The set of celebrations is counted up to 2026
AS the year 2025 draws to a close, Metro Manila will be having its biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations. Here’s a list of countdown events to choose from to kick off the year ahead, from community-based festivals to big concerts, DJ-led parties, and festive hotel shindigs.
QUEZON CITYS COUNTDOWN TO 2026
Quezon City is set to rock the New Year’s Eve Countdown at the Quezon Memorial Circle, featuring the country’s best bands and musicians. Starting at 4 pm on December 31, event organizers promise a night full of music, entertainment, and celebration.
The music lineup includes Kamikazee, Mayonnaise, Soapdish, The Itchyworms, Lola Amour, Gloc-9, Angeline Quinto, Streetboys, Reese Lansangan, Dilaw, and Mike Levet. The concert will be hosted by Allan K, Pokwang, Super Tekla, Donita Nose, Uma Rojo, and Camil.
This plastic-free celebration encourages attendees to bring their own mugs to stay hydrated. Admission is free.
THE CAT HIT A FULL COLOR
Ely Buendia and Cup of Joe are among the many players in Makati’s New Year’s countdown, titled. Full Color Makati. Apart from the two famous rock stars, other countdown headliners include popular singer Morissette, hit singer Juan Karlos, singing competition star Sofronio Vasquez III, drag queen Divine Divas, and selected actors from Theater Group Asia’s. Chorus Line.
The celebration will be held at Ayala Avenue from 6 pm Admission is free but tickets will be sold for VIP seats (with dedicated lounge, dinner, and prime viewing areas), available through TicketWorld.
As the clock strikes midnight, there will be a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by the Filipino version of Times Square’s fall football. Guests are then invited to keep their energy up at a street party with beats by DJ Cupcakes and music party by The Studio Dance Club at Ayala Triangle Gardens.
SUBJECTS OF SB19 COUNT IN BGC
For P-Pop, go to Bonifacio Global City’s (BGC) ONE at 5th in Taguig City on Dec. 31, starting at 7 pm The event will be headlined by P-pop boy group SB19. It will also show the performance of OPM actions Apl.de.Ap, Parokya ni Edgar, Jay R, Dionela, and G22, among others.
Except for the concert at 5th On the Avenue itself, there will be live satellite broadcasts along Bonifacio High Street, including family and adult viewing areas.
FIREWORKS in BRIDGETOWNE
Over in Pasig City, Bridgetowne Estate When We Shine Like Others countdown promises an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, starting at 7 pm, with performances by Bamboo, Hey June, Rob Deniel, Angela Ken, Imago, and DJ Jimmy Rocon.
There will also be a fireworks display, a light display The Conqueror statue, and a drone show over the Bridgetowne skyline. The event – free entry – will be hosted by Macoy Dubs and MJ Lastimosa.
EASTWOOD STAR, FIREWORKS
Eastwood City in Quezon City will host a New Year Countdown to 2026 featuring live music, star-studded performers, and other festivities starting at 8pm at the Eastwood Mall Open Park. Join Rico Blanco, Klarisse de Guzman, Maki, Ena Mori, and KAIA as they ring in the New Year with a sparkling Star Drop and fireworks at midnight.
KAPUSO STARS IN MOA THEFT
Stars like Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, and Rocco Nacino will take the stage Kapuso Countdown to 2026 on Dec. 31 at Mall of Asia (MOA) Seaside Boulevard in Pasay City. Joining the festivities are their former co-stars from two of the most recent hit houses Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Engagement Show: Will Ashley, AZ Martinez, Charlie Fleming, Vince Maristela, Marco Masa, Eliza Borromeo, Waynona Collings, and Lee Victor.
Gates open at 6pm for the lantern display and pre-show featuring international artist Bonnie Bailey. The show itself starts at 8:30 pm, broadcast live on GMA and Kapuso Stream starting at 10:30 pm.
TOP STARS IN SOLAIRE
Celebrate in style at Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s Symphony of the Starswhere a New Year’s Eve special awaits featuring world-renowned Broadway star Lea Salonga and OPM icon Raymond Lauchengco, under the musical direction of Gerard Salonga.
The evening begins with handcrafted cocktails at 7:30 pm, followed by a dinner buffet at 8 pm The celebration continues at 10 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Protect the area from it sec.solaireresort.com/symphony-of-the-stars. For reservations and more information, call 8888-8888 or email restaurantevents@solaireresort.com.
