Welcome the long-awaited "ber" months with an array of thrilling cultural events—from concerts to stage plays to book fairs

1st International Performing Arts Summit | September 19 to 22

Tatler Asia

The Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP) stays true to its core mission as it hosts a three-part, multi-platform summit. The summit is geared towards bringing together the most remarkable names in performing arts from across the Asia Pacific region, as well as raise awareness and broaden the market internationally. This must-see event is a collaboration of the CCP with the Federation of Asian Cultural Promotions (FACP), Manila International Performing Arts Market (MIPAM), CREATE Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry-Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), and the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centre (AAPPAC).

On 19 to 20 September, FACP will pool creative stakeholders for a conference on key issues concerning the entertainment and art industries in the Asia Pacific region. This is the first flagship event of the summit.

MIPAM + CREATE Philippines and DTI-CITEM will hold a global platform for performances and business-to-business exchanges. International and local performers, producers, and festival organisers are invited to take part in this second flagship event and establish potential partnerships from 19 to 21 September.

For the final flagship event of the summit, scheduled on 20 to 22 September, AAPPAC will hold a gathering of management executives from leading performing arts venues in pursuit of developing strategies on how to foster greater public appreciation for the performing arts. event.culturalcenter.gov.ph

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert | September 14 to 15

Tatler Asia

Potterheads are in for a treat as JK Rowling’s critically-acclaimed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert returns to the silver screen. Relive the beginning of this well-loved, era-defining film series, with live musical scoring performed by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Gerard Salonga, from 14 to 15 September at The Theatre at Solaire. ticketworld.com.ph

The Maine Returns To Manila | September 14

Tatler Asia

American alternative rock band The Maine returns to Manila as part of their world tour to promote their seventh studio album, You Are OK. While the five-member band has been back to the country for group shows and music festivals, this concert on 14 September at the New Frontier Theatre marks their first major concert since 2012. ticketnet.com.ph

Drum Tao | September 5

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Japan’s musical sensation makes its way back to the country for a four-day show titled Rhythm of Tribe, Time Travel Chronicles, which will feature martial arts and choreography alongside the troupe’s world-famous drumming performance. At The Theatre at Solaire. ticketworld.com.ph

Mike Shinoda: Post Traumatic Tour | September 6

Tatler Asia

The Linkin Park singer-songwriter will be playing for Filipino fans as he visits the country for his last stop in the Post Traumatic tour, after Jakarta and Taipei. At the New Frontier Theatre. ticketnet.com.ph

Liza Macuja Elizalde's "Snow White" | September 7

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The internationally-renowned Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director choreographs the ballet rendition of the classic Snow White, slated for a two-night show, opening the company’s 24th performance season: On Pointé. At the Aliw Theatre. ticketworld.com.ph

Manila International Book Fair | September 11

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Running until 15 September, the most sought-after and longest-running book fair in the country is back for its 40th edition. MIBF showcases the best international and local titles across various literary genres. At the SMX Convention Centre. manilabookfair.com

The 1975 Live in Manila | September 11

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The English indie pop-rock band is set to serenade Manila for the fourth time as part of their 2019 Asian tour to promote their latest album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships. At the SM Mall of Asia Arena. smtickets.com

Stephen Sondheim's "Passion" | September 14

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Celebrating its 20th year, the Philippine Opera Company stages Stephen Sondheim’s Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning musical. Directed by Robbie Guevarra, the show will run for three weekends. At the Carlos P Romulo Theatre. ticketworld.com.ph

"Macbeth" and "Midsummer Night's Dream" | September 17

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Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre Company brings two of William Shakespeare’s critically-acclaimed classics for its international debut in Manila: the playwright’s famous tragedy Macbeth and the well-loved comedy Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will run until 22 September. At The Theatre at Solaire. ticketworld.com.ph

"Himala: Isang Musikal" | September 20

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Produced by the Sandbox Collective, Ricky Lee and Vincent A De Jesus’ adaptation of the classic Filipino film (also by Lee) for the stage is back until 20 October. Most of the original cast and production team from the first staging will reprise their roles. At the Power Mac Centre Spotlight, Circuit Makati. ticketworld.com.ph

Jay Park World Tour | September 22

Tatler Asia

The Korean hip-hop artist and Asia’s Got Talent judge returns to Manila for the Asian leg of his Sexy 4Eva world tour. At the New Frontier Theatre. ticketnet.com.ph