“Love wins!” is the very essence of what’s to come in the month of June – Pride Month. Not everyone may know this, but every year, the Philippines also takes part in celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Of course, this year is no different. Pride organizations are pulling out all the stops once again to kick off the month on a good note.
So check out these 7 things to do in Metro Manila for June 2023 from the Ibarra musical starring Piolo Pascual to a Bruno Mars concert beyond the metro. You’re bound to have a fun and happening month!
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Image credit: Tanghalang Una Obra via Facebook
There’s no better way to kick off the month than to see a musical starring one of the country’s most famous heartthrobs, Piolo Pascual. If you’re into musicals and a fan of Piolo Pascual, then the Ibarra musical happening in Pasay is the perfect choice.
While he’s been away from the theater scene for quite some time (three decades), he returns once more with the new challenge of singing in a musical. As a man of talent, there’s no doubt that he’ll do great. Best of all, you’ll be there to witness his first foray into musical theater.
The musical is based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. As the title states, Pascual will be playing the role of Crisostomo Ibarra, the idealist-turned-revolutionary character in the novel.
Admission fee: starts at P2,500 (~USD44.44)
Date: 8th-11th, 15th-18th June 2023
Time: 3pm and 8pm
Address: GSIS Theater, SIS Headquarters Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay
Get your tickets online at ticketworld.com.ph or at ticket2me.net.
Your Internet Crush in Manila Jeremy Zucker is making an appearance in the country for the month of June and everyone’s here for it. He’s the one who brought us hit songs comethru, always, i’ll care, and you were good to me.
If you listen to his songs or are into pop and indie pop music, this is your chance to see him face to face and watch him perform live. Seeing as it’s a fan meet, you may even get the chance to interact with him.
Date: 9th June 2023
Time: 6pm
Address: SM Megamall, Ground Level, Mega Fashion Hall, EDSA, corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong
Register here to get official access to the fanmeet for free.
Note: Promo ends on 6th June 2023 at 9pm.
Image credit: Komiket via Facebook
If collecting comics, art, and other artsy merchandise is your thing, then you’ll want to check out the Komiket Pride art market event happening in Pasig. Fun fact: it’ll also be their first time hosting a themed event, so you definitely have to see it. This month’s event is all about Pride so expect astounding pieces supporting the freedom to love.
Image adapted from: Komiket, Komiket via Facebook
The fun thing is that you’ll encounter over 200 creators, artists, and exhibitors who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. You’ll get to see their works from art prints to comics and magazines. Most of all, you can support their work just by purchasing some of their merch.
Date: 16th-18th June 2023
Time: 10am-8pm
Address: Ayala Malls The 30th, 30 Meralco Ave, Pasig
If you want to explore more Pride-themed events, then the Pride Plays, Unica Hijas and Laro happening in Makati are for you.
Written by Mikaela Regis, the 35-minute Unica Hijas is about two students who got sent to the principal’s office after getting caught for almost kissing.
On the other hand, Laro, written by Floy Quintos, is a reimagined concept of Arthur Schnitzler’s La Ronde, which explores gay relationships through the 10 all-male characters.
Take note that the plays are rated R-18, so younger audiences aren’t allowed to see them.
Admission fee: P1,700 (~USD30.22) Pride | P1,900 (~USD33.77) Rainbow
Date: All through June
Time: 3pm and 8pm
Address: PMC Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati, Carmona, Makati
Get you tickets at ticket2me.net.
Note: Number of tickets are limited. Only one ticket is needed to see both plays.
Now, this will be one of the major events to look out for this month. Metro Manila Pride’s annual Pride march is happening in Makati. Themed Tayo Ang Kulayaan!, the march will include a street fair, hangouts, and more to enjoy before and during the parade.
What’s more, they also have an evening program that’ll surely be full off festivities and will end your night on a happy note.
Date: 24th June 2023
Time: 10am
Address: Circuit Makati, Carmona, Makati
Register here to join the march.
If the parade isn’t enough, Pride sa QC: LoveLaban happening in Quezon City is another Pride festival that you can check out.
You’ll meet artists and influencers such as Sassa Gurl, Nica del Rosario, and Fonzi. Of course, you’ll also see drag queens, from Precious Paula Nicole to Minty Fresh at the festival. You get to see them perform live and interact with them as they leave you laughing and having a good time.
Date: 24th June 2023
Time: 10am-12am
Address: QC Memorial Circle, Quezon Memorial Cir Elliptical Rd Underpass, Diliman, Quezon City
If you want to go all out in making most of the month, then you’ll love this. Travel to Bulacan in just a few hours and before you know it, you’re at the Bruno Mars concert.
This time, instead of seeing him perform from videos on the internet, you’ll get to see him perform live. Perhaps he’ll sing some of his popular songs such as Locked Out of Heaven, 24K Magic, and Uptown Funk.
This is the perfect way to end the month if you’re a major Bruno Mars fan.
Highlight:
Admission fee: P2,750 (~USD48.88) UBC | P5,550 (~USD98.68) UBB | P7,250 (~USD128.91) UBA | P11,250 (~USD200.03) LBB Regular | P13, 750 (~USD244.48) LBB Premium | P16,000 (~USD284.49) LBA Regular | P17,750 (~USD315.60) LBA Premium | P18,750 (~USD333.38) Floor Standing
Date: 24th-25th June 2023
Time: 7pm
Address: Philippine Arena, Ciudad de Victoria, Santa Maria, Bulacan
Book your tickets online or at any SM Tickets outlet near you.
Note: The 24th June concert is sold out. Ticket prices are inclusive of ticketing charges.
There are a lot things to celebrate in June. Not only is there a reason to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, but also love in all forms, including love for yourself.
So give yourself some love and catch these things to do for the month of June. Strut your heart out at the Pride March, go to a concert with your friends, or see a musical that’ll leave you swooning at the end.
Here’s to a happy pride month!
For more LGBT-related reads, check out BL series The Day I Loved You or Michelle Dee’s coming out story. For more things to do, visit The Smart Local Philippines.
Cover image adapted from: Komiket, Jeremy Zucker, Metro Manila Pride via Facebook
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