It’s a packed weekend for live entertainment, sports and culture, with the UAAP and NCAA opening new seasons, Ballet Philippines bringing an epic tale to the stage, and several Filipino productions making their mark. Bookworms, history buffs and families also have plenty to look forward to, from the Manila International Book Fair to Grandparents Day celebrations. Here’s what’s worth stepping out for:
1. Kick off UAAP Season 89 with a party
Far Eastern University promises not to be outdone as it takes over hosting duties for UAAP Season 89. The opening ceremony at the Mall of Asia Arena will feature FEU alumni Vice Ganda and Gloc-9, along with the parade of athletes and plenty of surprises. The theme this year is “For Everyone UAAP,” so expect the celebration to put the spotlight on the entire league. Opens Sept. 12, 5 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City
2. Welcome the NCAA’s 102nd season
The NCAA opens its 102nd season with men's basketball taking center stage at the Mall of Asia Arena. San Beda University begins its hosting duties with the Red Lions looking to defend the title after sweeping Letran in last season's finals. The league will also continue its expanded program of gymnastics, boxing, golf and weightlifting, which were introduced as demonstration events last season. Opens Sept. 13 at Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City
3. Enter the magical world of '1001 Nights'
Ballet Philippines opens its 57th season with an epic new production inspired by the legendary collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folktales. "1001 Nights" follows Scheherazade as she uses the power of storytelling to save herself — and ultimately transform a kingdom ruled by fear. Expect classical ballet, contemporary choreography and plenty of cinematic spectacle. Sept. 11–13 at The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City
4. Get lost among thousands of books at MIBF
MIBF/Facebook
The Manila International Book Fair returns for its 2026 edition, bringing publishers, bookstores and literary organizations together under the theme “Get Lit: Reading in a New Light.” Browse massive book discounts, meet authors, check out new releases and explore everything from children's books and academic titles to comics and contemporary fiction. Until Sept. 13 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
5. Fall for 'South Pacific' all over again
The UST Conservatory of Music brings back Rodgers & Hammerstein’s "South Pacific" for a limited run, with Ciara Sotto, Jose Vera Perez, Nenen Espina and Sean Nolasco leading the cast. Set during World War II, the classic musical explores love, courage and prejudice while featuring songs including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’i” and “Younger Than Springtime.” Sept. 12–20 at Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati
6. See Philippine performing arts go global at MIPAM
The Manila International Performing Arts Market returns with “Showcasing Asia to the World,” bringing artists, cultural institutions, government agencies and creative-industry players together at the CCP Black Box Theater. The three-day market aims to create international opportunities for Filipino performing artists while highlighting the country's diverse creative scene. Sept. 11–13 at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City
7. Take a nostalgic trip with 'Muli'
The creative team behind "Sa Wakas" returns with "Muli: An OPM Musical," a new production built around the question of “what if.” Led by Kakki Teodoro and Janine Teñoso, the musical takes audiences through the music and memories of the 1990s and early 2000s while exploring unfulfilled dreams, second chances and the complicated ties between a mother and daughter. Sept. 11–27 at Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Taguig City
8. Celebrate 25 years of love with Dingdong and Jessa
OPM couple Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza bring their "Sa Aking Puso: Silver Anniversary Edition" concert to Manila as part of their 25th wedding anniversary celebration. Expect a night of their biggest hits — including “Basta’t Kasama Kita,” “Ikakasal Ka Na” and, naturally, “Sa Aking Puso” — as the couple celebrates a quarter-century together. Sept. 13 at New Frontier Theater, Quezon City
9. Go back in time with Ambeth Ocampo
Historian Ambeth Ocampo kicks off his three-part History Comes Alive lecture series with “Oh, I Sea!,” an exploration of Philippine history through the seas that connected the country to the rest of the world. The first installment focuses on the Battle of Mactan, with succeeding talks tackling La Naval and pre-colonial Philippine gold. Sept. 12 at Ayala Museum, Makati City
10. Celebrate lolo and lola at Araneta City
Make Grandparents Day a family affair with Araneta City's “Forever Young at Heart” celebration. Highlights include a heritage cooking competition, a music afternoon featuring grandparents and grandchildren, a simultaneous chess competition and a family-and-pet fun run. There are also shopping and dining promos throughout the City of Firsts. Sept. 13 at Araneta City, Quezon City
11. See 140 years of Mercedes-Benz history
Mercedes-Benz brings its “Welcome Home Roadshow” to Power Plant Mall, showcasing four models that span the brand's past and present. The lineup includes the all-electric EQE 350+ AMG Line, GLC 200 4MATIC, GLB 200 AMG Line and a classic 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE. Visitors can also experience the brand's “140 Seconds of Comfort” in-vehicle activation. Sept. 11–13 at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City