MUSIC PICTURES AT SOLAIRE RESORT NORTH
International actress Rachelle Ann Go, balladeer Martin Nievera, and singer-actress Sharon Cuneta headline A Night of Signsconcert with Louie Ocampo and Marvin Querido in charge, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City.
The event promises a night of amazing performances, flowing drinks, and a party atmosphere starting at 8 pm on Dec. 31. Tickets available at ticketworld.com.ph.
OKADA’S STAR-STUDDED COUNTDOWN
Okada Manila will welcome 2025 with a grand New Year’s Eve celebration featuring top artists such as Gary Valenciano, Yeng Constantino, Randy Santiago, Regine Tolentino, Tom Taus, DJ Pretty Dragon, and DJ Sofia Miguel. The Countdown Concert in Cove Manila ticket. For those who want to join the celebration for free, there will be live entertainment and a fireworks display in The Fountain, as well as a fireworks display in The Garden, open to all guests.
For tickets, visit SM Tickets (okdmnl.ph/StepRightUp2026SMTickets), Ticket (okdmnl.ph/StepRightUp2026Ticketnet), or Ticket2Me (okdmnl.ph/StepRightUp2026Ticket2ME).
GOOD CALCULATION IN THE PEN
As the year draws to a close, Peninsula Manila extends an invitation to mark the arrival of 2026 with world-class dining and celebrations. The Lobby will host a New Year’s Eve dinner and a 1976 Disco themed ball for its “Disco Chic New Year’s Eve Gala Ball”. Tickets cost P17,888 for adults and P8,888 for children under 12 years old.
For restaurant inquiries and reservations, call 8887-2888, extension 6694. Or visit the hotel’s official website at peninsula.com/manila/special-offers for more details.
DIAMOND HOTEL RING IN 2026
Diamond Hotel Philippines invites guests to celebrate the arrival of 2026 with them New Year’s Eve Countdown Party to 2026 in the Upper Lobby. It will feature live performances by Project M and a high school playlist. Guests can first enjoy the dinner buffet during the first sitting from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for P4,050 per person, including one round of juice. Second seating from 8 pm onwards costs P4,480 per person with one round of red or white wine.
At the hotel’s Bar27, guests can indulge in a four-course set menu priced at P2,750 per person, accompanied by live performances by the Wolfe Band. The New Year’s Countdown Buffet on the second mezzanine floor starts at 8 pm, with balcony seating available for P3,680 per person and executive room for P3,250 per person. For reservations, call 8528-3000 or email restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com.
NEWPORT GLOBAL SPORTS GROUPS
As 2025 draws to a close, Newport World Resorts is setting the stage for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration, with countdown parties and spectacular spreads at its various hotels and restaurants.
The Marriott Grand Ballroom will be the venue The Grand Countdown to 2026 from 7:30 pm There will be concerts by Jessica Sanchez, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, Matteo Guidicelli, Cup of Joe, Amiel Sol, Earl Agustin, Janine Teñoso, GAT, and RAYA, with Billy Crawford hosting the festivities. Limited tickets are available across several categories, from SVIP (P25,000) to Bronze (P15,000).
Hilton Manila will host ICONIQ 2026a poolside countdown party worth P5,000 net from 8:30 pm onwards. To be held at the Vega Pool, the completely outdoor, open space will feature lighted cabanas and concentrated lighting for a party under the stars. It includes food stations featuring street delicacies and crowd favorite dishes, as well as selected beverages. The alternating tunes of Tirso Cruz IV and the TAC 4 Band and DJ Renee will keep the party going until 1 am.
Dance the night away until the end of the year at Marriott Manila’s So Bright We have a party! We are counting down to 2026 at The Greatroom. DJs play the decks from 7pm onwards starting with DJ Rocelle, Retro Rewind Band, and DJ Yuuna.
Celebrate at the SORA Rooftop of Hotel Okura Manila with live music, a DJ, and a buffet meal. The celebration starts at 9:30 pm Finally, there will be raffle prizes, DJ sets, and Amigo Band’s performance at Sheraton Hotel Manila’s. Shining Soirée 2026 at the Sheraton Ballroom from 8 pm to 1 am, priced at P5,500 nett per person, including raffle entries for a dining experience, spa treatment, and overnight stay. – Brontë H. Lacsmana
