A familiar energy from the local gig circuit is making its way into a more accessible space this May, as Minsan Studio brings back its “Minsan Gig sa Skydome” series for a two-night run that leans into contrast.
Set on May 8 and 9 at SM Skydome, the upcoming edition splits its lineup into two distinct moods. The first night, “Minsan Maingay,” centers on heavier, guitar-driven acts, while the second, “Minsan Malumanay,” shifts toward a more relaxed and melodic set of performances.
The format reflects a broader intent to recreate the feel of earlier gig spaces—less rigid, more open-ended—while adapting it to a venue that can accommodate a wider audience. Instead of a fixed, start-to-finish concert structure, the event allows attendees to move through the space at their own pace, dropping in on sets, stepping out, or staying for the full run.
Behind the series are figures closely tied to the local music scene, including Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise and Jugs Jugueta of Itchyworms, working alongside Minsan Studio founder Jason Conanan. The collaboration draws from a shared history in the country’s independent gig circuit, particularly the era associated with venues like Route 196.
Rather than replicate that environment directly, the organizers have opted to reinterpret it. Holding the event inside a mall-based venue introduces a different kind of accessibility, opening the experience to audiences who may not typically attend bar gigs or smaller live music spaces. The setup also includes seating options and air-conditioned comfort, which shifts the expectations of what a local gig can look like.
The lineup for May 8 features bands known for their high-energy sound, including Sandwich, Mayonnaise, Nobita, Setsuna, One Click Straight, Chicosci, and Fragments.
The following night moves in a different direction, with a lineup that includes The Ridleys, Minaw, The Bloomfields, Jensen and the Flips, Soapdish, El Manu, and Amiel Sol, along with a stand-up set from James Caraan.
While the two nights differ in tone, both are built around the same notion of creating a shared space where audiences and artists can interact without the constraints of a typical concert format.
The result is less about spectacle and more about familiarity—an attempt to bring the feel of smaller, community-driven gigs into a setting that can accommodate a broader crowd.
Tickets and event details are available through Minsan Studio’s official channels.