I haven’t waxed poetic about any of the shows I watched in 2025, which is a shame. It’s also a mystery, because it’s not like I had anything better to write about.
This post is about the shows I watched, loved, survived, and also the ones I look forward to this 2026.
Here’s to supporting our local (and not-so-local) musicians, singers, dancers, stage actors, performing artists, and everyone working with them behind the scenes.
Read here: Rating All the Performances I Watched in 2024
j-hope in HOPE ON THE STAGE Galaxy Arena Macau
Rating: ★★★★★
If I can give Jung Hoseok 7 stars out of 5, I would. This was my first ever solo idol concert, and I genuinely did not know what to expect aside from excellence.
HOTS in Macau exceeded all expectations. The energy on stage and through the arena was incredible. I was already feeling chills from the ARMY chanting j-hope’s name before the lights even turned on. The deep red lighting at the start was an interesting and moody choice.
I think what was great about experiencing Hope on the Stage is that we get a better understanding of j-hope’s artistic vision. And he was relentless in his top tier dancing, vocals, and rap. Kudos also to the other dances, especially during the Neuron stage.
His stage only got me even more excited to see BTS when they go on tour this year.
Read more: j-hope in Macau 2025 | Travel and Concert Blog
Thank you to my sister for getting things moving!
Ballet Manila’s Don Quixote at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I’ve been meaning to re-read Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote since I resumed Spanish lessons. (It’s probably twenty or thirtieth in my to-be-read pile). So instead, I said yes to the chance of seeing it as a ballet last August 2025.
For their 30th anniversary season, Ballet Manila brought in Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim from Mariinsky to play the romantic roles of Kitri and Basilio, repectively.
The show was technically brilliant and beautiful to watch. But I think some of the comedic touches were lost on me… I’m still unclear if I wasn’t paying enough attention, or the narrative emotions just weren’t coming through. I think that’s why I enjoyed the performances of Esmeralda (played by Abigail Oliveiro) and Espada (Mark Sumaylo) a little more. Their segments injected much-needed energy and sharpness to my senses.
BINIfied at the Philippine Arena 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
The nation’s girl group left no crumbs during their year-end party concert at the Philippine Arena. And since this was my first time watching them at a concert or even live, I was honestly surprised at the scale of their performance.
The technical direction of the lights, set and sound were amazing, the members moved in-sync, the microphone was on and delivering signature Filipino vocals… It’s actually a little hard to pinpoint my favorite moment of the concert because so many things happened. If there’s any local left who hasn’t heard of BINI or become a fan, it’s about damn time!!!
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Their energy was so high. Their live vocals made me enjoy songs that I otherwise wouldn’t put on my playlist (ehem, Shagidi). It highlighted some songs that I think I overlooked in their discography, like Zero Pressure, plus introduced a sure new hit Bikini.
Their solo stages gave everyone the chance to shine –and me the chance to finally confidently remember their styles. Jhoanna’s solo was crazy good, followed closely by Colet’s. But my bias is still Maloi at the end of the day.
I know they’re headed to Coachella this year, so I wish them good health, a lot of creative freedom and inspiration, and all the recognition they deserve! And maybe they deserve to rest a little –I think this concert was their third Arena concert of the year.
Thanks again to Tita GMO for inviting us to see the concert!
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The only reasons why I couldn’t make it 5 stars are: (1) the experience of going to and around the Philippine Arena met expectations, meaning –it sucked, even with a hired van, and (2) that technical scare during their Paruparo stage. I’m trying to block it off my mind. It didn’t happen. Everyone’s okay.
Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Gregoria Lakambini’ at the Tanghalang Ignacio Giménez
Rating: ★★★★☆
Lauded as the first-ever P-pop musical, Gregoria Lakambini is as daring as its titular character, the Muse of the Katipunan/revolutionary movement. The musical combines girl power anthems with contemporary witticisms and cultural references to entertain the crowd. And yes, I was very entertained.
As a historical musical, it takes a lot of liberties from the source. The narrative follows Gregoria’s precocious teenage romance, her role in the revolution as a woman, her bereavement of her martyred husband, and her subsequent new lease on life. In terms of cohesion, the story itself could be more tightly written. At the end of the musical, you’re still not confident of who Gregoria de Jesus is, outside of her marriage and empowering songs. Maybe they could have better utilized the “sampung tagabilin” (ten reminders) motif which was established at the start.
In any case, the joy of watching was less about the story (which is fine, but not revolutionary) and more about the performances. The pop tunes penned by Nicanor Tiongson, the choreography of the seven women –majority of whom played multiple roles, a la Six, the smart and versatile costume design, and the liberal meta humor more than made up for it. The small venue also made the experience feel intimate and dynamic.
I’ve added this musical to my playlist.
To more shows in 2026
I find myself manifesting something like this every few months, but I never really look back on them… Maybe this time I’ll actually report back.
The only show I definitely want to watch is BTS ARIRANG World Tour. The rest can wait.
Until next time! ♡
jari m 
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