Weekend Entertainment in Metro Manila (January 20 to 22, 2017)

American crime drama film Live by Night is Ben Affleck’s latest project. The actor is also the writer, director, and producer of the movie, which is based on the novel of the same title by Dennis Lehane. Set in the 1920s during the Prohibition in the US, Live By Night revolves around the story of Joseph "Joe" Coughlin (Ben Affleck). He is a World War I veteran who falls in love with a mistress of a gangster. He then finds himself involved in an organized crime, taking him as far as Cuba where he faces great danger. Joining Ben Affleck in the movie are Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson, Chris Messina, Sienna Miller, and Zoe Saldana.

XXX: Return of Xander Cage is the third installment in the American action film series XXX by filmmaker Richard Wilkes. In the movie, Xander Cage, played by Vin Diesel, is an extreme athlete and government operative who aims to recover a device that could control military satellites. As he works on his mission, he discovers widespread corruption and conspiracy involving the highest levels of government. The cast also includes Donnie Yen, Deepika Padukone, Kris Wu, Ruby Rose, and Tony Jaa.

If you missed the Dirty Old Musical (DOM) last September, here’s another chance to see it. You can watch performances of The Bench Boys on the rerun of DOM. The musical will be playing on January 20 and 21, 8:00 PM, at the Music Museum in San Juan City. The Bench Boys is a male group formed in the 1980s and composed of John Arcilla, Nonie Buencamino, Robert Seña, Carlo Orosa, and Bo Cerrudo. Ticket prices range from PhP1,080 to PhP2,160.

Relationships between siblings are usually filled with laughter, tears, and love. And this holds true in the comedy play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. You can catch it at Onstage Theatre on January 20 at 8:00 PM; January 21, 3:30 PM and 8:00 PM; and January 22 at 3:30 PM. Written by Christopher Durang, the story revolves around three middle-aged siblings as they discuss lost dreams, love, and missed opportunities. The cast consists of Michael Williams, Roselyn Perez, Cherie Gil, Joaquin Valdez, Cara Barredo, and Naths Everett. Tickets are from PhP627 to PhP1,045.

You’re in for a treat if you’re an avid fan of local band Sugarfree. You can see the rock musical Sa Wakas at Power Mac Center Spotlight in Makati City on January 20 at 8:00 PM; January 21, 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM; and January 22, 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Sa Wakas brings together pop rock music and theater in a musical that tackles relationships and why they fall apart. It features heart-wrenching songs by Sugarfree. Created and produced by Charissa Pammit, Sa Wakas is directed by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, with musical arrangements by Ejay Yatco. Ticket prices range from PhP700 to PhP1,500. The Pinoy rock musical will run until February 5, Thursday to Sunday.

Are you into classical music? Have a weekend of timeless classics with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in Timeless Classics, New Beginnings. The concert will be held on January 20, 8:00 PM, at the CCP Main Theater, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, in Pasay City. You can watch Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura, music director and principal conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, as he leads the orchestra in playing classical pieces such as Symphony No. 28 in C, Enigma Variations, and Violin Concerto. Ticket prices range from PhP309 to PhP1,545. Timeless Classics, New Beginnings is part of the 34th Concert Season 2016-2017 of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Design professionals and students, as well as graphic designers, can get a lot of inspirations from Graphika Manila 2017. The event will be from January 21 to 22, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Graphika Manila is a creativity conference that has been attracting thousands of attendees since 2006. This year, you can spark up your creativity after hearing from speakers and guests such as Artgerm, Gary Baseman, Industrial Light & Magic, Rizon Parein, and Rocketsheep Studio. A regular two-day conference pass costs PhP2,600; a discounted rate of PhP2,400 is available for students. The ticket includes admission to the conference, with access to all 12 sessions, a conference kit, and an e-certificate of attendance.