November Highlights: Manila’s Festive Concerts, Theater Productions, and the 28th French Film Festival

Manila’s vibrant arts and entertainment calendar this November features a variety of events ranging from musical performances to theatrical productions and an international film festival.

Holiday Carols at The Peninsula Manila The Peninsula Manila kicks off the holiday spirit early with choirs performing festive carols in The Lobby. The Servus Dei Vocal Ensemble will perform on November 21, followed by the Mapúa Cardinal Singers on November 28. These concerts run from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. Guests can enjoy the performances with a minimum dining consumption of P1,500 per person.

Experimental Soundscape at The Metropolitan Museum On November 22, The Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines (The M) will host an innovative concert featuring Jigger Cruz, Seething Mass (Arvin Nogueras and Maia Reyes), and Pow Martinez. The event showcases original and improvised compositions blending synthesizers, drum machines, and analog instruments to create a dynamic fusion of precision and expressive sound. The concert starts at 6 p.m., coinciding with Jigger Cruz’s mid-career exhibition "Hail Holy Eyes." Ticket and event details are available on The M’s official channels.

Theater Revivals and New Productions Teatro Meron brings back "Ang Medea," a Filipino adaptation of Euripides’ classic translated by National Artist Rolando S. Tinio. Starring Miren Alvarez-Fabregas alongside a veteran cast, the production runs until November 28 at The Mind Museum’s Special Exhibition Hall in Bonifacio Global City. Tickets can be secured through Ticket2Me.

Meanwhile, Dulaang UP honors its founder Antonio “Tony” Mabesa with a twin bill titled "Para Kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala," featuring classic Filipino plays "Kalahating Oras sa Isang Kumbento" and "May Katwiran ang Katwiran." Performances continue until November 30 at UP Diliman’s IBG-KAL Theater.

For families, Full House Theater Company returns with "Shrek The Musical" at Newport Performing Arts Theater. The production, starring Jaime Wilson and Topper Fabregas, offers entertainment for all ages with witty dialogue and beloved fairytale characters. Tickets range from P1,500 to P4,500 and are available via Ticketworld, Newport Box Office, and Helixpay.

Live Music Spotlight: Janno Gibbs at City of Dreams City of Dreams Manila’s CenterPlay Concert Series features acclaimed artist Janno Gibbs performing on November 26 at 9 p.m. Known for hits such as "Fallin" and "Binibini," Gibbs will be joined by bands Highschool Playlist, Le Chic, and an alternating DJ. Seating reservations start at P3,000, with VIP options available. Future CenterPlay shows include Ariel Rivera on December 3 and Jaya on December 17.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s New Musical on Gregoria de Jesus Tanghalang Pilipino continues its 39th season with an original musical exploring the life of revolutionary figure Gregoria de Jesus, featuring music by Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang. The production runs until December 14 at the CCP Black Box Theater in Pasay City, with VIP tickets at P2,000 and regular admission at P1,800.

28th French Film Festival Manila Cinema enthusiasts can experience the 28th French Film Festival from November 24 to 30 at SM Aura and SM City Manila Cinemas. Organized by the French Embassy in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, the festival presents an eclectic mix of new releases, classics, animations, and collaborative works. Highlights include films such as "Partir un jour," "13 jours 13 nuits," and "La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises."

Complementing the screenings, the festival offers Animahenasyon animation showcases on November 25-26 at Samsung Hall, and a Co-Production Conference on November 27-28 at the SMX Convention Center, fostering connections between French and Filipino filmmakers. Additional programs run December 1-6 at the Alliance Française de Manille and selected dates at UP Film Institute and Benilde School of Design and Arts. Admission to screenings at SM malls is free.

For full schedules and further information, visit the French Embassy’s official social media channels.