Hot Ticket: Must-See Events This January 2018

Welcome the new year with an array of activities to choose from this month—from art exhibitions to Japanese rock concerts

The Lion King

The Lion King begins its first international tour this year, making its debut in Manila. The Philippines is the company’s first stop in the tour, followed by Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, and South Africa.

The highly acclaimed musical celebrated its 20 years on Broadway with a special performance last 5 November, 2017. Present alongside the hundreds of alumni were Julie Taymor, the show’s director, costume designer, and mask co-designer; and creative team members Tim Rice, Garth Fagan, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Roger Allers, and Irene Mecchi. A surprise appearance from Tony-nominated composer Elton John capped off the night, as he performed his hit song “Circle of Life” with the participation of the entire cast.

The story of Simba and his friends continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, and has been seen by over 90 million people since its Broadway premiere in 1997. Today, it is performed in eight different languages (Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese) and has nine productions running simultaneously worldwide.

It is set to take the stage at The Theatre at Solaire and will run for five weeks, from 18 March until 22 April 2018. Tickets are currently on sale at ticketworld.com.ph

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra | January 19

One of the top musical ensembles in the Philippines opens the New Year with the fifth show of their current concert season, Romancing the Classics. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance on 19 January at the CCP will be led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, featuring Ricson Poonin on trombone. Poonin is co-principal trombonist of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, and performs as principal trombone for the Peabody Concert Orchestra. Included in the setlist is F David’s “Trombone Concertino in E-Flat.” To know more, visit ticketworld.com.ph

A Comedy of Tenors | January 26

Mayhem finds a place onstage in the Repertory Philippines’ rendition of A Comedy of Tenors by Ken Ludwig. The play follows its characters as they stumble upon mistaken identities and assumptions, which result in entertaining chaos. Show runs from 26 January until 18 February at Onstage Theatre in Makati City. ticketworld.com.ph

Flatlands | January 7

Flatlands features the works of James Beckett, Hrair Sarkissian, Amie Siegel, and Eugenio Tibaldi as they seek out hidden or forgotten stories. The exhibition opened on 7 December 2017, continues this month, and ends at 4 March. At the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, City of Manila. mcadmanila.org.ph

Place of Region in the Contemporary | January 8

The Philippine Contemporary Art Network opened their first project, which aims to promote art critique and discourse in the country. The exhibition began last 8 December and ends on 27 January. At the UP Vargas Museum, Quezon City.

Mich Dulce, Beejay Esber, Vyankka Balasbas | January 16

Milliner and corsetiere Mich Dulce holds an exhibition at the Finale Art File’s Tall Gallery until 29 January, while abstract artist Beejay Esber takes the Upstairs Gallery. Vyankka Balasbas, likewise, showcases her short films in the venue’s Video Room. At the Finale Art File Gallery, Makati City. finaleartfile.com

Workshop Weekends | January 13

PETA hosts a round of weekend workshops from 13 January through 4 March for aspiring theatre performers and enthusiasts. At PETA Theatre Center, Quezon City. petatheater.com

Ati-Atihan | January 15

The weeklong feast of the Sto. Niño kicks off on 15 January. Native costumes and tribal dance music abound through the streets as the whole town comes out to party. In Kalibo, Aklan. Kalibo.org

American Women's Bazaar | January 16

The American Women’s Club of the Philippines holds another bazaar to aid in funding the local charities they support. At the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. awcphilippines.net

Lena Cobangbang, Bea Camacho | January 20

Lena Cobangbang works with camouflage patterns in her exhibition, Terratorial Piercings, which dissects land to its connotative meaning. Bea Camacho also displays her work in the space. These will run until 17 February. At MO_Space, Bonifacio Global City.

Sinulog 2018 | January 21

Experience the celebratory culture of Cebu in what is arguably its most famous festival, the Sinulog. This year’s grand parade will be held on 21 January, beginning at the Basilica Menor del Santo Niño in Cebu City. sinulog.ph

Nothing But Thieves | January 21

After selling out their 2017 UK Tour, the young English alternative rock band is set to perform its debut concert in Manila on 21 January, as part of the Broken Machines World Tour. At the KIA Theater, Quezon City. ticketnet.com.ph

One OK Rock Ambitions | January 29

One of Japan’s most famous rock acts finds its way back to the Philippines after its sold-out show in 2016. The world-renowned band tours Asia for their album Ambitions, giving its Filipino fanbase another chance to see them live on 29 January at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City. smtickets.com

Tatler Asia