This year’s live music calendar is shaping up to be a diverse one, with metal and punk rock (Wolfgang, One OK Rock), indie (The Lumineers), classical (Lang Lang), and even Christian and gospel acts (Bethel Music) already lined up for the first half of 2026.
But as in previous years, K-pop, hip-hop, and R&B continue to dominate, and with these shows from Live Nation Philippines, the trend is only set to continue.
Central Cee: “Can’t Rush Greatness” world tour
In his debut album, “Can’t Rush Greatness,” rap sensation Central Cee—the man behind the hard-hitting hits “Sprinter,” “Doja,” and “Band4Band”—dares to push the boundaries of British rap.
Known for his “raw lyricism, bold production, and unrelenting drive,” hip-hop and UK drill artist Central Cee, also known in the streets as Cench, recorded the album across multiple cities worldwide over the past year. Indeed, as its title suggests, “Can’t Rush Greatness” is a project that prioritizes trust and patience over impulsive drops—a quality that has become hard to maintain in an age where trends can rise and fade overnight.
But more than a testament to growth, the album is also his love letter to the fans—one he will read live onstage for the first time when Central Cee takes the stage at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 16.
And it’s quite a lengthy letter, too, exploring a spectrum of themes: dominance in the grimy “Ten,” loyalty and gratitude in the introspective “CRG,” and vulnerability in “Now We’re Strangers,” which offers a rare glimpse into Central Cee’s private life.
As he makes sense of these emotions, the rapper—true to form—continues to experiment without losing the gritty realism that has become synonymous with his music.
Ive: “Show What I Am” world tour
First, they showed what they have. Now, they’re showing what they are.
Following the success of their first global outing, “Show What I Have,” which drew more than 420,000 fans across 19 countries, K-pop girl group Ive returns to Manila with their second world tour, “Show What I Am.”
Members Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo—keeping a promise made two years ago—will take the stage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 25, marking their third visit to the country.
“We love you, and we are so excited to be visiting you in Manila. Who knows? Maybe we will get to see even more of you very soon,” the group says in a video message to their Filipino Dive.
Known for their hits “I Am,” “Love Dive,” and “After Like,” Ive is expected to deliver a “meticulously curated” setlist, which will include newer releases like “XOXZ,” “Gotcha (Baddest Eros),” and “Rebel Heart.” And if their tour’s opening dates late last year in Korea were any indication, Manila is in for a show that showcases the group’s more mature vision and expanded musical range.
In addition to group numbers, the show also features a solo stage segment, where each member will perform (if the same setlist applies) a song highlighting their respective styles: Jang Wonyoung with the sleek “8;” Liz delivering powerful vocals on “Unreal;” Gaeul reveling in the dreamy “Odd;” Rei with the radiant energy of “In Your Heart;” Leeseo blending rap and vocals on “Super Icy;” and An Yujin closing the segment with the frenetic “Force.”
Itzy: “Tunnel Vision” world tour
With Lia back in the lineup, K-pop girl group Itzy returns as a full quintet for their third visit to Manila as part of the “Tunnel Vision” world tour. Set this July 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the show will be her first full performance in Manila since appearing with the group at the New Year’s Eve countdown event that welcomed 2025.
Despite Lia’s absence in the 2024 show, the remaining members, Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna, owned every inch of the stage with visually stunning performances. They also proved their versatility and stamina with bangers like “Escalator” and “Untouchable,” as well as more playful numbers such as “Cake” and “Sneakers.”
But with the complete lineup, the group’s sharp and powerful choreography—a signature Filipino Midzy have come to expect—returns in full force, as Itzy delivers new hits like “Tunnel Vision,” “Imaginary Friend,” and “Girls Will Be Girls.”
In another stroke of serendipity, their Manila visit once again coincides with a special milestone. In 2024, the group celebrated their 2,000th day in the music industry in the city; this time, Manila will host the finale of the “Tunnel Vision” tour.
Perhaps this is only fitting for an audience, as Chaeryeong once said, “never disappoints,” and whose “passion, love, and cheers” are always “off the roof.”
