on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. 

Everyone, get your beer glasses ready! 

Solaire Resort Entertainment City and the German Club Manila are once again bringing the biggest and only authentic Oktoberfest in the Philippines for its 85th edition from Oct. 9 to 11, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom! Bring your friends and enjoy an atmosphere complete with bottomless beer, bratwurst, and beats by the Bavarian Sound Express at the Solaire Grand Ballroom/Beer Hall!

This year’s Oktoberfest features Hofbräu München, a classic Munich-style beer, as its official beer. Guests will be among the first to enjoy their finest brews. Experience an authentic Bavarian lifestyle and get a feel of the festive atmosphere of the Hofbräuhaus München, the brewery’s iconic flagship beer hall. 

Thinking of joining in the bier fun? Early bird ticket sales for both individual and corporate start on July 1, 2025, and Solaire Rewards Card members get 10% off regular-priced tickets! Feel the energy, flavor, and flair of true Bavarian culture and raise your stein for this grand celebration!

German beer isn’t the only star at Oktoberfest; feast your eyes (and your stomachs) with a free-flowing buffet filled with Bavarian delicacies served family-style! Once you hear the words “O’zapft is!” meaning “it is tapped!” then the non-stop drinking and partying will commence!

There is the Brotkorb (breadbasket), an essential centerpiece of oven-fresh German breads, Laugenbezel (Bavarian-style soft pretzels), Räucherlachs (German-style smoked salmon), and Wiesen jause (German cold cuts and cheeses). To refresh your palate a bit, you can choose from Münchner Wurstsalat (Munich-style sausage salad), Kartoffelsalat (German potato salad), or Krautsalad (White cabbage salad). These dishes create a hearty and authentic spread for everyone to enjoy. 

Then comes a table full of bratwurst! From Weisswurst, a Munich-style poached veal and pork sausage, Rostbratwurst (grilled coarse pork sausage), and Frankfurter with potato salad and Kaiser roll. 

For the hauptgang (main course), there is the Wiesn platte (Bavarian meat platter), consisting of crispy pork knuckle, pork schnitzel, meat loaf, rotisserie chicken, sausage, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and onion jus. Delve into a hearty Rindsgulasch (beef goulash), with braised beef ragout, served with bread dumplings. Plus, an authentic and delicious Hausgemachte Käse Spätzle (homemade cheese spätzle), oozing with mountain cheese and crispy onions. 

Wash down your meal with beer and sweeten things up with classic delights such as the Apfelstrudel (classic apple strudel), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded caramelized pancake), and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (black forest gateau). 

Celebrate the richness of German culture at Solaire Resort Entertainment City! Mark your calendars for July 1 to secure your seats at the Oktoberfest website and be a part of the biggest and only authentic Oktoberfest celebration in the Philippines from Oct. 9 to 11, 2025!

Follow the German Club Manila on Facebook and Instagram for more information. 

Get ready to be swept into the magical mists of Mount Makiling as the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) brings a beloved legend to life. Maria Makiling, a spellbinding original ballet, premieres on July 5 and 6, 2025 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Makati City.

Choreographed by Ronilo Jaynario with a soul-stirring score by composer Paulo Zarate, Maria Makiling follows the ethereal guardian of the mountain as her love and loyalty are tested by the mortal world. 

Attendees can look forward to wonder and breathtaking beauty as this mythical diwata’s story unfolds through graceful choreography and a rich musical score that blends kundiman charm with flamenco fire.

Leading the cast are Gabby Jaynario and Jessa Tangalin, alternating as Maria, with Matthew Davo and Justine Orande sharing the role of her ill-fated love interest. 

This cultural gem is the third collaboration between the creative duo of Jaynario and Zarate, and they have also collaborated with Laguna historians, including UPLB’s Vice Chancellor Roberto Cereno, for historical accuracy.

"Maria Makiling" invites audiences to rediscover Filipino values of love, sacrifice, and connection to nature, all told through a uniquely folkloric Filipino ballet experience.

Performances run for a limited time only: July 5 at 3 PM and 7:30 PM, and July 6 at 3 PM. 

Tickets range from just P360.50 (balcony) to P2,575 (orchestra) and are available via Ticketworld here. For more information, visit the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Formerly Twitter).

Location: Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati City, Metro Manila