What to do this weekend: MUPH, BTS and festivals

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MANILA, Philippines — May 2026 starts with a long weekend and there is much to do around the country, be it about music, games and even a galaxy far, far away.

Check out this calendar of events happening this weekend (May 1 to April 3).

And the crown goes to...

Philippine pageantry's biggest night unfolds on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena as Ahtisa Manalo crowns her successor for Miss Universe Philippines.

Drag queen Marina Summers will host the event while P-pop group BGYO is tapped to perform, with more surprises in store during the coronation build-up.

Every pageant fan is hinging their bets already on who they want to represent the country in the diamond edition of Miss Universe later this year in Puerto Rico — and the stakes have felt higher.

Aurora turns 5

The Aurora Music Festival, the sole touring OPM music festival, marks its fifth year this 2026 and will begin festivities on its home turf at Pampanga's Clark Global City.

For the first time ever, the festival will have double headliners —SB19 and IV of Spades — on both days.

Joining the two music groups on the first day are Sarah Geronimo, Ben&Ben, December Avenue and Armi Millare, while the second day features Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Kitchie Nadal and the SexBomb Girls.

Superstar

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's "Jesus Christ Superstar" begins its limited run at the Theatre at Solaire this May 2.

The sung-through rock-opera is based on the events from the Passion of the Christ in the Bible, seen through the perspective of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrays Jesus.

The production also looks into the relationships between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Christ's other disciples and followers, and the Roman Empire.

Luke Street will be portraying Jesus while Javon King will play Judas Iscariot, and joining them is Filipino actress Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene.

Swimside

ARMY, this one's for you while waiting for BTS concert information.

Audio streaming platform Spotify selected Manila as just one of five cities to host the "Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE" immersive fan experience.

This attraction is running at Makati's Glorietta Activity Center from May 1 to 3, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on all days and consists of different interactive zones celebrating BTS.

The entire space is inspired by "Swim," the lead single off the K-pop act's comeback album "Arirang," with a lighthouse overlooking warehouses on a flat dock.

May the Force be with you

Star Wars Day may not be until May 4 — if you know, you know — but Runrio Inc. is celebrating early with the Star Wars Night Run on May 2.

Runners and fans are invited to take part in themed runs across three distances in the Mall of Asia area, some may even do so in costume.

And just in case fans need reminding, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" comes out later this month.

Board games galore

The Asian Board Games Festival, the largest English-speaking board game convention in the continent, comes to the Philippines for the first time ever this weekend, taking place at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig.

The festival regularly brings together Asian publishers, designers, and players to celebrate their shared passion for board games.

Entrance to the event is free, where hundreds of games will be introduced and ready for playing.

Sale and new bakery treats

The first flagship store of Japanese brand MUJI in the Philippines is marking its first anniversary this weekend. 

The Glorietta 3 branch is the first in the Philippines to have a bakery offering freshly baked bread daily and the first branch to have three floors.

This weekend, the branch will have limited-time price offers on select items and the first 1,000 customers each day will get free gifts.

Customers with a minimum purchase of P1,500 can join a photo booth session and Spin-To-Win game for a chance at more MUJI products

Meanwhile, the bakery will offer free upsizes for all coffee-based drinks and launch two new quiche treats.

Art for social impact

Still running this weekend is the "Echoes of Light Through Time" exhibit at Ortigas' Hangout Coworking Space featuring works from GK Art Gallery and Events Place, the United Fine Artists of the Philippines, and independent Filipino creatives.

A portion of proceeds and partnerships generated from the event will directly support the programs of Operation Compassion Philippines.

Community market

Souk Pop-Up is marking its second anniversary by taking over Estancia's Rizal Row this weekend and turning it into a bustling marketplace.

More than 40 local lifestyle and culinary partners will fill up the community market, many of them ideal visits for the summer months.

The first hundred customers to make a purchase of at least P2,000 from any merchant will get a free, limited-edition Souk anniversary tote bag.

RELATED: Spotify brings BTS' 'Swimside' experience to Manila