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Vogue Philippines suggests some things to do and places to visit in and around Metro Manila this May 2026, focusing on initiatives that highlight craft, community, and culture.
Summer may be winding down, but the lineup of events is far from over. This May, Metro Manila is packed with festivals, performances, and hands-on workshops. From National Heritage Month celebrations to concerts and shows, the city offers plenty of ways to stay engaged despite the heat. Here are some of the activities happening across Metro Manila this month.
National Heritage Month
From May 5 to 28, Ayala Museum will be holding an exhibition to celebrate National Heritage Month. The exhibit will house objects that have survived for hundreds of years from the pre-colonial era of the Philippines, offering a glimpse into early Filipino life and traditions before Spanish colonization. To stay updated, follow the Ayala Museum’s Instagram page.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Bringing the Olivier Award-winning rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar is set to run at The Theatre at Solaire from May 2 to 24. Produced by GMG Productions and Crossroads Live, it is a reinterpretation of the final weeks of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot in a concert style. For tickets and more information, visit TicketWorld.
Geek+Pop Convention
Combining the Philippine retro gaming and trading card communities, Geek+Pop is set to host its two-day convention on May 23 to 24 at Space at One Ayala. It will be divided into two main events, with the first being the Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS), catering to fans of miniatures and trading card games, while the other is a performance by Filipino heavy metal group Tubero during Geek+Pop’s Resbak. To stay updated, follow Kuhaku Media’s Instagram page.
Beyond Summer: Arts and Music Festival
Having over 25 artists, Beyond Summer: Arts and Music Festival will be held on May 16 at McKinley Whiskey Park in Taguig City. Hosted by Memento Express and Zero Six Production, the event will have three stages: the Sound stage for musical acts; the Scribbles stage for authors and comic book creators; and the Stories stage for the blend of poetry and music. To stay updated, follow Memento Express’ Instagram page.
Manila Calling
Bringing together more than 70 artists across fashion, comics, illustration, and design, Manila Calling is a traveling art exhibition and pop-up series produced by Manila Collective Inc. It will take place from May 8 to 10 at Comuna Makati to serve as a global platform for exchange. To stay updated, follow Manila Collective’s Instagram page.
Playback Punk Rock & Emo Music Festival
A 2000s-themed concert event, the Playback Punk Rock & Emo Music Festival will take place on May 8 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. It will feature three major rock acts and full sets from bands like Dashboard Confessional, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Faber Drive. For tickets and more information, visit SM Tickets.
Howlers Festival
Known for combining OPM and EDM music, cosplay, gaming, and arts, Howlers Festival will be held on May 16 at the Aseana City Concert Grounds. It will feature a main stage showcasing music artists, alongside stages for cosplay and e-sports, as well as a designated space for artists and collectors to sell their creations. To stay updated, follow Howlers Festival’s Instagram page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ayala Museum’s National Heritage Month exhibition showcases objects that have survived for hundreds of years, including artifacts from the Philippines’ pre-colonial era. Running from May 5 to 28, the exhibit celebrates Filipino history and cultural heritage.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is an Olivier Award-winning rock opera that retells the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life through the perspective of Judas Iscariot. The production will run from May 2 to 24 at The Theatre at Solaire.
Geek+Pop Convention 2026 combines retro gaming, trading cards, collectibles, and live music into a two-day event at Space at One Ayala. It includes the Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS) and performances such as Filipino heavy metal band Tubero during Geek+Pop’s Resbak.
Howlers Festival 2026 blends multiple communities into one event by combining OPM and EDM music, cosplay, gaming, e-sports, and visual arts. Happening on May 16 at the Aseana City Concert Grounds, it also features spaces for artists and collectors to showcase and sell their work.
OMOCHA: Japanese Toys Today is a traveling exhibition by The Japan Foundation that explores the evolution of Japanese toys, or “omocha.” Running from May 6 to 31 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, it features traditional Edo-period toys alongside modern icons such as Gundam and Pokémon.
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