Weekend Agenda: My Chemical Romance, QCinema, Gabriela Silang and more

It’s a big weekend for live entertainment, with My Chemical Romance finally returning to the Philippines after 18 years, wave to earth bringing its indie sound back to Manila, and a new edition of QCinema celebrating the best of local and international filmmaking. Theater is also having a moment, with several productions opening or continuing their runs. Here’s what’s worth stepping out for this weekend.

“Gabriela: The Musical” brings the story of Gabriela Silang to the stage, reimagining the 18th-century Ilocano heroine’s life through myth, magic and mystery. Gab Pangilinan stars in the production, with a script by Pat Valera, music by Myke Salomon and direction by Mikko Angeles. Opens Nov. 13 at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Quezon City.

“Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical” returns with Marynor Madamesila reprising her role as Gregoria de Jesus. The production frames the life of the revolutionary heroine through the energy and aesthetics of a P-pop girl group. The musical is written by Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc, with music by Nica Del Rosario, Matthew Chang and FlipMusic, and direction and co-choreography by Delphine Buencamino. Nov. 13–29 at Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati.

The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde production of Rex places the Greek tragedy “Oedipus Rex” in a contemporary Filipino setting, using the story to examine corruption, political dynasties and the country’s flood control controversies. The production features Eula Valdez, Martin del Rosario, Bong Cabrera, Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad and EJ Jallorina, with direction by Tuxqs Rutaquio. Nov. 12–22 at Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati.

Bizet’s “Carmen” gets a postwar Manila makeover in “Karmen 1949,” which relocates the opera’s story to the Philippines in 1949. The production is directed by Jaime del Mundo, with Farley Asuncion as musical director and translator. The cast includes Roxy Aldiosa, Bryan Homecillo, Angeli Benipayo and Ivan Nery. Nov. 13–15 and Nov. 20–22 at Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Quezon City. 

Nick Payne’s “Constellations” follows Marianne, a physicist, and Roland, a beekeeper, through a series of possible encounters and parallel universes. In this staging, three actors — Missy Maramara, Jenny Jamora and Topper Fabregas — take on the roles of both characters. Kiara Pipino directs. Nov. 13–22, Fridays to Sundays, The Mirror Studio Theater, SJG Building, 8463 Kalayaan Ave., Makati. 

Jona Viray returns to the concert stage with Chapters, a show that looks back on the milestones of her musical journey. Nov. 14 at  New Frontier Theater, Quezon City. 

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka brings The Big Bowl Tour to Manila. After selling out three shows during her 2024 visit, she returns with new material for Filipino audiences. Nov. 15 at New Frontier Theater, Quezon City.

Thai entertainment duo TeeTeePor meets Filipino fans in a fan meeting presented by Wish Us Luck Entertainment. The pair is associated with the Thai entertainment label Domundi. Nov. 15 at Aliw Theater, Pasay City.

TWICE member NAYEON meets Filipino fans in a special event. Organizers have moved the venue from Bonifacio High Street Activity Center to Function Hall 3 at SMX Convention Center, located on the fourth floor of SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City. Existing raffle entries remain valid. Nov. 14 at Function Hall 3, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City.

After nearly two decades, My Chemical Romance is finally returning to the Philippines. Led by Gerard Way, with Ray Toro, Frank Iero and Mikey Way, the band is bringing its theatrical rock sound and generation-defining anthems back to Filipino fans as part of its Southeast Asia 2026 Tour. Expect songs such as “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” and “Welcome to the Black Parade.” Nov. 14 at Philippine Arena, Bulacan.

South Korean indie rock trio wave to earth returns to Manila for its The Pieces tour, more than a year after its previous performance at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The band, composed of vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim, bassist John Cha and drummer Dong Q, is known for its laid-back blend of indie pop, blues and jazz, with songs including “bad,” “seasons” and “love.” Nov. 15 at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

The 14th QCinema International Film Festival returns under the banner Genre’teurs, exploring the intersection of genre filmmaking and auteur cinema. Opening the festival is the world premiere of Mervin Malonzo’s animated feature “Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw,” based on Julius Villanueva’s comic and featuring Bianca Umali as the voice of the young heroine. Closing the festival is “Look Back,” Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda’s live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed manga. The festival also features Asian Next Wave, New Horizons, RainbowQC, QCShorts International, Screen International, QC Selects, Rediscovery, Before Midnight and Dokyu Days, showcasing films from the Philippines and around the world. Nov. 13–22 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Robinsons Movieworld Galleria, Ayala Malls Cinemas TriNoma, Fisher Box Office and SM Cinema at SM City Fairview.

The Underbelly and La Pita team up for a one-night-only dinner featuring dishes that bring together their distinct culinary styles. Chefs Sam Rohana of La Pita and Noel Mauricio and Jackson Chua of The Underbelly have put together a menu that includes Za’atar Edamame, Gyoza Barak, Shawarma Tonkotsu Ramen and Lamb Chahan. Both restaurants were recognized as MICHELIN Bib Gourmand establishments in the 2027 guide. Nov. 13 at The Underbelly, The Alley at Karrivin, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati. 

Car enthusiasts can take their pick of automotive displays at Manila Auto Salon, which brings together three shows: the 30th Custom Car Show, 31st Sport Truck Show and 34th Trans Sport Show Cup Competition. Nov. 13–15 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. 

PASKOMIKET 2026 brings together hundreds of artists and creators for a weekend of comics, original art and creator-made merchandise. It’s also an opportunity to pick up locally made gifts ahead of the holidays. Nov. 14–15 at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.