MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila is turning up the volume this weekend with a packed lineup of theater, music, collectibles, creative industries, film and shopping events.
From the long-awaited “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” to a major LEGO gathering, a vinyl record fair and a showcase of Filipino and Southeast Asian creativity, there is plenty happening from September 18 to 20, 2026.
Here are some of the weekend highlights worth putting on your calendar.
‘Annie Batungbakal’ finally hits the stage
One of the biggest theater openings this weekend is “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” opening September 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.
The musical brings the Manila Sound era to the stage through the songs of iconic Filipino group Hotdog, while following Annie Batungbakal, an ambitious young saleslady who dreams of becoming a fashion designer and breaking into Manila’s glamorous disco scene.
Atasha Muhlach takes on the title role, marking a major theater leading role for the actress and host. The cast also includes KD Estrada, Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, Anthony Rosaldo, Jackie Lou Blanco, Ring Antonio and other performers.
The production is based on the 1979 film of the same name, which starred the late National Artist for Film Nora Aunor. Its stage adaptation features Hotdog classics including “Annie Batungbakal,” “Pers Lab” and “Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko.”
The show runs through October, with Newport World Resorts listing performances on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket prices range from P1,300 to P4,500, depending on seating section.
LEGO fans are taking over Makati
For builders and collectors, BrickCon.PH 2026 takes place September 19 and 20 at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.
The free two-day event brings together LEGO enthusiasts for building competitions, community displays, games, featured builds and collectibles.
Activities include a Brick Bazaar, Brick Talk, Speed Builds, LEGO Trivia, Brick BINGO and Brick Hunts, while a kids’ cosplay showcase and build competition are also scheduled.
The gathering reflects the growing local community around LEGO building and collecting, giving hobbyists a chance not only to see elaborate creations but also to meet fellow builders and traders.
Vinyl collectors get their own weekend destination
Music collectors can head to Trinoma’s Mindanao Lobby for “Vinyl in Motion Volume 2,” running September 18 to 20.
More than 25 sellers are expected to offer vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, audio equipment and vintage merchandise, including rare OPM finds and first pressings.
For longtime collectors, the event offers a chance to hunt for physical releases, while younger music fans can explore formats that have become increasingly popular amid the broader revival of interest in analog music.
Filipino creativity takes center stage
The ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy (ASEAN MPEx) runs through September 19 at SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat, the expo brings together creative sectors including audiovisual media, design, digital interactive media, performing arts, publishing, visual arts and traditional cultural expressions.
The event is part of the Philippines’ creative-industry agenda during its 2026 ASEAN chairship, with the program designed to connect Filipino creatives and enterprises with regional opportunities.
Sorsogon products head to Metro Manila
The Kasanggayahan Sorsogon GoConut Trade Fair 2026 continues at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong through September 20.
Around 30 micro, small and medium enterprises from Sorsogon are showcasing coconut- and pili-based products, along with abaca goods, apparel, accessories, home décor and other locally made products.
The fair gives provincial businesses an opportunity to reach Metro Manila consumers, buyers and potential commercial partners.
Ryan Cayabyab’s music gets a major tribute
Music lovers can catch “LIYAB: Mga Himig ng Dakilang Pag-ibig” on September 20 at The Theatre at Solaire.
The concert pays tribute to National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and features artists including Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, Arman Ferrer, Sofronio Vasquez and Gigi De Lana, together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and a 200-member festival choir.
The program brings together sacred, inspirational and popular works associated with Cayabyab’s career, placing his music within a large-scale orchestral and choral production.
More shows, concerts and cultural events
The weekend lineup also includes Will Ashley’s “Liham” album launch at SM North Skydome, featuring fellow “Pinoy Big Brother” housemates Mika Salamanca and Ralph de Leon.
Hillsong Worship is scheduled for the Philippines leg of its 2026 Asia Tour, beginning in Cebu on September 18 before continuing with Manila performances.
Meanwhile, theatergoers can still catch productions such as “Muli: An OPM Musical,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration” and “Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper.”
For movie fans, the 9th Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival also begins its run on September 18, showcasing new works by young Filipino filmmakers through September 26.
A weekend built around Filipino culture, fandom and creativity
What makes this weekend stand out is the range of experiences available across Metro Manila.
A single weekend brings together Manila Sound nostalgia, contemporary theater, LEGO fandom, vinyl collecting, regional entrepreneurship, Filipino creative industries and the music of one of the country’s most influential composers.
Whether the goal is to watch a new musical, discover rare collectibles, support provincial entrepreneurs or experience Filipino creativity, September 18 to 20 offers a crowded cultural calendar — with several events running for only a few days.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
